The Almanian Headlines of 2024

MEGAN NEELEY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1/20/2025

As we move further into 2025, it’s important to pause and reflect on the significant moments that defined Alma College, particularly during this Fall semester. From academic achievements to campus events, this past term was filled with milestones that shaped our community and set the stage for the year ahead.

The incoming first-year students made their first-ever appearance in The Almanian headlines when the freshman class makeup article hit the paper. Although a slightly smaller group than expected, the 327 new students came from 12 different countries and spanned 20 different states.

Following President Abernathy’s decision to step down after serving Alma College since 2010, the college initiated a search for his successor at the start of the Fall 2024 semester. The Alma College Presidential Search Committee quickly began its work to find a leader who will build on the institution’s legacy and guide it into the future.

This was not the only time Abernathy made headlines, as he simultaneously championed the Alma College Prison Initiative, in which he and 27 additional faculty collaborated to grant individuals at the Carson City Correctional Facility the opportunity to earn their baccalaureate degree.

Not only were The Almanian headlines made, but national headlines, too, as Alma College’s own Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity was named the top TKE chapter in North America. Under the leadership of President Ty Kennard (’25), the chapter also celebrated a personal achievement as Jack Cataldo (’24) was honored with the prestigious TKE Individual Award.

Alma College made further headlines beyond The Almanian as the college was cheered by national reviewers for social mobility. Alma College was mentioned by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine and the Washington Monthly.

Homecoming rolled in the weekend of Friday, Sep. 27 and with it came the announcement of the Royal Scots. The headlining Homecoming court included Rebecca Kobylas (‘25), Chloe Anderson (‘26), Dalanie Mott (‘25) andAbigale Whitford (‘25).

Fall 2024 headlines also welcomed a new theater director, Assistant Professor Kelli Crump, who joined the Alma College community following the previous theater director, Scott Mackenzie, who retired after eight years of serving the campus community. Soon after, Krump would directed the theater show: The Wolves.

New opportunities opened for Alma College students as Alma College partnered with the University of Michigan Flint to allow Alma students a direct path into the UM-Flint Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. Fall 2024 also saw the addition of a new Digital Media Marketing major.

Although triumphs were not limited to just these groups, The Almanian recorded the Alma College Men’s Soccer Team unbeaten streak of games with a record of 7-2-1; the iGEM team going to Paris; the Choir’s successful Festival of Carols production; and, even the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings taking the sports world by storm. 

Fall 2024 even showcased Alma College students making their mark on a larger stage, with Kaylee Vonderau (’28)and Frank Karl (’27) both participating in the 23rd season of American Idol.

On the more local campus stage, the Fall 2024 semester headlines concluded with the Fall Dance Concert and Student Congress nominations. As students went into winter break, Jake Lasceski (‘26), Yaw Poku (‘26), Mallory Fenskie (‘26) and Chloe Anderson (‘26) stepped into their new roles, taking on leadership positions that will shape the campus community in the months ahead.