Scotty’s Spooktacular casts spell on Alma

NAYONIKAA SINHAAL
PHOTOGRAPHER

LILLIAN ROUTOWICZ
STAFF WRITER

11/3/2025

The annual Scotty’s Spooktacular once again brought Alma College and the local community together for an afternoon of festive fun. On Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Alma College students, faculty and staff handed out candy to families from the Alma area, transforming the campus into a place filled with laughter and the spirit of Halloween. 

Families trick-or-treated all around campus, stopping by the lobby of Hogan, the basement of SAC, as well as dorm halls, including Bruske, Mitchell, Newberry and Gelston. Greek life also participated in the event, with active members handing out candy in front of their respective houses and welcoming trick-or-treaters as they passed by.  

“Handing out candy at the Gamma Phi Beta house was so heartwarming, especially seeing all the kids jump from each of the Greek houses; that was definitely my favorite part. There were so many adorable costumes, but one of my favorites was a group of girls dressed as characters from the KPop Demon Hunters movie,” said Addison Palumbo (’29). 

This year’s event was coordinated by two Alma College seniors. Both coordinators worked with Residence Life to organize candy distribution and to ensure the event continued to exceed expectations and foster community togetherness.  

“I wanted to get involved because I enjoy planning events and volunteering. As I’m one of the committee co-chairs of the Resident Life Belonging Committee, planning the Scotty Spooktacular was right up my alley,” said Ben Dickieson (’26). 

During the event, the Alma College campus transformed into a Halloween village. The weather followed suit, complementing the event with changing leaves and crisp fall air. Parents traveled with their children between dorms, houses and academic buildings to trick-or-treat in their costumes.  

“Kids showed so much excitement, which really validated the work we had put in. It sounds like families will want to come back next year,” said Dickieson. 

Now in its third year, Scotty’s Spooktacular has become a beloved fall tradition that Alma residents eagerly anticipate.  

“When we began Resident Assistant training in August, that was one of the first things our Pro Staff had us plan because we already had community members reaching out and asking for details,” said Kelly Graczyk (’26).  

Because the event takes place during the day, many families appreciate the safe and welcoming atmosphere that the college provides. Children can experience the joy of trick-or-treating without worrying about traffic or dark streets, while parents can enjoy trick-or-treating with their children without safety concerns and be able to be fully present for the festivities. 

More than just trick-or-treating, Scotty’s Spooktacular embodies Alma’s commitment to community, inclusion and joy.  

“When Ben and I were buying candy for the event, we had a man stop us and ask us questions about Scotty Spooktacular. By the end of our conversation, he said that we were doing good for the community and he was happy we were able to do something so giving,” said Graczyk. 

Scotty’s Spooktacular is a reminder that the Alma College campus is a place of learning and belonging for everyone, big and small. With the continued dedication of Alma College students, faculty, and staff, the event will no doubt continue to bring the campus and Alma community together for many Halloweens to come.