TOBY REEVES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
KATELYN THOMAS
LAYOUT EDITOR
1/26/2026
As we step into the new year, it is important we reflect on the triumphs of last year. From small campus changes to national recognition, Alma College has seized every opportunity.
This fall, Alma welcomed 323 first-year students. This is a 13 percent increase from last year. 43 transfer students and 17 new graduate students also joined.
Alma College was featured in several sources as a top ranked college. In U.S. News and World Report, Alma placed sixth in “Regional Colleges Midwest” and as one of the Wall Street Journals “Best Colleges.”
Alma also received nods from the Princeton Review and Phi Theta Kappa, an international college honors society.
An Alma alum got national recognition on Jeopardy! this past June. Pete Johnson, a native of Alma and a graduate of class of 2007, had a strong performance.
He ended with $28,201 but lost to nine-time champion Scott Ricciardi. Thankfully, he did make a good run in Jeopardy! Second Chance.
Last April, President Joe Odenwald succeeded interim President Eric Blackhurst (‘86), immediately immersing himself in the campus and local community. Since taking the reins, President Odenwald has been committed to Alma’s vision and mission.
It is always an exciting time for the Scots when homecoming rolls around. Alumni, family, and friends gather to soak in all the homecoming festivities. During the half time of the football games, Alma named their Royal Scots. They were Holly Hall (‘26), Dahvey Moody (‘26), Karri Hamilton (‘26) and Killian Glover (‘27).
In the athletic department, Alma has introduced a new athletic director, Dr. Phil Miller. Previously, Dr Miller was the Associate Director of Athletics for Operations and Facilities at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania.
The Women’s Wrestling Team also introduced a new coach to the program, Coach Derick DuVall. Even through this transition, the Women’s Wrestling Team had early season success.
Several other Alma College teams thrived during their fall seasons. Football won the MIAA and clutched a spot in the playoffs. The Women’s Soccer Team and the Cross Country Team both had successful seasons.
More on the campus stage, I-Gem won silver at the 2025 Grand Jamboree. They have been focusing on addressing a fungal disease that infects the bat populations called white-nose syndrome.
Several impactful performances took place at the Heritage Center. The theater program staged the compelling play Silent Night. The Alma College Dance Company conducted their Fall Dance Concert: Movement in Unity. Also, The Kiltie Marching Band held their concert.
The Festival of Carols was a highlight of the semester, bringing campus and community members together. This production included performances from Alma’s Choir, Chorale, Acapella groups, and Orchestra.
Moot Court had three successful tournaments during the fall. They hosted the first ever Pine Tree Regional Tournament, and two teams qualified for the Preliminary Round of the National Tournament.
The 2026 Student Congress Executive Council Elections took place late last fall. Electing Nayonikaa Singhaal (‘27) as President, Reagan Gleason (‘27) as Vice President, TJ Salley (‘27) as Secretary and Makayla Kozal (‘28) as the Treasurer. These students will be recognized as leaders around campus during the next calendar year.
The Almanian: News 
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