AUTHOR: Audrey Hester
Travel, both out-of-state and abroad, has always been an important part of Alma College’s education. Students are required to take two Spring Term courses, some of which offer opportunities to go to other countries, and Alternative Breaks take students off campus to do good work in other communities.
Alma already offers some programs in order to help make these opportunities more affordable for students. Recently, another such scholarship has been announced: the Deacon Scholars—Venture Travel Support Scholarship, created from a generous donation from Charles Deacon (‘80) and his wife, Ann Deacon.
“One of my greatest regrets from college is that I was unable to study abroad. […] If we can help Alma students overcome financial barriers similar to those I faced, it brings us tremendous joy,” said Deacon.
At a liberal arts college like Alma, it is crucial that students receive a multi-faced, well-rounded education. The ability to venture outside of one’s own ‘bubble’ to see other parts of the world and meet other people that are different from oneself is a key piece of this.
“Travel opportunities, like the sort funded by the Deacon Scholars Venture Travel Support Scholarship, can be tremendously educational and important. It is a chance to step outside what is familiar and comfortable, experience something new, and see firsthand how big and diverse and complicated and beautiful the world is,” said Carla Jensen, the Director of the Center for Campus and Community Engagement at Alma College.
“We hope that students who receive this scholarship gain experiences that expand their worldview and stretch their sense of possibility. Travel has a unique ability to open minds and spark curiosity in ways that can shape the trajectory of a life,” said Deacon.
“We also hope students build meaningful relationships — both with fellow students and with the people they meet along their journeys. Exposure to new cultures and perspectives encourages empathy, resilience, and confidence,” said Deacon.
The Deacon Scholarship can be stacked atop the Venture Junior Year Experience Program, which is an already-existing piece of infrastructure that provides financial assistance to students looking further their education away from campus. Together, the two programs can give an individual student up to $5,000 in aid for travelling abroad.
“Study abroad and spring term travel courses are a distinctive part of the Alma College experience for many students, and an important touchstone for alumni across generations of Alma Scots. Because cost can be a barrier, financial support like the [Venture Grant] and now the [Deacon Scholarship] are important and demonstrate the college’s commitment to making sure these opportunities are accessible to all Alma students,” said Jensen.
Ultimately, if Alma College wants to shape students that think critically, serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly, it needs to ensure that said students can take advantage of as many opportunities as possible.
“Our hope is that those who benefit from this scholarship will remember the impact it had on their lives and, in time, feel inspired to extend similar opportunities to others. That cycle of support is part of what makes Alma so special,” said Deacon.
The Almanian: News 
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