Alma Day exceeds expectations

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER

3/30/2026

Alma College’s annual day of giving, Alma Day, exceeded expectations in 2026, raising $206,798 and continuing its upward trend in both participation and overall impact.

A total of 668 donors contributed to this year’s effort 100 more than in 2025 while total funds increased by 20 percent year-over-year. The continued growth reflects rising engagement and a powerful sense of commitment from the Alma community, including alumni, students, and faculty.

“We’re celebrating a tremendous success for Alma Day this year, that tells us we have a deep and committed community of Scots who believe in this institution,” Said Ashley Wellman, Director of annual giving

Alma Day, the college’s largest annual giving event, serves as both a fundraiser and a celebration of campus spirit. Each year, the event brings together members of the Alma community through activities designed to highlight student experiences and strengthen connections across the institution.

This year’s programming included student-led activities on campus, alumni gatherings across Michigan, and the introduction of a first-ever livestream. The livestream, hosted in collaboration with the Advancement Office, featured stories from students, faculty, and staff, offering supporters a closer look at the people and programs their contributions impact.

More than 160 alumni attended Scots Social events held throughout the state, while over 100 individuals took part in campus and virtual programming. These efforts helped extend Alma Day beyond campus and created more opportunities for alumni and supporters to stay connected with the college.

Organizers credited these new engagement strategies with helping drive participation and enthusiasm, particularly among alumni who may not be able to attend in-person events.

“We’re encouraged by new ways of engaging donors, including live streamed events that shared stories from our community these efforts helped expand our reach and energy around the day,” Said Yaw Poku (’26).

Funds raised during Alma Day primarily support the Annual Fund, which provides immediate-use resources across campus. Unlike restricted donations, these funds can be directed where they are most needed, allowing the college to respond quickly to both planned initiatives and unexpected challenges.

“The Alma Fund provides flexible, immediate-use resources for academic excellence, emergency financial assistance, and programs that enrich campus life,” said Poku.

The Annual Fund also helps cover essential costs not fully supported by tuition and endowment income, making it a key part of the college’s financial structure. By filling these gaps, the fund ensures that students continue to benefit from a well-rounded and supportive educational environment.

The success of Alma Day 2026 was also driven by collaboration across multiple departments, including advancement, athletics, communications, and information technology. Organizers emphasized that the event’s impact reflects a coordinated, campus-wide effort.

As Alma College looks to the future, the continued growth of Alma Day highlights both the strength of its community and its ongoing commitment to supporting students. With increasing participation and new engagement strategies proving effective, the event is positioned to remain a central part of the college’s efforts to build connections and sustain long-term support.