Albion College Boosts Experiential Learning Through Fresh Alumni Gifts

Albion College’s commitment to practical, hands‑on education has been strengthened by two generous alumni contributions that reinforce the campus’s Experiential Learning Initiative, known as the Community Collaborative (AC3). These gifts are not merely financial inflows; they unlock new internship opportunities, deepen community partnerships, and broaden the reach of Albion’s academic programs for students and local organizations alike.

What is AC3 and Why It Matters

AC3 is an experiential‑learning laboratory built on Albion’s foundation in liberal arts. The program translates classroom theories into real‑world projects that involve students, faculty, businesses, and non‑profits working together on problem‑solving missions. By fostering cross‑disciplinary collaboration, AC3 equips students with the skills to lead, innovate, and adapt in dynamic professional settings.

First Alumni Gift: Expanding Internships with the Grand Rapids Symphony

Chuck Frayer ’77 and Julie Bonta Frayer ’77 donated to enable four Albion students to join the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS) as summer interns. The partnership offers a 13‑week immersive experience where interns:

• Conduct in‑depth audience research
• Develop a stakeholder impact report for GRS
• Apply economic analysis skills learned in Albion’s Economics & Management program
• Present findings to GRS leadership and local audiences

These interns reported significant professional growth, and GRS leadership praised their enthusiasm and analytical rigor. The program illustrates how alumni funding can create a pipeline of real‑world experience for students while reinforcing community ties.

How Similar Internships Can Be Structured at Other Colleges

• Identify a local industry partner that aligns with the university’s core strengths.
• Outline clear learning objectives that feed back into the curriculum.
• Secure alumni sponsorships or grants to cover stipends or project costs.
• Establish a mentorship framework where faculty and industry staff regularly guide interns.
• Capture outcomes in reports that demonstrate impact for both the student and the partner.

Second Gift: Sustained Support for Community‑Based Projects

Betsy Ford Maine ’77 and Cliff Maine made a commitment to fund AC3 for three years. Their focus is on collaborative, community‑based projects that span the campus and the surrounding region. By channeling resources into these initiatives, Albany ensures that students are consistently engaged in projects that have a measurable effect on society.

Benefits to Students, Faculty, and Communities

• Students gain portfolio‑ready experience that enhances employability.
• Faculty can weave research questions into real projects, increasing scholarly output.
• Local businesses and non‑profits benefit from fresh insights and innovative solutions.

Implications for Prospective Students and Parents

For those considering Albion College, these gifts indicate a strong, alumni‑supported ecosystem that values practical learning as much as traditional academics. Expect:

• Robust internship networks spanning arts, business, and public service.
• Access to funding that may reduce the cost of experiential projects.
• An educational environment where live experience is integrated into every major and minor.

How Alumni and Donors Can Continue the Impact

Alumni who wish to contribute can consider:

• Funding specific project grants directed at the needs of AC3 programs.
• Establishing a mentorship program that connects alumni professionals with current students.
• to co‑design internships or research projects.
• Creating a named endowment that ensures long‑term sustainability for experiential learning.

Each of these options not only increases the scale of opportunities for Albion students but also solidifies a lifelong affinity between donors and the college community.

Next Steps for Interested Partners and Students

Call to Action

To stay informed about how experiential learning shapes careers, subscribe to the Albion College newsletter or read additional student success stories.

Do you want to empower the next cohort of leaders? Submit your application today or apply online if you’re ready to join our community of purpose‑driven scholars.

If you are an alum or donor looking to make a lasting difference, schedule a free consultation with our philanthropy team to discuss how your support can grow Albion’s experiential learning portfolio. Contact us.

For faculty and students seeking further guidance on structuring industry partnerships, explore our Center for Experiential Learning and the resources available for project design.

Discover how Albion College intertwines evidence‑based learning with real‑world impact and consider how you can join this dynamic community. Whether through application, donation, or mentorship, you are invited to shape the future of experiential education.