$1-Million Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship to Increase Experiential Studying Entry

ALMA — Alma College has introduced the creation of the Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship, a brand new initiative supported by a $1-million dedication from alumnus Charles A. Deacon ’80, and spouse Ann, to broaden pupil entry to high-impact experiential studying alternatives.

Funded at $200,000 yearly over 5 years, the scholarship will assist college students overcome monetary boundaries to participation in transformative educational experiences akin to faculty-led spring phrases, examine overseas packages, and different immersive off-campus studying alternatives which are central to an Alma College schooling.

Deacon earned his bachelor’s diploma in historical past from Alma College in 1980 and his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1983. He has served as a Trustee of Alma College since 2013. He and Ann are longtime supporters of the College’s mission to supply accessible, student-centered schooling.

“Experiential learning is a defining part of Alma’s academic experience,” mentioned Vice President for Advancement Bob Murray ’88. “This gift ensures that more students, regardless of financial background, can take part in opportunities that deepen learning, broaden perspective, and prepare them for leadership beyond campus. We are incredibly grateful to Charlie and Ann for this meaningful, generous gift.”

The Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship is designed to complement Alma College’s Venture Junior Year Experience program, which supplies funding for off-campus studying between the time college students attain junior standing and their commencement. The new award permits eligible college students to obtain as much as a further $2,500, considerably decreasing or eliminating out-of-pocket prices for a lot of high-impact experiences.

Each yr, the scholarship will assist as much as 80 college students, prioritizing these with demonstrated monetary want. Funds could also be utilized to educational course charges, journey prices, and tuition related to Alma-approved off-campus packages.

“For many students, cost is the deciding factor in whether they can participate in these experiences,” mentioned Deacon. “When I was a student at Alma, I wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of opportunities like this. I wanted to help ensure today’s students don’t have to make that same choice.”

More than 60 % of Alma College college students take part in off-campus educational experiences throughout their time on the College, and pupil suggestions persistently identifies funds as a serious barrier to participation. College leaders say the Deacon Scholars scholarship represents a significant step towards guaranteeing equitable entry to experiences which have an enduring educational and private influence.

“This gift strengthens Alma’s commitment to educational equity,” mentioned Carla Jensen, director of the Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE) at Alma College. “Experiential learning helps students return to campus more confident, more globally aware, and better prepared to lead. The Deacon Scholars program ensures more students can access those outcomes.”

The first group of eligible college students might be contacted in spring 2026, with preliminary awards issued in October 2026 for upcoming educational experiences.

For extra details about the Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship, or journey at Alma College, contact the Center for College and Community Engagement at alma.edu/3ce.