Whether inspired by their hands-on learning experiences while Britons, or excitement generated by the college’s increased focus on them, Albion College alumni are stepping up to ensure experiential learning remains part of the college’s DNA.

Recently, two alumni gifts were made to support the Albion College Community Collaborative (AC3). Initially funded by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, AC3 is an experiential learning lab designed to allow students to translate ideas into action.

Chuck Frayer ‘77 and Julie Bonta Frayer ‘77 made a generous gift to support student internship opportunities with the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS). The gift provides four students a 13-week summer internship experience focused on assessing, collecting, and developing a community stakeholder impact report for GRS.

The Frayers have been long-time supporters of Albion College. They previously set up an endowed scholarship and have supported projects such as the renovation of the Bonta Admissions Office.

“I went to a presentation a year or so ago at the college related to AC3. I was quickly attracted to [Economics and Management Department Chair] Vicki Baker’s vision and energy,” Chuck Frayer said. “As a Gerstacker Professional Management grad, the value of experiential learning was an important part of my Albion experience many years ago. I see the AC3 program as an extension, and improvement of what I experienced many years ago.”

“Chuck helped open the door with leadership at GRS, which ultimately led to a partnership this summer between AC3 and GRS,” Albion College Director of Philanthropy Jon Hankins said. “Because of the Frayers generosity and shared vision with Vicki Baker, AC3 has experienced programmatic growth with Albion College students this summer in Grand Rapids.”

GRS President and CEO Keith Elder called the internship program a meaningful partnership that provided valuable professional experience for Albion students. This year’s interns were Brinley McCaig ’26, Brenna Staley ’26, Brandon Blake ’26, and Adriana Viscomi ’25.

“This summer, the Grand Rapids Symphony was proud to partner with Albion College and the AC3 program. We hosted a wonderful group of interns whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and clear love for live music and the arts made a lasting impression on our team,” Elder said. “The interns focused primarily on conducting in-depth audience research, work that provided us with thoughtful, data-driven insights into who our patrons are and how we can better serve them.”

“Whether in meetings, at concerts, or engaging with patrons, their positive attitudes and genuine interest in our mission stood out,” Elder said. “They approached every day with curiosity, care, and a collaborative spirit.”

The second gift came from Betsy Ford Maine ‘77 and Cliff Maine, whose gift commitment is supporting experiential-learning programming over the next three years, focused on collaborative, community-based projects between students, businesses, non-profit community partners, and Albion College.

“Having reached that point in life where one pauses to reflect on life’s experiences, I find myself forever grateful for my Albion College education,” Betsy Ford Maine said. “Friendships and associations from my time at Albion continue to enrich my life and I have always been proud to be a Briton.”

“As a recipient of significant scholarships and financial aid during my time at Albion, I felt strongly that it was important to help make sure others could have a similar opportunity and I felt that the Albion College Community Collaborative was the perfect fit,” she said. “Fortunately my husband, who did not attend Albion College, has been enthusiastic and supportive. We are honored to be able to help.”

This story originally appeared in the 2025-2026 President’s Report.