Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business & Management

The Gerstacker Foundation’s focus on a strong education has benefited a small Michigan college over the course of more than 45 years.

The Foundation began its relationship with Albion College in 1965, and has provided over $6.7 million in pledges and grants to date, enabling the college to attract students and add distinctive programs and facilities that enhance its educational offerings. The Foundation has helped to underwrite the Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management with significant grants since 1985. Additional major grants have also been awarded for facilities including the Gerstacker Commons in the Kellogg Center student union in the mid-1990s and Albion’s science complex renovation and expansion project in 2005.

In 2001 and again in 2005, the Foundation also provided funding for initiatives bringing together the college and the local community. Among the programs benefiting from the Foundation’s support was Kids ’n’ Stuff, a children’s museum which opened in 2002 and has now become a fixture in downtown Albion. Today Kids ’n’ Stuff attracts school groups and families from across the region, and Albion College students regularly serve there as volunteer teachers and mentors.

The Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management remains one of the college’s most successful programs, combining course work in the liberal arts with honors business classes and full-time, professional internships. The Institute has earned an excellent reputation for preparing corporate executives, entrepreneurs, accountants, non-profit managers, attorneys, and family business owners.

“Albion College is deeply grateful for the Gerstacker Foundation’s continuing support,” notes Donna Randall, Albion College president. “The vision and values we share are evident in the meaningful outcomes we have achieved—on campus and in our home community—thanks to these grants.”