Albion College Receives Record $10 Million Gift

Albion College has received a $10 million unrestricted commitment from alumnus Joe Serra ’82 and his wife, Julie Serra. The college says it is the largest outright gift in its history.

Because the contribution is unrestricted, Albion can direct the money toward its most pressing student needs rather than a single designated project. In its official gift announcement, the college identified scholarships, experiential-learning opportunities and its redesigned core curriculum as potential areas of investment.

The Serras have also agreed to co-chair Albion’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is currently in its leadership phase. College President Wayne Webster said the flexible funding will allow Albion to place resources where they can make the greatest difference for students.

Joe Serra earned his Albion degree in economics and management in 1982 after playing basketball and co-captaining the Britons’ 1981 MIAA championship team. He later served on the college’s Board of Trustees and received its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. He is president of Serra Automotive, a Michigan-based automotive retail group.

Julie Serra is a Michigan State University graduate and retired kindergarten teacher who has remained active in the Genesee County community.

The couple has supported several earlier Albion projects. A $5 million gift in 2019 funded the 10,000-square-foot Serra Fitness Center expansion. Another $1 million gift in 2024 helped renovate Kresge Gymnasium and supported a new athletic training room.

The new commitment arrives as Albion expands its Experiential Learning for All graduation guarantee. Every student must complete at least one credit-bearing experience such as an internship, faculty-mentored research, clinical placement, community service, consulting project or global study before graduating.

Albion says the gift may also support scholarships. Families considering the college can review its financial-aid and affordability resources, including information about grants, scholarships, work-study and cost estimates.

The announcement also comes amid Albion’s broader Pathway Forward work. The college’s President’s Report tracks major strategic, financial and campus initiatives. Separately, the Carnegie Classification lists Albion as an Opportunity College and University with higher access and higher earnings.

Who made the $10 million gift to Albion College?

Joe Serra ’82 and Julie Serra made the unrestricted commitment, which Albion College describes as the largest outright gift in its history.

How can Albion College use the gift?

Because it is unrestricted, the college can direct the money toward priority needs, including scholarships, experiential learning and curriculum improvements.

What other Albion College projects have the Serras supported?

Their previous giving helped fund the Serra Fitness Center expansion, the Kresge Gymnasium renovation and a new athletic training room.