G.O.L.D. Alumnus Profile
Al Cotton ’98 ’99 MA

G. O. L. D.  
It stands for Graduates of The Last Decade! But it also stands for much more when describing the abilities and convictions of our graduates, and for many, a dedication to learning, faith and service—the core of Manchester College's mission.

G … generous with their time and resources
O … open-handedly share their gifts
L … liberally share compassion and peace
D … donate time, talent and resources to make this world a better place

Al Cotton is a true ‘‘D,’’ donating time, talent and resources to make this world a better place!

Answering a call to learning, faith and service brings this South Bend native full circle to his days as a student at Manchester College. Inspired to make Manchester his college choice by his high school accounting teacher, Ron Banaszak, little did Al know MC’s creed of learning, faith and service would lead him into another calling—ministry. Al received his bachelor’s degree in business in 1998 and his Master of Accountancy in 1999 and passed the Uniform C.P.A. examination on his first try.

In April 2001, Al passed another test that would take him on a lifelong journey—he preached his first sermon. Today, as a licensed minister of the Gospel, Al serves as associate minister for Union Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, under the leadership and mentorship of the Reverend Dr. Sylvester Hunter, senior pastor. 

Al’s major interest falls with youth and young adults. “I see the state of some young people and my heart longs for them,” he says. “This is why I believe God has given me such a heart for youth ministry. My goal is to be an instigator of youth becoming spiritually empowered to live the best way they can this life that God has given them.”  

That’s not all that keeps this young alumnus active. Al is still putting his MC degrees to good use as a division financial analyst for Dana Corporation’s DTF Trucking Inc. in Fort Wayne.  

He also recently accepted a three-year term on the Manchester College Alumni Association Board. Why? “Because I want to do all that I can to ensure minority students find a viable, nurturing home at MC. I want them to identify MC as 'their school,' rather than just pass through after only a semester or two. I want to be instrumental in attracting, retaining and returning MC students of color so that other minority students can see their success and know for certain that MC is the place to be.” 

Al is pleased with the new construction and renovations taking place on campus, wishing the changes had occurred when he was a student. But he continues to be concerned about the enrollment and success of minorities at Manchester: “I believe my role, as an alumnus of color, is to do all that I can to aid other minority students in seeing just how important an institution like MC is for their lives.” 

Thanks Al—that’s just one of the reasons you’re a great fit for the Alumni Board!

Which G.O.L.D. letter best describes you? Do you know someone who fits a G.O.L.D. letter description or an alum who’s doing great things? Share the news with Lisa Gregory at  lagregory@manchester.edu!