They Moved Here for College and Stayed After Graduation

Saginaw Valley State University

The path from college student to community leader isn’t always predictable, but for graduates Brady Duke, economic development coordinator for Saginaw Future, and Hank Wickley, development director for Alma College, that path led to unexpected opportunities and deep roots in the Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan region. Find out why many students who go to college in Central Michigan and Great Lakes Bay choose to stay after graduation.

Originally from downstate Michigan, Duke came to the area in search of an affordable education. “Saginaw Valley State University was a great financial option. It’s known throughout Michigan for its affordability for students looking to achieve a four-year degree. Thankfully, I also had a friend from high school who would be attending, so that was also a motivator,” Duke says. 

Moving Up to Central Michigan 

Duke says what began as a practical choice evolved into something much more meaningful. As a business major, he became involved in student organizations that offered networking opportunities, and the university’s strong connections to the local business community proved instrumental in opening doors and helping Duke successfully transition from student to professional. 

“One of the things that is really evident once you start getting involved is how quickly you can grow in this community, and I think that happens when you’ve created an environment where opportunities for young people are encouraged and even expected within the business community,” Duke says. 

“From early on in my studies within the College of Business, we were encouraged to step out and introduce ourselves into the business community here in Saginaw. That opens the door to available opportunities – both professional and personal.” 

After graduating with a business degree in 2018, Duke took a full-time job with Saginaw Valley State. That role, he says, allowed him to grow his skill set through continuing education and teaching opportunities – and it ultimately prepared him for his current role in economic development with Saginaw Future. 

What keeps Duke and his family in the region, however, goes beyond professional growth. 

“Being from a small-town community, I always had that ideal in the back of my mind. It’s something that you can either build or move into a community that already feels that way. I wanted to be part of something that allows you to grow the community that you live in. And I found exactly that in Saginaw,” he says. 

Alma College

California Native Finds Calling 

Wickley was drawn to the region by family ties and the charm of the Midwest. The California native chose Alma College because of the sense of belonging he felt when visiting campus. 

“I knew I wanted to go to a small school,” Wickley says. “I looked at several small, private colleges in Michigan, and what drew me to Alma was that when I came to visit the campus, it felt like out of all the schools that I toured, Alma seemed like they wanted me here the most. They really made me feel like I belonged here.” 

As a student tour guide, Wickley extended that warm welcome to prospective students and says his experience in the admissions office led to his current role. 

“I absolutely fell in love with it,” he says. “I remember telling my boss at the time, ‘I could work at a college forever.’ It felt like I was meant for this kind of work.” 

Wickley credits not only the tight-knit college community but also the welcoming environment of the surrounding city for his decision to stay in the region after his 2020 graduation. 

“The community here is incredible,” Wickley says. “Alma is filled with amazing people doing really cool work, whether through nonprofits or small businesses. Everyone cares about each other, and that’s really special.” 

Beyond his role at the college, Wickley is an active participant in local events and organizations, including United Way and Gratiot Young Professionals. He says the region offers a host of arts and recreational opportunities for young professionals and families. 

“Downtown Alma has so much to offer. The Alma Brewing Co., Underground Records and Ballyhoo Books are some of my favorite spots. Events like Come Home to Alma for the Holidays showcase the best of this community; it’s fun, welcoming and full of life,” he says. “I just love this area. From the arts to the outdoors, there’s so much to do and so many wonderful people to connect with. It’s a special place, and I’m lucky to be part of it.”