Having witnessed first-hand the value of high-impact learning practices such as internships, study abroad programs and research experiences, John McAllister ’94 and his wife, Ann, are making sure Albright students are able to access such opportunities.
In honor of retired Professor Tom Brogan, the McAllisters provided the lead gift to establish the Brogan Scholars Endowed Internship Fund, which enables an exceptional student to complete a policy or government-related internship each year. Abigail Hudson ’24 is the seventh Brogan Scholar since the program was implemented in 2017 and spent the summer after she graduated interning at Safe Berks in Reading, Pa.
Students can select a local, regional, state or national internship or apply to intern at McAllister & Quinn, a consulting and government relations firm in Washington, D.C. McAllister co-founded the firm in 2005 and serves as managing partner. Watching students benefit from the experience of working in his firm is extremely rewarding to McAllister, who as an undergraduate completed several internships on Capitol Hill.
“It’s not lost on me that most students graduating from college don’t have a lot of experience or a huge network to turn to,” he said. “The internships I did were a huge benefit to me and being able to help students achieve those things by offering opportunities at my firm means a lot to me.”
McAllister, who majored in political science, called Brogan an outstanding educator who encouraged his students to participate in internships and other real-world learning experiences. He fondly recalled learning from the beloved professor.
“I had him in class and thought very highly of him as a faculty member,” McAllister said. “My interest in political science started through the faculty here at Albright, and I’ve always appreciated that.”
Wanting to provide students with investigative learning, the couple created the John ’94 and Ann McAllister Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) Scholars Fund, which has so far enabled nine students to partner with faculty mentors on research projects. Music Industry Studies major Ben Rothe ’27 received the McAllister ACRE Fund and pursued research with Derrick Thompson, Ed.D., assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, during summer 2024. Their work examined the history of music recording technology at Albright and the role of AI vs. humans in leading creativity.
Elevating student retention and graduation rates, the McAllisters established a scholarship fund in their namesake for both incoming first year and rising sophomores, juniors and seniors with financial need. They have also donated to numerous capital projects including the John K. Roessner III ’61 Hall: The Center for Business and Civic Leadership and to renovating the Student Success Commons & Library and the transformation of Science Hall.
While the McAllisters are beyond generous with their financial support, John also gives his time and energy in other ways. Since 2012, he has served on the Albright College Board of Trustees, where he is vice-chair of the Advancement and Communications Committee and a member of the Property, Land & Equipment Committee.
Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, noted that McAllister was chair of the Board of Trustee’s Academic Affairs Committee when she was named to her current position in 2019 and provided her with invaluable support. She also praised his firm for supporting Albright’s grant-seeking efforts.
“The ability of our director of grants and sponsored programs to gain expert advice from consultants at McAllister & Quinn has supported our amazing success rate in federally-funded proposals,” Campbell said. “We are very grateful for that help.”
McAllister explained the contributions he and his wife provide are away for him to express his appreciation to the college that gave him tools with which to build a successful career.
“It’s important for me to give back to my alma mater,” he said. “Albright helped me learn to be a better writer and communicator, and it’s where I learned to reason. Those qualities have helped me greatly throughout my career, and I remain appreciative to the college.”
His hope, McAllister said, is that his giving will inspire others to give, as well.
“I hope someone else is motivated to give as we are able to,” he said. “Albright is really focusing on student access and support, and I want to encourage those efforts.”
