Ann and Christ ’69 Kraras, of Reading, Pa., were honored at an Albright College ceremony, June 10, for their extraordinary philanthropic support of the college, during which their names were etched on Founders Wall, located in the heart of Albright College’s campus. Founders Wall honors alumni and friends whose philanthropic support of the college reaches or exceeds $1 million. Its engravings are permanent expressions of gratitude to visionaries who have strengthened Albright’s foundation and future through exemplary leadership and service.
Growing up next to campus, Christ Kraras began walking the college grounds well before meeting most of his Albright classmates and professors and the Kraras’ have remained ever faithful, ever since Christ graduated from Albright in 1969.
In 2005, Albright bestowed the college’s highest honor, the Jacob Albright Award, on Christ, for making outstanding contributions to the Albright community, his profession and in service to society.
The Kraras’ generosity has been widespread across campus and includes supporting the college endowment and capital, and immediate need projects that include the Science Center, Kelchner Field, the Bollman Center and Founders Walkway. Today, “Kraras Commons” is located along Founders Walkway in the center of campus.
The Kraras and Radwanski Advancing Lives Endowed Scholarship provides support to Albright sophomore, junior and seniors with financial need, and the Kraras’ have contributed to the Ellen S. Hurwitz Presidential Lecture Series Endowed Fund, as well as The Fund for Albright.
President and CEO of White Star Tours, Christ’s extensive list of volunteerism on behalf of the college is as long as his philanthropic list. He was a member of the college’s Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2017, where he contributed to the Executive; Academic Affairs; Advancement; and Property, Land and Equipment committees, and he was one of several trustees who established the Friends of Albright corporation partnership that purchased the Camp Building on 12th and Bern Streets for college use. Christ also chaired the executive committee for the “That Their Light May Shine” campaign, led a task force on student life and was chair of his 50th Reunion planning committee.
Named a top national college by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, Albright College (founded 1856) is home to a diverse community of learners who cultivate integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. Through learning experiences that engage a student’s creative and innovative capacities across all disciplines, both inside and outside of the classroom, an Albright College education guarantees that each student learns how to engage the world, understand the world, and is prepared to make an impact on a rapidly changing world. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright is home to undergraduate students, adult learners and graduate students.
