Heidelberg community to welcome Alison Marker as 2026 Commencement speaker

Heidelberg University President Rob Huntington has announced that Alison Marker, president and CEO of Marker Inc., a commercial contractor and construction management firm serving Ohio, will deliver the Commencement address to the Class of 2026, their families and the campus community on Saturday, May 9, at Frann’s Fieldhouse.

The third-generation leader of her family’s construction business, Alison provides executive leadership focused on long-term strategy, organizational health, talent development, and community impact, building a values-driven culture that balances performance, people, and purpose.

Since joining the company in 2012, Alison has guided the company through significant growth, leadership transition, and market expansion. Rising through senior roles to CEO, she has led corporate strategy, resource alignment, and succession planning, positioning the company for long-term stability in a competitive industry.

According to Rob, Alison has been an integral partner in Heidelberg’s long-time collaboration with Marker, Inc., which began with the restoration and renovation of Adams Hall in 2009-10. Most recently, her team served as the general contractor for Heidelberg’s newest facility – the $27.4 million, donor-funded Frann’s Fieldhouse.

Alison brings a distinctive perspective shaped by her earlier career in clinical social work, where she worked in psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and community mental health. This background informs her leadership approach, emphasizing sound judgment, empathy, and systems thinking in complex environments.

An engaged civic leader, she serves on multiple nonprofit and industry boards, contributing expertise in governance, real estate, workforce development, and organizational strategy. She is a frequent speaker on leadership, family business, and women in construction, and has been recognized for her professional and community impact.

Alison earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and women’s studies from Miami University and a master’s in clinical social work from The Ohio State University.

Beginning with Baccalaureate

Heidelberg’s Commencement Weekend kicks off on Friday, May 9, with the traditional Baccalaureate Ceremony. Delivering the Baccalaureate sermon will be ‘Berg alumna and Board of Trustees member, the Rev. Beth Long-Higgins ’84.    

Beth began her life of service while at Heidelberg, where she studied psychology and music and engaged in campus leadership, community outreach, and faith-based service. After earning her seminary degree from United Theological Seminary in 1987 and ordination in the United Church of Christ in 1988, she and her husband, David ’84, spent 25 years as co-pastors in Kentucky and Ohio. She later joined United Church Homes, becoming the founding director of The Center for Abundant Aging in 2017 and Vice President of Engagement in 2022. A national voice on aging, she contributes to advocacy and education efforts and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.  In 2023, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from United Theological Seminary, and in 2024, she was named the winner of the Ally Courage Award from the Open and Affirming Coalition with the United Church of Christ. She continues to serve Heidelberg University as a member of the Board of Trustees, having been appointed in 2010.

Beth is proud to be part of a four-generation Heidelberg legacy family, which includes her spouse and their children, Andrew ’12 and Hannah ’15.

Both Alison and Beth will receive honorary doctorate degrees during Heidelberg’s Commencement ceremony. Entrance is by ticket only.