Zoie Hulst ’20, Class of 2022, and Jared Gordon, Class of 2022, Found Their Home at Grand Valley.

Zoie Hulst and Jared Gordon

From a young age, both Zoie and Jared knew they wanted to serve their communities by choosing careers in health care. As Grand Rapids natives and Grand Rapids South Christian High School graduates, they were able to witness the growth of Medical Mile firsthand and wanted to be a part of it.

By middle school, Zoie knew she saw herself as a physician assistant. In high school, she gained experience working in a variety of health care settings and was able to job shadow practicing physician assistants.

Jared grew up surrounded by family members and mentors who were nurses, which led him to a passion for nursing. Nursing combined his love for science and patient advocacy.

In 2016, Zoie transferred to Grand Valley after just one semester at another institution. She was welcomed by the allied health sciences program and quickly became involved in campus life, eventually becoming the president of two student organizations.

Jared was captured by the small school atmosphere that Grand Valley embodies despite being one of the state’s largest universities. Jared found a wide range of opportunities to engage on campus, enhancing his education.

Grand Valley’s reputation for excellence and renowned health programs led Zoie and Jared to call Grand Valley their home. 

 With the opening of the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Zoie and Jared knew Grand Valley would be able to offer them an even more collaborative environment to practice interprofessional patient care. 

“I believe it is not only the facilities and access to excellent learning tools at Grand Valley that give us a leg-up on accurate physical exam, diagnostic, and treatment skills, but also the people who are involved in this program who help to mold future PAs into excellent medical professionals,” said Zoie.

“By studying at Grand Valley, I am sharpening my skills surrounding patient-centered care. The new building facilitates collaboration with other professions which sets us apart from other nursing schools,” said Jared.

The DeVos Center of Interprofessional Health expands Grand Valley’s Health Campus, serving as a home to the simulation center and more than 20 health programs. The simulation center is one of the largest in Michigan, offering students like Zoie and Jared the opportunity to learn in real-world environments and review their simulated experiences.

“Because I will be a part of a health care team as a nurse, getting experience collaborating with other professions in the simulation center will lead to better patient outcomes,” said Jared. “The expanded simulation labs and operating rooms are just some of the ways this building has given us the experience to help prepare us for our future careers.”

 “Hands-on learning at the simulation center creates a healthy environment to practice without the repercussions of messing up,” said Zoie. “I learn a tremendous amount and am confident that by making mistakes in the simulation center, I am bettering my future practice as a PA.”

Between the ample study space, the simulation center, and cohesive environment, Zoie and Jared can study and grow as health care professionals in a state-of-the-art facility. At the building dedication, Zoie and Jared were able to thank donors whose generous gifts made the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health possible.

“I think I can speak for all of those utilizing this facility. Your generous gifts have created a beautiful space for students to learn, make mistakes, grow, and connect. I believe this building will be a space where learners will continue to strive to be the best future health care professionals and create a positive difference in the world of patient care.”

“I would like to say thank you for providing such a beautiful space for us to grow in our education here at GVSU. It is clear we were kept in mind when looking at the way this building was created. You have directly invested in the future of health care here in my hometown of Grand Rapids. Thank you!” said Jared.
 



Page last modified November 16, 2021