Les and Jackie Stiner

Les and Jackie Stiner have generosity in their genes; they call it a ‘helping hand’. For generations, both of their families have been involved with philanthropy and giving back.

“Both of my parents were always helping people,” Jackie said. “That’s where our roots come from and the idea that you should always try to help those less fortunate.”

Jackie, daughter of Grand Valley State University founding board member Arnold C. Ott, has been involved with the university for as long as she can remember. She and her husband, Les, have given back to Grand Valley for years.

“I don’t think Jackie’s dad really understood how great Grand Valley was going to become,” Les said. “You don’t often see a university go from a cornfield to what it is today. Frankly, that’s pretty darn inspiring.”

Les and Jackie recently created the Ott-Stiner Fellowship in Chemistry and Natural Sciences. They are very appreciative for the help they have received in life and hold the belief that success comes with the assistance of others.

“With this fellowship, we want to memorialize Jackie’s parents and their generosity as well as support the advancement of science,” Les said. “We also would like students to learn the importance of giving back and hope that when they can, they will extend their ‘helping hand’ to someone else in need.”

Their fellowship is an endowed fund, meaning only the interest on the investment will be spent for each award. That way, the fund will virtually last forever.

“An endowment is something that will go on for a long period of time, maybe forever,” Les said. “We feel that it’s important to invest in our society’s future, as well as the future of the university and its students.”