Feature Stories
Jessica H. (Vandermeer) Scudder, '01
Jessica H. Scudder is senior sales representative for Principal Financial Group in Grand Rapids. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from Grand Valley State University in 2001Jessica was steeped in Laker tradition from a young age as her family’s Grand Valley roots run deep. Her aunt is a graduate of the University’s Pioneer Class, and her mother has worked in Zumberge Library since 1994. She now counts her aunt, mother, father and brother as fellow alumni.
Despite this exposure, Jessica states she had no idea how much Grand Valley would shape her life when she enrolled in 1997. As a student, she was an active member of the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) for which she spent a year as president. Her world view was expanded through a semester abroad in Krakow, Poland and she gained valuable career experience through four years of work in the GVSU human resources office. She landed her first job after graduation at GVSU’s human resources consulting firm which, in turn, led to her current role.
As a freshman resident of Kistler Living Center, 4th floor odd, Jessica forged lifelong friendships (which she pays homage to on her custom 4KO97 Grand Valley license plate). Through these friends, she was introduced to her husband Mack, who she married in 2006. Mack is now continuing in the family tradition at GVSU by pursuing an education degree. Jessica has remained actively involved with the GVSU community through alumni programs and events. She is a founding member of the GVSU Young Alumni Council, on which she has served since its inception in 2008. She regularly assists with Young Alumni events and community service projects. She has also volunteered for numerous Alumni Association programs, such as Homecoming, Freshman Move In, and Community Outreach Week. She has offered career advice and guidance to current students through the Academic Major Fair and has served as a table host for the annual GVSU Enrichment Dinner. Jessica and Mack currently reside in Belmont with their beloved dog Capo.
In recognition of her strong commitment to shaping the future of Grand Valley State University, and for her outstanding service to her alma mater, Jessica H. Scudder is most deserving of the 2010 Grand Valley State University Alumni Service Award.
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