Feature Stories
Lea, '69 & '95 and Tom, '67 Ebels
Tom, ’67 and Lea, ’69 & ’95 Ebels are two of the longest serving alumni volunteers in Grand Valley’s history. The Ebels were married in 1968 and since then have jointly remained dedicated to their alma mater in a number of ways.
Lea received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in social studies from Grand Valley in 1969. She returned to GVSU to continue her education and received a master’s degree in special education in 1995. Her career in the education field spans 24 years, with experience in pre-school, kindergarten and special education classrooms.
Serving the community is second nature to Lea. As a member of the Sallie Bender Guild she volunteers in the Spectrum Health hospital gift shop. She also supports Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids with various projects. Lea and Tom are among the first to sign up for Community Outreach Week each year, and often find creative ways to volunteer when they travel.
A pioneer graduate, Tom received his bachelor’s degree in social studies with a minor in elementary education in 1967. He went on to receive a master’s degree in health, physical education and recreation administration from Central Michigan University.
A former adjunct professor at GVSU, Tom has been recognized by the College of Education for his outstanding contributions to the teaching profession. He received the Pew Teaching Excellence Award in 2008. Tom has shared his wisdom with students at the College of Education table for the Academic Major Fair and Student Scholars Day. He retired from a career in education after 42 years. Harnessing his passion for athletics, Tom remains involved as a volunteer announcer for area high school track and field meets.
Volunteering is a way of life for the Ebels who have spent much of their time shaping and developing the skills of future teaching professionals. Tom and Lea have consistently proven their loyalty to Grand Valley over the past 48 years by selflessly giving of their time at Homecoming and Freshmen Move-In, as well as financially supporting university projects such as the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons and the Pioneer Class Scholarship.
Lea and Tom currently reside in Jenison, and enjoy spending time with their family; Tom Ebels Jr. and Grand-Daughter Grace Ann Ebels, Jodi and Hamilton Brown and Grandson Lucas Brown and Carrie and Drew Ysseldyke and Grandson Brendan and Granddaughter Sydnie Ann Ysseldyke.
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