Horizons Fall 2023
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Student Impact
Combining Passions
Sofia Martinez, Class of 2024, loves experiential learning – she likes to connect theories to real-world situations in meaningful ways. She is also passionate about both science and art. At Grand Valley, those three things are coming together in ways that she feels will serve her well. “In the future, I want to combine both science and art and become a science illustrator or medical illustrator – that’s my dream job,” she said. Sofia is confident her time at GVSU is setting her up to achieve the high standards she has for herself.
Why We Give
The Gift of a Lifetime
It’s normal to care about your job. However, for Mary and Wilhelm (Bill) Seeger, Grand Valley was never just a job. Both Mary and Bill dedicated their lives to building a humanities program at Grand Valley that continues to serve countless students. Now, the Seegers' legacy lives on through their planned gift that established an endowment for research in the humanities.
Opening Doors Through Travel
Brian ’03 and Courtney ’04 Paff met during their first semester at Grand Valley State University, and both had many meaningful experiences during their time on campus. But Brian’s semester in London was pivotal in shaping his thinking, and his travels helped drive the couple’s desire to start an endowed scholarship that offers financial assistance for study abroad experiences. Their commitment will help ensure future Lakers have the chance to step outside the classroom for generations to come.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2022/2023
Throughout the 2022/2023 fiscal year, Grand Valley students were supported by the generosity of more than 9,000 donors. Your gifts have empowered GVSU to remain at the forefront of educational excellence, and we sincerely appreciate all the ways you invest in both current and future Lakers. With your ongoing support, we’re looking forward to another remarkable year.
Fund Spotlight
Join Us on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is November 28, and the Grand Valley community is rallying around the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund. Everything from economic shifts and job loss to changes in family situations can impact a student’s ability to achieve food security, and every year more than 1,000 Lakers struggle with access to enough nutritious, affordable food. Replenish – an on-campus initiative started by students – helps shed light on this often-silent struggle by providing food and personal care items for those in need. On this global day of giving, you can help ensure every Laker can focus, learn, and succeed.
NEW ENDOWMENTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GILLETT SOCIETY MEMBERS
Thank you to the donors who established new endowments and scholarships and to the new Gillett Society members who have included Grand Valley in their estate plans. You are empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. Because of your gifts, Grand Valley's impact on our community continues to grow.
Events
Friends of Alten 2023
We gathered on Wednesday, September 6, to celebrate the legacy of Mathias J. Alten by unveiling the new bronze sculpture done in his likeness. While surrounded by Alten’s art, we had the opportunity to discuss the new sculpture with the artist, J. Brett Grill.
Harris Family Athletic Complex Dedication
On Wednesday, September 13, we dedicated the newest addition to the Fieldhouse and acknowledged all of the donors who made this space possible. We took the opportunity to tour the new space and enjoyed meeting the GVSU Varsity Wrestling team. Laker Wrestling is back!
An Evening with the Gillett Society
The Gillett Society is full of people who have made the most personal gift one can make — a planned gift that will benefit future generations of Grand Valley students. On Wednesday, October 4, we gathered these extraordinary people to thank them for their dedication to Grand Valley.
