Investing in West Michigan
Brooks Twist '23, Class of 2024
Brooks Twist '23, Class of 2024 had already built a name for himself as a professional in the craft beer industry, but he felt like something was missing. “I came to Grand Valley after a career in craft beer,” Twist shared. “I’m a non-traditional student, and I realized I needed a deeper understanding of the financial aspects behind running a business. That’s what led me to pursue my master's in accounting.”
Having completed his undergraduate studies in finance and economics in 2023, Twist is now set to finish his master’s degree at the end of 2024.
Twist described his academic experience at GVSU with one word: consistency. “Everything from the quality of the professors to the cleanliness of the facilities was incredibly consistent throughout my time at Grand Valley. That takes a lot of hard work, especially during challenging times like COVID, but the university maintained that standard of excellence,” he said.
Beyond the Classroom
Twist applied his leadership and business skills as the finance chair of the Graduate Student Association. “It was a great way to apply everything I learned in my finance and accounting courses,” he explained. In this role, he helped allocate more than $100,000 in funding to student organizations, enabling them to attend conferences and enhance their professional development. “It was a unique experience being in a fiduciary role for the university, and it reinforced the practical applications of my studies,” Twist added.
One of his most memorable opportunities came through the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy when the group took a trip to tour around Washington D.C. “It was an incredible experience,” Twist shared. “We got to see firsthand how business professionals and government officials work together. The connection between the private and public sectors is complex, but this program gave us the tools to understand it better.”
Rooted in Community
For Twist, choosing to attend GVSU was a decision to invest in his community. “I chose Grand Valley State University because it’s my hometown university,” he said. Having grown up in Ada, Twist has deep roots in West Michigan. His family has been part of the region for five generations. "I love West Michigan and I thought if I went to Grand Valley, I could be part of the fabric of our community. I hope my kids go to Grand Valley someday.”
Looking ahead, Twist feels confident that GVSU has prepared him not just for his career, but for life right now. “As a non-traditional student, my future is already here,” he said. “Grand Valley has given me the tools to be more professional, build better relationships, and make a meaningful investment in this community.”
Twist is deeply aware of the support that made his journey possible. “We have some of the best facilities, the best professors, and the best leadership in the country — and that’s because of donors,” he said. Twist believes in the importance of programs like the Cook Leadership Academy, which continue to develop ethical and effective leaders for the future. “Your support is an investment in students like me, and it helps shape the future of our community and country.”