Horizons Fall 2022
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Student Impact
Space to Learn and Soar
It’s not rocket science, or is it? Aerospace engineering is just the beginning of what Dawson Coats, Class of 2023, wants to do with his degree from Grand Valley. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Shape Corp., Dawson and his fellow Laker engineering students have the space to develop education-enhancing projects, both for class requirements and student-led initiatives.
Impact
Why We Give
Teaching by Example
Known for always having a “fun” pen in hand and wearing the color red, Maria Landon made an impression in the classroom and won over the hearts of all her students during the 27 years she taught at Grand Valley. Making the decision to retire wasn’t easy. She was passionate about teaching marketing and dedicated to her students - how could she leave? James Landon ’69, Maria’s husband, suggested they create a scholarship to help them stay connected to the university while supporting marketing students for years to come. The Maria Landon Marketing Scholarship was established in 2017 and Maria’s impact on students has yet to retire.
Financial Stewardship Report 2021/2022
Thanks to the generosity of more than 11,000 donors in the 2021/2022 fiscal year, Grand Valley continues to innovate and lead the transformation of higher education for tomorrow’s learners. We thank you for all you do for the university. Because of your support, we're looking forward to another great year.
Holistic Learning Through Art
The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health's fifth-floor terrace is now home to an iconic sculpture. Deborah Butterfield’s "Char," a seven-foot-tall bronze sculpture, is a significant addition to GVSU’s art collection and to more than 400 pieces of artwork placed throughout this building. The sculpture was made possible by donors passionate about creating a more holistic learning environment for students.
A Partnership for Student Success
With financial support from the Skillman Foundation, Grand Valley has launched a new tutor-training program to support K-12 students in the city of Detroit. The Targeted Reading Internship Program provides opportunities for college students to explore careers in the education field while helping to improve literacy for Detroit students. We are grateful for the Skillman Foundation’s partnership and their commitment to helping Grand Valley be student ready today and into the future.
Inspired by Study Abroad
This past August, Mackenzie Wellman ’10 did something she has been doing now for the last 12 years, she made a gift to support current students. After a transformational experience during her own study abroad trip in 2007, Mackenzie has made it a priority to ensure other students have the same opportunity. She makes her annual gift to the First Generation Study Abroad Scholarship.
Fund Spotlight
Save Our Shores
Grand Valley’s Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) was created 35 years ago as the first freshwater research, outreach, and educational organization working in West Michigan, for West Michigan. Its work is firmly focused on the future, at the intersection of our region’s economic and environmental vitality.
Our proximity to Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes means we are the caretakers of 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, including the rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that feed the larger ecosystem. The work the institute has done so far has been instrumental in putting West Michigan on the map for freshwater science, and critical in helping identify and solve legacy problems.
The next phase of the work is to position AWRI for the future by investing today in its people, science, and technology. Thankfully, we can act now to expand the institute’s capacity and expertise and save our shores in this critical time.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is quickly approaching. On this national day of giving, our Grand Valley community is rallying around the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund. More than 1,000 Grand Valley students struggle with food insecurity each year. No student should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Replenish provides food and personal care items for students facing financial hardship. As Lakers, we help each other. This Giving Tuesday, November 29, is no different. Let’s make sure all Grand Valley students have the nourishment they need to 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
Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center Naming Ceremony
On August 9, we celebrated the naming of the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center and recognized all the donors who made this space possible. We saw the impressive engineering student projects and enjoyed a special appearance of FIRST Robotics students and their robots. The future of Grand Valley engineering looks bright!
An Evening with the Friends of Alten
On September 15, we gathered in the George and Barbara Gordon Gallery for an evening with the Friends of Alten. Guests enjoyed exploring the galleries, viewing the new temporary exhibition, and engaging with GVSU's Scholar-in-Residence.
Foundation Annual Meeting
The Grand Valley University Foundation came together on September 28 to conduct its annual business meeting. Directors received university updates from President Philomena V. Mantella, Provost Fatma Mili, and members of the senior leadership team.