Horizons Fall 2024
Click on photos for full stories and galleries.
President's Desk
[1720028070].jpg)
For over 60 years, providing value to our students and community has been at the heart of Grand Valley State University, and this commitment is more crucial now than ever. Your involvement is vital to this mission. Your advocacy for Grand Valley, active engagement with our students, and generous support create substantial benefits, including scholarships, expanded faculty positions, real-world learning opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities. These efforts have been pivotal in fostering excellence, and we are so grateful.
Student Impact
Investing in West Michigan
As a non-traditional student, Brooks Twist, '23, Class of 2024, says his future is happening right now, and Grand Valley is helping him make the most of it. After a career in craft beer, Twist decided to pursue a combined undergraduate and graduate degree in accounting. With deep West Michigan roots, GVSU felt like the perfect place to continue his education and stay connected to the community he loves.
Pursuing Passion and Purpose in Nursing
Greely Holman, Class of 2026, knew she wanted to remain close to Coopersville – her hometown – for college. Her deep connection to her community, combined with Grand Valley’s strong nursing program, made GVSU the ideal choice. For Holman, this decision reflects her appreciation for her hometown and the close-knit support system she enjoys. Part of that support system was the scholarship from Ed and Nancy Hanenburg – an award Holman said has been life changing.
Why We Give
Helping Future Nurses
Edward (Ed) and Nancy Hanenburg, long-time donors to Grand Valley, recently expanded their Coopersville Promise Scholarship to include students attending the Kirkhof College of Nursing. The couple started the scholarship in 2008, along with their children, to guarantee at support to Coopersville High School graduates who attend Grand Valley. “We felt deeply that if students in our community couldn’t afford to go to school, maybe we could help in some way,” Ed said. Now they also hope to help address the nursing shortage through their gifts.
A Legacy of Giving at Grand Valley
After helping transform his family’s business into the largest retail operation of its kind in the Midwest, Raleigh J. Finkelstein and his brother sold the chain and expanded into real estate and other ventures. “We were in the sporting goods business,” Finkelstein shared, “and we like to give back to those who helped us – students and families.” His most recent gift to the Raleigh J. Finkelstein Athletic Village at Grand Valley directly reflects his life's work and passions.
Fifth Third Foundation and GVSU announce commitment to FinLit
FinLit began as an idea pitched through REP4, a national alliance founded by Grand Valley and other higher education partners across the country. It is designed to empower high school and college students to collaboratively design the future of higher education through idea generation and the creation of prototypes such as FinLit. Now, with the help of the Fifth Third Foundation, more students will be able to find personal finance more accessible and understandable.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2023/2024
Throughout the 2023/2024 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
Fueling Laker Success
Replenish Basic Needs Center works to create food security in the GVSU community. With access to food, personal care items, and other essentials, Replenish helps Lakers focus on their education without the burden of worrying about their next meal. Replenish began when a need was identified by the student body, and more than 2,000 students are helped by this service each year. By addressing these basic needs, we empower students to thrive both academically and personally. You can make a difference by contributing to Replenish for our Giving Tuesday campaign! A donation of $100, for example, can serve eight students for two weeks. Learn more and help ensure all Lakers have the resources 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 State University 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 2024
On Thursday, October 17, supporters gathered to be immersed in the landscapes of Mathias J. Alten. Michelle Stempien, director of the Holland Museum, discussed the history of this genre and Alten’s use of it.
Bob & Ellen Thompson Student Success Center Dedication
On Friday, October 18, members of the Grand Valley community helped dedicate the new Bob & Ellen Thompson Student Success Center. Bob and Ellen Thompson and their foundation have given more than $36 million, creating the largest scholarship program at the university. Nearly one in 15 undergraduate students is a recipient of a Thompson scholarship.
