Investing in Students, Strengthening Michigan -

STORY BY AMY WHITE AND STUDENT WRITER ANNIE PETTIT / PHOTOS BY CORY MORSE

As a former professor of computer science at Grand Valley, Carl Erickson understands the unique qualities GVSU graduates bring to the workforce — qualities that have since fueled his business's growth and inspired his ongoing commitment to the university.

Education and Community Impact

When he first joined Grand Valley's faculty, Erickson said he was drawn to the university’s mission of prioritizing education and community impact. “Grand Valley knew what it was all about,” he recalled, adding he witnessed how the university’s clear focus on teaching and scholarship positively impacted both his students and the larger region.

“Grand Valley plays a role in our community by retaining most of its graduates in Michigan, which is very distinct among state universities,” Erickson said. Over the years, he saw how GVSU was developing a vital pipeline of professionals who remained in Michigan and strengthened local businesses.

Building a Business on Grand Valley’s Foundation

After leaving academia, Erickson co-founded Atomic Object, a custom software development and design firm, with a former Grand Valley student. The company’s earliest employees were Grand Valley interns, including current co-CEO Mike Marsiglia. Today, many Grand Valley graduates continue to contribute to its success.

“Our product is smart people and the time they spend solving other companies’ problems,” Erickson said. “Without the smart people, Atomic Object wouldn’t exist. I felt a debt of gratitude to the university for what it provides to the community, but specifically what it provides to Atomic.”

This appreciation for Grand Valley’s impact on both his business and the broader West Michigan community drives Erickson’s continued support.

Opening Doors for Middle-Income Students

The Carl Erickson and Mary O'Neill Pathway Endowed Scholarship reflects Erickson’s commitment to supporting Grand Valley students who face unique financial challenges. Focused on middle-income students who are often overlooked for financial aid, the scholarship aims to alleviate some of the stress of college expenses in their final semesters.

“College can be too expensive for their parents to cover, so the students have to take on a lot of debt,” Erickson said. “I felt like that was a good place to concentrate on.”

The scholarship targets nursing and engineering students, reflecting Erickson’s own background in engineering and his family’s ties to the nursing profession. These fields, he noted, not only create economic value but also contribute to healthier, stronger communities.

Investing in the Future

Erickson continues to advocate for a strong connection between education and community development. “We need people to take tech skills into what they don’t consider to be tech companies, because most companies now have some critical element that is technology-enabled,” he said. “It’s what distinguishes their competitiveness.”

Looking back on his time at Grand Valley and his journey as a business leader, Erickson is proud of the enduring partnership between the university and West Michigan businesses. “We have this really great state university in town preparing well-rounded people for the companies that are in town to hire,” Erickson said.

For Erickson, the legacy of Grand Valley graduates — hardworking, down-to-earth individuals who care deeply about their community — is a testament to the university’s commitment to shaping future leaders. His vision for West Michigan’s future remains rooted in the belief that investing in education is key to sustaining its growth and success.

“It’s hard to imagine a better way to invest in your community,” he said.

You can join Carl Erickson in investing in the future. Your gift to the Carl Erickson and Mary O’Neill Pathway Endowed Scholarship helps middle-income students complete their education and strengthen Michigan’s workforce.

Visit gvsu.edu/giving/pathway