Supporting Future Leaders
Removing Barriers Creates World of Possibilities
Removing Barriers Creates World of Possibilities
A vision forward
David Hufford '67 worked on the original boat named Angus as a helmsman and with water testing. That early experience helped propel Hufford's career as aquatic biologist.
Honoring a family legacy by giving back
Deborah Rotman '93 honored her great-grandfather, Eugene Tenbrink, by establishing a scholarship to assist other first-generation students.
The Value of a Strong Relationship
The value Kala Gibson '94 places in community has kept him engaged with Grand Valley long after graduation as a donor and now as one of the newest directors of the Grand Valley University Foundation.
A partnership for the future of engineering
The Verplank family and Shape Corp. continue to grow their longstanding partnership with the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.
A Passion to Serve the Community
The Wiest Memorial Endowed Scholarship honors Cartwright's parents and assist students who have a passion for public service.
Benefiting future generations of learners, leaders and Lakers
Grand Valley is home for Rory '14 and Emily '14, '20 Miller and they continue to support the university through philanthropic giving and service.
Building upon the foundation of Grand Valley
For Donald '84 and Kathleen '88, '97 VanderVeen, giving back to their alma mater is about doing what they can for the university they love.
Daniel and Pamella DeVos
The lead donors for the DCIH reflect on their family's partnership with Grand Valley and their inspiration to support health professions.
Finding Joy in Giving Back
Tim '73 and Cherie Duthler are Alumni Champions and give back to GVSU to provide more opportunities for Lakers.
Rowing graduate focuses on paying it back
Shane Szalai '95 was a member of the Laker rowing team and said his teammates and experiences created great memories, which is why he decided to pay it forward,
Young family focused on diversity awareness through scholarship support
"If something is important to you, whether you have $1 to give or $100,000, it makes a difference."
Supporting Black Excellence
Brian '08, '14 & Olubunmi (Bunmi) Parks '08, '13 work in Detroit and maintain ties to Grand Valley through support of a scholarship.
Alumni Champion couple helps students during challenging time through support fund
Matt '01 and Robin Dhaseleer chose to help students through an economic pandemic by giving to the Student Support Fund.
Alumni leader understands importance of building community and giving back
As a first-generation American, Heather Ly Zak wanted to give back to the university and community that have given her so much.
Jim '79 and Nancy Ayres
Jim and Nancy Ayres are strongly connected to Grand Valley and Laker athletics.
Alumna overcomes odds to 'dream big'
Sarah Barnhard is the medical director of transfusion services at the University of California Davis. The 2005 graduate established a scholarship that honors her mother.
Football alumnus, leader gives back to program
Former lineman Michael McFadden played professional football after graduating. Now a medical device sales representative, McFadden credits his GVSU experience for much of his success in life.
Honoring the 'zeal' of the Haases
Michele Schallip is the executive officer on a U.S. Coast Guard cutter; she discusses how her master's degree helps her lead on the ship, and how the Haases welcomed her to the Coast Guard family.
Providing opportunities
Lauren Quiniff, '08, works as a behavioral health specialist for Spectrum Health; she provides therapy for patients and also links them to community resources to help them feel their best.
Giving creates balance for alumna
Leslie Riley is a teacher for Grand Rapids Public Schools and an Alumni Champion. Her family of active Lakers believes in giving back and supporting others.
Giving hearts
Terry, '70, and Sandra, '68, Allen have a long history with Grand Valley and with each other. They married in 1969 after meeting as students on campus.
The bottom line: great value
Layna, '13, and Andrew, '13, Buthker both earned master's degrees in taxation and work for Plante Moran. The public accounting firm is one of many corporations that match employee gifts.
Creating new pathways
Gerard Kwiatkowski graduated in 2008 and is now teaching and impacting students in Houston, Texas.