SUPPORTING FUTURE LEADERS
United for a Cause
SUPPORTING FUTURE LEADERS
United
for a Cause
Students in Joseph Jacquot's ornithology lab watch for birds along Grand Haven's Fisherman's Pier.
Collective effort during Day of Giving benefits students
STORY BY AMY WHITE
PHOTOS BY KENDRA STANLEY-MILLS
On Grand Valley’s inaugural Day of Giving in March, one specific group of alumni decided to unite to amplify their impact.
Members of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Advisory Board, and several faculty and staff, pooled their resources to offer a challenge gift that unlocked when additional donors gave to the college’s experiential learning endowment.
“Day of Giving was an important way for me to be of service to GVSU and to invest in the next generation of learners,” said Ebony Parker-Featherstone ’02. “It was a positive way to engage with others and be part of something greater than the sum of its parts.”
Collective generosity
Throughout GVSU’s Day of Giving, challenges like this one helped inspire nearly 1,300 people to give more than $230,000 to initiatives across the university. In addition to the CLAS Advisory Board, the Grand Valley University Foundation, GVSU’s Senior Leadership Team, and other alumni and friends offered challenge and match gifts.
“This really was a community-wide effort,” said Shannon Dale, senior director of annual giving and digital strategy. “The challenge gift from the CLAS Advisory Board is a great example of what can happen when people unite around a cause. Their gift inspired even more people to get involved. Ultimately, our students are benefiting from this collective generosity.”
One board member described it as a ripple effect that is “building progress and opportunity.” Ed Cardenas ’91 said creating more opportunities for students was a big part of what motivated him to get involved.
“I became more well-rounded by attending GVSU,” Cardenas said, specifically pointing to his experiences during a study abroad program. “Nothing could compare with standing on the Great Wall of China and receiving a history lesson or standing in the shadow of the British Parliament building for a political science lecture. I was fortunate to have these experiences, and I hope our efforts will allow current students to have these life-changing experiences.”
Experiential learning
While Day of Giving gifts supported programs all over campus, the CLAS Advisory Board was focused on their college’s experiential learning endowment. This fund helps ensure every student, no matter their major or financial situation, can engage in practical learning opportunities tailored to their interests and goals. This includes having access to everything from internships and research opportunities to service projects and learning communities.
“Not only are these unique experiential opportunities important for our current students, but they also help set GVSU apart from other institutions and make it attractive to prospective students,” said Cardenas, who earned a bachelor's degree in international relations.
Parker-Featherstone, who earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, said the endowment makes “vital and often life-changing experiences accessible to all students, which is definitely worth supporting.”
Jacquelyn Molloseau, left, and Ellen Foley work aboard the W. G. Jackson to help with water sampling of Muskegon Lake for a research project with the Annis Water Resource Institute.
Jacquelyn Molloseau, left, and Ellen Foley work aboard the W. G. Jackson to help with water sampling of Muskegon Lake for a research project with the Annis Water Resource Institute.
An Inland Seas schoolship instructor hands mussels to David Buchanan. Mussels were brought up from Suttons Bay at different depths.
An Inland Seas schoolship instructor hands mussels to David Buchanan. Mussels were brought up from Suttons Bay at different depths.
Brooke Keck conducts weekly snorkel surveys for AWRI to study the phenology of an invasive macroalga at four sites, three in Pentwater Lake and one in Muskegon Lake.
Brooke Keck conducts weekly snorkel surveys for AWRI to study the phenology of an invasive macroalga at four sites, three in Pentwater Lake and one in Muskegon Lake.
Inspiring others
Several board members shared that a driving force behind creating a challenge gift was to encourage others to participate. Their support enticed other Lakers to give, and Parker-Featherstone said she wants that momentum to continue.
“I hope this day encourages students and they know that they have the support of their Laker family. I also hope it inspires them to consider ways they can give back or help make a difference for the college and community,” she said.
To other alumni considering a gift, Parker-Featherstone’s response was simple: “Give today! There is great work happening at GVSU and there are so many opportunities to get involved. Your gift will help change the lives of students and continue the great legacy of this institution.”
Cardenas agreed, adding that it is “an investment in the future of Grand Valley, an investment in the future of Michigan, and an investment in a university that is committed to student success.”
Every gift counts
Grand Valley’s first Day of Giving highlighted that every gift, no matter the size, can make a difference when it is part of a collective effort to create change. Learn more about Day of Giving or invest in an area of campus that inspires you today.
Every gift counts
Grand Valley’s first Day of Giving highlighted that every gift, no matter the size, can make a difference when it is part of a collective effort to create change. Learn more about Day of Giving or invest in an area of campus that inspires you today.
