At the 2010 Scholarship Celebration Dinner, Grand Valley announced
its increased commitment to scholarship support for students with the
creation of 11 privately funded scholarships in the last six months.
The event on October 19 acknowledged those who have contributed
to scholarship funds and allowed scholarship recipients to express
their gratitude to donors in person. President Thomas J. Haas and Vice
President for Development Maribeth Wardrop welcomed attendees and
announced the new scholarships.
"Since April 1, 11
new scholarships were created, bringing the total number of named
private scholarships at Grand Valley to more than 275," said
Wardrop. "In 2000, we had 50 scholarships and now in 2010, we
have 275. I can hardly wait to see what another 10 years will bring."
Haas stressed the importance of providing continued support for
Grand Valley students, adding that only 24 percent who are eligible
for financial assistance have their needs fully met. "We are
definitely not content to rest on our laurels," he said.
"Because we know our students increasingly need our support."
The 11 new scholarships were started by a broad base of donors
including: alumni, faculty and staff members and friends of Grand
Valley. Details are below.
• Gentex Engineering Scholarship was developed by Gentex
Engineering to assist junior and senior engineering students who
display exceptional leadership skills;
• Crawley Japanese Studies Scholarship was established for students who have an interest in pursuing advanced studies in Japanese language and culture while participating in an international educational opportunity;
• Eric A. Andres, Live Laugh, Love, Learn Scholarship was established to honor the memory of the late Eric A. Andres and to assist nontraditional students studying biomedical sciences or cell molecular biology with an interest in plants;
• George and Georgia Breur Memorial Scholarship was established to assist students who are pursuing a career in special education;
• West Shore Aware Scholarship Endowment will assist students who are committed to advocacy for issues concerning the LGBT community;
• James D. and Natalie D. Kuras Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by members of the Gillett Society;
• Dr. Charles Knop Chemistry Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Knop, one of the first professors of chemistry at Grand Valley;
• Eric Jon Gillette Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of the late Eric Jon Gillette and to assist students who are pursuing careers in computing;
• American Photo Marketing Entrepreneurship Scholarship was established to help students who are passionate about pursuing their entrepreneurial goals;
• Scott Flahive Police Academy Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Flahive, a Grand Haven police officer who was killed in the line of duty shortly after graduating from the Police Academy;
• Don and Diane Paton Family Scholarship Endowment was established
by Grand Valley Pioneer Class graduates to assist students pursuing a
certificate in entrepreneurship.
