V.P. Wardrop announces retirement

Maribeth Wardrop announced that she will be retiring from her position as vice president for University Development for Grand Valley State University and executive director of the Grand Valley University Foundation effective January 1, 2012.

The announcement comes on the heels of the university’s record-breaking Shaping Our Future comprehensive campaign which was celebrated at the Enrichment Dinner last month. That campaign surpassed its original $50 million goal and raised $96.4 million.

That means Wardrop helped raise more than $200 million for Grand Valley since arriving on campus in November 1999. She was the first female vice president at Grand Valley and served all three of the living presidents of the university.

“Maribeth’s contributions to Grand Valley and the entire community are remarkable,” Thomas J. Haas, president of Grand Valley, said. “Helping to raise more than $200 million in the time she has been here is an amazing accomplishment. When you look around our campuses, you certainly see the generosity of our supporters, but you also see the results of Maribeth’s hard work. She assembled an incredible team, and all of us will enjoy the results for many years to come. Her dedication and relationships with the community have contributed mightily to Grand Valley being a truly special university.”

Wardrop spent a dozen years at Grand Valley, and said while she’ll miss her daily interactions with colleagues and university supporters, it’s time to spend more time with her family and travel.

“When I began at this university, I could never have dreamed of an opportunity like the one I found here at Grand Valley,” Wardrop said. “I met the most wonderful people who have become both friends and donors. I am honored that they have shared their visions, their passions and their successes with me. Grand Valley and every community we touch is better off because of it.”

Between now and January, Wardrop will help the university transition to new leadership in University Development. A search for her replacement will begin later this month.