GVSU is saddened by death of supporter

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of philanthropist and Grand Valley supporter Tom Wisner, who died January 1. He was 77.  

Wisner, president of Leslie E. Tassell, Inc., was a longtime supporter of Grand Valley and the West Michigan community. He and his wife, Joyce Wisner, established several scholarships at Grand Valley in the medical and manufacturing areas.

When the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences opened in 2003, the Wisners created a scholarship for doctoral physical therapy students, recognizing the importance of physical therapy in the rehabilitation process. In 2007, they created an engineering scholarship that helps first-generation and non-traditional students, particularly students who focus on product design.

Wisner served on the honorary committee for Grand Valley’s “Shaping Our Future” campaign and  received an honorary doctorate in engineering from Grand Valley on December 6, 2014.

Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas said Wisner’s vision for the importance of education was ahead of its time. “His unwavering support for Grand Valley and our students will leave a legacy for generations to come. Our hearts go out to Joyce and the entire Wisner family,” said Haas.

In 2009, the Wisners were honored with the Enrichment Award, the Grand Valley University Foundation’s highest honor, for their philanthropic efforts. 

Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, said: “Tom’s knowledge of engineering and what employers need from future engineers has been tremendously helpful in shaping our engineering program at Grand Valley and graduating the very best new talent for the region. We will miss him.”