GVSU reaches record endowment spending; students benefit

The Grand Valley Board of Trustees learned at its November 4 meeting at the Seidman Center in Grand Rapids that the university's endowment surpassed $102 million as of June 30 and $106 million as of September 30. The increased funds mean more scholarships and increased access to education for Grand Valley students.

The majority of the spending distribution is dedicated to scholarships and academic programming, benefiting Grand Valley students. Endowment spending in 2015-16 was the highest ever at $4.2 million. About $1.7 million, or 40 percent, directly benefited more than 1,300 students through donor-funded scholarships. 

Five years ago, the scholarship distribution amount was $2.5 million; it has grown by $1.7 million or 68 percent. 

Faculty and staff giving reached a new record of 54.2 percent, making Grand Valley one of the most generous university communities in the nation.