Grand Valley community mourns Judith Hooker, dedicated philanthropist and community supporter

Leaders at Grand Valley join others in West Michigan in mourning the death of Judith (Judy) Hooker on August 14. A lifelong community supporter and philanthropist, Judy had a major role in the growth and progress of the university.

"Judy was a thoughtful, dedicated leader who was instrumental in Grand Valley's success in the 1990s, and she has continued to provide leadership for the university," President Thomas J. Haas said. "Our hearts go out to her husband, Bob, and her son, David, as well as the entire Hooker family. She was a friend to many in this community and she will be greatly missed."

Judy's son, David Hooker, is currently a member of the Grand Valley Board of Trustees.

In 1991, Judy was appointed to the Grand Valley Board of Trustees and served as chair from 1995-1996. She was also a member of the Grand Valley University Foundation's Advisory Cabinet. In 1992, she was inducted into the GVSU Hall of Fame and earned the Enrichment Award.

Judy supported numerous projects to aid in the growth of Grand Valley, particularly the Grand Design 2000 campaign, an effort that expanded Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the L.V. Eberhard Center. Most recently, the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center was named in honor of her and her husband, as well as Earl and Donnalee Holton, to recognize their service to the university.