Leaders announce Laker Effect Campaign goal extended

Grand Valley leaders announced that the original Laker Effect campaign goal of $85 million has been exceeded, and the university will continue toward a new goal of $100 million or more by the end of the campaign. 

The announcement was made by university President Thomas J. Haas and Grand Valley University Foundation chairs Jim and Donna Brooks at the foundation’s Enrichment Dinner on June 4.

"Thank you to our donors for having the confidence and belief that Grand Valley delivers on its promises, and for expanding the Laker Effect for our students and our community," Haas said.

In the past year donors have raised more than $22 million, helping to achieve the original goal one year before the end of the campaign. The Laker Effect campaign is the university’s second multi-year comprehensive campaign. The first comprehensive campaign, Shaping Our Future, was very successful and also exceeded its original goal.

“This success would not be possible without the incredible and continued generosity of our donors and community members who understand the university’s role in providing talent to our region and state,” said Jim Brooks.

Brooks said although the GVU Foundation is incredibly grateful to have achieved this goal, the Laker Effect campaign has always been about students and ensuring they have knowledge and skills that deliver high value to employers and the people they serve. There is more work to yet be done to help them start, stay and succeed at Grand Valley, he said. 

He said the biggest priorities for the coming year are reaching the individual campaign goals for the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, the Innovation Design Center for Engineering, scholarships and student success programs.

The Laker Effect campaign is transforming the lives of students and enhancing the West Michigan community. Learn more about the campaign at gvsu.edu/giving.