Donor Giving Societies

Generosity from donors has been an instrumental part of Grand Valley's development. To more fully recognize their support, the university offers five donor societies, which honor both lifetime giving and annual giving.


Lifetime Giving Societies

The Grand Valley University Foundations three lifetime giving societies honor those whose significant contributions over the years have helped the university continue to thrive and grow.

The Gillett Society, named in honor of Richard M. Gillett, is dedicated to recognizing those who have included Grand Valley in their will or estate plan. Acknowledgment of membership in the Gillett Society is two-fold.

  • Active recognition includes those who notify the University Development Office of their gift arrangements during their lifetime.
  • Memorial recognition is ascribed to those whose gifts are now being applied to their intended purposes here at Grand Valley.

Both active and memorial members are recognized in the Grand Valley University Foundation’s Annual Report on Giving.

Be counted! Letting Grand Valley know about your planned gift sets an example for others and helps us properly take care of your future gift. Contact University Development to join the Gillett Society. Learn more about Planned Giving and major gifts everyone can make. 

The DeVos Society, named from Richard M. DeVos, recognizes the extraordinary friends of Grand Valley State University who have made gifts totaling $1,000,000 or more in their lifetime.

Members of the DeVos Society are recognized in the annual report, are invited to special receptions with the President and Foundation members, and receive briefings while providing us with input on the future direction of the institution.

The Seidman Society, named for L. William Seidman, recognizes donors for their cumulative lifetime contributions. This may include cash, pledges, matching gifts, and gifts-in-kind. Planned gifts are included when the gifts are received.

Members of the Seidman Society are recognized in the annual report, are invited to receptions, and receive special briefings on the future direction of the institution.

Seidman Society Lifetime Recognition Levels:
Founder $500,000 - $999,999
Pacesetter $250,000 - $499,999
Benefactor $100,000 - $249,999


Annual Giving Societies

Annual giving societies honor those who give annual gifts of a certain amount or who give for consecutive years.

The University Society recognizes donors who support the university with gifts of $500 or more annually. These members generously support scholarship, academic programs, as well as new facilities and technology initiatives.

Members receive updates, newsletters, invitations to members-only events and are recognized in the annual report.

University Society Annual Giving Levels:
Foundation $25,000 or more
Trustee $10,000 - $24,999
President $5,000 - $9,999
Provost $2,500 - $4,999
Dean $1,000 - $2,499
Leadership $500 - $999

The Lubbers Society, named in honor of President Emeritus Arend D. “Don” Lubbers, recognizes donor longevity and loyalty. Fittingly, Don and Nancy Lubbers have the longest record of yearly donations to GVSU to date. Our donors’ steady generosity, regardless of level, becomes a basis for the university to count on financial support as it seeks to meet basic student needs while investing in new educational opportunities.



Page last modified July 6, 2021