Without the hard work and commitment of Grand Valley University Foundation presidents, the foundation would not have grown to where it is today. These outstanding leaders have built the Foundation up and helped support Grand Valley State University throughout the years. Their imaginations and ideas will always be remembered.
PAST PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL CHAIRS
Richard M. Gillett
1964-1970
Keith R. Baker
1970-1974
John S. Edison
1974-1978
Nancy (Mulnix) Tweddale '95
1979-1980
Peter J. Reed
1980-1981
Paul A. Johnson
1981-1991
Robert L. Hooker
1996-1998
Richard M. DeVos
1991-1996, 1998-2003
General Chair
2003-2016
General Chair Emeritus
2016-2018
RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING LEADERS
Richard M. (Dick) Gillett
Dick Gillett was the first Grand Valley University Foundation president when the foundation was chartered in 1965. Dick was one of the university’s founders, a great strategist, and a dedicated community leader who helped the foundation build relationships throughout the region.
Paul A. Johnson
Paul Johnson became president of the foundation in 1981. Paul’s personal commitment to the foundation was evident in his success in reorganizing the organization and taking it to the next level. During his tenure a number of foundation traditions including Horizons and the Foundation Annual Report were created.
Richard M. (Rich) DeVos
Rich DeVos joined the Grand Valley University Foundation Board in 1982 and became its third president. DeVos served as president for an astounding 24 years, becoming chairman emeritus in 2016. In his 24 years of foundation leadership, Rich demonstrated an extraordinary vision and the ability to bring large-scale projects to fruition. His ability to think beyond the common place, brought a high measure of success to the foundation.