Introducing Laura Aikens
Laura Aikens joined Grand Valley State University as Vice President for University Development and Executive Director of the Grand Valley University Foundation in September. Laura is a native of West Michigan who earned a bachelor's degree from Hope College and a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She most recently served as senior vice president for CCS Fundraising, one of the nation’s most prestigious fundraising consulting firms. Laura spent 12 years with CCS Fundraising, working with nonprofit and higher education clients, including Trinity University, University of Texas at Arlington, Xavier University of Louisiana, and the University of Windsor.
1. What led you to a career in fundraising and development?
I entered into fundraising a little more purposefully than most, but not by much. I had an interest in grant writing that led me to an internship in the development department at a local Red Cross chapter. That snowballed into all things fundraising and the rest, as they say, is history.
2. Why did you choose to come to Grand Valley?
There are three reasons that stand out. First, the university’s trajectory and vision for the future. In the face of monumental shifts within the higher education landscape – including questions surrounding the value proposition of higher learning – Grand Valley stands apart in confronting these challenges head on and defining a more inclusive path forward. Second, the unique and collaborative relationship Grand Valley enjoys with the community is truly exciting and something of which I want to be a part. And lastly, this is home. The opportunity to give back and shape the future of the community that has helped make you who you are can’t be taken for granted. There was only one answer – yes!
3. What is your top priority in your new position?
My first responsibility is to help ensure that Grand Valley has the resources it needs to accomplish its mission. The great news is that I’m not alone in that journey. So many have already offered to join me in reaching deeper and wider into the West Michigan philanthropic community. I am working to better understand how we can marshal our resources to empower leaders across campus and in the wider community to be our champions. This is a top priority and will be a key to our success in the future.
4. What excites you most about Grand Valley’s future?
In answering, I’ll first point to our past. From it’s founding, Grand Valley had differentiated itself as an institution that is agile and decisive. There is an entrepreneurial spirit that has permeated its history in a very unique way. As we look to the future, I see that same spirit guiding us forward. We are not a university that is satisfied to stand still, rather one that is eager to embrace a future where students are more empowered, learning happens – and is celebrated – over a lifetime, and higher education is an inclusive pursuit and not reserved for an exclusionary few. This doesn’t mean we abandon our traditions. We build upon them, just as we have always done. That is truly exciting.
5. What would you like all donors to know about Grand Valley students?
In the time I’ve been here I have had opportunities to meet and learn more about Grand Valley students. What I’ve learned from them so far, is that they are highly motivated to succeed and sometimes just need a little extra help to do so. That help may come in the form of emergency financial support to help them graduate. It might be dedicated time with a tutor or counselor. Often it comes down to Grand Valley faculty and staff taking the time to help. Donor gifts support the resources needed to provide this extra support our students need to succeed. They appreciate you more than you know.
6. What is the most important thing donors can do to support the university, Grand Valley students, and the community?
Invite others. Grand Valley’s success is founded on those who support the university turning around and asking others to join them. It is a profound model not only in its simplicity but also in its effectiveness. There is room at the table for more people. And, we are ready for others to join in. My request to our donors is to help grow a larger community. Everyone wins when we do so.