George Magro and Sheryl Zylka

George Magro and Sheryl Zylka are the parents of junior, Elizabeth Schmieding and they believe Grand Valley State University is one of the best kept secrets in Michigan. “We give because the university encourages students and pushes them to excel while at the same time educating them at a high level,” said Magro.

As parents, Magro and Zylka feel it is important to give to Grand Valley because it is paying dividends on the world as a whole. “I was very pleased with Grand Valley’s professional approach and quality of students. Grand Valley is doing so much to move forward and take a hands-on approach that will impact Michigan.” Zylka is very committed to giving. With a career in higher education, she realizes the importance of university leadership and makes giving to Grand Valley a priority.

Magro and Zylka were impressed by their first visit to campus. Everyone they encountered was pleasant and engaging. Magro said, “At the end of the visit, I told my wife Sheryl that I was comfortable with leaving our daughter here.” Magro and Zylka knew their daughter would receive an excellent education in a safe and interesting environment. Schmieding has benefitted from her time at Grand Valley and her parents feel that she has become a more mature person. Her parents attribute her success in school to the academic resources available. “When my daughter needs help, she can go to tutoring or see her professor. Faculty are willing to work with students and help them,” said Margo.

“Giving isn’t just about our child,” said Magro. “It is also about impacting all the students who attend Grand Valley.”