Mindy Nienhouse '07, '09

Young Alumni like Mindy Nienhouse ’07, ’09 believe that giving back to the university doesn’t require a large gift. Small gifts can add up to make a huge difference in the lives of students at Grand Valley State University. “I think it’s essential to give back to Grand Valley because the university did so much to shape me into the person I am today,” said Nienhouse. “Grand Valley offers excellent academic programs, supports its thriving athletic teams and helps to bring businesses into the local community.”

Nienhouse graduated with a degree in Advertising Public Relations and Non-profit Management. She remembers that as a freshman at Grand Valley she found the transition from high school to college challenging, but getting involved with the Grand Valley student community and receiving help from the faculty made her time memorable. “Everyone cares about the other person’s success. The faculty pays special attention to you and are very engaged and invested in what students need to succeed.”

Nienhouse’s experience at the university helped her grow as a person. The knowledge and confidence she gained from her coursework and extra-curricular activities helped shape her into the strong professional she is today. Nienhouse utilizes her education at Grand Valley to further her career as a Program Coordinator at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

“Donors make this university what it truly is today,” she said. “Giving to someone is a blessing. You might not know how your gift may positively impact a student.”