Marlow Metcalf '10

At the young age of 23, Grand Valley alumna Marlow Metcalf has recently become the youngest Gillett Society member with her planned gift. Marlow’s gift was the result of her great experience while attending Grand Valley – an experience she hopes to provide to future students.

While attending Grand Valley, Marlow worked as a Student Telephone Outreach Program caller for University Development. She had the opportunity to speak with Grand Valley alumni from a variety of generations and hear their own stories from their time as a Laker. “This experience brought me closer to Grand Valley and inspired me to give back,” said Marlow. “Being able to relate to alums from all generations and learning more about Grand Valley’s history made me appreciate the university and how lucky I was to be here.”

Cathy Skene, the telephone outreach supervisor, recalled Marlow’s attitude and enthusiasm toward Grand Valley infectious. “I’ve known Marlow for a little over three years and in that time I’ve seen her generous spirit shine through,” said Skene. “She was very generous with her time and was always willing to go that extra mile to motivate her fellow outreach program members to excel. She loves Grand Valley and is willing to invest in its future.”

Marlow also became involved in Grand Valley through her role as Vice President of the Future Alumni Association and is now an active member of the Young Alumni Council. Her dedication to serving Grand Valley grew even more after attending Enrichment Dinner. “The first time I attended Enrichment Dinner was important to me. That night the university introduced the Shaping Our Future campaign and it was powerful sitting among a group of people that felt so excited about the future of Grand Valley.”

Marlow is now working at MVP in Holland. “Grand Valley made me fall in love with West Michigan,” she said. “I want to stay involved in the community and Grand Valley the best I can.” She also likes to connect with people outside the university in order to help current students succeed in their studies and future careers. “When I meet other Grand Valley alumni, I ask them about their college experience and bring up their feelings toward Grand Valley. I try to strike up conversations with them about how they could give back to current and future students.”

“Marlow’s thoughtful planned gift demonstrates her commitment to Grand Valley,” said Jill Dooley, Director of Annual Giving at Grand Valley. “Now she’s out in the working world representing the outstanding reputation of the university and the great things our graduates are doing in the community.”