Mike Olthoff

Throughout his flourishing career, Mike Olthoff has been vigorously involved in the West Michigan community. A Michigan State University graduate, Mike Olthoff began his career as a high school teacher.

Four years later he joined Nichols, a distributor of packaging, paper and sanitary supply products with five branch locations in Michigan.

He held various positions at Nichols over the years, becoming CEO in 1995. Under Mike's leadership, the company created the Nichols Sustainability Scholarship at Grand Valley in 2005.

"We have appreciated Mike Olthoff's leadership. The Nichols Sustainability Scholarship has meant a great deal to our sustainable Community Development Initiative and to our students," said Norman Christopher, director of GVSU's sustainability initiative. "The scholarship supports the GVSU mission of helping students shape their lives, professions, and societies by embracing sustainability's guiding principles of environmental stewardship, social responsbility, and job and wealth creation."

The scholarship is designed to reward students who are committed to making a difference when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. The company funds this scholarship to demonstrate its dedication to promoting sustainability.

In addition to his company's contributions, Mike serves the university as a GVU Foundation director. This is one of many community leadership positions Mike has held.

Mike Olthoff pictured with Kendall Gilbert, a Nichols Sustainability Scholarship recipient