Dan Carter '84

The Alumni Workplace Connections program encourages financial support to Grand Valley State University through individual and corporate matching gifts. Dan Carter, ’84 from Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC, a Grand Rapids-based accounting firm, illustrates how this program can make a significant impact. Carter, who is a partner, was inspired by the L. William Seidman Center campaign to start his own Alumni Workplace Connections program.

He used this opportunity as a way to reconnect with the university that significantly influenced his career and continues to influence the West Michigan community. The firm’s program began with a five-year commitment. With every employee gift pledged for up to five years, Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC committed to matching that gift, doubling the impact.

Many employees participated through payroll deduction. Carter said, “Combined with the gifts of others over five years, two dollars a paycheck could add up to over ten thousand dollars. Most of us wouldn’t miss two dollars from each paycheck.” Seventy percent of employees at the firm are associated with the university in some way.

Carter gives because of the quality of education he sees coming from Seidman College of Business graduates. “With so many students from the business college starting careers in West Michigan,” he said, “supporting Grand Valley is like economic development for West Michigan.” Grand Valley produces high achieving talent for the region and many alumni like Carter want to support the university after graduation. “Without the private-public partnership, there wouldn’t be a Grand Valley,” said Carter.

To-date, over $30,000 has been committed by the firm and its employees for the L. William Seidman Center. Visit the Alumni Workplace Connections website for information on starting a program at your organization.