Grand Valley celebrates life of longtime community philanthropist, university supporter

Leaders at Grand Valley and in West Michigan are celebrating the life of Thomas “Tom” S. Fox, community philanthropist and Grand Valley Foundation Advisory Cabinet member, who died on September 3. He was 95.

Fox was a lifelong member of the Grand Rapids community and well-known for his philanthropic spirit. Tom and his wife, Mickie, supported many Grand Valley initiatives for more than 30 years, including philanthropic gifts toward the sciences, endowment, scholarships, athletics and the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

“Tom’s passion for West Michigan was evident in his long-term engagement with the community, Grand Valley and support for our students. His involvement with our foundation and his ongoing support was so important to all of us,” said President Philomena V. Mantella.

The university recognized Tom and Mickie's major gift during construction of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, where the Tom and Mickie Fox and Family Therapeutic Modalities Lab now provides state-of-the-art space for health professions students to flourish. Fox was an active member of the GVU Advisory Cabinet for nine years and served on the Shaping Our Future Community Advisory Committee. 

Laura Aikens, vice president for University Development and executive director of the GVU Foundation, said: “I am grateful for the ways Tom contributed to this university and our entire community. He was a dear friend to many here, and his generosity and humor will be deeply missed."