In Memoriam
This space pays tribute to the people who helped shape Grand Valley, such as Nancy Shontz.
March 31, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 14)
In Memoriam
April 14, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 15)
Standing at left is Don Williams Sr., dean emeritus of minority affairs, at a 2022 GVSU Enrichment Dinner talking with William Pickard, former Board of Trustee member.
Photo Credit: Amanda Pitts
Retired staff member
Donald
(Don) Williams Sr., retired dean emeritus of minority affairs,
died March 29, 2026. He was 89. Williams joined Grand Valley's staff
in 1985 and retired in 2001.
Williams worked as director of the Minority Business Education Center and was appointed as dean in 1989. He developed programs to address the academic and social needs of students of color in business, science and mathematics, and education. Those programs served as the nucleus for OMA.
A celebration of life service for Williams is scheduled for May 16, 1-3 p.m., at the DeVos Center, Exhibition Hall, on the City Campus. Complimentary parking will be available in the DeVos Lot.
Retired staff member
Thomas
Darnell Robinson, retired custodian, died on March 19, 2026. He
was 72.
Robinson joined the Facilities Services staff in 1991 and retired in 2018.
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This article was last edited on April 9, 2026 at 3:35 p.m.
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