Paul Stuart’s family saved the best gift for last this past Christmas. “He’s going to be confused, then he’s going to cry,” his granddaughter Peyton predicted. She was right. 

Wrapped in a GVSU blanket was a framed certificate announcing the Paul Stuart ’70 Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a Grand Valley student studying special education, a field in which Paul spent 15 years of his career. 

“I've never been able to buy him anything he really wants,” Todd Stuart ’01, Paul’s son, joked. When Todd suggested the gift of a GVSU scholarship, the whole family immediately jumped on board. Paul said the gift left him speechless. “It was just a wonderful gift from the kids.” 

From Challenge to Achievement
Paul was part of the fourth graduating class at what was then known as Grand Valley State College. He fondly remembers when the school was just a handful of buildings and students ate off paper plates in the dining hall.  

Even in its early days, GVSU was known for its academic rigor. “It was rated as one of the top colleges in the Midwest,” Paul recalled. The challenging coursework made for a tough transition, and in his first term he struggled. “I wasn't goofing around. I was working hard, but it was tough,” he admitted. Eventually those struggles landed him on academic probation. But rather than give up, he sought help. A counselor gave him a booklet on study habits, and Paul committed to following it “to a T.” The effort paid off. His grades improved, he declared a major in group social studies with a minor in physical education, and by his senior year, he had earned a place on the dean’s list. Paul became more involved on campus through things like intramural sports and a bible study. He says his faith was integral in helping him find his way forward.  

After graduating, Paul dedicated 32 years to education, which included teaching social studies and serving as vice principal for special education. 

A Son Inspired to Give Back 
Todd followed in his father’s footsteps and also attended Grand Valley, studying economics and political science. “It was a different experience for me, largely because I had a dad who became an educator who taught me how to study,” he shared.  

Seeing his father’s commitment to teaching and mentorship inspired Todd to make his own path in education. After earning his law degree and starting his own firm, he returned to Grand Valley – this time as a professor. Now, he teaches Business 201, a course exclusively taught by lawyers, where students get real-world examples of law in action.  

For Paul, seeing his son return to GVSU in a teaching role is a special moment. “Just saying ‘I'm proud’ is an understatement,” Paul shared. 

Empowering Future Educators Through Scholarship
Now, that legacy comes full circle with a scholarship that will support future educators. “I still have that heart for special needs kids,” Paul shared. “And someone that wants to go into that and make it their profession – I think that would be wonderful to help a student out.”  

Paul’s journey at Grand Valley began with uncertainty, struggling through his first few terms. Decades later, his son not only earned a degree from the same university but also teaches there, guiding students in the same way as his father. And now, through this scholarship, the impact of the Stuart family’s Grand Valley legacy will continue. The student who receives this scholarship might face the same challenges Paul once did – but like Paul, they will have the support to push through and succeed. 

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