Paying it forward has been a pattern throughout the life of Mike Goorhouse MPA ’11. Mike received the Joyce Hecht Scholarship while earning his master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration, and soon after he began giving back to that same fund. 

That spirit of generosity continues today. During Grand Valley’s 2026 Day of Giving, Mike and his wife Rachel MED ’12 helped create a young alumni bingo challenge, where winners of bingo games could direct funds to the area of campus they care about most. The goal was to invite younger donors to participate in giving, which resonated deeply with the Goorhouses. “It just felt so close to our values and what we care about,” Mike shared.  

An Early Start 

Mike’s own experience with giving started early. In high school, he served at the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland as part of the Youth Advisory Council. A classmate had recommended he apply for that position. At the time, “I don’t know that I could even spell philanthropy,” he joked.  

But something about the experience stuck. 

Compared to other extracurriculars, this work felt different. It was rooted in learning about local needs and helping to meet them. Through the council, Goorhouse was introduced to grantmaking and was able to participate in fundraising conversations as a teenager. “It just hooked me really early,” he said. “Giving can really take us beyond ourselves.” 

That early exposure led to a career in nonprofit, including roles with the Council of Michigan Foundations and later serving as director of the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland, back where he got his start. Today, he continues that work through his own consulting firm, advising nonprofits and foundations on different aspects of fundraising and giving strategy.

One of the most powerful ways to inspire generosity, Mike believes, is to let people experience it for themselves. "Getting the joy of giving,” as he described, is an experience that stayed with him. 

That same idea carried through to the Day of Giving bingo challenge. By giving participants a role in directing funds, the experience became more personal, especially for those just beginning their journey as donors. 

Rooted in West Michigan 

For Mike and Rachel, Grand Valley feels like home. Both completed their graduate degrees at Grand Valley while continuing to build their careers, which further reinforced their connection to the university and to West Michigan. “Grand Valley was our hometown university,” he said. “It gave us the opportunity to continue to work, to stay in the community, and to grow.” 

That connection continues to shape how the Goorhouses give today. “I think it’s the posture of giving back to a place that made an impact on our lives,” Mike said. “Because Grand Valley did make a big impact on our lives.” 

Investing in What Comes Next 

At the heart of the Goorhouses’ approach is a belief in the power of investing in others, particularly students. “I think any time we can invest in younger members of society, to learn, to be exposed to new things, is helpful,” he said. “This is how our eyes get opened to new possibilities.”  

And as Grand Valley continues to grow, so does its impact on the region. “It’s fun to see its position of influence in the community continue to rise,” Mike said, “as you have more and more alums out there making a difference.” 

That ripple effect – graduates who stay, lead, and invest back into their communities – is part of what makes giving feel meaningful. 

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