Grace Loftus ’25 discovered her passion early in life. It began in a high school Model United Nations classroom where debates about global issues turned into a global dream: to pursue a future in diplomacy and international affairs. When it came time to choose a college, Grand Valley State University stood out not just for its small class sizes or its West Michigan location, but for the sense of community it promised. To Loftus, it seemed like the kind of place where she could build real relationships with her professors and feel supported as she chased her goals – something she would quickly find in Dr. Mark Richards, professor in the Political Science and Pre-Law department.

Guidance Along the Way 

Even before stepping onto campus, Loftus began forming that connection. Through early conversations with Dr. Richards, she was introduced to the possibility of law school and began to see how her interests in international affairs and policy could translate into a future in law. “Dr. Richards is the one who really helped me prepare for where I am now, which is heading to law school in the fall.” Loftus says. “He helped me see that this path was possible.” 

Loftus found another influential mentor in her Arab League professor, Dr. Chad Lingwood. Drawing from his own experiences working in the Middle East and across the Arab world, he challenged her to think beyond the classroom. "Dr. Lingwood taught us the importance of remembering that the policies and conflicts we discuss are rooted in real people, places, and histories,” Loftus explained. “He also emphasized the responsibility of stepping into spaces that are not inherently Western.” This encouraged her to approach global issues with cultural awareness and a commitment to understanding the perspectives of others. 

Following Her Values 

After graduating last December, Loftus remained involved at Grand Valley. She stepped into a new role as a lead fellow with the Cook Leadership Academy (CLA), a university program that helps students grow as leaders by encouraging reflection, meaningful engagement, and mentorship from members of the community. In this position, she now mentors incoming cohorts, helping them recognize and seize their own leadership opportunities.  

During her time in the program, her understanding of leadership was shaped by watching cohort leaders command the room with grace. “The biggest takeaway from CLA has been gaining clarity on my values and learning to live in accordance with them,” Loftus recalls. 

Guided by her goals and values, Loftus is not only working toward her own dreams but also fulfilling those of her family. As a first-generation college student alongside her sister, she recognizes the significance of what they are accomplishing. “I'm very fortunate that my sister and I are creating a new generation of young women that have obtained their bachelor's degree,” she shared. “And now, having the opportunity to open up a door beyond a bachelor's degree is life changing.” 

More Than Financial Support 

In addition to navigating college as a first-generation student, Loftus worked to support herself throughout her entire education. She had jobs while in school and even took time between community college and Grand Valley to work and save. Scholarship support changed the trajectory of Loftus’ college experience. Instead of feeling the constant pressure to make ends meet, she was able to dedicate more time and energy to her studies and future career. “The work that the scholarships allowed me to pursue is work that I want to do for the rest of my life,” Loftus explained. “They empowered me to put my focus in places that would pay dividends in the future, rather than simply working for a paycheck.” 

Thanks to donor support, Loftus carries both gratitude and a clear path forward as her journey at Grand Valley comes to an end. “I aspire to be a scholarship donor, because I want other students to have the fabulous college experience that I have been given through these grants and scholarships,” she says. “Donors have given me experiences that I will think back on for an entire lifetime.” 

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