Horizons Winter 2021
Student Spotlight
Click photos for full stories and galleries.
Becoming a Self-advocate and World Citizen
After visiting his extended family in Nigeria, Michael, Class of 2022, noticed there wasn’t a lot of information or understanding about mental health in the country. He could see there was a need for more education to help destigmatize mental health, and he became dedicated to a career in health care where he could lead in this effort. At Grand Valley, Michael is preparing to become a doctor by double majoring in biomedical sciences and philosophy. With graduation on the horizon, he’s ready for what’s next.
Impact
Lubbers Society Profile: Defining Lakers for a Lifetime
Few families define what it means to be Lakers for a Lifetime as much as the Carlsons. For nearly 40 years Betsy and Steve Carlson ’78 have been giving to Grand Valley, ranking them among the university’s most loyal donors and members of the highly valued Lubbers Society. What began right after graduation as a way to invest in keeping Grand Valley’s educational experience excellent and attractive to future students and their employers, has expanded to giving to causes the couple is passionate about throughout the university.
Why We Give: Community Transformation
When Joan Budden announced her retirement as CEO of Priority Health after serving in that position for five years, the team at Priority Health immediately thought of honoring her with a gift to Grand Valley. Joan and her husband Doug had previously established the Budden Family Pathway Endowed Scholarship to assist students majoring in the health sciences from middle-income families who do not qualify for federal financial aid. An honorarium gift to the Budden Scholarship from Joan’s colleagues at Priority Health just made sense. Priority Health invests more than $1.5 million a year in sponsorship and philanthropy by teaming up with organizations, like Grand Valley, that align with its mission and values.
Fund Spotlight
GVSU Art Collection Endowment
Grand Valley State University is leading in innovative ways to provide access to art for students, the community, and the state. For years, the goal was to build the collection. Now the primary need has shifted to focus on increasing and sustaining access for all. Students of all majors can engage with the collection every day on-campus or online, and utilize art in their courses to learn visual literacy and analysis, and experience different cultures and points of view. Gifts to the GVSU Art Collection Endowment will help maintain the collection and increase opportunities for learning through art.
Learn more about the endowment.
New Endowments and Scholarships
We celebrate the following donors for establishing new endowments and scholarships at Grand Valley. Your gifts ensure that students have the funding and resources they need to complete their degree, and that Grand Valley will have a lasting impact in our community. Thank you!
See full list here.
