Horizons Winter 2022
Click photos for full stories and galleries.
Student Impact
Never too Late to Believe in Yourself
“To say that going back to school in your 40s is a life-changing experience is an understatement. There were dozens of reasons not to. However, I knew I wanted to take this journey not only for myself and the new career path I hope to take, but to show our children that it is never too late to live your dreams and to believe in yourself.” - Emily Haines Lloyd, Class of 2022
Impact
Why We Give
Because of You
You are making an incredible difference in the lives of Grand Valley students. Funding for scholarships has never been more crucial. At the end of 2021, we shared with you that less than 25% of students who apply for scholarships receive one.
You heard this, responded… and today, we want to celebrate!
Thank you to the 373 donors who raised more than $155,000 in scholarships since December 29. Your gifts are providing important financial support. Because of you, more students will receive the help they need through scholarships this Fall semester. We couldn’t do this without you!
Lubbers Society Profile: Making a Positive Difference
Nothing exemplifies the Lubbers Society more than a loyal donor like Annie Jacobs ’67. Annie was a member of Grand Valley’s first graduating class. Mentors in her hometown of Grand Haven and at Grand Valley supported her during her formative years. Now retired from an impactful career as an educator, Annie is still finding ways to help the next generation of students. As a 27-year donor to Grand Valley, she hopes her gifts are making a positive difference in the lives of students.
Fund Spotlight
Featured Priority: Wrestling
Wrestling returns to Grand Valley in Fall 2023 and we need donor support to continue the championship tradition in Laker wrestling that was started years ago. As one of Division II’s elite athletic programs, Lakers are leading the resurgence of men’s wrestling and the emergence of women’s wrestling in collegiate athletics. Your gifts will provide the margin of excellence in recruiting, coaching, equipment, and facilities that keeps our student-athletes competitive and creates championship-caliber teams in every sport.
New Endowments, Scholarships, and Gillett Society Members
Thank you to the following donors for establishing new endowments and scholarships, as well as the new Gillett Society members who have included Grand Valley in their estate planning. 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 on our community.
Events
GVU Foundation Holiday Reception 2021
On December 8, we celebrated with friends at the Grand Valley University Foundation Holiday Reception. The room was full of holiday cheer, and it was especially nice to have our student performers set the mood with their music and share their perceptions of Grand Valley.
Palm Beach 2022
On January 26, we gathered with many of our Florida friends at the Grand Valley University Foundation Palm Beach Dinner and Forum. It felt great to be back in Florida again and to hear about today’s philanthropic landscape from Laura Aikens, GVU Foundation Executive Director.
