Benefiting future generations of learners, leaders, and Lakers
Grand Valley is home for Rory ’14 and Emily ’14, ’20 Miller. Not only is it the place where they earned their degrees, but it is also where the Millers met, fell in love, and got married. Today, the Millers support the university through service and philanthropic giving.
After getting their start at Grand Valley, the Millers began successful careers within West Michigan. Emily is currently an elementary arts teacher at Allendale Public Schools and Rory works as a facilities furniture technician lead at Herman Miller. Even as they move forward, Grand Valley remains a happy reminder of the memories they made together.
“Grand Valley is near and dear to our hearts and home; we love watching it grow and seeing the Laker Effect spread throughout communities nationwide,” said Rory.
Both Emily and Rory serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. On top of that, Emily also serves on the College of Education Alumni Board. Their work prepares students to enter the workforce by engaging with alumni leaders to create new connections and opportunities for learners.
“As a student, I was part of the NAEA student chapter, but I did not feel like I gave back enough,” Emily recalls. “Now, as an educator and as a Laker alumna, I try to connect Lakers back to Grand Valley, no matter their area of expertise.”
The Millers believe that GVSU Lakers can accomplish great things when we support each other. This is why they made a planned gift to help sustain education and art at Grand Valley. Planned giving includes gifts left in your will, estate, or retirement account that are typically invested in long-term endowments that continue to make an impact for generations. Rory and Emily hope their gift will alleviate the financial burden that higher education places on learners, allowing them to pursue their goals and career ambitions.
“You can’t take it with you, so giving back to something greater than ourselves that will benefit future generations of learners, leaders, and Lakers is a worthy cause,” explained Emily.
Some of the Millers’ favorite memories and most treasured relationships were made at Grand Valley. They give to ensure that future students can have those opportunities and encourage other alumni to do the same.
“Giving back does not need to be much, it can be $5 a month. Find an organization or cause within the university that is near and dear to you and make that commitment,” Rory said. “Think about the memories you have at the university and decide what those memories are worth financially.”