Supporting Future Laker Memories
Shane Paul Szalai, '95, spent his years at Grand Valley, taking in every moment and every opportunity presented to him. The moments he spent in the classroom and outside of the classroom had a long-lasting impact that changed his life forever.
These experiences and life-changing moments inspired Shane to give back and support athletic and academic programs at Grand Valley. He cherished these memories and wants Grand Valley students to have the same opportunities.
His first memory on Grand Valley’s campus was his first campus visit, and that was the moment he knew he would enjoy every moment at the university. Shane describes the decision as the simplest and best decision of his life. He also enjoyed the time he spent on the rowing team which is why he supports the team today.
“Most of all, my best Grand Valley memories involve rowing, or more accurately, my time with my teammates,” Shane says.
The amount of support offered by professors while attending Grand Valley inspired Paul to give not only to the rowing team but also to the political science program. In his first semester at Grand Valley, he took an American Politics course, and this class sparked an interest in Paul. Another special Grand Valley moment that Shane especially remembers and appreciates the support of faculty member John Batchelder who encouraged him throughout the years and recommended Shane for the Rhodes Scholarship. In that process, Shane realized that Professor Batchelder truly cared about his education and future aspirations. Part of his giving goes to help other political science students have these same experiences with faculty at Grand Valley.
“I had great relationships with all of my professors at Grand Valley, but particularly with John Batchelder, John Constantelos, and Polly Diven. I want to show them I appreciate what they did for me and will do for future students,” Shane says.
Shane enjoyed being able to experience Grand Valley academics and athletics. The relationships that started at Grand Valley with professors and teammates is what Paul wants for future students.
“I want to do my part to ensure that current and future students will always be able to have such great experiences,” Shane says.