Lakers Give Back

STORY BY AMY WHITE AND ANNIE PETTIT ’24

The Laker community came together in late March for the second Day of Giving, an energizing 24 hours dedicated to supporting scholarships and programs across campus.

With nearly 1,500 donors raising more than $238,000, this year’s effort surpassed last year's inaugural event in both participation and generosity. More impressive than those numbers are the stories of the donors and their giving challenges. A few highlights are listed below.

Foundation Leaders Ignite Generosity

Five people in a row, flanked by Donna and Jim Brooks.

The Grand Valley University Foundation, led by co-chairs Jim and Donna Brooks, played a pivotal role in rallying support. When 1,000 gifts were received for Day of Giving, $20,500 from foundation members was unlocked for the Student Textbook and Supplies Fund.

“The giving challenges have been a powerful way to leverage the collective generosity of our foundation members,” said Jim and Donna Brooks. “We look forward to seeing the impact our challenge gift will have on students.”

This strategic act of generosity amplified other gifts, highlighting the strength of collective support from the Laker community.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Scott Swinehart in dark suit jacket and open collared blue check shirt

photo by Kendra Stanley-Mills

For Scott Swinehart ’95, ’97, giving to Grand Valley was more than philanthropy, it was personal.

For GVSU Day of Giving, Swinehart offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 to support the Peter Secchia Military & Veterans Resource Center, a nationally recognized campus hub that provides support for student veterans and military-connected students.

“Transitioning to civilian life is a daunting task, and we are here to help,” Swinehart said. His gift not only encouraged others to give but also brought attention to the vital role the MVRC plays in student success and well-being.

Swinehart finds deep meaning in giving back to Grand Valley because of how the university shaped his own life. He grew up during GVSU’s formative years and was literally on the sidelines, serving as a ball boy for the Lakers' first national championship football team. As a student, Grand Valley’s education program launched Swinehart's career and helped him shape lives in the classroom just as GVSU shaped his.

“I like reading student impact stories because I know that I’m a part of their journey,” he said. “If you haven’t been back to GVSU in a while, take a drive or schedule a time to visit and see how you can help make a positive impact.”

Young Alumni Pay It Forward

nine people standing outside in front of circle of flags from different countries and the Secchia Hall is in background

photo by Emily Riddle

Day of Giving saw a meaningful contribution from Grand Valley’s Young Alumni Council (YAC), a group dedicated to building bridges between recent graduates and the university. The council rallied its peers by issuing a challenge: when 25 young alumni made gifts to the Dean of Students Emergency Fund, YAC would contribute an additional $1,000. The fund supports students facing short-term financial emergencies, needs that, left unmet, could seriously derail academic progress.

For YAC president Connor Gillis ’21, the cause struck a chord. “I was a transfer student and in school during COVID,” he said. “My college experience didn’t feel typical. I didn’t have many opportunities to give back when I was a student, so I was glad to find community by volunteering with fellow alumni who shared similar experiences.”

Under Gillis’ guidance, the council continues its mission to strengthen connections among young alumni and provide strategic input on how to support the needs of recent graduates.

Gillis encouraged fellow Lakers to consider the many ways Grand Valley shaped their journey. “Think back to the faculty, resources, scholarships and opportunities that helped you get where you are today," he said. "Now, you have the chance to pay it forward and help create those same life-changing experiences for the next generation of Lakers.”

Esports Club Streams for a Cause

Student in GVSU esports jersey and Louie the Laker giving an anchor up sign

photo by Emily Riddle

A full day before the giving officially began, Grand Valley’s Esports Club kicked off a 24-hour livestream event that featured a high-energy Louie Kart tournament — a custom-built, Mario Kart-style minigame created just for Day of Giving. Not only did they earn prize money for their club by playing Louie Kart, they also saw their community support them during that time with $2,000 in donations.

“We felt it was imperative for us to take home prize money from the game,” said Evan Dean, club co-president and an information technology major.

Funds raised will help the club upgrade gear, host more events and support scholarships for top players.

“Generous donations improve the day-to-day experience for our members,” Dean said. “They help us build a better, more inclusive community.”

For co-president Josiah Kingma, an electrical engineering major, the club has been a place of personal growth. “I joined first to play games competitively, but I’ve gained leadership, communication skills and a passion for helping others feel welcome," he said.

Dean said: “Student organizations bring community, friendship and purpose to the lives of college students. Many student organizations rely heavily on the generous gifts of others. Day of Giving provided an amazing platform for students to use to achieve their organization’s fundraising goals.”

Building a Tradition of Generosity

Beyond dollars raised, Day of Giving meant cultivating a culture where community, support and purpose intersect. It was about creating momentum, not only for one day, but for a future where students are empowered and Lakers continue to lift up each other.