President Mark A. Murray announced that the Grand Valley Minority Scholarship Fund has reached the $1 million mark. The fund presently stands at approximately $700,000; money needed to bring it to $1 million will come from the university.
In keeping with the spirit of the season and as a statement of the institution's commitment to students of color, I have decided to add to the Minority Scholarship Endowment the university funds necessary to bring the endowment to the million-dollar mark, Murray said.
The Minority Scholarship Endowment is one component of Grand Valley's minority scholarship programs that, in the current academic year, have resulted in more than $2 million in awards. More than 600 students received funds from minority scholarships for the 2001-02 academic year.
We are proud of our achievements in this area and pledge to continue to grow these programs, Murray said.
Murray made the announcement on Tuesday, December 18, at Grand Rapids' Creston High School, following a meeting with minority students who are considering college choices. Murray also acknowledged the work of Donald Williams, Grand Valley's Dean of Minority Affairs, who retires at the end of December. Williams joined the president for the announcement, as did Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Patricia Newby and Creston Principal Sidney Bailey.
Dean Donald Williams has helped countless students graduate from college, Murray said. In some cases, these graduates are young men and women who might not have succeeded had they not had a mentor like Don Williams.
Grand Valley has 19 scholarship and financial aid programs for minority students. Information on scholarships and admission is available from the Admissions Office at 616-895-2025.
