Four area leaders will be honored for their community philanthropy and commitment to Grand Valley State University at the annual Grand Valley University Foundation Enrichment Dinner.
The event will be Thursday, May 27, at the Amway Grand Plaza. A reception will begin at 6 p.m., dinner at 7.
The four honorees are Arnold C. Ott, Mitchell G. Watt, L. William Seidman and Jean W. Enright. Seidman is slated for a special honor as the founder of Grand Valley State University. Chairman of the GVU Foundation, Richard M. DeVos, and Vice Chairs Donna K. Brooks and James W.F. Brooks will join GVSU President Mark A. Murray and President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers to present the honors.
As Grand Valley celebrates its 40th anniversary, the university will recognize those who participated in the now-historic effort to obtain a charter for a state college in West Michigan. Members of the Committee for the Establishment of a Four-Year College, and members of the Advisory Unit appointed by the Legislature, are invited to the Enrichment Dinner and will be acknowledged for their vision, commitment and accomplishment.
Founders Award
The Founders Award was established in honor of the founding
leaders of Grand Valley State University.
Washington-based chief commentator for CNBC, L. William Seidman played a pivotal role in business, media and higher education in the Grand Rapids area before he moved on to a remarkable career in the national arena, including serving as the chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under the Reagan administration. Recognized as the founder of Grand Valley, Seidman began a drive for a state college in West Michigan in the late 1950s by forming a committee of prominent citizens. He then rallied public and political forces and coordinated efforts to raise the $1 million required to obtain the charter. In 1960, Gov. Williams named Seidman to the colleges newly formed Board of Control, where he served for 20 years. Grand Valleys first class of students graduated in 1963.
Enrichment Award
Recipients of the Enrichment Award are recognized for their
community philanthropy and commitment to Grand Valley. Honorees are
inducted into the Grand Valley State University Hall of Fame at the
annual Enrichment Dinner.
Arnold C. Ott was the longest standing member of the Grand Valley State University Board of Control, beginning as a charter member in 1960 and serving for 28 years, including two terms as board chair. With a doctorate in chemistry, physics and bacteriology from Michigan State University, Ott worked at Dow Chemical Co. and the Upjohn Co., where he authored 55 domestic and foreign patents before starting the Ott Chemical Co. in Muskegon. His business expertise and leadership contributed to the early progress of a growing university. Arnold and his wife, Marion, created The Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry to bring added recognition, nationally and internationally, to the Department of Chemistry at Grand Valley. The once-a-semester lecture series draws prominent chemists from around the world.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award honors young leaders whose active commitment
to public service, economic development, educational and cultural
enrichment and whose ethical standards and integrity have contributed
significantly to the quality of life in West Michigan.
Mitchell G. Watt is a dynamic professional who values education and the importance of community involvement. Watt serves on the Grand Valley University Foundation Board of Trustees and the Leadership Committee, where he is encouraging younger leaders to become involved with Grand Valley. Other organizations that have benefited from his expertise, service and philanthropic leadership include the John Ball Zoological Society, Blodgett/Butterworth Healthcare Foundation, Spectrum Health, Economic Club of Grand Rapids and Forest Hills Public Schools. As vice president and managing principal of URS, Watt oversees 350 professionals in the firms Great Lakes operations. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and other professional organizations within the architecture and education fields.
Arend D. Lubbers Award
The Arend D. Lubbers Award was established to honor long time
Grand Valley faculty and staff for service to the community and
university.
Awarded by the university president in honor of service to the community and university. As the executive assistant to two Grand Valley presidents, Jean W. Enright has served as a bridge between the president, students, parents, faculty and community leaders for the past 17 years. Her leadership and facilitation have provided a legacy of successful academic and community events, ranging from convocations and commencements to groundbreakings, dedications, exhibits and special events. A longtime servant and proponent of education, Jean held several positions with the Grand Rapids Public Schools system prior to Grand Valley.
The Enrichment Dinner is a celebration of giving for donors contributing $300 or more annually per couple. For information about reservations contact University Development at 616-331-6000.
