Leaders at Grand Valley State University were saddened by the passing on December 7, 2004 of Jay Van Andel, a member of the Grand Valley University Foundation's Advisory Cabinet and benefactor of the University in numerous projects.
"Jay's impact on our university was both quiet and far-reaching. Jay was always there when we needed his support for projects that would become milestones for the University," said Mark A. Murray, president of Grand Valley State University.
"His personal generosity is reflected across our downtown Grand Rapids campus, whether on 'health hill' with the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences or in the DeVos Center, where the Van Andel Global Trade Center was named in honor of his entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for international business," Murray added. "Just yesterday I heard a recital on the organ he supported for our Cook-DeWitt Center. Our hearts go out to Jay's family."
