Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas, who spent two decades in the Coast Guard, spoke on the value of the AWRI and its efforts.
"Water is our defining natural resource in both West Michigan and the state as a whole," said Haas. "The Annis Water Resources Institute has been involved in integrating research, education, and outreach of aquatic resources for the past 20 years."
Not one, but four, anniversaries were the focus of the celebration at the GVSU Lake Michigan Center, attended by nearly 200 people.
Five years ago, in June of 2001, Grand Valley opened the Lake Michigan Center, the home of the Annis Water Resources Institute. At that time, the $5.5 million raised to build this structure was the largest capital campaign conducted in Muskegon. This groundbreaking campaign was led by Charles E. Johnson II, who marshaled support from individuals, corporations and foundations in and outside of Muskegon.
Ten years ago, the university added a second research vessel to its fleet: the W.G. Jackson, which is berthed permanently in Muskegon. In the decade since her launching, over 35,000 passengers have sailed the waters of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan on the W.G. Jackson. Muskegon residents Roger Andersen and Dr. William Schroeder led the "Making Waves in Muskegon" campaign, which funded this vessel.
The third anniversary celebrated the launching of the D.J. Angus 20 years ago. More than 65,000 passengers have sailed on the D.J. Angus, and gained a hands-on experience sampling the waters of Spring Lake and Lake Michigan.
The fourth anniversary celebrated was the founding of the Annis Water Resources Institute, also 20 years ago. The Institute started on Grand Valley's campus in Allendale as a one-person operation located in a basement office. Over the past 20 years, it has grown to a 70-person research and education program, now located in a 24,000 square foot building in Muskegon.
