Generous gift launches scholarship to help Coopersville students

A love of education and a commitment to the Coopersville area is what prompted Ed and Nancy Hanenburg and their children to start the Coopersville Scholarship. The scholarship is available to Coopersville High School graduates who enroll as full-time freshman students at Grand Valley. The Hanenburgs are providing a $1 million gift to initially fund the scholarship in hopes others will be motivated to contribute to the endowment.

“Coopersville is a nice community full of caring people,” said Ed Hanenburg. “There are so many kids in the community that do well, but can’t afford a college education. We hope this scholarship will become ‘community owned.’”

The Hanenburgs didn’t attend Grand Valley, but said they feel an allegiance to the university. “We are so impressed with the quality of programs offered at Grand Valley and the low tuition cost,” said Nancy Hanenburg. “We’ve watched the university grow over the years. Grand Valley is known for its academic standards while being one of the best values in the state.”

Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas said: “The Hanenburgs have built a bridge from Coopersville into the heart of our campus community. Everyone who supports this scholarship will be opening up so many new opportunities for the youth of Coopersville. It says a lot about a community when its citizens make education a priority. We’re grateful to be able to work with the Hanenburg family and others who will join in the effort.”

There are 2,600 students in the Coopersville Area Public Schools; there are about 840 in the high school. The high school has a 97.3 percent graduation rate and the average MEAP and ACT scores are above the state average. The high school has also received the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence. In fall 2007, 47 high school seniors applied to Grand Valley and 16 enrolled.

“The potential is huge for our kids,” said Kevin O’Neill, superintendent of Coopersville Area Public Schools and Grand Valley alumnus. “This will open doors for some who don’t have a sense of opportunity about college because of affordability. This will put a dream within reach for many.”

Recipients for the Coopersville Scholarship will receive a minimum of $1,000. Those who have attended Coopersville High School, freshman through senior year, may receive a larger grant than students with fewer years attendance. Demonstration of financial need is not required to receive the annual scholarship. Coopersville students can begin applying for the scholarship this spring; award money can be used for fall admission.

“This will not only have an immediate impact on our students, but will benefit kids well into the future,” said Ron Veldman, principal of Coopersville High School and Grand Valley alumnus. “It’s incredible to think the scholarship has the potential to impact children that aren’t even born yet.”

ED AND NANCY HANENBURG
Ed Hanenburg was born and raised on a farm in Lamont. He attended Coopersville High School and Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College). He is a farmer and businessman who has served many roles in the Coopersville community. He owns or has interest in several agricultural concerns and development projects. He is active with the strategic planning effort for Coopersville Area Public Schools and the city’s Downtown Development Association and various revitalization projects. Ed was also a founding member and president of the Coopersville Area Foundation. Ed built the Coopersville Farm Museum, dedicated to the memory of his father, Peter Hanenburg. The museum honors the history of farming and serves as the anchor in the Historic Downtown area of Coopersville.

Nancy Hanenburg, a former teacher, grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from the University of Michigan. She has provided volunteer leadership and service to numerous organizations, including serving as executive director of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation from 1991-2003. During her 12-year tenure she oversaw the growth in the foundation’s fund from $400,000 to nearly $40 million.