Grand Valley mourns the death of Don VanderJagt

ALLENDALE, Mich. — The Grand Valley State University community is remembering longtime professor, friend and colleague Don VanderJagt, who died Tuesday, March 10. He was 71.

VanderJagt taught mathematics at Grand Valley for 42 years and served as chairman of the department for 25 years and faculty representative to the Athletic Department. He mentored many students and new faculty.

"Grand Valley is fortunate to have had a faculty member of the caliber of Professor Don VanderJagt," said Gayle Davis, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. "Don made significant contributions to the growth, development and quality of the university. He will be deeply missed by students and colleagues."
 
VanderJagt graduated from Hope College in 1959, received his master’s in mathematics from Florida State University and his doctorate in mathematics from Western Michigan University.

He was President of FARA for the NCAA Division I, II, III. He also served on the Jenison Public School Board for 24 years, and as president for eight years. He was a member of Central Reformed Church where he sang in the choir and was actively involved in the RCA. He was the past president of South Grand Rapids Classis and the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Interment at Georgetown Township Cemetery.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Dr. Donald and Barbara VanderJagt Mathematics and Athletics Scholarship at Grand Valley State University or Addie's Food Pantry of Central Reformed Church.

Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive.