It was announced today that $20 million of the $25 million in
private funds needed for Grand Valley State University’s new L.
William Seidman building has been raised. The public phase of the
campaign for the remaining $5 million will begin. The total cost of
the project is $40 million.
Nearly 150 people gathered at the future site of the Seidman
College of Business at 38 Front Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids.
Participants included lead donors and general chairman of the Grand
Valley University Foundation Rich DeVos. The generous philanthropist
and founder of Amway first publicly broached the idea for this
building during the memorial tribute to Bill Seidman on Grand Valley’s
campus more than a year ago.
“The Seidman College of Business and the L. William Seidman
building will not only influence this city’s skyline, but the economic
vitality of the entire state,” said DeVos.
Grand Valley’s President Thomas J. Haas has noted that during
this year of celebration for the university’s 50th anniversary, the
public-private partnership that Bill Seidman spearheaded to found
Grand Valley is a cornerstone of Grand Valley’s relationship with the
region. “The success of this project is a reflection on the generosity
of this community and the attractiveness of Bill Seidman’s original
vision for Grand Valley and for the business school,” said Haas.
The new L. William Seidman building will support the Seidman
College of Business’ growing reputation as the premier business school
in the Midwest.
SEIDMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
- The Seidman College of Business has experienced amazing growth. In its 40-year history it has gone from 145 students to more than 3,300 currently enrolled.
- The college has given Grand Valley international standing as one of only 173 schools of business worldwide that have a dual accreditation in both business and accounting.
- The college attracts an impressive student population, with GMAT scores that are the second highest in the state.
- The college is increasingly seen as a premier business college because of the quality of graduates who fuel the talent base for West Michigan and beyond.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
- The designer for the project is Robert A. Stern Architects, LLP, an internationally recognized firm known for attention to detail and a commitment to design quality.
- Local firms Integrated Architecture and Pioneer Construction will be part of the project.
- The building will be Grand Valley’s 16th LEED-certified building. Grand Valley is nationally recognized for being a ‘green college’ and the building will contribute to that reputation by promoting water and energy conservation, recycled and locally manufactured materials and indoor air quality.
Ground-breaking for the new L. William Seidman building is
planned for spring, 2011.
For more information, contact Grand Valley News and Information
Services at (616) 331-2221.
