As Grand Valley celebrates 50 years of shaping lives, it also celebrates a partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way that has been in place for more than 28 years.
Jean Enright served as chair or co-chair for Grand Valley's
campaign for 17 years, becoming one of the longest serving chairs in
the Heart of West Michigan United Way campaigns. It’s estimated she
helped raise about $2 million for United Way in her service to Grand Valley.
"The partnership was established before I came in 1987, but
it broadened under President Lubbers," said Enright, who retired
in 2004 as executive assistant to the president. "He valued
United Way and wanted everyone to become aware of its work in the
community and to participate."
Grand Valley's participation has grown over the years. The 2009
campaign, which ran for two weeks in October, saw donations from 1,150
employees raising $149,075. That was an increase over 2008 statistics
of 1,081 employees giving $141,157.
Marlene Kowalski-Braun, co-chair for Grand Valley’s campaign,
has been involved for the past decade. "I am so proud to be part
of an institution where employees give generously to the communities
in which they live and work," said Kowalski-Braun. "The
programs that are supported through the dollars given could not exist
without the United Way campaign and Grand Valley's support makes a
tremendous difference."
Jon Jellema, associate vice president for Academic Affairs,
became co-chair in 2005. "As times get tough, the need for United
Way agencies increases; but for some of the same reasons, the
contributions to United Way decrease," said Jellema. "It's
remarkable that our university community continues to be an exception
to the rule: we’ve increased our giving each year."
Heart of West Michigan United Way funds 116 programs at 51
partner agencies and is supported by more than 600 partners who hold
workplace campaigns. Grand Valley’s 2010 campaign begins September 29
and runs through October 13.
