Grand Valley State University leaders mourn the death of
philanthropist and friend Emajean (Pat) Cook. The devoted wife of
Peter C. Cook died this morning of Alzheimer's disease. She was 93.
The couple was remarkably generous and gave back to a community
they loved, and their name is associated with many of the notable
buildings and structures at Grand Valley including the Cook-DeVos
Center for Health Sciences on the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids and the
Cook Carillon Tower, an icon on the Allendale Campus.
"Pat Cook's name and good works are forever tied to Grand
Valley State University," President Thomas J. Haas said.
"The Carillon Tower casts its shadow over the Cook-DeWitt Center,
a gathering place for music, art, and reflection. The Cook-DeVos
Center for Health Sciences is a thriving classroom and laboratory
center training our future health care providers. The Cooks set a
standard of excellence in their thoughtful donations to this community
and we are forever grateful for their generosity."
Earlier this year, the Cooks endowed the Peter C. Cook
Leadership Academy, supporting the Cook Leadership Fellows program at
Grand Valley’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.
Grand Valley’s President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers and his wife, Nancy, count Pat as one of their dearest friends.
"Pat and Peter warmly welcomed us to Grand Rapids nearly 40
years ago and did countless things to help us succeed," said Don
Lubbers. "They made their philanthropic donations together, and
they eagerly shared their success with Grand Valley and the Grand
Rapids community. I remember the day we dedicated the Cook Carillon
Tower in Allendale. Pat beamed with joy as we gathered around to hear
the first performance of the stunning musical instrument she and Peter
had brought to West Michigan. Her vision of what makes a campus
beautiful will be with us always."
Robert and Judith Hooker, both former members of Grand Valley's
Board of Trustees, had a professional and personal relationship with
the Cooks. Robert was Peter's business partner and the couples were close.
"We have lost a good friend," Judith Hooker said.
"Bob and I will miss Pat very much. She was a wonderful and
gracious woman and a quiet philanthropist who helped many individuals
and organizations."
The Grand Valley State University community will benefit for
years to come from Pat Cook's generosity of time and treasure.
The family will receive visitors at Metcalf & Jonkhoff
Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd., Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 22, 2
p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held
Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at Grace Reformed Church in Wyoming.
Hi-Res Images:
Pat and Peter Cook at the base of the Cook Carillon Tower
Peter and Pat Cook
Cook-DeVos Center For Health Sciences
The Cook DeWitt Center (white building) and Cook Carillon Tower
are major landmarks on GVSU's Allendale Campus
