Grand Valley mourns death of longtime supporter

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of businessman and philanthropist Charles Royce, who died June 20 at the age of 90.

Royce was a strong supporter of all forms of art in the Grand Rapids community and was a loyal supporter of students and the arts at Grand Valley State University. 

"We are tremendously grateful for Chuck’s legacy at Grand Valley which will continue on for generations," said President Thomas J. Haas. "His influence on the growth of the arts at the university and his steadfast support for our students are deeply appreciated by all of us."

Royce served as a director of the Grand Valley University Foundation for nearly 25 years, most recently on the foundation’s Advisory Cabinet. His loyal support for Grand Valley students, particularly for scholarships, the arts, WGVU, and the university endowment, helped expand opportunities for students. 

Among the many programs he supported, Royce helped sponsor Grand Valley's Fall Arts Poetry Night and served on the Honorary Executive Committee for the WGVU Digital Campaign.  

"Chuck was a great friend to the university and to me personally," said President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers. "His generous heart and his passion for this community will long be remembered. Chuck and his wife, Stella, were among those who shaped our community in the last 60 years."