GVU Foundation marks 50 years

It is the 50th anniversary of the Grand Valley University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered in 1965. The foundation has raised $322 million in private gifts for the university and generated support for more than 400 scholarships, academic programs and centers of excellence.

The Grand Valley Board of Trustees honored Jim and Donna Brooks, general chairs of the foundation, during its April 29 board meeting at the L. William Seidman Center. The Brookses, longtime supporters of the university, were recognized for their many years of service to the foundation and Grand Valley. 

Donna served as a member of the Grand Valley Board of Trustees from 1993-2009, and as board chair from 1997-2001 and 2006-2007. She is an honorary life member of the board. Donna and Jim co-chaired the university’s first comprehensive campaign, Shaping Our Future. The College of Interdisciplinary Studies is named in honor of Jim and Donna and their family. 

The Grand Valley University Foundation is the umbrella organization and recognition society for all who give to the university through annual giving, capital campaigns, special giving or planned giving.