News from Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley community remembers Vernon Ohlman

Grand Valley joins West Michigan in remembering the life of Vernon Ohlman, who died January 21, 2025, at 85. 

Ohlman’s dedication to Grand Valley is seen in the university buildings he designed and also through his philanthropy and students who benefited from his generosity.

“Vernon Ohlman’s designs have helped shape the landscape of our beloved campus,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “His impact will endure in both the structures he helped craft and his support of the students who pursue their passions inside these spaces."

Vernon Ohlman seated in chair, hand on cane, laughing
Vernon Ohlman designed many of GVSU's buildings and established a scholarship to assist students majoring in business or engineering.

Throughout his long architectural career, Ohlman designed many of Grand Valley’s most iconic buildings, including the Kirkhof Center, Padnos Hall, DeVos Center and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences. In 2019, he established the Vernon C. Ohlman Endowed Scholarship to assist students majoring in business and engineering with the cost of their education. 

“Grand Valley has lost a steadfast supporter,” said Tim Born, interim dean of the Padnos College of Engineering. “The innovative and industrious attitude of people like Vern Ohlman has been built into the spaces and experiences our faculty, students and alumni have come to recognize at Grand Valley. His legacy will light our way forward.”

Ohlman spent his life in West Michigan. After graduating from Ferris State University in 1962, he joined the architectural firm Wold, Bowers, DeShane & Covert. It was in that role that he began designing buildings and helped expand Grand Valley's physical space. Ohlman established his own firm, Design Plus, in 1978. When his business was bought by Progressive Companies in 2012, Ohlman eventually became chair of the board.

In 2004, to recognize his years of service and philanthropy, Ohlman received an honorary degree from Grand Valley.

A visitation for Ohlman will be held February 4 from 4-7 p.m. at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home in Grand Rapids.

— Annie Pettit is a student writer for University Communications and University Development.


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