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.