The man who mentored countless students and was largely responsible for establishing Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs died in late March, leaving behind a legacy worthy of a "Giant."
Donald (Don) Williams Sr., retired dean emeritus of minority affairs, died March 29, 2026. He was 89. Williams joined Grand Valley's staff in 1985 and retired in 2001.
Williams worked as director of the Minority Business Education Center and was appointed as dean in 1989. He developed three programs to address the academic and social needs of students of color in business, science and mathematics, and education. Each of those programs offered scholarships, tutoring sessions and mentoring programs. Those programs served as the nucleus for OMA.
One of those students, Ray Bennett, ’92, a former Marriott International executive who died in 2022, established the Don Williams Sr. Dean Emeritus Multicultural Business Education Scholarship Endowment to support students pursuing a business degree.
President Philomena V. Mantella said: “Don Williams exemplified everything it means to be a Laker for a lifetime. He had a profound impact on West Michigan and Grand Valley, including advancing educational equity in our community. The Laker community mourns his loss and celebrates his legacy.”
He may have retired in 2001, but Williams certainly did not stop working. He continued serving the Grand Rapids community by serving on several nonprofit boards, including the Concerned Citizens Council, which laid the foundation for the City of Grand Rapids to open a year-round community center at Martin Luther King Park.
In 2008, Williams received the "Giant Among Giants" award from Grand Rapids Community College, which recognizes exceptional individuals for a lifetime of leadership, public service and community impact.
A celebration of life service for Williams is scheduled for May 16, 1-3 p.m., at the DeVos Center, Exhibition Hall, on the City Campus. Complimentary parking will be available in the DeVos Lot. Maps and directions can be found online.
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