PLS Alumni Spotlights
Derrick Mathis
For political science major Derrick Mathis, giving back to the community has always been a priority. During his time at Grand Valley, Derrick spent time volunteering in the Grand Rapids Public School system and that’s where the idea for the iGREW project was born. “I’m a product of Grand Rapids Public Schools and witnessed the overwhelming need some families have for basic necessities like food and clothing. That really had an effect on me,” Derrick said. “I knew I had to make a contribution.”
iGREW stands for In Grand Rapids Everyone’s Warm; Derrick said it was designed to serve children and adults who live in the community. He sought help from friends Noe Islas, Chris Ake and Jay Starkey, executive director of In The Image, a program that supplies West Michigan residents with everything from clothing to appliances. The iGREW members teamed up with more than 25 businesses, schools and organizations around the West Michigan area to set up collection centers and develop a way to collect and store coats. Together they successfully reached their goal of collecting more than 1,000 new and gently used winter coats for men, women and children.
Since graduating from GVSU, Derrick has held several different staff positions in both the U.S. Senate and the Michigan Senate. He is currently Manager of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications.
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