Scholarships
Henry H. and Juanita Dungey Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Henry W. Dungey '00
Award is $1,000; Non-renewable
In 2004, this scholarship has established by Henry William “Bill” Dungey (MPA '00) and his family to honor his parents. For years, Bill passionately supported educational opportunities for minority students at both Hope College and Grand Valley. Bill passed from this life on 17 March 2014, and the scholarship now continues as an honor to him as well as his parents.
The scholarship supports an outstanding student who not only embodies the essential characteristics of leadership, scholarship and community service but a commitment to empowering and cultivating young inner-city leaders of the future. Applicants must be full-time students entering the senior year, have demonstrated outstanding leadership and established achieved a record of community service. Preference is given to Kent County residents.
Scholarship Recipient:
2015/16 - Melissa Mertz
"Henry William 'Bill' Dungey, Jr. was a lifelong advocate for justice, a champion of causes, and a towering presence who evoked warmth and kindness wherever he went."
School News Network, 3 April 2014.
Valerie P. Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
Award varies; Non-renewable
Established by Valerie P. Eggert, a friend of Grand Valley State University, to recognize the vision of her friend, to provide scholarship support to graduate students who both aspire to study and promote philanthropy, and engage in nonprofit agency fundraising. This scholarship will continue the Mission of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy while promoting career opportunities in nonprofit fundraising.
Applicants must be full-time graduate students enrolled in the School of Community Leadership and Development.
Scholarship Recipients:
2022/23 - Colton Hyble, Esther Noah & Albert Nii Noi Okwei
2021/22 - Maggie Scannel
2019/20 - Eirene N Binabiba
2018/19 - Lisa. M. Brown
2017/18 - Kristina M. Pepelko
2016/17 - Teri L. Pittman
2015/16 - Megan E. Toth
2014/15 - Colin D. Cummings
Valerie Eggert,(second from left) with Dean George Grant, Jr., Kathy Agard, and Dorothy A. Johnson
Joyce Hecht Philanthropy Scholarship
Award is up to $5,000
Named in recognition of her contributions to Grand Valley State University as its first Director of Development, the founding Executive Director of the Grand Valley State University Foundation, and a gracious and effective ambassador of the University’s needs, the Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy is an endowed fund in support of university students who aspire to help nonprofit organizations in all ways that Joyce Hecht has so capably helped Grand Valley State University.
Open to full-time and part-time students pursuing a career plan to eventually promote and develop philanthropy and engage in nonprofit agency fundraising.
Scholarship Recipients:
2022 - 2023 Emily Voorhees, Ryan Engle, & Amy White
2021-22 - Emily Mathein & Abigail Punt
2020/21 - Emily Mathein, Callie Melton, Ashley Morales, Abigail Punt, Holly Woodworth
2019/20 - Abigail J. Punt, Danielle M. LaJoie, Mary Jo Zazueta
2018/19 - Paula A. Reed, Haley M. McLean, Ndeye R. Ndao, Kelly E. Kuzara, Jodi R. Overman
2017/18 - Paula A. Reed, Kristina M. Pepelko, Caitlyn L. Cubberly, Kimberly A. Berry
2016/17 - Paula A. Reed, Audrey E. Mahlie, Heather Rowan
2015/16 - Kelly J. Matti, Lauren A. Grevel, Hannah M. Rogers, Melissa R. Mertz
2014/15 - Megan E. Toth
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Joyce F. Hecht was the first Director of University Development and the founding Executive Director of the Grand Valley University Foundation
Kurt F. Kimball Scholarship Endowment
Award is up to $1,500; May be awarded up to 4 semesters
The Kurt F. Kimball Scholarship Endowment was established to honor Kurt F. Kimball’s 20 years as the longest serving City Manager of Grand Rapids. Kimball worked for Grand Rapids for more than 33 years and has lived here for more than 50. During that time, he has mentored many Grand Valley students. In celebration of his retirement, contributions from Kimball’s friends and colleagues made this scholarship possible. Kimball hopes that this scholarship will attract professionals to careers in public management and local government.
This scholarship will provide support for full-time or part-time graduate students in the School of Community Leadership and Development pursuing careers in local government.
Scholarship Recipients:
2022/23 - Jonathan Throop
2021/22 - Charles Hively
2020/21 - Jocelyn Hines & Katie Beemer
2019/20 - Kahler S. Sweeney & Issac D. DeGraaf
2018/19 - Carolyn R. Lang & Isaac D. DeGraaf
2017/18 - Carolyn R. Lang & Thomas Skilling
2016/17 - Thomas Skilling
2015/16 - Andrew M. Kumar
2014/15 - Nathaniel R. Mehmed
Kurt F. Kimball served as Grand Rapids city manager from 1987 through 2008
Scholarship in Memory of Caprice R. Wagner
Award varies; May be awarded for up to 4 semesters
This scholarship was established in memory of Caprice R. Wagner. Caprice earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in 2007. In 2008 she was pursuing a master of public administration when she lost a four-month battle to T-cell Lymphoma. . Candidate must demonstrate in writing, commitment to empowering women by describing their career goals and experience working with nonprofit organizations who extend services to women and families.
This scholarship will assist juniors, seniors and graduate students in public, nonprofit or health administration with financial need (by filing a FAFSA) who share the values and career goals to which Caprice aspired. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must address in their essay a commitment to empowering women by describing their career goals and experience working with nonprofit organizations who extend services to women and families.
Scholarship Recipients:
2021/22 - Maggie Scannel
2020/21 - Stella Molde
2019/20 - Holly A. Woodworth
2018/19 - Samantha J. DeBoer, Madison L. Rhoades
2017/18 - Madison L. Rhoades
2016/17 - Caitlyn L. Cubberly
2015/16 - Colin D. Cumming
2014/15 - Jennifer R. Monteith
Friends and family remember Caprice Renee Wagner's warm presence, passion for life, and her desire to empower women
Maribeth Wardrop Leaders in Philanthropy Scholarship
Award varies; May be awarded for up to 6 semesters
This scholarship was created in honor of Maribeth Wardrop’s accomplishments as Vice President of University Development and Executive Director of the Grand Valley University Foundation, as well as her passion for philanthropy. During her 12-year tenure, Maribeth Wardrop led and completed 11 capital projects including the university’s first comprehensive campaign Shaping Our Future raising 96.3 million dollars. She also helped increase private scholarships which grew from 50 to 300 under her leadership. She was the first woman to serve as a vice president for Grand Valley State University.
Recipients of this scholarship must be in the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program and taking 6 credits per semester.
Scholarship Recipients:
2022/23 - Lina Mwema
2021/22 - Madeleine Williams
2019/20 - Holly A. Woodworth
2018/19 - Calli A. Crow, Beverly J. Harkema, Whitney D. Ehresman
2017/18 - Beverly J. Harkema, Whitney D. Ehresman, Suzanne L. Blake
2016/17 - Roque J. Villegas, Whitney D. Ehresman
2015/16 - Roque J. Villegas
During her 12-year tenure as Vice President of University Development and Executive Director of the Grand Valley University Foundation, Maribeth Wardrop helped increase private scholarships
from 50 to 300
Michael F. Young '90, '94 Memorial Scholarship
Award varies; May be awarded for up to 4 semesters
Michael Young (MPA '94) was well known and respected for is work as the longtime City Manager of Rockford, where the thriving downtown reflects the efforts he led to improve the community over the past 20 years. Remembered as a passionate, dedicated, and respected city leader, Michael was a visionary who worked tirelessly to make Rockford a better place to live, work and play.
Recipients of this scholarship must be a senior or graduate student enrolled for nine credit hours or more in the School of Community Leadership and Development. Candidates for this scholarship will complete an essay describing how your community impacted your educational future and what will you do to impact the community with your degree.
Scholarship Recipients:
2019/20 - Kayla J. Leonard
2018/19 - Ryan A. Schmidt
2017/18 - Ryan A. Schmidt
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Michael Young's achievements during his 20 years as Rockford's city manager included the construction of a wastewater treatment system in collaboration with local townships