GVSU Launches Program to Further Student Success

1175

Grand Valley State University in Allendale today announced the launch of the Laker Effect, a comprehensive campaign that will provide increased support for students and allow university programs and facilities to meet the current needs of employers. The initiative includes an $85 million fundraising goal and will address three primary areas of need: opportunity, achievement, and relevance.

“Our strategic plan inspires and compels us to ensure our students are enabled and successful, and our programs are relevant for their future and the future of our region and our state,” says Thomas J. Haas, GVSU’s president. “We appreciate the investment from all our donors and supporters in this campaign, as it will allow us to accomplish our goals and outcomes.”

Haas adds that the campaign’s first goal is to increase donor-funded scholarships, which help provide access for students attending the university and represents $25 million of the total budget. The second goal is to increase the resources and programs aimed at student success, which accounts for $8 million and ensures that all GVSU students have the resources they need. The final goal is to increase investment in academic programs and facilities in order to address the changing needs of the university community. This includes expansion of the health campus, which was initiated by the construction of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall and represents $52 million of the campaign’s total investment.

Campaign co-chairs include Jim and Donna Brooks, Grand Valley University (GVU)Foundation general chairs, and Dan and Pemella DeVos, GVU Foundation vice chairs.

“As we look to the future for this community and the next generation of leaders, we can see that Grand Valley will play an essential role,” adds Dan DeVos. “It is our responsibility to the citizens of this community to help the university address the changing needs of students and continue its remarkable growth.”

More information about the campaign can be found here.