About Us

History and Legacy

Jay and Betty Van Andel founded Van Andel Institute (VAI) in 1996. Together, they envisioned an institute that would have an impact world-wide in enriching and enhancing lives through biomedical research and education. Since its grand opening in 2000, VAI has supported Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) in fulfilling and sustaining this vision.

VARI has reflected this vision through remarkable strides in basic and translational research. This research has led to advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and the establishment of an excellent reputation among peer institutions. Through its work with students of all ages, VAEI has built a regional and national reputation as a source of well-reasoned, carefully documented and trustworthy insights regarding the ways in which we teach and learn science.

David Van Andel leads the Institute as Chairman and CEO, continuing the legacy that his parents left behind.

Milestones:

  • 1996: Jay and Betty Van Andel found Van Andel Institute
  • 1997: VAEI’s first program - forum on foundational issues in education
  • 1998: Groundbreaking ceremony 
  • 1998: George Vande Woude joins as Research Director
  • 1998: Grand opening of Van Andel Education Technology School at Alger Park Elementary
  • 2000: Grand opening of Van Andel Institute
  • 2000: VARI holds first scientific symposium
  • 2001: VAI creates Hope on the Hill to recognize donors and their charitable gifts to the Institute
  • 2002: Van Andel Education Technology School expands to Sherwood Park School and Ada Christian School 
  • 2003: VARI awarded its first National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant
  • 2006: Inaugural class of the VAEI Science Academy Out-of-School Time Program
  • 2006: Steven Triezenberg appointed as Dean of the new Van Andel Institute Graduate School
  • 2007: VAI and Spectrum Health form joint venture to create Center for Molecular Medicine
  • 2007: Groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II expansion of VAI facility
  • 2007: First students begin at VAI Graduate School
  • 2007: VAEI Science Academy adds two new programs - Classroom Science Investigations and Science on Saturday