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Donor Story

30 results.

September 12, 2023 A Mini fandom with major impact

Passion comes in all forms. For some, it's sports or books, but for Jim Cvelbar, it's a deep love for his Mini Cooper vehicle.…

August 31, 2023 Positivity and Perseverance: Richard Cebelak’s journey with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a challenging diagnosis. It requires adjustments to day-to-day life and a change in regular habits. But for Richard Cebelak, Parkinson’s would not…

December 15, 2022 A decade of support: Inside Jeffery Roberts’ passion for biomedical research

Jeffery Roberts remembers saying goodbye to Grand Rapids. As he prepared to further his studies in Chicago, he thought he was leaving a city that…

December 8, 2022 Running for family and Parkinson’s research

Dedication, prayer and meditation were key elements fueling Joy Kim’s grueling training efforts. In November, Kim and her sisters ran from Staten Island to Central…

November 15, 2022 Inspiring the Institute — Ann Schoen’s journey with VAI

In the summer of 2002, Ann Schoen sat in her doctor’s office, feet numb, mind racing. A sudden cancer diagnosis had stunned her, and she…

February 7, 2022 Embodying the spirit of philanthropy: Jim & Jane Zwiers

Jim and Jane Zwiers are a prime example of how the members of Van Andel Institute’s Board of Governors embody in their everyday lives the…

August 9, 2021 Engineering a lasting legacy: Prein&Newhof and Thomas and Garretta Newhof

West Michigan engineering firm Prein&Newhof marked 50 years in business in late 2019. To celebrate, company leaders wanted to find a way to honor the…

July 5, 2021 Making a lasting impact: Michelle and Kevin Bassett

Supporting innovation in research and education today creates hope for tomorrow. Each Van Andel Institute donor, volunteer and supporter brings their own unique hope, passion…