Grand Valley State University Grand Valley State University

理查德。 & 海伦狄维士

理查德。 M. DeVos 1926 – 2018
海伦J. DeVos 1927 – 2017

Rich and 海伦狄维士 forever changed West 密歇根 and Grand Valley State University through their generous philanthropy and vision. Their support for the university was unwavering since its founding in the 1960s. Learn more about them.

Portrait of Rich and 海伦狄维士
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“We’re not setting up a building, we’re setting in motion another group of people who will make this country, 这个世界, and this 社区 a better place. That’s why Helen and I are so honored to be a part of it all, because that’s really what we are all about.”

——里奇·德沃斯

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“Our support isn’t simply for education, but for every advantage that education contributes to the quality of our life.”

——海伦·德沃斯

时间轴

1926/1927
  • 1926年理查德·M. 狄维士出生
  • 海伦·J. 凡·威塞普出生

Their Story Begins

理查德。 M. 和海伦J. (Van Wesep) DeVos were both born in Grand Rapids. They met in Grand Rapids, 结婚了, and eventually grew their family to include four children: Dick, 丹, 谢利, 和道格.

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1959
  • Amway Corporation
    成立

Entreprenurial Success

In 1959, Rich and Helen partnered with Jay and Betty Van Andel to co-found Amway Corporation based in Ada, 密歇根.

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1970s
  • The new Grand Rapids Committee is formed

Catalysts for Change

As 社区 leaders, it was natural for Rich and Helen to be instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Grand Rapids in the 1970s.

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1975
  • Rich joins GVSU Board of Control (1975-1982)

Champions for Education

Rich and Helen shared a passion for and belief in the importance of education. 作为夫妻, Rich and Helen supported education from kindergarten through college in West 密歇根 and across the country.

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1981 – 2000
  • 1981 Downtown Campus Committee formed
  • 1988 L.V. Eberhard Center, first GVSU building in downtown Grand Rapids, opens
  • 1992 Rich chairs Grand Valley University Foundation (1992-2016)
  • 2000 Grand Valley’s 理查德。 M. 狄维士中心 opens

Leading the Way

As a part of this expansion, Rich helped chart the course that would ultimately preserve the university for future generations, growing its endowment and significantly increasing 社区 support.

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2002 – 2013
  • 2002 Cook-狄维士中心 for Health Sciences dedication
  • 2013 L. William Seidman Center dedication

About Community

Rich and Helen would not let Grand Valley rest on its laurels. They were active in every campaign, encouraging others to join, and building the university into an even greater resource for the 社区.

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2018
  • 丹iel and Pamella 狄维士中心 for Interprofessional Health groundbreaking

Their Legacy Continues

At Grand Valley, we will always remember and celebrate the lives of Rich and 海伦狄维士, who made such a difference for so many.

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“You can’t build a school like this with just money. 这需要精神. A spirit of love and caring. A spirit of respect for each other.”

——里奇·德沃斯

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“We support Grand Rapids because it’s our city, and we support Grand Valley State University because we do consider this our university.”

——海伦·德沃斯

Ten Powerful Phrases

理查德。 and 海伦狄维士 believed in the power of maintaining a positive attitude and affirming others. In his 2008 book, Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People, Rich shared the value of using ten simple, yet profound phrases every day to motivate achievement, instill confidence, and encourage hope in the hearts of others. Rich called himself a “life enricher” and invited others to join him. Encourage people in your life by using the ten powerful phrases, and be a change for good at Grand Valley and in your family, 社区, 及以后.

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“Our vision looks forward to the impact we are going to have on the lives of the students who come here.”

——里奇·德沃斯

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You are invited to experience the impact Rich and Helen have made at Grand Valley.

In celebration of Rich and Helen’s lives, and all that they have done for Grand Valley and West 密歇根, a display was made in their honor.

Elements of this display are currently in two locations on our 罗伯特·C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Please visit to experience more of Rich and Helen’s story.

photo of a DeVos display
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