J-Board’s Mission & Outlined Purpose
The newly formed J-Board will be a group of young community members who will gather together to learn more about VAI. The purpose of this group will be share the work of the Institute as well as build relationships for our future by engaging young individuals to participate on behalf of the VAI.
Structure of J-Board
- VAI’s J-Board will be built by invitation only and referral
- An annual gift of $500 per couple or $250 for singles is required
- Leadership Committee comprised of young community members who are leaders with a philanthropic interest / outlook
Goals for VAI J-Board
- To become the next generation of ambassadors and share the VAI mission with friends and acquaintances that are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s
- To provide an outreach to individuals that may not otherwise have a connection to the Institute
- To support VAI financially with the donation of $500 a year per couple or $250 a year for singles; this donation can be paid annually, semi-annually or quarterly
- J-Board members will learn firsthand from the scientists at Van Andel Research Institute about the cutting edge medical research that is being done right here in Grand Rapids in the areas of cancer, and Parkinson disease. They will also hear updates from the educators at Van Andel Education Institute to learn about our Science Academy and VAI Graduate School.
Benefits for J-Board Members
- J-Board members-only events and networking opportunities with peers
- Gain information about local research and education projects at VAI
- Receive VAI news and information on upcoming events on a regular basis
- Recognition in VAI’s annual report and on VAI’s web site
- Complimentary tickets to VAI’s Winterfest Celebration
- Opportunity to get involved on a variety of Van Andel Institute committees
Events
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Annual Dinner for J-Board Members with remarks from VAI leadership
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Quarterly Research Updates Held at VAI: J-Board members can use these events as opportunities to invite their friends to learn more about VAI and to become J-Board members.
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Annual Board of Governors and J- Board Event: this will allow the two groups to mentor and learn from each other.
Current J-Board Members
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Co-Chair: Chris Brown, Miller Johnson
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Co-Chair: Rachel Mraz, Merrill Lynch -The DeVries, Freeburg and Mraz Group
- Brandon Bissell, Imperial Graphics
- Kim Bode, 834 Baba Design and Marketing
- George Bosnjak, The Right Place, Inc.
- Adam Brody, Varnum Law
- Deidre D. Buchanan, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
- Ellen Bylsma, SagePoint Financial
- Scott and Heidi Campbell
- Linda Jo Carron, Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
- Erik Dane, Grand Valley State University
- Rob M. Davies, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
- Kristin DeSham, Springthrough
- Aaron DeVos, Waddell & Reed
- Afton DeVos, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids
- Andrea Dickerson, Andrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C.
- Kaitlyn Disselkoen, GR Outdoor
- Leslie Drueke, Amway Corporation
- Mathew and Jennifer Fahrenkrug, Culhane & Fahrenkrug Consulting, LLC
- Bo Fowler, Fluid Work Space
- Jennifer Fowler, MetLife
- Michael Frey, Kore / Hi Com
- Joel Haitz, Law Weathers
- Mark Holtvluwer, GE Aviation
- Wendy Parr Holtvluwer, Miller Johnson
- Joseph Infante, Miller Canfield
- Barry Klein, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
- John Kowalski, 834 Baba & X-Rite
- Kurt Lacks, Lacks Enterprises
- Daniel Leppink, CB Richard Ellis
- Jennifer Maxson, Varnum Consulting
- Meg L. Messink, Adamy Valuation Advisors
- Brian Molde, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
- Matt Osterhaven, Crowe Horwath LLP
- Rosa Piccione, Rosa’s Closet
- Elizabeth Ratiff, Amway
- Dr. Megan Ratliff
- Mandee Rick, Huntington Bank
- Luisa Schumacher, WMCAT
- Blair Sharpe, Sharpe Collection
- Scott and Lindsay Slagboom
- Seth D. and Lisa Rose Starner
- Stephanie Stenberg, Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C.
- Gina Van Gessel, Gina’s Boutique
- Alison Waske, Metro Health Hospital
- Mike Williams, Springthrough
- Nathaniel R. Wolf, Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC
- Aaron Wong, Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt, & Litton
- Kara Wood, City of Grand Rapids
- Norman Yi, Steelcase
For more information about the J-Board, please contact Sarah Lamb at 616-234-5712 or via e-mail.
