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Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Awards Celebrates the Institute’s Generous Supporters

May 12, 2017

Van Andel Institute donors and volunteers were honored at the fifth annual Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence dinner and award presentation on April 27. The special event, held every spring, celebrates individuals who have demonstrated excellence and significant contributions to Van Andel Institute through volunteer service and commitment.

This year, awards were presented to Susan Jandernoa, Timothy Long, Mike and Suzanne Lunn, Peter and Joan Secchia and John Zimmerman for their outstanding work on behalf of the Institute’s mission. Susan Jandernoa’s vision helps bring the Institute’s Hope on the Hill Gala to life each year. Timothy Long serves as co-chair for the Institute’s Board of Governors and is a dedicated, outspoken advocate for VAI. Mike and Suzanne Lunn founded the Michelle Lunn Golf Outing in honor of their daughter, who passed away from cancer. Proceeds from the golf outing benefit research at VAI. Grand Rapids-based business leaders and philanthropists, Peter and Joan Secchia, are two of the Institute’s most ardent supporters. And John Zimmerman has served prominently as the liaison between Van Andel Institute and Fifth Third Bank, which for 16 years has served as title sponsor for the Hope on the Hill Gala.

New members to the Institute’s Leadership & Legacy Societies were also inducted during the awards ceremony. The Leadership & Legacy Societies are reserved for individuals, schools, organizations and businesses who have contributed significantly to benefit the Institute’s biomedical research and science education programs. The Leadership Society recognizes those who have raised more than $10,000, and the Legacy Society is an honor given to those who have raised more than $100,000. The names of those inducted into both societies are etched into wood blocks that line the walls of the Institute’s lobby. This year’s inductees include:

Leadership Society

  • BD’s BBQ
  • Bee Brave 5K RunWalk
  • The Campbell Family
  • The Crown Jewel Spa & Salon
  • Mathew & Jennifer Fahrenkrug
  • Gazelle Sports
  • Dan & Magee Gordon
  • Paul & Sheryl Haverkate
  • Stephen Klotz
  • McAlvey Merchant & Associates
  • Jack H. Miller
  • Modern Day Floral
  • Mike & Rachel Mraz
  • Tim & Denise Myers
  • NVINT
  • Tom & Brenda Rinks
  • George & Missy Sharpe
  • Liam R. Sullivan and Linda Zarzecki
  • Taconic Charitable Foundation
  • Todd Wenzel Automotive
  • West Michigan Woman Magazine
  • Williams Kitchen & Bath
  • Eric & Shawna Xu
  • David & Beth Van Portfliet

Legacy Society

  • Bluewater Technologies
  • Duncan Lake Middle School
  • Rottman Family Charitable Foundation
  • West Ottawa Purple Power

Congratulations to this year’s Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Award honorees and Leadership & Legacy inductees. We are so grateful for all that you do in the service of Van Andel Institute and the future of human health. Thank you!