Including a gift to Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) in your annual estate gift planning shows commitment to research and education and leaves a long-lasting legacy. For Doug Rottman, executive director of the Rottman Family Charitable Foundation, his family’s annual gift supports VAEI, honoring his father’s work as a scientist.
Honoring a beloved father
“As a child, my exposure to science education was in school and during time spent with my dad,” Rottman said. “My parents helped introduce me to a world where work is done to help others, oftentimes through science, which now includes volunteering and supporting science education at the Institute.”
Rottman’s late father, Fritz, served on VAI’s Board of Trustees after retiring from teaching and research at Michigan State University, and later at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Prior to his years as a professor, Fritz was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health, where he helped being to unravel the genetic code in the 1960’s.
Rottman continues his father’s legacy through the efforts of the Rottman Family Charitable Foundation, where along with his mother Carol, remains committed to supporting VAI in a variety of ways.
“We investigate and evaluate the potential for funding program in science education that will impact future generations,” Rottman said. “One of the most exciting things happening in science education today involves the introduction of inquiry-based learning and professional development for teachers, and that’s originating here at Van Andel Institute.”
One of the most exciting things happening in science education today involves the introduction of inquiry-based learning and professional development for teachers, and that’s originating here at Van Andel Institute. – Doug Rottman
Support = Growth
Rottman also serves as an advisor for VAEI’s growth initiatives, and continually supports donor outreach efforts to encourage others to give to VAI.
“When you can see growth as a direct result of your support, that is important to a donor,” Rottman said. “We continue to support VAEI because of the impact they’re having on education across the nation as well as the programs offered to students right here in Grand Rapids.”
Your support can also play a vital role in VAEI’s ability to inspire students across the country. One hundred percent of every gift to VAEI supports science education initiatives that are equipping teachers and encourage students to love science.
If you would like to support Van Andel Education Institute’s programs, please contact us at [email protected].