2020 Spring/Summer Highlights of Hope

PHILANTHROPY
DR. JUAN OLIVAREZ, DONOR
AND TRUSTEE, IS INSPIRED TO
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dr. Juan Olivarez discovered the value of
education early in life, and he has been
helping others learn ever since.
“I had a brother with Down syndrome,
and when we were growing up, I was his
protector and teacher,” Olivarez said. “I
always loved being there for him and feeling
like I was helping him learn something new.”
medicine, research and education. This
place is a miracle.”
Olivarez and his son both fought battles
against cancer, and this personal
connection to the Institute’s research has
given him a special perspective regarding
the importance of science, awareness and
discoveries that can impact human lives.
A former teacher and clinical psychologist,
an accomplished university administrator
and a generous philanthropist, Olivarez has
supported Van Andel Institute’s mission and
education initiatives since 2008, both as a
board member and a donor. While serving
as president of Grand Rapids Community
College, Olivarez met David and Carol
Van Andel. He was inspired by their passion
for biomedical research and science
education and became interested in the
Institute they helped found.
“I knew Carol from working with her on
philanthropic events, and when David asked
me to join the Board of Trustees for
Van Andel Institute for Education, I proudly
and enthusiastically accepted,” he said. “I
knew from the beginning that the Institute
is a gem in our community and how very
lucky we are to have it here.”
Having lived in Grand Rapids for more than
48 years, Olivarez is amazed by the impact
VAI has had on the region and the city he
and his wife, Mary, call home.
“There is no doubt the establishment of the
Institute in 1996 is a marker for a shift in
the city’s skyline, as well as the education
and research infrastructure of Grand
Rapids,” Olivarez said. “It’s really hard to
believe everything the Institute has done
in such a short amount of time — what
started as the Van Andel family’s dream is
now a national and international hub for
“It’s really hard to believe
everything the Institute has
done in such a short amount
of time — what started as
the Van Andel family’s
dream is now a national
and international hub for
medicine, research and
education. This place is a
miracle.”
— DR. JUAN OLIVAREZ
“As a survivor and a person whose family
has been affected by cancer, I am well
aware that we need better treatments and
cures. I also know that if we can continue
to support research with discipline and
tenacity, we will one day find them.”
Join Dr. Olivarez and become a VAI donor
today. Contact Brett Holleman at brett.
holleman@vai.org to learn how you can
support the Institute’s scientists in their
fight against cancer, Parkinson’s and
other diseases.
DR. JUAN & MARY OLIVAREZ
26 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE