Highlights of Hope 20th Anniversary

OUR HISTORY
(LEFT TO RIGHT) DR. BART WILLIAMS,
DR. CRAIG WEBB AND DR. ART ALBERTS AT
THE PHASE I GRAND OPENING.
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programs and provided the necessary
momentum for growth and success.
“If you love people and have the ability
to help them do great things, then you’re
really living the dream,” Vande Woude said.
On the day Vande Woude signed his
contract, Institute Founder Jay Van Andel
held Vande Woude’s arm and said,
“Together, we will make history.”
“If you love people and have
the ability to help them do
great things, then you’re really
living the dream.”
- Dr. George Vande Woude
Trailblazing Trustees—Peter Cook and
Ralph Hauenstein
The Institute began as the dream of the
Van Andel family. Through the support of
other West Michigan community leaders
and philanthropists like Peter Cook and
Ralph Hauenstein this dream helped
transform the region.
"Because of Peter Cook and Ralph
Hauenstein's careful guidance, Van Andel
Institute has grown not only in size but in
stature in the scientific community, and
served as a catalyst for the transformation
of a community, a region and an economy,"
David Van Andel said.
Both men shared a unique vision for their
city and understood that the Institute
would shift the economic trajectory of
Grand Rapids and be a force for change.
Their wisdom, business experience and
community connections helped guide the
Institute in its beginning and provided a
sturdy philanthropic course for the future.
After years of service, the two men were
awarded emeritus status on Van Andel
Institute’s Board of Trustees in 2008,
and they continued to serve with distinction
throughout their lives. Cook passed away in
2010 and Hauenstein in 2016, but both men
left behind impressive legacies that live on in
the Institute’s mission and the thriving city they
helped redefine.
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE’S
FIRST TRUSTEES, PETER COOK
AND RALPH HAUENSTEIN.
Dale Chihuly, a world-renowned glass
sculptor, unveils Life, commissioned in
2004 by Jay Van Andel in memory of
Betty Van Andel. The sculpture hangs in
VAI’s lobby.
2006
Carol Van Andel introduces the
inaugural Couture for a Cure fashion
event held to benefit VAI.
VAEI begins its inaugural Out-of-School-Time Cohort Program.
2007
VAEI launches Science on Saturday program.
VAEI hosts first West Michigan Regional
Undergraduate Science Research Conference
for students and professors.
2005
Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS) founded
and receives charter from the State of Michigan to
confer master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
VAI signs an agreement with
Michigan State University to support
the creation of a medical school in
downtown Grand Rapids.
Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg appointed
Dean of Van Andel Institute
Graduate School.
First students enter Van Andel Institute Graduate School.
Groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II building expansion.
VARI and the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) establish the VARI/SIMM
Center for Drug Discovery in Shanghai, China.
2008
Child authors of the book
Kid’s Cancer Stories visit with
more than 100 VAI employees
for a book signing.
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