2024 HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | Spring/Summer Issue

HIGHLIGHTS OF
HOPE
SPRING/SUMMER ’24 ISSUE
3 Cracking cancer’s code 4 New model provides window into Alzheimer’s
disease development 5 A lasting imprint — Illuminating a process with lifelong
implications for health & disease 6 Microbes offer new hope for Type 2 diabetes
7 VAI scientists included in elite Highly Cited Researchers list
8 Can tackling overactive inflammation reduce suicide risk?
9 Early career scientists earn accolades
10 VAI welcomes new Graduate School dean & chief academic officer
12 Education highlights 14 Donor spotlight: Blake Crabb & Rachel Mraz
16 Donor spotlight: Matt & Sarah Jones 18 Events
24 Event sponsors 26 Tributes

RESEARCH
Cracking cancer’s code
VAI chief scientist earns $7.9 million Outstanding
Investigator Award to support cancer research
Dr. Peter A. Jones is on a mission: to decode the epigenetic errors that drive cancer
development — and find ways to fix them.
His efforts are fueled in part by a seven-year, nearly $7.9 million grant from the National
Cancer Institute’s prestigious Outstanding Investigator Award program. This highly competitive
initiative supports “investigators with outstanding records of cancer research accomplishment
by providing extended funding stability and encouraging investigators to continue or embark
on projects of unusual potential in cancer,” according to NCI.
The award is a renewal of an earlier seven-year, $7.8 million Outstanding Investigator Award
granted to Jones in 2017.
“It is an absolute honor to receive a second Outstanding Investigator Award from the National
Cancer Institute,” Jones said. “This vital funding will enable us to continue studying the intricate
mechanisms that drive cancer — and explore strategies to translate our discoveries into
potential new treatments.”
Jones is VAI’s chief scientific officer and a globally recognized cancer scientist whose pioneering
research in the 1980s helped launch the field of epigenetics, which explores factors that
influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself.
Epigenetic errors are present in virtually all human cancers and, for the last 40 years,
Jones has been at the forefront of studying how epigenetics influences cancer, work that
offers myriad opportunities for breakthrough new treatments. Jones’ research into the
epigenetic modifier 5-azacytadine led to its later development and approval for treatment of
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a precursor to blood cancer.
“This vital funding will enable us to continue studying
the intricate mechanisms that drive cancer — and
explore strategies to translate our discoveries into
potential new treatments.”
— Dr. Peter A. Jones
The Outstanding Investigator Award will support Jones’ research into a key epigenetic player in
cancer: a molecule called DNMT3A, which is involved in brain development, regulation of body
size and formation of blood. Errors in DNMT3A are common features of leukemia, but little is
known about how exactly they drive cancer development.
Jones and his collaborators, which include VAI Assistant Professor Dr. Evan Worden, hope to
answer key questions about DNMT3A and its role in cancer. To do so, they will leverage VAI’s
extensive research infrastructure, including its state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-
EM) suite. Cryo-EM enables scientists to visualize molecules at the near-atomic level, which
provides deep insights into how they function in health and disease.
Jones joined VAI as its chief scientific officer in 2013, following 36 years at University of
Southern California. Along with longtime collaborator Dr. Stephen Baylin, Jones co-chairs the
Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, a multi-institutional effort
to evaluate combination therapies for cancer in clinical trials. He is a past president of the
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a fellow of the AACR Academy, a fellow of
the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a member of the National Academy
of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Jones and Baylin
shared the Kirk A. Landon Award for Basic Cancer Research from AACR in 2009 and the Medal
of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2011.
Funding Acknowledgement
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R35CA209859
(Jones). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
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RESEARCH
New model provides window into
Alzheimer’s disease development
A lasting imprint
Illuminating a process with lifelong
implications for health and disease
Alzheimer’s disease is immensely challenging to study.
It is highly complex, develops over a long period of time and varies
from person to person, all of which complicate scientists’ efforts to
detangle the disease’s roots and design effective new treatments.
But thanks to a breakthrough model developed by VAI’s
Dr. Laurent Roybon and colleagues at Lund University and
University of Florence, we now have a powerful new technique to
better investigate how Alzheimer’s disease progresses in the brain.
“For models to work, they must closely reflect the way Alzheimer’s
advances in real life. Our new model replicates many key parts of
this process,” Roybon said. “One important strength of this model
is our use of cell lines derived from people with Alzheimer’s, which
helps us better mirror the actual disease process in our model.”
Despite advances in our ability to view the brain through MRIs and
other technologies, many of the hallmark features of Alzheimer’s
still cannot be reliably measured. We simply do not have effective,
non-invasive ways to precisely track all the signs of Alzheimer’s in
the human brain.
Instead, scientists rely on models that mimic the disease, which
allow them to study how the disease develops. The closer a model
reflects Alzheimer’s development in a real person, the more
effective it is as a research tool.
Using the latest techniques, Roybon and his collaborators created
a model that accurately replicates hallmark features of Alzheimer’s,
including changes that lead to the formation of amyloid plaques, as
well as signs that the disease has spread between cells. Importantly,
the model also mirrors critical changes that accompany progression
from early to advanced stages of the disease.
The next steps, Roybon said, are to monitor how the disease
develops over a longer timeframe and investigate differences based
on the various genetic mutations that contribute to Alzheimer’s.
“This model offers new possibilities for understanding Alzheimer’s,”
Roybon said. “The more we learn, the better equipped we will be to
design more effective treatments.”
Funding Acknowledgement
Research reported in this publication was supported by Lund University; MultiPark at Lund University; the
Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease (MADGIC) research co-funded by the European Union
Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020 through the ERA-NET co-funding scheme under award
no. VR 2015–07798 (Roybon) and no. VR 2015–06797 (Gouras); The Crafoord Foundation (Roybon); The
Åhlens Foundation (Roybon); The Dementia Foundation Sweden (Demensfonden) (Roybon); The Olle Engkvist
Byggmästare Foundation (Roybon); the Royal Physiographic Society of Lund (Pomeshchik); The Ragnhild och
Einar Lundströms Minne Foundation (Pomeshchik); and the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation (Alzheimerfonden)
(Roybon and Pomeshchik).The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily
represent the official views of the funding organizations.
“For models to work, they must
closely reflect the way Alzheimer’s
advances in real life. Our new model
replicates many key parts of this
process. One important strength
of this model is our use of cell lines
derived from people with Alzheimer’s,
which helps us better mirror the
actual disease process in our model.”
— Dr. Laurent Roybon
The amount of information required to make a human is dizzying.
Three billion base pairs carry our genetic blueprint. Twenty-three
pairs of chromosomes keep everything organized. And, eventually,
about 37.2 trillion cells comprise the human body, each one
containing copies of those 23 chromosome pairs.
It’s a lot to wrap one’s mind around, especially when you consider
the incredibly intricate processes required to get here — many of
which remain mysterious.
But that is changing, thanks in part to VAI’s Dr. Piroska Szabó,
who is pulling back the curtain on the earliest stages of human
development, including a fundamental process called genomic
imprinting.
“The proper passage of epigenetic information from parents to
offspring is crucial for lifelong health,” Szabó said. “Imprinting is an
important part of this process. We hope our findings will contribute
to new ways to correct disease-causing errors and treat imprintingrelated
diseases.”
Back to the basics
Our genetic information is encoded in DNA, a long, winding
molecule that is tightly packed to form 23 pairs of chromosomes,
half of which come from one’s father and half from one’s mother.
During fertilization, the sperm and egg each contribute their half,
resulting in a zygote with a full set of 23 pairs of chromosomes.
But not all information in DNA is needed at the same time or in the
same places.
That’s where epigenetics comes in.
Epigenetic mechanisms annotate DNA with special chemical tags
called methyl groups, which determine when certain instructions
are needed and when they are not — all without changing the
sequence of DNA itself. This process helps cells carry out their
specialized jobs in the body.
There still are many unanswered questions surrounding
epigenetics, including these critical questions: why and how are
methyl groups added at specific locations in DNA, and how does
this define cell function?
To find answers, Szabó and her team turned to another important
process: imprinting.
Imprinting occurs when methyl groups are added to certain genes
during either sperm or egg formation. This, in turn, determines
which parental copy of that gene is active in the offspring and which
copy is not.
But imprinting isn’t infallible. Errors are linked to a host of diseases,
such as the rare disease Silver-Russell syndrome, along with certain
cancers and diabetes.
Illuminating imprinting
In a study published in the journal Science Advances, Szabó
and collaborators identified a previously unknown imprinting
mechanism that annotates DNA before it passes from fathers to
offspring.
The team discovered how errors in the mechanism that attaches
methyl groups to DNA in the father’s germ cells can cause disease
in the offspring. They showed that when such an error occurs at
an important DNA region controlling a gene called Igf2, the gene
becomes less active. Igf2 plays key roles in fetal growth and is only
active in the chromosome inherited from the father. Its loss causes
Silver-Russell syndrome, a disorder marked by reduced growth and
increased risk of metabolic disease.
“The findings suggest this mechanism may also impact other
imprinted genes passed from fathers to offspring,” Szabó said.
“We are excited to continue unraveling how this mechanism and
imprinting as a whole impact development. These findings are just
the tip of the iceberg, and we can’t wait to see what we find next.”
Funding Acknowledgement
Research reported in this publication was supported by Van Andel Institute and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01GM064378 (Szabó). The content is solely
the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
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RESEARCH
Microbes offer new hope for
Type 2 diabetes
Could bacteria hold the key to fixing a central problem in Type 2
diabetes?
Dr. Nick Burton thinks they might, and he has earned a
$2.9 million New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of
Health Common Fund to find out.
“It might sound strange at first but there are many examples of
microbes providing new ways to treat illness and disease,” Burton
explains. “We know that some gut bacteria likely influence insulin
levels, which help keep blood sugar in check. Finding additional
bacteria species that impact insulin could have game-changing
implications for treating Type 2 diabetes.”
A growing problem
One in 10 people in the U.S. — more than 35 million people —
have Type 2 diabetes. Another 96 million, or 38%, of people aged
18 and older have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that put
them at risk of developing the disease.
Insulin resistance is one of the main culprits behind diabetes.
It occurs when cells no longer respond to insulin, the hormone
tasked with managing blood sugar. As a result, blood sugar can
rise to dangerously high levels, which can interfere with the body’s
ability to function.
Although Type 2 diabetes is manageable with treatment, such as
lifestyle changes and insulin injections, there is currently no way to
repair the underlying insulin resistance.
That’s why Burton and his team are turning to nature — namely,
pinpointing bacteria that can influence insulin production and
signaling.
Searching for solutions
For more than a year, Burton’s lab has been hard at work on a
small pilot study aimed at identifying bacteria with the potential of
combating insulin resistance. Analysis is ongoing, but early results
are promising.
“We’re mining soil samples from right here in West Michigan,”
Burton said. “Imagine it — what if we find bacteria capable of
combating insulin resistance right here in our own backyard?”
The New Innovator Award from the NIH Common Fund will enable
Burton and his team to take the next critical steps in their work and
allow them to deploy the first-ever, large-scale screen for bacteria
that can modify insulin signaling.
“In addition to identifying candidate bacteria and revealing how
they regulate insulin signaling, we also hope to uncover why some
people who eat similar diets are more susceptible to diabetes
than others,” Burton said. “These insights could help us develop
powerful new ways to fix insulin resistance and help people with
Type 2 diabetes.”
At the top of their fields
VAI scientists included in elite Highly Cited Researchers list
VAI’s Drs. Peter A. Jones, Russell Jones and Peter W. Laird were named to the 2023 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list, a distinction
marking them as leaders in their fields.
The greatly anticipated annual list identifies researchers with significant influence in their areas of study based on the publication of
multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Citations, or references to a scientist’s published work by other researchers, are a
powerful measure of impact in the scientific community.
Inclusion in the list is rare — only 1 in 1,000 scientists are included in this elite group. Jones, Jones and Laird have appeared on the list in
previous years.
“The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at Van Andel Institute whose significant
and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community and innovations that make the world healthier, more
sustainable and more secure. Their contributions resonate far beyond their individual achievements, strengthening the foundation of
excellence and innovation in research,” said David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information
at Clarivate.
Read more about this work — and how local high schoolers are
helping — by scanning the QR code below.
Funding Acknowledgement
Research reported in this publication was supported by the NIH Common Fund and administered by the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under
award no. DP2DK139569 (Burton). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not
necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. (hon)
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Peter A. Jones is a pioneer in
epigenetics, a growing field that explores
how genes are regulated and provides
new avenues for developing therapies for
cancer and other diseases. His discoveries
have helped usher in an entirely new class
of drugs that have been approved to treat
blood cancer and are being investigated in
other tumor types. Jones is a past president
of the American Association for Cancer
Research, a Fellow of the AACR Academy,
a Fellow of the American Association for
the Advancement of Science, a member of
the National Academy of Sciences and a
fellow of the American Academy of Arts &
Sciences.
Russell Jones, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Metabolism and
Nutritional Programming
Dr. Russell Jones investigates metabolism
at the cellular level to understand how it
affects cell behavior and health, with a
specific eye on cancer and the immune
system. By revealing how cancer cells
use metabolic processes to fuel their
growth and spread, he hopes to develop
new treatments that help patients by
changing the standard of care for cancer.
He is an elected member of the College
of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
of the Royal Society of Canada and
an Allen Distinguished Investigator in
Immunometabolism.
Peter W. Laird, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Dr. Peter W. Laird explores the origins of
epigenetic mistakes in cancer, which can
provide insight into how cancer arises.
Laird has developed several cutting-edge
technologies, which he leverages to identify
crucial epigenetic alterations that convert
otherwise healthy cells into cancer cells. He
is a principal investigator for the National
Cancer Institute’s Genome Data Analysis
Network and served in a leadership role for
The Cancer Genome Atlas, a now-completed
multi-institutional effort to molecularly map
33 different types of cancer.
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RESEARCH
Can tackling overactive
inflammation reduce suicide risk?
Helping people is the heart of Dr. Lena Brundin’s research.
As a leading expert in the study of depression and suicide, she knows
firsthand how mental and physical health influence each other —
and she recognizes that understanding this nuanced relationship will
help save lives.
“Suicide risk arises from more than emotional and social factors
— it also has deep biological roots,” Brundin said. “As suicide rates
continue to rise, we must develop additional evidence-based
strategies to address all the elements that contribute to suicide.”
Now, in a first-of-its-kind study, Brundin and collaborators from
Columbia University and Western Michigan University Homer Stryker
M.D. School of Medicine have identified overactive inflammation and
loss of protective mechanisms in the brain as potential contributors
to suicide risk.
Their findings, published in the prestigious journal Molecular
Psychiatry, support further exploration of anti-inflammatory
medications to reduce risk, especially in situations where suicidal
ideation may be ascertained early.
“Inflammation is a normal part of the immune system, but when
it occurs at the wrong time or for too long, it can cause serious
problems,” Brundin said. “Our study pinpoints several key changes in
the brain that one day could be targeted for treatment with the goal
of reducing risk and saving lives.”
Illuminating insights into inflammation
To find answers, the research team compared the brains of 29
people who died by suicide to brains of 32 people who died from
other causes. The people who died by suicide in the study were
largely free of antidepressive and antipsychotic medications, which
enabled the team to more clearly see suicide-associated molecular
changes that otherwise may be masked.
The team found increased inflammation paired with reduced activity
in mechanisms that protect the brain. Specific changes in the brains of people
who died by suicide included:
• Less activity in the gene NPAS4, which regulates inflammation and helps
maintain brain cell health. This reduced activity enables inflammation.
• More excitotoxicity, an inflammatory process that contributes to cell death.
• Fewer oligodendrocytes — specialized cells that protect nerve fibers.
Evidence suggests these vital cells may succumb to damage caused by
inflammation, leaving nerve fibers vulnerable.
The study also represents the most thorough analysis to date of integrated
gene methylation and transcriptomic data derived from the brains of people
who died by suicide. Gene methylation is a process that switches genes “on”
or “off” by annotating them with special chemical tags. In people who died
by suicide, the study found methylation patterns that promoted aberrant
inflammation.
The findings add to the ever-growing body of research that is shedding new
light on the complex contributors to risk, including socioeconomic factors,
trauma history, genetics, epigenetics and inflammation. They also build on
previous work by Brundin and colleagues that links chronic inflammation to
depression and suicide risk.
Building a brighter future
Right now, when a person visits a hospital or mental health facility, physicians
do not have an objective way to assess and monitor suicide risk. Treating
inflammation also is not yet an approved treatment. But thanks to research
from Brundin and her collaborators, these important tools may one day be
available.
In addition to investigating inflammation as a potential treatment target,
she and her collaborators also are searching for biomarkers — measurable
substances — in the blood that correspond to suicide risk.
This work is already yielding results: in 2022, they identified a set of blood
biomarkers that predicted future development of depressive symptoms in
pregnant women with high accuracy. Additional research is ongoing to evaluate
if these markers are predictive in people who are not pregnant.
“Our goal is to develop the most effective care possible for people when they
need it most,” Brundin said. “We believe our findings will help us make this a
reality.”
The confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24/7 by dialing or
texting 988.
The research team thanks the families of the deceased participants for their donation
of brain tissue and sharing of clinical information.
Funding Acknowledgement
Research reported in the Molecular Psychiatry article was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health of the
National Institutes of Health under award no. R01MH118211 (Brundin, Mann and Achtyes). The content is solely the
responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Research reported in the 2022 article was supported by Van Andel Institute, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
and the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01MH104622 (Brundin).
The clinical trial identifier is NCT02566980. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily
represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Early career
scientists earn
accolades
Earning a grant is a major milestone in any scientist’s career.
These awards provide crucial funding to explore new ideas
and launch potentially paradigm-shifting projects. They also
offer external validation of one’s ideas and approach.
From July to December 2023, two of VAI’s early career
scientists were awarded highly competitive grants, which
will support their innovative research and lead to a better
understanding of health and disease.
Funding Acknowledgements
Research reported in this publication was supported by:
1
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Tim Gruber, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow,
Pospisilik Lab
Feodor Lynen Research
Fellowship, Alexander von
Humboldt Foundation
Project: Investigate how
changes in the brain’s
reward system influences
binge eating disorder 1
Patrick Dischinger
Van Andel Institute
Graduate School Ph.D.
Candidate, Steensma Lab
National Cancer Institute
Predoctoral to Postdoctoral
Fellow Transition Award
Project: Explore how the NF1
gene contributes to breast
cancer progression 2
2
The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. F99CA284282.
The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official
views of the National Institutes of Health or other funding organizations.
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RESEARCH
Van Andel
Institute
welcomes new
Graduate School
dean and chief
academic officer
Van Andel Institute appointed Dr. Eric C. Swindell as dean and
chief academic officer of Van Andel Institute Graduate School.
Swindell joins the Institute after a distinguished 25-year career
in scientific research, with the past several years dedicated to
leadership positions in biomedical graduate education. He brings
a proven track record as a dynamic, energetic and motivational
team builder who possesses a deep understanding of graduate
science education and a robust commitment to collaboration and
inclusiveness.
“I am excited to join Van Andel Institute and honored to lead the
Graduate School in continuing to train the scientific leaders of the
future,” Swindell said. “The combination of cutting-edge research,
innovative educational programming and the ability to make
paradigm-shifting discoveries makes Van Andel Institute a unique
home for all trainees.”
Formerly associate dean at the Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston, Texas,
Swindell comes to Van Andel Institute Graduate School with an
extensive background in research as well as graduate education
administration, including recruitment, admissions, academic affairs,
promotions and curriculum. His previous experience includes
academic leadership roles at the University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
and UTHealth Houston.
“There is no doubt Dr. Swindell will build on the Graduate School’s
strong foundations to sustain and extend our impact on the
scientists of tomorrow,” said Dr. Peter A. Jones, VAI chief scientific
officer and Graduate School president. “His vision for the Graduate
School’s future is bold and exciting. In close collaboration with our
faculty, he will further elevate our ability to train graduate students
to lead in academia and industry.”
Swindell has deep technical expertise and has held research
positions at Baylor College of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Max Planck Institute and the University of Texas.
The recipient of several prestigious awards and honors, Swindell
has served on multiple academic and research committees and
published several high-impact papers.
Born in Bermuda, Swindell earned his undergraduate degree in
microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and his Ph.D.
in biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed
postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
and Baylor College of Medicine before joining the faculty at
University of Texas McGovern Medical School.
“The combination of cutting-edge research, innovative
educational programming and the ability to make
paradigm-shifting discoveries makes Van Andel
Institute a unique home for all trainees.”
— Dr. Eric C. Swindell
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EDUCATION
Students and teachers thrive in
our growing K–12 programs
Exploring solutions to real-world issues
Students in VAI Education’s fall 2023 Afterschool Cohort program
put their problem-solving skills to work against real-world tests.
Participants in the Ecosystems Explorers cohort discussed
potential ecological problems using a local park as an outdoor
classroom. The students used hands-on investigations to identify
issues and propose solutions, and two won out: limiting invasive
species and limiting fertilizer use. They presented their solutions to
judges, who will share them with the park’s governing committee
for consideration.
The Energy Innovators Afterschool Cohort investigated potential
solutions for sustainable energy use in the “Grand Rapids of the
Future.” The winning project suggested creatively installing more
wind turbines and solar panels on unused rooftops throughout
the city. The students also proposed increasing the size and
amount of bike lanes and public transportation options. Judges for
this cohort’s presentations included an educator with Kent County
Waste Reduction and an environmental resource technician for
the City of Grand Rapids.
A ‘Grand’ gathering of teachers
Educators from across the U.S. and Canada packed the Institute
for Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for Inquiry-based
Educators. Over two days of workshops and networking, 157 K–12
teachers and administrators gained hands-on experience with the
latest trends in STEAM instruction. Participants explored exciting
lessons designed to align with current Next Generation Science
Standards (NGSS).
Dr. John Spencer, a former teacher and noted education expert
and author, delivered a keynote session on what it means to spark
ongoing curiosity in students through inquiry-based learning.
Dr. Stephanie Grainger, an assistant professor in VAI’s Department
of Cell Biology, highlighted important scientific perspectives on
how educators can influence and inspire the next generation
of scientists. Science on the Grand will return to the Institute July
15–16, 2024. To learn more about our upcoming conference, go to
vaei.org/SOTG.
Student programs see tremendous growth
Learning doesn’t only happen during the school year. Our popular
summer camps give students opportunities to think and act like
scientists all year long. We saw incredible growth in 2023, with
more than 670 students joining us for immersive camps in science,
engineering and robotics. Participation grew 182% over 2022.
Through our Curiosity on Wheels programs, VAI Education
partnered for the second straight summer with Newaygo County
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. VAI Education took part in
14 camps with Newaygo, which seeks to strengthen family ties. In
the fall, Curiosity on Wheels headed to the east side of Michigan for
a visit to Powers Catholic High School in Flint, where K–12 students
joined us for a science night.
VAI Education’s K–12 field trips sold out for the school year and
served 1,856 students in fall 2023 — a 27% increase over the prior
year. An expanded catalog with science and engineering options
aligned to NGSS is sure to inspire learning.
Professional development for teachers
VAI’s Timely Topics, which are free 15-minute mini-lessons available
for K–12 educators to download, saw record usage in the fall — a
100% increase in educators accessing the lessons. Timely Topics
give teachers everything they need for the mini-lessons and are
available under free resources at blueappleteacher.org.
VAI Education delivered VAI’s Flex PD options to more than 400
teachers in fall 2023. VAI’s Flex PD is a comprehensive, affordable
professional development model in which educators can customize
a plan to meet their specific needs, including their choice of
workshops, learning sessions and coaching options.
To access resources listed here and learn more about VAI Education’s
K–12 programs, visit vai.org/k-12-education.
VAI Education’s K–12
field trips reached
capacity for the school
year and served 1,856
students in fall 2023 —
a 27% increase over the
prior year.
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PHILANTHROPY
Time, talent and treasure —
Empowering philanthropy through
VAI’s JBoard Ambassadors
For those looking to make an impact in their community, getting
started can be an intimidating task.
There are countless entities looking for support, and even when one
chooses a cause, there’s an additional challenge of choosing the
best way to contribute. For Rachel Mraz, it comes down to finding
your strengths.
“You can give your time, talent or treasure,“ Mraz said. “Some lucky
people are able to contribute from all three, but you only need to
pick one to make an impact.”
Mraz is a member of Van Andel Institute’s JBoard Ambassadors, a
group she co-chairs with Blake Crabb. Together, they lead a network
of early and mid-career professionals dedicated to VAI’s mission
in science and education. They believe JBoard is more than a way
to meet some of the brightest young minds in the region — it’s a
community looking to make a real difference close to home.
“You can find all kinds of ways to get involved, and there are great
organizations out there but, for so many of us, cancer, Parkinson’s,
and other diseases are deeply personal,” Crabb said. “To have a
place right here, in our backyard, researching the kinds of cancer
our families and friends have experienced — it’s inspiring.”
As co-chairs, Crabb and Mraz want JBoard members to gain a
real passion for the science they’re supporting. Research can
be intimidating, Crabb said, but JBoard members can meet the
scientists, ask questions and see there’s a common goal to improve
human health. It’s a mutual growth, one that fuels a greater
understanding of the science underway at the Institute while also
showcasing how JBoard Ambassadors can play a role.
“We’re lucky enough to not just peek behind the curtain but fully
get back there and meet the people making a difference,” Mraz
said. “Our events are fun, and there’s great food and drinks, but
they’re built around science and education. The best part is always
meeting the scientists, educators, lab heads — they’re all incredibly
passionate, and it’s contagious.”
Under Mraz and Crabb’s leadership, JBoard has grown to host its
own signature event, Around the World, along with other JBoardexclusive
festivities. There’s a real momentum, Mraz said, and the
focus is on enticing more young professionals to join.
“We’ve got the events, science and fun nailed down,” Mraz said, “The
next step is chasing that next level, bringing in even more people
and elevating our impact.”
They hope that growth can be magnetic, attracting not only new
JBoard members but an increased positive spotlight for VAI and
Grand Rapids.
“The Institute has been a force in diversifying our community and
bringing recognition to the city,” Crabb said. “The Institute could have
gone anywhere, but they chose to stay here, creating a tremendous
positive impact for Grand Rapids. Now it’s up to us to magnify
the impact, through the JBoard and the Institute at large, to keep
pushing forward together.”
For more information about the JBoard, please contact Allie Griffith at
alexandra.griffith@vai.org.
“Our events are fun, and there’s great food and drinks, but
they’re built around science and education. The best part is
always meeting the scientists, educators, lab heads — they’re
all incredibly passionate, and it’s contagious.”
— Rachel Mraz
14 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 15

PHILANTHROPY
Supporting a shared mission
Matt and Sarah Jones knew the surface details of Van Andel Institute — a
research facility nested in Sarah’s hometown — but for years, they didn’t have
the opportunity to learn about its work beyond what they saw of the building
when driving by. Years later, when they moved back to Grand Rapids, they
searched for a place to get involved, to make an impact. VAI was the perfect
match.
“Looking back now, there really is nothing quite like the Institute,” Sarah said. “It’s
a place we can support right in our backyard while knowing it has a worldwide
impact.”
The couple first became involved by joining the JBoard, VAI’s network of early
and mid-career professionals in 2020. It was an unusual time, as the COVID-19
pandemic disrupted in-person gatherings and events. For their first year as JBoard
Ambassadors, the couple could only experience virtual events. While it wasn’t what
they originally expected, the virtual gatherings still proved fruitful.
“Those early virtual events gave us the opportunity to focus entirely on hearing
about the science, something that was incredibly important to us,” Matt said.
“Everything was a bit more difficult back then, but hearing about the research was
inspiring, and it made it clear to us that we were in the right place.”
In the following years, they have stepped up their commitment to the Institute,
not only by attending gatherings, but by also donating auction packages and
sponsoring events. Sarah is also a part of the Around the World planning committee,
helping organize the JBoard Ambassadors’ kickoff to summer.
Their increasing involvement is driven by an endless desire to improve the world
around them. Both Matt and Sarah have seen family and friends come face-to-face
with disease, experiences that shape their belief in biomedical research.
“Even when I don’t understand every bit of the science, I still hear the mission —
that’s what I love about the scientists, you can tell they’re truly passionate about
being here,” Matt said.
Meeting scientists, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students brings a valuable
personal touch to the Jones’ relationship with VAI. For Sarah, a Grand Rapids native,
it’s an opportunity to see beyond the Purple Community events she heard of as a
child. Learning more about the research and hearing it’s taking place in her home
makes it easy to support the mission.
Together, they’re excited to see that mission grow beyond the walls of the Institute.
They aim to continue supporting VAI, attending events and providing a helping
hand when able — and they’re eager to see how the Institute and city evolve.
“You hear of scientists and students coming from around the world because of the
Institute,” Sarah said. “It’s inspiring, and you have to imagine it’s driving bigger and
better things for Grand Rapids.”
“You hear of
scientists and
students coming
from around the
world because
of the Institute.
It’s inspiring,
and you have
to imagine it’s
driving bigger
and better
things for
Grand Rapids.”
— Sarah Jones
16 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 17

EVENTS
Van Andel Institute Golf Outing
Returning to the stunning Wuskowhan Players Club, the VAI Golf
Outing brought together community members, businesses and
local organizations for an afternoon of golf and research. The
event featured a drone drop raffle, silent auction, dinner and golf
tournament, along with remarks from this year’s guest speaker,
Kavon Frazier, six-year NFL veteran originally from Grand Rapids.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, the Timothy Long and William
Mackay Group of Merrill Lynch.
Couture for a Cure
West Michigan’s signature evening of fashion, fun and
philanthropy returned for its 18th year. Co-hosts Carol Van Andel
and Rebecca Wierda guided guests through a fashion presentation
by Leighs, featuring unique insights into the latest styles and
trends, along with new products from Artistry. Couture welcomed
featured designer SIMKHAI and its founder, Jonathan Simkhai,
for an exclusive look into the studio’s iconic garments. A strolling
cocktail hour and silent auction allowed guests to interact, while
those looking for fresh makeup inspiration and innovative skincare
could visit the Artistry beauty bar.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Amway, and our Presenting Sponsors,
Leigh’s and SIMKHAI.
(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) DAVID VAN ANDEL; CAROL VAN ANDEL & MARY STUIT; GOLFERS WALK THE COURSE; JACK DOLES,
RICK VANDENBERG & KAVON FRAZIER; GOLFERS ON THE GREEN
(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) CAROL VAN ANDEL; RUNWAY MODEL; GUESTS GATHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR; JEFFERY ROBERTS
& DAVID VAN ANDEL; JONATHAN SIMKHAI; CAROL VAN ANDEL, JONATHAN SIMKHAI & REBECCA WIERDA
18 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 19

EVENTS
Hope on the Hill Gala —
Under the Sea
The Institute’s signature gala returned for its 23rd
year, this time bringing guests deep into the blue
depths of the ocean to support those working
to unravel the mysteries of cancer, Parkinson’s
and other diseases. Attendees enjoyed a unique
selection of exquisite food and drinks while perusing
a silent auction filled with unforgettable experiences
and unique items. The evening featured stunning
performances from classical singing sensation Victory
Brinker — Guinness World Record’s Youngest Opera
Singer and finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Fifth Third Private Bank.
(STARTING AT TOP LEFT, GOING CLOCKWISE) DAVID VAN ANDEL; GUESTS GATHER ON THE
DANCE FLOOR; DAVID VAN ANDEL, CAROL VAN ANDEL & VICTORY BRINKER; GUESTS BROWSE SILENT AUCTION; VICTORY BRINKER PERFORMS
20 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 21

EVENTS
A Conversation About Fueling
Metabolism — Hosted by
Carol Van Andel
The word “metabolism” often inspires thoughts of food and
diet — but it is much more than what we eat. Metabolism
fuels our day-to-day lives, and problems with metabolism can
contribute to disease. Carol Van Andel was joined by Maranda
and Dr. Sara Nowinski for a discussion on metabolism, its
effects on health and Dr. Nowinski’s research.
Winterfest Celebration
The warm, cheerful Winterfest Celebration returned to
Cascade Hills Country Club for its 19th year. The bright
evening brought together businesses, community members,
philanthropists and scientists to share the latest news in
Parkinson’s disease research. Guests enjoyed food and
cocktails while bidding on amazing auction packages — all in
support of VAI’s Parkinson’s research.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Buist Electric.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Howard Miller Company.
(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE), DR. SARA NOWINSKI CHATS WITH MARANDA; GUESTS GATHER BEFORE LUNCH;
A GUEST ASKS A QUESTION; DR. SARA NOWINSKI DELIVERS REMARKS; CAROL VAN ANDEL DELIVERS REMARKS
(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) DAVID VAN ANDEL; GUESTS GATHER FOR PROGRAM;
BRENT BRINKS DELIVERS REMARKS; PADDLE RAISE; DR. JIM BULTMAN, CAROL VAN ANDEL & MARTIE BULTMAN
22 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 23

PHILANTHROPY
Thank you to our generous
event sponsors
To learn more about sponsoring an event, contact Sarah Rollman at sarah.rollman@vai.org.
VAI Golf Outing
Advantage Commercial Real Estate
BHS Insurance
Bluewater
Custer Inc.
David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation
Erhardt Construction
First National Bank of Michigan
Gallagher
Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Ben & Molly Hunting
The John Dykema & Michele Maly-Dykema
Family Foundation
Life EMS Ambulance
Loomis, Sayles & Company
Macatawa Bank
Making the Turn Against Parkinson’s
McAlvey Merchant & Associates
MD Sass Associates Inc.
Merrill Lynch — Timothy Long &
William Mackay
Midwest Capital Advisors
Northern Jet Management
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Priority Health
Rockford Construction
John & Therese Rowerdink
Secrest Wardle
SHARPE
Standard Supply & Lumber/Zeeland Lumber
Tom & Mary Stuit
Summit Point Roofing
University of Michigan Health-West
US Bank
Dave & Beth VanPortfliet
Wells Fargo
West Michigan Woman
Couture for a Cure
Acrisure
Amway
Andy J. Egan Co.
Bengtson Center for Aesthetics &
Plastic Surgery
Bluewater
Chuck & Christine Boelkins
Dan & Sherry Bowen
Cheeky Strut
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
CWD Real Estate Investment
Davenport University
David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation
Jeffrey & Kate DeLongchamp
Brian DeVries & Barbara Pugh
Eileen DeVries Family Foundation
Eurest
First National Bank of Michigan
Gallagher
Patti Griswold
Jana Hall
Kurt & Madelon Hassberger
Paul & Sheryl Haverkate
Dave & Donna Hockstra
J.C. & Tammy Huizenga
Bill & Starr Humphries
Jandernoa Foundation
Jeffery Roberts Design
Dr. Peter & Veronica Jones
Kool Auto Group
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Leigh’s
Life EMS Ambulance
McAlvey Merchant & Associates
Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan
Alanna Rynders
Scott Group Studio
SHARPE
SIMKHAI
Jack & Lori Skoog
Scott & Jan Spoelhof
The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Sharon Van Dellen
Mike & Gayle VanGessel
Brian & Colleen Walker
Vicky Weller
West Michigan Woman
Greg & Meg Willit
XYZ Motors
Hope on the Hill — Under the Sea
Al & Robin Koop Foundation
Amway
Aon
Bill & Amy Bennett
Betz Industries
BHS Insurance
Dave & Jill Bielema
Bluewater
Chuck & Christine Boelkins
Buist Electric
Jerry & Suzanne Callahan
Ryan & Jessica Cook
Mimi Cummings
Tom & Tracy Curran
Custer Inc.
David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation
Discovery Financial
Eenhoorn
Ellis Parking Company
Ferris State University
Fifth Third Private Bank
Fox Family Foundation
Gallagher
Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Grand Valley State University
Martin & Peggy Greydanus
Jana Hall
Hansen/Balk
Hope College
Howard Miller Company
J.C. & Tammy Huizenga
Ice Guru
ICN Foundation
Jandernoa Foundation
John Ball Zoo
Matt & Sarah Jones
Dr. Peter & Veronica Jones
John & Nancy Kennedy
Craig & Debra Kinney
Josh & Connie Kooistra
Blake & Mary Krueger
John & Katie Kuiper
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Ray & Jeannine Lanning
Gary & Vicky Ludema
Macatawa Bank
Meijer
The Meijer Foundation
Merrill Lynch — Timothy Long &
William Mackay
Michigan State University College of
Human Medicine
New Holland Brewing Co.
NPF Investment Advisors
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
Pageworks
Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation
Pioneer Construction
Pitsch Companies
Plastic Surgery Associates
Priority Health
Quality Air Service, Inc.
Rockford Construction
Eve Rogus & Paul Becker in memory of
Clementine “Teenie” Rogus
Rowerdink
Tony & Dawn Semple
SHARPE
David & Linda Spencer
Rob & Susan Stafford
Steelcase
Stephen Klotz Family Foundation
Duke Suwyn
Trinity Health
University of Michigan Health-West
Mike & Michelle Van Dyke
Dan & Ann Van Eerden
Bob & Grace VanTimmeren
Christian & Kara VerMeulen
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Wells Fargo
West Michigan Woman
Williams Family
Greg & Meg Willit
Wolverine Worldwide
Jim & Jane Zwiers
A Conversation About Fueling Metabolism
Amway
Cornerstone University
Gallagher
Grand Rapids African American
Health Institute
Howard Miller Company
Kent County Medical Society Alliance
Leigh’s
Truscott Rossman
Wedgwood Christian Services
West Michigan Woman
Western Theological Seminary
Winterfest Celebration
Rob & Dawn Arnoys
Steven & Amanda Barbour
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Bluewater
Derek & Paige Boer
BrandHaven
Buist Electric
Calamos Investments
Jerry & Suzanne Callahan
Mimi Cummings
Custer Inc.
Deloitte
Brian DeVries & Barbara Pugh
The Doubleday Family Trust
Edge Natural Resources
Fiduciary Financial Advisors/Rob &
Katie Barcelona
George & Dorothy Vande Woude Foundation
Jana Hall
Harvey Automotive
King Street Capital Management
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Landscape Design Services
Macatawa Bank
McShane & Bowie, PLC
Michael & Sally Murdock
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
Pioneer Construction
PL Capital Advisors, LLC
PTSportsPro, PLLC
Rockford Construction
Rycenga Building Center
S. Abraham & Sons, Inc.
SavATree
SHARPE
Straight Line Design Kitchen & Bath Studio
Taconic Charitable Foundation
University of Michigan Health-West
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
West Michigan Woman
William Grant & Sons
Robert & Karen Wiltz
This list includes sponsors of signature events
between September 2023 and February 2024.
24 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 25

PHILANTHROPY
TRIBUTES
IN MEMORY OF
IN HONOR OF
Joyce Anderson
Ardis D. Anderson
Allan Arnoys
Rob & Dawn Arnoys
Rick Bell
Lee & Margaret Smith
Dale Bordewyk
Anonymous
Jacqueline Bylenga
William Bylenga
Doris Chadima
Suzanne Krick
Emma Corneillie
Anonymous
Allan Cox IV
Kathleen Anderson
Suzanne Osborn
Barbara Damer
Anonymous
Shane & Ann Hansen
Joshua DeGram
Karlyn DeGram
Donald DeGroot
David & Carol Van Andel Family
Foundation
Roderick Demaso
Donald Denooyer
Patricia Fosdick
Marjorie Kool
Diane Nance
Dennis DeWitt
Peter & Laura Elzinga
Margaret Diedrich
Debra VanDyke
Melissa Eden
Keith & Carolyn Murphy
Betty J. Flood
George & Linda Sharpe
Darlena Goodwin
Robert Jennings
Gordon Grant
Calvin Ainsworth
Carol Ann Haarman
Stephen Haarman
Craig Robin Helmic
Russell & Mary Powell
Glen Edgar Houser
James & Michelle Hardin
Menashe Israeli
Barbara Kahner
Rose Marie Karnes
Lynn Blue
Allen Lemieux
Mark Kastner
Anonymous
Jerry Keas
Pete & Rose Dame
Gerritt & Roberta De Baar
Dennis & Ann Fosnaugh
William & Carol Fuhs
Ken & Cindy Hansen
Ron & Laurel Hayward
John & Charlotte Keegstra
Vern & Lenora Lanning
Mary Jo May
Eric McAlpine
Mark & Kim McCoy
Miller Johnson
Mike & Loretta Puny
Dave Russell
Tim & Sarah Saur
Dave & Alberta VanAsselt
Leona Waterman
Wolverine Worldwide
Thomas Maddox
James & Janice Heeren
Nelson McBride
Mary Susan McBride
Irene McDermed
Thomas & Patti Szuminski
Theoline Millen
Dr. John Vaughan
James “Jim” Naperalsky
Phil & Carole Betlejewski
Jim & Mary Dawn Cooper
Dick & Pat Deitz
Bonnie Holmes
Dave & Karin Howell
Cindy Kemp
Barb & John McFadden
Gary Naperalsky
Eileen O’Brien
Patrick & Rozanne Scherr
Herb & Kerrie Temple
Cyndy Tubergen Napper
Betty Fogersong
Jane Nichols
John Nichols
Denise Picardat
Brian Picardat
Richard Pullen
Ruth Kemp
Jane Rhoades
On behalf of children &
grandchildren
Clementine “Teenie” Rogus
Paul Becker & Eve Rogus
Robert W. Smith
Haralson County Water Authority
Mary Jiles
Richard Spatz
Dr. John Vaughan
Steve Sturkey
Lee & Margaret Smith
Theresa Marleen Sullivan
Joe & Tricia Schetz
Cornelius Tilstra
Shawn & Stacy Tilstra
Suzanna Van Berlo
Randall & Marcia MacGeorge
Martin Van Berlo
Bill Van Regenmorter
Bill & Rosemary Stevenson
Dr. George Vande Woude
Dave & Susan Birdsall
Joyce A. Vander Sloot
Jack Vander Sloot
Ruth Ann Veldink
Don & Rachel Veldink
Sheila Diane Ware
Sandra Craft
Bruce Watson
Brian Watson
Dona Whitehouse
Birgit Klohs & Greg Northrup
Allen Willemsen
Juli Dyer
Linda Wynsma-Karnes
Anonymous
Daniel Young
Joe & Kelley Young
Carroll Youngblood
Maryanna Johnson
Bill Zoller
Carole Zoller
Kevin & Michelle Bassett
Regena Bassett
Patricia Cebelak
Anonymous
Michael Hill
Dave & Sallie Brinks
Gisela Kah
Birgit Klohs & Greg Northrup
Tim Long
Invest in Others Charitable
Foundation
Iris Martin
Bruce & Carolyn Tuttleman
Jill & Ken Peirce
Rod & Kathleen Bolhous
George Sharpe Sr.
Anonymous
John & Micki Benz
Jim & Cathy Brady
Robert & Katherine Brower
Dr. Paul & Bridget Farr
Robert & Barbara Herr
Kenneth & Noreen Hungerford
John & Sarah Jackoboice
Thomas & Barbara Jackoboice
Dr. Harry & Sheila Knopke
Mike & Kathy Lloyd
William & Paula Murphy
Jim & Marie Preston
Jack & Sue Smith
The Honorable Paul &
Mary Ellen Sullivan
Thomas & Janet Wesholski
Dr. Todd Stevens
Kathleen Teunis
David & Carol Van Andel
Dr. James & Gail Fahner
Nancy & Michael Voltz
Lisa Dean
Kathryn Gilbert
Meg Willit
Nick & Kelly Dyer
We appreciate your trust in us to fight disease in memory
or in honor of your family and friends — with hope for a
healthier tomorrow. To make a gift in memory or in honor of
a loved one, please call 616.234.5392.
These lists represent gifts made between July 1 and
Dec. 31, 2023. The accuracy of these lists is very important
to us. Please contact 616.234.5392 if an error has been made.
26 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 27

Leave a lasting legacy and
provide hope for generations
to come
VAI’s research is fueled by long-term hope, a focus on a
future where diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and metabolic
disorders are a thing of the past. Together, scientists and
educators are working to improve human health and
educate the next generation of scientific leaders.
You can help make a brighter, healthier future a reality. A
growing number of individuals have remembered VAI in their
estate plans. These intentions greatly benefit the Institute’s
initiatives, providing resources that expand our ability to
advance science and education for decades to come.
When you include the Institute in your estate plans, you are
invited to the Jay and Betty Van Andel Circle of Hope — an
honor that showcases your belief in research and education.
We welcome a conversation about estate giving
that makes the most sense for you. Please
contact Philanthropy Director Kate Frillmann
at 616.234.5515 or kate.frillmann@vai.org.
Additional information about estate giving can
be found at vai.giftlegacy.com.