Highlights of Hope 20th Anniversary Edition

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HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2 Trustees | 3 Letter from David Van Andel | 4 Building the Dream 6 Historic Timeline | 8 Pioneers, Visionaries and Trailblazers 12 Photos | 16 Revolutionizing Science Education 22 A Legacy of Hope: Shifting the Paradigm on Parkinson’s Disease 24 Building Momentum at the Epicenter of Epigenetics


INSTITUTE TRUSTEES

Van Andel Institute Board of Trustees David Van Andel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Van Andel Institute John Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Autocam Medical Mark Meijer, President, Life E.M.S. Ambulance

Van Andel Research Institute Board of Trustees David Van Andel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Van Andel Institute Tom R. DeMeester, M.D., Professor and Chairman Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California James B. Fahner, M.D., Chief of Hematology and Oncology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Michelle Le Beau, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology; Director, University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center; Director, Cancer Cytogenetics Laboratory, University of Chicago George Vande Woude, Ph.D., Distinguished Scientific Fellow, Founding Research Director, Van Andel Research Institute Ralph Weichselbaum, M.D., Chairman, Department of Radiation; Head, Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago Max Wicha, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine; Founding Director, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

Van Andel Education Institute Board of Trustees David Van Andel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Van Andel Institute James E. Bultman, Ed.D., Former President, Hope College Donald W. Maine, Former President, Davenport University Juan R. Olivarez, Ph.D., President, Aquinas College Gordon L. Van Harn, Ph.D., Emeritus Provost and Professor of Biology, Calvin College

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LETTER FROM DAVID VAN ANDEL Dear Friends, Twenty years have passed since Van Andel Institute was founded for the betterment of mankind and the improvement of the human condition through biomedical research and science education. In the ensuing two decades, we have accomplished much, perhaps more than we even dared to dream at the beginning. This 20th anniversary issue of Highlights of Hope provides a small snapshot of the Institute’s history and accomplishments. Much of the support that has allowed us to carry out this vital work comes from you, and for this we owe you profound gratitude. Your generosity has enabled us to recruit giants in the world of biomedical research, like Dr. George Vande Woude and Dr. Peter Jones, to come to Grand Rapids and make this city their home. It has been my privilege to work with an incredible group of people who have provided direction for the research taking place in the Institute’s labs and in collaborative projects in laboratories and clinical sites throughout the world. These talented individuals have created a critical mass of biomedical research in the areas of cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and most recently, in the growing field of epigenetics. In addition to our work in biomedical research, we remain committed to science education that leverages vibrant new technologies and uses these tools in the service of knowledge, mentorship and discovery. Our devotion and passion for science education comes from an understanding that the many discoveries of the future will be uncovered by the students of today. As I look back, I am gratified by how far we’ve come in these two decades, and I am even more excited by the future and the impact we can have 20 years from now when we celebrate Van Andel Institute’s 40th anniversary. I recall my father saying early on that to become a world-class research institute would require building the dream a step at a time—meticulously putting one stone upon another. I have no doubt that he would be proud of the many stones we have placed on the foundation of his dream. Working together, one step at a time, we will continue to build an Institute that serves humanity and makes powerful, lasting contributions to human health. Warmly,

DAVID VAN ANDEL

David Van Andel Chairman and CEO

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OUR HISTORY

Building the Dream—One Step at a Time Van Andel Institute is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the south end of Belknap Hill, a historic neighborhood and wellknown landmark that has long attracted people to its magnificent views of the Grand River, its breathtaking panoramas and its beautiful sunsets. Amway Co-Founder Jay Van Andel’s dream was to transform this area in the city’s center into a hub for scientific discovery and human health. His vision was to build an independent institute that would embrace novel approaches to biomedical research and science education, and develop a network of collaborations with organizations stretching from West Michigan to every corner of the world. The Van Andel family believed the Institute could serve as a guiding light of hope and bring about scientific discoveries that would benefit future generations. Defining the Mission The initial stages of the Institute’s formation were organized by a group of talented advisors that included Dr. Luis Tomatis, an esteemed Grand Rapids-based cardiothoracic surgeon who shared the Van Andel family’s passion for human health and community enrichment. He helped recruit top-tier scientific talent to form the Institute’s first Board of Scientific Advisors and appoint Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Brown as the board’s first chairman.

Phase I—Breaking Ground and Creating a Legacy Van Andel Institute could have been built anywhere in the world, and there were many who suggested other locations closer to traditional centers of research or major universities, but Jay Van Andel chose Grand Rapids because it was his community, the place that he called home. It was where his family had roots, and it was the place where Jay and his wife, Betty, raised their children. They thought it was important to give back to the community that had given them a life of hope and happiness. Van Andel felt strongly that the Institute should be built in the heart of Grand Rapids so that it could serve as a beacon of innovation and a catalyst for economic growth and revitalization for the city on the Grand River. “When my father first had the idea to create an independent biomedical research facility in his hometown, there were many people who thought it was not feasible or doable

in a city without a built-in support system for this kind of work,” Van Andel Institute Chairman and CEO David Van Andel said. “I really believe it’s a testament to the founders of this Institute that they were able to see beyond the ordinary and build something that transforms the dynamic of a city and inspires greatness in others.” In the latter half of the 20th century, Grand Rapids was a town shaken by a changing post-industrial economy, and it was in many ways a city struggling for a lifeline. Although it was once a champion of industrial manufacturing and commerce, in 1996 the city was in need of dreamers, bold ideas and people who were not afraid to build a new way forward. David Van Andel appointed architect James P. Gray to serve as project manager for the construction of the Institute and, together with a team of advisors, Van Andel and Gray scoured over proposals from architectural design firms in the

The Institute’s mission was refined with input from numerous scientific experts from a wide variety of research centers in the United States. Their insight helped create an institute encompassing innovative biomedical research and science education, and laid the groundwork for scientific collaborations that would have a lasting impact on human health. JAY VAN ANDEL

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BETTY VAN ANDEL


United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea and Japan. In their search, New York-based, Uruguayan architect Raphael Viñoly’s work stood above the rest, and his initial concept for the Institute captured the imagination of the Van Andels and their team of advisors.

“There are few places on this planet that you could do what we’ve done here, and it happened because of the

ARCHITECT RAPHAEL VIÑOLY UNVEILING THE MODEL OF VAI TO DAVID VAN ANDEL AND DR. LUIS TOMATIS AT THE AMWAY GRAND PLAZA HOTEL IN 1997.

All five members of the first Van Andel Research Institute Board of Scientific Advisors were esteemed scientists who were or became Nobel Laureates. They included: Michael Brown, M.D. – Chairman

warmly welcomed this initiative, even if

Director, Jonsson Center of Molecular Genetics The University of Texas Southwest Medical Center at Dallas Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 1985

they were surprised by the scope of the

Richard Axel, M.D.

community spirit...This community

vision. Twenty years ago, the phrase ‘life sciences corridor’ was a completely new concept in this city, but now it’s one of the most vital sources of economic growth and development for the region.” – David Van Andel Viñoly’s impressive portfolio of awardwinning designs includes the Tokyo International Forum and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. In his concept, Viñoly used Grand Rapids’ topography and the Grand River as inspiration to design an iconic building that is striking in its modernity and respectful of its surroundings. Viñoly’s design for the Institute did not look like any other structure in West Michigan, and its bold forms and dramatic, sculptural lines signified that a new day had come for the city of Grand Rapids. CONTINUED ON PG 6 >

Professor of Neurosciences Columbia University Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2004

Joseph Goldstein, M.D.

Chairman, Department of Molecular Genetics The University of Texas Southwest Medical Center at Dallas Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 1985

Daniel Nathans, M.D.

Professor, Molecular Biology and Genetics Johns Hopkins University Senior Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 1978

Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology Massachussetts Institute of Technology Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 1993

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OUR HISTORY (LEFT TO RIGHT) CASEY WONDERGEM, GOVERNOR JOHN ENGLER, VAI FOUNDER JAY VAN ANDEL, PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD AND VAI CHAIRMAN AND CEO DAVID VAN ANDEL

CONTINUED FROM PG 5 > The design for Phase I of the Institute was architect Raphael Viñoly’s first research facility, but in the intervening years he has gone on to design for Princeton University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and several other notable research facilities.

The Birth of the Medical Mile On May 20, 1998, the Van Andel family, along with the mayor of Grand Rapids, advisors and friends, broke ground on the building site and began the process of making the dream a concrete reality. This event set off a domino effect of

development and economic growth that would invigorate the city. Following the initial phases of the Institute’s construction, then-Michigan Governor John Engler signed the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor legislation, a $1 billion biotechnology initiative, into law in the Institute’s lobby. This initiative created a collaborative web between the Institute, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan State University in East Lansing and Wayne State University in Detroit. Phase I of the Institute initiated the expansion of the life science industry in

West Michigan and promoted a new economy based on the pursuit of excellence in human health. Due in large part to the Van Andel family’s vision, the district that houses Van Andel Institute, located along Michigan Street and adjacent to Belknap Hill, has come to be known as the “Medical Mile.” Today, the Medical Mile serves as an important driver for economic development and vitality in the region.

“Here at VAI, the world’s greatest medical detectives will unlock the secrets of molecular and cell biology, genetics and other life sciences. All because of Jay and Betty Van Andel’s belief and their willingness to act on that belief.” – President Gerald R. Ford

1996

1997

Jay and Betty Van Andel found Van Andel Institute (VAI).

VAEI hosts first Van Andel Educators Institute, a national symposium for school principals and superintendents.

David Van Andel becomes Chairman and CEO.

Dr. Luis Tomatis appointed first President of Van Andel Institute.

Dr. Gordon Van Wylen appointed first Director of Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI).

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Two Decades of Sustained Growth on the Medical Mile Since Van Andel Institute broke ground in 1998, it has spurred vital economic growth in Grand Rapids and more than $2 billion worth of research and health care infrastructure along the city’s Medical Mile, including: 2000: Grand Rapids Community College Calkins Science Center 2003: Grand Valley State University Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences 2004: Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center 2008: Spectrum Health Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion 2008: Mid Towne Village Women’s Health Center 2009: Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center 2009: Van Andel Institute Phase II 2010: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Secchia Center 2011: Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 2011: The RDV/Christman Michigan Street Development

(TOP) GRAND RAPIDS, BEFORE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE WAS BUILT;

Opening in late 2017: Michigan State University's Grand Rapids Research Center

(BOTTOM) TODAY’S MEDICAL MILE.

1999 Respected cancer scientist and National Cancer Institute Administrator Dr. George Vande Woude, joins as Research Director of Van Andel Research Institute (VARI). Research begins in temporary laboratory space at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

1998 Groundbreaking ceremony for VAI’s facilities in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

VAI helps to establish Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile—a health sciences and medical corridor that serves as a source for innovative biomedical research, cutting-edge clinical care and economic growth in West Michigan.

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OUR HISTORY

PIONEERS, VISIONARIES AND TRAILBLAZERS When Van Andel Research Institute’s (VARI) Founding Research Director Dr. George Vande Woude first came to Grand Rapids to discuss leading the Institute's research program, the building was still under construction. He was one of a handful of scientists who vied for the opportunity to create something revolutionary in a midsized city in Michigan. Building a research institute without support from existing institutions or a university was something that was almost unheard of in the world of biomedical research, but Vande Woude had developed a reputation as a scientist who forged his own path. Vande Woude met with representatives from the Institute including the Institute’s first president, Dr. Luis Tomatis. Tomatis led early efforts to recruit scientists and advisors, and scout a research director who would be able to shape the Institute’s strategic vision and embrace the uncertainty of a new endeavor. Tomatis’ passion for his work and enthusiasm for

the Institute fostered important early relationships with scientific pioneers, visionary thinkers and trailblazers in the field of biomedical research.

oncogene and proto-oncogene. These discoveries revolutionized how cancer was viewed and led to the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.

Together, We Will Make History Vande Woude doesn’t think of himself as a pioneer, but his contributions to cancer research are undeniably impressive. A towering figure in the world of genomic cancer research, Vande Woude spent eight years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center and then served as director of the Basic Research Program at the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, and as director for the Division of Basic Sciences.

Vande Woude made a point to recruit bright, young people who were doing adventurous work in basic and translational cancer research. One of these young scientists was Dr. Bart Williams, now director of VARI’s Center for Cancer and Cell Biology.

During his 40-year tenure at the NCI, Vande Woude explored the exciting world of genomic cancer research in order to better understand what causes cancer at the molecular level. His impressive list of achievements includes discovering the human MET

“It was an incredible opportunity to build something with one of the pioneers in cancer research and design a biomedical research program from scratch,” Williams said. “The experience was very 'handson' – building something incredible where nothing had previously existed. In that process, there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm.” Under David Van Andel's leadership, Vande Woude guided these young scientists and stimulated a dynamic workplace that sparked a chain reaction of

2001

2000 Phase I of VAI's construction is completed.

VAI creates signature special event Hope on the Hill to recognize donors and their charitable gifts to the Institute.

VARI holds its first scientific symposium.

Scientific seminar series established, later renamed in memory of Dr. Han-Mo Koo, a VARI scientist who died of cancer in 2004.

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Dr. Gordon Van Harn appointed Director of VAEI.


VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE’S FOUNDING RESEARCH DIRECTOR DR. GEORGE VANDE WOUDE.

growth and collaboration within the Institute. A natural leader and passionate mentor, Vande Woude created an environment that was both supportive and aspirational. “George is a very detailed, hands-on kind of person, and his management style was important in creating the Institute and laying its solid scientific foundations,” Williams said. “He was instrumental in getting other scientists to think about coming here, doing cutting-edge research, and building a research institute in Grand Rapids.” Joined by his wife and lifelong supporter Dot, Vande Woude brought scientists from around the country to a city tucked away in West Michigan, helping to shape the Institute’s destiny for the next two decades. A mentor’s mentor, Vande Woude’s exuberant love of science and passion for the continuum of discovery remain cornerstones of the Institute’s approach to biomedical research and science education. His ability to nurture the careers of top-tier scientists provided a bedrock for the Institute’s initial research CONTINUED ON PG 10 >

2003 VARI hosts first undergraduate interns in its laboratories.

2004 2004 sees the passing of Van Andel Institute Founders Jay and Betty Van Andel.

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OUR HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PG 9 > 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 (LEFT TO RIGHT) DR. BART WILLIAMS, DR. CRAIG WEBB AND DR. ART ALBERTS AT THE PHASE I GRAND OPENING.

2006 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.

2005 Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS) founded and receives charter from the State of Michigan to confer master’s and Ph.D. degrees.

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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.

VAI signs 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.


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,

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE’S

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.

FIRST TRUSTEES, PETER COOK AND RALPH HAUENSTEIN.

2007 VAEI launches Science on Saturday program. VAEI hosts first West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science Research Conference for students and professors.

2008

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.

Child authors of the book Kid’s Cancer Stories visit with more than 100 VAI employees for a book signing.

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EVENTS

(STARTING AT THE TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT) COUTURE FOR A CURE 10TH ANNIVERSARY; CAROL VAN ANDEL AND SARAH ROLLMAN WITH THE FIRST ANGEL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS, CHRISTINE BOELKINS AND VICKY LUDEMA; FOUR FOREST HILLS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RAISED $100,000 OVER FOUR YEARS AND DONATED THE FUNDS TO VAI IN 2013; CAROL VAN ANDEL SPEAKS AT THE 2016 ART OF FASHION AND RESEARCH EVENT; MARANDA ADDRESSES THE CROWD AT THE 2015 CONVERSATION ABOUT DEPRESSION HOSTED BY CAROL VAN ANDEL.

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(STARTING AT THE TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT) THE FORTE TENORS PERFORM AT THE 15TH ANNUAL HOPE ON THE HILL GALA; DAVID VAN ANDEL BLOWS OUT THE CANDLES DURING HIS BIRTHDAY AND VAI'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION; JBOARD CO-CHAIR RACHEL MRAZ SPEAKS AT THE 2012 AROUND THE WORLD EVENT; RALPH HAUENSTEIN DANCES AT THE HOPE ON THE HILL GALA IN 2010; 2012 PURPLE COMMUNITY HOCKEY GAME WITH THE GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS.

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A MILESTONE

Phase II Groundbreaking Van Andel Institute broke ground on its Phase II expansion April 11, 2007. Phase II continued the vision of architect Raphael Viñoly and provided Institute scientists and operations staff with beautifully designed lab and office spaces where they could continue to develop new and exciting research initiatives into cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Grand Opening On Dec. 8, 2009, Van Andel Institute cut the ribbon on its eight-story, $178 million, 240,000-square-foot Phase II expansion. The expanded facility generated both economic and scientific opportunities by nearly tripling research space and creating the potential to support a $125 million annual research operation.

(TOP) DAVID VAN ANDEL AT THE PHASE II GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY. (RIGHT) ARCHITECT RAPHAEL VIÑOLY PRESENTS DAVID VAN ANDEL WITH THE PHASE II MODEL.

DAVID VAN ANDEL LEAVES A HEARTFELT MESSAGE FOR HIS PARENTS, JAY AND BETTY VAN ANDEL, ON THE FINAL BEAM AT THE PHASE II TOPPING OFF CEREMONY.

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(TOP) DAVID AND CAROL VAN ANDEL ARE PRESENTED WITH A PAINTING OF THE INSTITUTE AT THE PHASE II GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION; (LEFT) DAVID VAN ANDEL ADDRESSES THE CROWD AT THE PHASE II RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY; (RIGHT) PHASE II RIBBON CUTTING; (BOTTOM RIGHT) THE FINAL BEAM IS ADDED TO THE BUILDING AT THE PHASE II TOPPING OFF CEREMONY.

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SCIENCE EDUCATION

REVOLUTIONIZING SCIENCE EDUCATION Biomedical research and science education are the pillars on which Van Andel Institute is built. After all, the life-changing scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow will be discovered by the students of today. Van Andel Institute (VAI) Co-Founder Betty Van Andel was a life-long educator and a fervent believer in the power of knowledge to shape lives. In the early planning stages of the Institute, Van Andel was intent on including education as an integral part of the Institute’s mission. David Van Andel, chairman and CEO of VAI, views the Education Institute as the fulfillment of his mother’s dream. “Her vision was to create an institution that would shape educational excellence and thereby inspire hope and enrich lives,” Van Andel said. “She realized that access to science education is one of the most powerful gifts you can give a person and

one of the best investments you can make in the future.” In 1996, former President of Hope College and former Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Michigan Dr. Gordon Van Wylen joined Van Andel Education Institute’s (VAEI) Board of Trustees and agreed to help shape the mission of the Education Institute. A man of immense scientific knowledge, education experience and integrity, Van Wylen’s expertise was instrumental in defining the early goals of VAEI. Van Wylen and the Board of Trustees decided that to have a significant impact on science education, the Institute must first address key issues regarding the needs of students and teachers. Working with educators and scientific experts, Van Wylen organized the first Van Andel Educators Institute in 1997. This meeting

2009 Phase II of VAI construction completed. VAI hosts first Origins of Cancer symposium, which brings together experts from across the U.S. and U.K.

Purple Community, Van Andel Institute’s grassroots community awareness and fundraising program, is established. Dr. Jeff Trent appointed VARI President and Research Director.

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2010 David and Carol Van Andel rededicate the newly renovated Crescent Park.


DR. GORDON VAN WYLEN

brought educators and scientists together to discuss issues in science education and ways in which the Institute could effect positive change. In 1998, Van Wylen also assisted in founding the Van Andel Educational Technology School, which was a technology focused program for urban elementary schools in the Grand Rapids Public School system. These efforts were the first steps toward designing the Institute’s educational philosophy, which embraces inquiry-based learning, proactive teacher training and innovative technologies.

2011 VAIGS launches partnership with the United Negro College Fund.

VAEI begins High School Journal Club, creating an inquiry-based science education program for high school students in West Michigan.

VAN ANDEL EDUCATORS INSTITUTE, 1997

Thinking and Acting Like a Scientist In the years following the founding of VAEI, influential experts in scientific research and academia worked diligently to shape the inquiry-based philosophy of the Institute’s science education and teacher development programs. The hallmark of VAEI’s inquiry-based education philosophy is that students learn science best not just by memorization, but by actually doing science. Based on the scientific method of observation, measurement, experimentation, and the formulation and testing of results, VAEI’s methods provide students with a meaningful, engaging learning experience

2012

and a sound understanding of scientific principles. Under the guidance of talented educators like Marcia Bishop, Dr. Gordon Van Harn and Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg, VAEI’s programs have grown to include the Field Experience, High School Journal Club, Out-of-School-Time Cohort Program, Science on Saturday and NexGen Inquiry® (VAEI’s web-based education platform).

CONTINUED ON PG 18 >

Dr. Patrik Brundin appointed the Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Research and works to build the Center for Neurodegenerative Science.

VAEI expands its professional development resources with QPOE2® curriculum products and Partners in Science program for teachers. VAI hosts first international Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium for hundreds of Parkinson’s scientists, clinicians and patient advocates.

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SCIENCE EDUCATION It’s All About Inquiry! Van Andel Education Institute encourages both students and teachers to think and act like scientists. Instead of focusing on memorization, inquiry-based learning allows students to learn by asking questions and testing hypotheses. The Institute’s inquiry-based model centers on three dimensions: habits of mind, a sociallyand language-rich environment and the QPOE2® investigation organizer. QPOE2 highlights the scientific process of asking a question, making a prediction, collecting data through observation, developing an explanation and ongoing evaluation to refine and improve the process. From the Founding Into the Future – NexGen Inquiry® In the late 1990s, when the founders envisioned an institute that would have the potential to revolutionize science education and inspire generations of students, the internet was a curious new technology. Today, the Institute harnesses the power of web-based connectivity in the form of NexGen Inquiry—a powerful web-based

2012

CONTINUED FROM PG 17 >

science education platform that provides an opportunity for interactive learning in K–12 classrooms worldwide. The platform, accessible to anyone with an internet connection, was designed by education experts with the goal of bringing the Institute’s inquiry-based education philosophy to an unlimited audience. NexGen Inquiry provides a solid foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and gives teachers accessible tools to help their students develop important 21st century skills and a life-long love of science. Jim Nicolette, associate director of

Van Andel Education Institute, believes that the Institute’s future in science education is dependent on the ability to scale-up the inquiry-based science education model in order to reach more teachers and students. “The model we’ve worked to develop is truly golden, and now we have to introduce it to a larger audience,” Nicolette said. “Betty Van Andel and the Van Andel family’s original intent was to change the way science is taught at the national level. Today we are really in a place to realize this bold idea and help educate more students than ever before.”

2013 Dr. George Vande Woude and Dr. Peter Jones named as Fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy.

First students graduate from VAIGS.

VAIGS receives initial accreditation from Higher Learning Commission.

VAI and area partners collaborate to create a world-class biorepository following the Program for Biospecimen Science’s accreditation by the College of American Pathologists.

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Dr. Peter Jones appointed Van Andel Research Institute’s Chief Scientific Officer. VARI commits to becoming a global epigenetics research hub. VAI launches Pathway of Hope, a multifaceted initiative to study tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).


Dr. Gordon Van Harn – a Legacy of Learning Dr. Gordon Van Harn was one of the early leaders who shaped the destiny of Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI).

FORMER VAN ANDEL EDUCATION INSTITUTE DIRECTOR DR. GORDON VAN HARN.

Following a stellar academic career that included serving for more than 30 years as a faculty member in Calvin College’s Biology Department, where he taught physiology, undertook muscle and cardiovascular research, and served as provost and academic dean for the natural sciences, Van Harn became an active member of the Institute’s leadership. Van Harn joined the VAEI Board of Trustees in 2000 and served with distinction as director of VAEI from 2001 to 2009. Under his leadership, Van Andel Education Institute expanded its programs across new spectrums of learning, including Van Andel Institute Graduate School, which offers a doctoral program in cellular and molecular biology. Van Harn defined the scope of VAIGS, secured its charter from the State of Michigan to confer degrees and enlisted an excellent board of directors to guide its development. In addition to VAIGS, Van Harn’s endless passion, creativity and planning helped found VAEI's Science Academy, which focuses on K–12 science education.

2014 VAI partners with Spectrum Health’s Frederik Meijer Heart & Vascular Institute in an effort to stimulate regenerative medicine for heart disease. The joint effort was made possible by a significant donation from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation. VARI establishes the Van Andel Research Institute-Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team to foster epigenetics research collaborations and move promising therapies into clinical trials.

VARI and U.K.-based research charity The Cure Parkinson’s Trust collaborate on the Linked Clinical Trials initiative. This effort aims to repurpose medications that have already been approved for use, and significantly reduce the time and cost required to bring new and more effective therapies to market. Dr. George Vande Woude receives the Fellowship Award in Biological Science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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SCIENCE EDUCATION Our Students Are Scientists—Van Andel Institute Graduate School Higher education and biomedical research have a symbiotic relationship. It is not unusual for a research institute to be connected to a place of higher learning, but Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS) represents a new way of viewing this paradigm. When the Graduate School was founded in 2005, its curriculum and structure were based on the innovation and creativity taking place in the Institute’s research labs. Built on the concept of former Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) President Gordon Van Harn, VAIGS was designed to function in tandem with the Institute’s biomedical research programs and nurture the next generation of great scientists. “To have a research institute within a large university is not that uncommon,” Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg, dean of the Graduate School and director of VAEI from 2009 to 2015, said. “Many universities that are primarily education institutions will have a research institute in one area or another, but here at the Institute we have flipped that model.”

2015

Instead of research programs being informed by a university’s structure and organizational model, the Institute developed a graduate school informed by its leading-edge biomedical research. “One of the unique things about Van Andel Institute Graduate School is that we don’t just encourage our students to be effective scientists, we encourage them also to be effective biological research leaders who are able to run their own research groups, interact effectively within their institution and collaborate proactively with their peers,” Triezenberg said. Solving Real-World Problems Since VAIGS’ founding, the school has developed an innovative framework and curriculum that gives students the opportunity to spend the majority of their time working in the Institute’s labs where they can apply their knowledge toward solving real-world problems. “Our graduate students are integral members of the laboratory,” Triezenberg said. “They work with the senior scientists,

with the postdocs, with the lab managers and with the research technicians in order to design projects, carry out and interpret experiments, and present their work at national and international conferences. They’re fully fledged professional scientists and regarded as such at the Institute.” In 2013, the Institute was fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It currently has 10 graduates of the Ph.D. and master’s programs, and 20 new students enrolled. “We expect the school will grow as the Research Institute grows," said Triezenberg. "In the next few years, our graduates will fill high-level positions in academia and the private sector, and I think we will start to see the impact we are having on the scientific community.” A Continuum of Knowledge The integration of scientific research with education, beginning with VAEI, has rendered some incredible results. “We know that the future scientific experts are the curious students of today, and

Purple Community hosts its first annual Purple Community 5K.

VARI scientist Dr. Gerd Pfeifer named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Winterfest, VAI’s signature special event benefiting Parkinson’s disease research, raised $1,000,000 since its inception in 2005. Country and pop music star Sheryl Crow performs at the Hope and Denim event in Nashville, Tennessee, to raise funds for cancer and neurodegenerative disease research at VAI.

Launch of NexGen Inquiry®, VAEI’s web-based science education platform. VARI scientists Drs. Peter Jones, Stephen Baylin and Stefan Jovinge play key roles in discoveries that were hailed as notable advances of 2015 by Nature Medicine. Research!America's Geoffrey Beene Builders of Science Award presented to David Van Andel and Dr. George Vande Woude. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visit the Institute.

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sometimes their journey begins in the Education Institute, which brings grade school students into a laboratory-style environment that gives them an idea of what it means to think and act like a scientist,” Triezenberg said. “Some of the first students in the VAEI program are now college students interning in the Institute’s laboratories. So, for the first time, we are seeing students we worked with from the beginning of their educational development mature into young scientists with a passion for research and the desire to advance human health.” The Institute’s full spectrum of science education, from VAEI on through the research-focused Graduate School, creates a continuum of knowledge that can carry a student’s passion for learning into an undeniably bright and promising future.

2016 Van Andel Research Institute-Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team begins clinical trials on promising new therapies for cancer. Terra Tarango appointed VAEI Director and Education Officer.

Dr. Peter Jones elected into the National Academy of Sciences. Center for Neurodegenerative Science adds new focus on neuroepigenetics. VARI significantly expands its structural biology capabilities with the establishment of a Cryo-EM Core, a suite of powerful electron microscopes that can image minuscule molecules that are vital in health and disease. VARI also recruits three exceptional scientists to augment the Institute’s existing structural biology expertise.

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 21


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PARKINSON’S

A LEGACY OF HOPE: SHIFTING THE PARADIGM ON PARKINSON’S DISEASE A couple of years after the Institute was founded, Jay Van Andel’s autobiography, An Enterprising Life, hit bookshelves across the nation. In it, he detailed his hope for the then fledgling biomedical research and science education institute he and his wife Betty had founded on a hill in Grand Rapids. At the core of his hopeful words was a specific call to find new ways to treat the two most common neurodegenerative diseases—Parkinson’s,

with which he had been recently diagnosed, and Alzheimer’s, with which Betty had been diagnosed many years earlier. As the Institute grew, his words remained a constant inspiration for the work ahead. By 2012, it was time. The Institute had the facilities. It had the resources. It just needed the right person to lead the charge against neurodegenerative diseases.

Direct from Sweden In 2011, Institute CEO David Van Andel found the leader who would shape VARI’s Center for Neurodegenerative Science. Dr. Patrik Brundin was renowned in the world of neuroscience, a pioneering scientist and clinician who had been part of truly groundbreaking work in the field of Parkinson’s research and treatment. Those first conversations between Van Andel and Brundin in Grand Rapids held glimpses of a bright future, but were also firmly rooted in the memories of their fathers. Jay Van Andel, David’s father and the founder of the Institute, had passed away in 2004 from complications related to a long battle with Parkinson’s. Brundin’s father also had fought the disease and served as the driving inspiration behind his son’s passion for finding a cure. “I’m driven by my father’s memory every day,” Brundin said. “Seven to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s. That’s seven to 10 million mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends. And that’s seven to 10 million reasons to do this work.” By the time he left Michigan to return to Sweden, Brundin was convinced—Grand Rapids was the place he needed to be.

(PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS, LEFT TO RIGHT) DRS. JEREMY VAN RAAMSDONK, JIYAN MA, PATRIK BRUNDIN, DARREN MOORE AND LENA BRUNDIN.

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A New Mission When Brundin officially arrived at the Institute in 2012, he wasted no time establishing the Center for Neurodegenerative Science as well as Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease, an annual symposium designed to highlight cutting-edge science and bring together the scientific, medical and patient communities. The first symposium was a small affair but, like the Center itself, was poised to grow significantly in size and scope.


By early 2016, just a few short years after its creation, the Center was growing rapidly, having eight exceptional, established investigators and rising talent. In much the same way, the field of Parkinson’s research also hit an inflection point, one bolstered by scientific discoveries and a dedicated community of people with Parkinson’s and their advocates. Answering the Call Two years earlier, a crowd of more than 325 people—scientists, clinicians, students, people with Parkinson’s and advocates—sat in awed silence in the Institute’s Tomatis Auditorium during Grand Challenges. On stage, Tom Isaacs, co-founder of the U.K. research charity The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and one of the community’s most influential and well-respected voices, gave a powerful speech outlining the unmet needs of the Parkinson’s community: more definitive diagnosis, improved care and therapies that change the course of the disease.

“We’re constantly learning something new—the pace is absolutely astounding,” Brundin said. “Each discovery is another step closer to a future in which Parkinson’s no longer robs people of their golden years. There’s a big shift coming—we can see it on the horizon.” “Our sense of urgency is intense,” Isaacs said. “I think the world of Parkinson’s is on the verge of a seismic shift for the better.” His speech came at an auspicious time. For more than 50 years, treating Parkinson’s looked more or less the same and had focused on mitigating symptoms rather than addressing the actual underlying causes of the disease. But science has been far from idle during this time; in fact, it has been booming. The Right Place, the Right Time More is known about Parkinson’s now than

THE CURE PARKINSON’S TRUST CO-FOUNDER, TOM ISAACS, ADDRESSES THE CROWD AT THE 2014 GRAND CHALLENGES IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE SYMPOSIUM.

ever before. Once thought to be strictly a movement disorder, scientists have learned that it can include a host of non-motor symptoms such as depression, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment. And they’ve learned how it spreads from cell to cell in the brain, slowly killing neurons that produce dopamine, a chemical required for smooth movement. These findings and other insights into the underpinnings of Parkinson’s didn’t happen in a vacuum; rather, they required a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, both of which are at the heart of the Center’s philosophy. By recruiting exceptional scientists from across the spectrum of Parkinson’s research, from genetics and epigenetics to pathology to therapeutic development, VARI is building a critical mass of expertise, ensuring a scientifically strong and innovative environment. The benefits of this work are broad, often spilling over to inform research on other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple system atrophy. At the same time, VARI scientists reach beyond Grand Rapids to collaborate with colleagues around the world, delving deeper into the mechanisms behind

Parkinson's in an effort to translate their findings into new ways of definitively diagnosing the disease, slowing or stopping progress, and repairing the damage. Their ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. They’re getting closer; together with The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, VARI is finding new uses for existing drugs approved to treat other diseases that may also treat Parkinson’s. Some of these efforts have already made it into the crucial clinical trial phase, and others are well on their way. The Center and its efforts to move therapies to the clinic continue to grow—plans call for the recruitment of a neurologist to establish VARI-supported clinical trials where Jay and Betty Van Andel’s dream began, in Grand Rapids. With every step, their vision—the Institute’s vision—to positively impact human health is becoming a reality. “We’re constantly learning something new—the pace is absolutely astounding,” Brundin said. “Each discovery is another step closer to a future in which Parkinson’s no longer robs people of their golden years. There’s a big shift coming—we can see it on the horizon.”

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 23


EPIGENETICS

DR. PETER JONES AND DAVID VAN ANDEL ON STAGE AT DR. JONES' PRESS CONFERENCE IN 2014.

BUILDING MOMENTUM AT THE EPICENTER OF EPIGENETICS The first time Dr. Peter Jones saw Dale Chihuly’s glass sculpture, Life, suspended in the Institute's lobby, he was inspired. In it, he saw something others did not. Tucked in amongst the ocean-blue glass orbs of its six-foot-tall helix were red spheres reminiscent of the way chemical marks that help control genes attach to DNA. It immediately resonated with Jones, who is a superstar in epigenetics, a burgeoning field that holds untold promise for finding new ways to treat cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases. Jones took it as a sign—epigenetics was in the Institute’s DNA. It just needed to be expressed. Charting a New Course In 2014, Jones packed up 37 years of research and moved from Los Angeles to Grand Rapids to become the Institute’s

chief scientific officer. He had spent much of those four decades at the University of Southern California, where he led the university’s Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and helped revolutionize the understanding of how our genes work. A renowned scientist and leader, Jones could see the potential and the promise, not only to put Van Andel Research Institute on the map, but most importantly, to save lives through innovative research, strong collaborations and cutting-edge clinical trials. “It was a rare chance to do something really special,” Jones said. “Thanks to the exceptional generosity of the Van Andel family and the outstanding scientific foundations built by Dr. George Vande Woude, the Institute was in a position that few organizations are lucky enough to experience. So we set our goals high. When

24 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE

people say Van Andel Research Institute, we want them to say epigenetics, and when people say epigenetics, we want them to say Van Andel Research Institute." A Matter of Identity Every cell in the body has almost the exact same DNA, yet the cells that comprise us are vastly different. What causes a brain cell to be a brain cell? Or a muscle cell to be a muscle cell? The answer is epigenetics. Literally meaning “above genetics,” epigenetics overlays the genetic code and determines when genes should be switched “on” or “off,” ultimately affecting cell type and function. And, like genetics, when epigenetic processes go awry—when genes are inappropriately turned off or on—the result can be disease, such as cancer or a myriad of other illnesses. Epigenetics is


(PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS, LEFT TO RIGHT) DRS. SCOTT ROTHBART, PETER JONES, HUI SHEN, PETER LAIRD, GERD PFEIFER, PIROSKA SZABÓ, STEFAN JOVINGE AND STEVEN J. TRIEZENBERG.

a growing field that presents an excellent opportunity for treating some of the biggest threats to human health.

neither do we,” Jones said. “We have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Jones knew epigenetics was one area where the Institute could truly become the best of the best. When he arrived in Grand Rapids, he set the Institute on an ambitious new course—to become a world-renowned hub for epigenetics research and in doing so, to find new ways to better treat cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases.

There hasn’t been much waiting since Jones arrived in 2014. The number of faculty has grown dramatically from 23 to 33 investigators, many with a focus on epigenetics. Reflecting the rise of Big Data, VARI has massively upgraded its computing power and technological capabilities to support large-scale genomic, epigenomic and structural studies aimed at unraveling the molecular underpinnings of health and

“Patients don’t have the time to wait and

“Patients don't have the time to wait and neither do we. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.” - Dr. Peter Jones

CONTINUED ON PG 26 >

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 25


EPIGENETICS CONTINUED FROM PG 25 > disease. It is also now home to a Cryo-EM Core, a suite of high-powered electron microscopes that can determine the structure of minute molecules 1/10,000th the width of a human hair. Perhaps most exciting, the Institute is supporting clinical trials across the U.S. and abroad in the hope of moving new therapies into clinical practice.

Further Together Before new drugs are used in patients they must run the gauntlet of clinical trials, which are complex, costly and rigorously conducted studies designed to ensure a drug’s efficacy and safety. These trials also

require a tremendous amount of support and time. Jones and his team knew this obstacle presented an opportunity to have an immediate impact. They also knew that joining forces with some of the most influential and well-respected cancer research, medical and philanthropic organizations in the U.S. and abroad would strengthen and streamline their efforts. So, on a fall day in 2014, leading scientists and clinicians from these organizations, along with representatives from Stand Up To Cancer, the American Association for Cancer Research and industry, met at the Institute with one goal—to compete against cancer

rather than each other. One of the results was the Van Andel Research Institute–Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, a multiinstitutional effort to move epigenetic combination therapies into clinical trials and, ultimately, to patients. It was built on Stand Up To Cancer’s paradigm-shifting Dream Team model, which focuses on supporting cutting-edge research by collaborative teams. The first trial under the team’s auspices was launched in 2016 and focused on a promising combination therapy for

VARI IS HOME TO THREE FELLOWS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH ACADEMY; DR. PETER JONES, VARI'S CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER AND CO-LEADER OF THE VARI-SU2C EPIGENETICS DREAM TEAM; DR. GEORGE VANDE WOUDE, VARI'S FOUNDING RESEARCH DIRECTOR; AND DR. STEPHEN BAYLIN, CO-LEADER OF THE VARI-SU2C EPIGENETICS DREAM TEAM.

26 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE


AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT DALE CHIHULY'S SCULPTURE, LIFE, INSTALLED IN THE INSTITUTE'S LOBBY.

metastatic colorectal cancer. Multiple trials are in the pipeline to investigate new therapies for other cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. “Collaborations like this are important— they harness resources and expertise that go beyond any one organization,” Jones said. “It’s impossible for one place to have all of the experts and the best of everything. By joining forces, we can have an impact not only here, but globally. We can do so much more.” Forward Momentum What started in Grand Rapids is now moving far beyond the city’s boundaries, a revolution reflected in the scientific discoveries shaping tomorrow’s lifechanging therapies. The Institute has always

“When people say Van Andel Research Institute, we want them to say epigenetics, and when people say epigenetics, we want them to say Van Andel Research Institute. - Dr. Peter Jones been and will continue to be a connector, a way to bring people and organizations together in the pursuit of a common goal, one outlined by Jay and Betty Van Andel in the earliest days of VAI—improving health and impacting lives. The ability to weave together the expertise and resources of many is more important now than ever before; scientific fields and new technology have become increasingly specialized, and

going it alone is no longer an option. As the Institute has grown so has the city, especially the Medical Mile that now crowns Belknap Hill. At the same time, science and medicine have been in the midst of unprecedented discoveries, ever refining the understanding of life’s most intricate mechanisms. The last 20 years have laid the foundation for the Institute’s future—one that is predicated on translating hope into discovery and discovery into impact.

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 27


LEAVING A LEGACY

“Van Andel Institute has some of

Including Van Andel Institute (VAI) in your estate plans is a great way to make a lasting impact on biomedical research and science education that will benefit generations to come. Donors who include VAI in their estate plans are invited to join the Society of Hope and receive recognition in our annual report.

the sharpest biomedical research

Here are a few planning strategies that can help you provide for your heirs and leave your legacy:

can’t do their work unless we help

BEQUESTS A bequest made through your will or trust is one of the most common ways to provide from your estate for heirs and favorite charities. You can make a bequest of a dollar amount, specific asset or percentage of your estate.

minds in the country, and they them acquire the tools to perform this groundbreaking research.” – Steve Grill, planned giving donor

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS By completing a simple form, you can designate heirs and charities as the beneficiary of retirement plans, financial accounts and life insurance policies. GIVE IT TWICE TRUST You can set up a special charitable remainder trust that will pay income to your heirs and then leave the remaining principle to a charity.

333 BOSTWICK AVE NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 WWW.VAI.ORG

For more information about gift planning, please contact Patrick Placzkowski at 616.234.5030 or Teresa Reid at 616.234.5040.


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