On Oct. 10, Hillsdale College announced the new name of the college’s graduate program: the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship. Alumnus Stephen Van Andel provided the lead gift towards the endowment of college’s graduate program.
Hillsdale College’s graduate program opened in fall 2012 offering a graduate education in both political philosophy and American politics.
Graduate Dean Ronald Pestritto explained that Van Andel’s financial contribution provides for a substantial portion of the program’s funding.
“The endowment allows us to have the resources to carry out the mission that the trustees have given for the graduate program,” Pestritto said. “His gift allows the graduate program to be funded off the earnings from the endowment.”
Stephen Van Andel graduated from Hillsdale College in 1978, currently serving on the Hillsdale College Board of Trustees. He is the chairman of Amway, the world’s largest direct selling business.
Pestritto added that the program will continue to partner with Van Andel.
“There will certainly be an ongoing association of the student and faculty in the program with Mr. Van Andel,” Pestritto said. “We recently had a nice reception the week before the Gala to celebrate the opening and allow him to meet and interact with our students and faculty. We hope that will be an ongoing thing.”
First year graduate student Aurelian Braun met Van Andel during the student reception.
“He was very humble and so nice,” Braun said. “He said the reason why he is promoting this program is because he believes that Hillsdale is one of the last stands for the republic.” According to Hillsdale College’s press release, College President Larry Arnn thanked Van Andel for his generous gift to the college.
“Steve Van Andel has an outstanding record of principled service in business, life and in his work with the college,” Arnn said in the release. “It is an honor and privilege to have his family name attached to our graduate school.”
In the same press release Van Andel added that he was satisfied with the growth of the program.
“I’ve always admired the philosophy of this fine institution, and I’m happy to partner with Hillsdale to further the college’s long-standing mission of education,” Van Andel said.
