Grand Valley Magazine - Fall 2013 - (Page 14)

D O N O R I M PACT "All it takes to capture the imagination of a student and get them thinking about a career in science is one small spark, one maddeningly interesting question that the student can't stop thinking about." Jim Ruble, '10 Endowed lecturers challenge students, community to imagine T he Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry and the Frederik Meijer Lecture Series are both privately supported endowed lectureships that demonstrate how learning at Grand Valley is ignited beyond the traditional classroom setting. The Ott Lecture Series, established in 2001, features renowned chemists. Professor and chair of chemistry George McBane said invited lecturers present a wide range of scientific topics to students, faculty members and the community. "The lecturers are expert chemists and teachers," McBane said. "They build on the things that the students already know, and show them how those ideas apply to something new and exciting." Jim Ruble, '10, had the opportunity to collaborate with Ott Lecturer Virginia Cornish, from Columbia University. Their research on the evolution of antibiotic resistance resulted in an article published in the International Union of Crystallography with Ruble as lead author. Now a doctoral candidate studying pharmacology at University of Washington School of Medicine, Ruble agreed that the lecture series exposes students to opportunities in science they otherwise might not encounter. He encouraged current students to attend the lectures and take advantage of the opportunities they offer. Frederik Meijer Lecture Series The Meijer Lecture Series, started in 2010, focuses on leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. It helps students understand the benefits of a liberal arts education and apply it to succeed professionally and personally. The lecture series has featured regional, national and international speakers. Rachel Gregg, a senior Frederik Meijer Honors College student majoring in communications, attended a lecture by Barbara Pierce Bush, the co-founder of Global Health Corps and daughter of former President George W. Bush. Bush's international nonprofit organization connects college graduate fellows with opportunities to meet health needs around the world. During her presentation, Bush said the Global Health Corps fellows fill jobs that vary greatly. "We look for people who are culturally sensitive, flexible and work with humility," she said. Gregg said she was inspired by Bush and the nonprofit she created. "She really identifies with people who are in need around the world Mike Jandernoa, and, instead of sitting at left, gave a presentation as part back, chooses to do of the 2012 Meijer something about it," Lecture Series. Gregg said, adding that Bush's lecture showed her how to use the knowledge she's gained through her classes in ways that go beyond a career. With a minor in public, health and nonprofit administration, Gregg said she hopes to work for a nonprofit organization or in the health care field. Donors make it possible Both the Ott Lecture and the Meijer Lecture series are endowed and will stimulate education and dialogue for years to come. These lectures are supported by donors who sought to directly benefit students, the university and the community through these events. The Ott Lecture was established by Arnold C. Ott, a chemist and member of Grand Valley's founding board, 14 Fall '13

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Grand Valley Magazine - Fall 2013

Campus News
Athletics
Arts
Donor Impact
A Laker bucket list
Bridging the justice gap
Seidman House holds hidden national gems
International Education
Research
Why the humanities still matter
Q&A James Smither
Off the Path
Focal Point
Sustainability
Alumni News

Grand Valley Magazine - Fall 2013