RELEVANCE “I really liked how the Johnson Center’s mission


was centered on community and philanthropic engagement both within education and out in the world,” says Hillary. “Tey’re able to take that specific responsibility of philanthropic engagement and apply it internationally in the name of Grand Valley.” Te Johnson Center is a university-based center, leading a systems-based, comprehensive approach to serving nonprofits, foundations, and others seeking to transform their communities for the public good. Hillary aids professional staff at the Johnson Center in carrying out tasks that allow them to expand their reach, something she says has taught her how multidimensional philanthropy can be.


practical advice to help people serve and give. It provides the seed for future generations to do the same." Hillary sees gifts like these as vital in expanding the important work of the Johnson Center and in perpetuating the cycle of giving. “To donors who support the Johnson Center I would like to say thank you, so much,” says Hillary. “I really appreciate it, and I know that all the non-profit organizations, and others who work with us, do too.” Transformed by her experience at the Johnson


Center, Hillary is determined to make philanthropy a vital aspect of her life at Grand Valley and beyond. “I want my Laker Effect to be one of kindness, understanding, and one that emphasizes the importance of action,” says Hillary. “I want to continue acting with my talents, time, resources, and all the knowledge that I have been able to gain here at Grand Valley.”


“I want my Laker Effect to be one of kindness, understanding, and one that emphasizes the importance of action.”


- HILLARY RENTFROW, CLASS OF 2019 “Te Johnson Center has showed me that


philanthropy is not just about what you can give monetarily,” she says. “Whether it’s your time, resources, knowledge, physical ability, or money, you have to be open to giving.” Dorothy A. "Dottie" Johnson, the center’s namesake,


is a perfect embodiment of this giving philosophy. Dottie recently gave a gift to the center which will create the Dorothy A. Johnson Philanthropy Innovation Fund, designed to support the exploration of innovative programs that will advance the field of philanthropy through expanded knowledge and resources. “As a child I was taught to always give back, whether it be of your time or resources,” Dottie says. “Te center provides the teaching, research, and


Watch Hillary’s interview and hear more about her experience at gvsu.edu/giving/horizons


HORIZONS 7 IMPACT


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