Jay & Betty Van Andel
Legacy Awards Gala
Preserving the Past, Transforming the Future:
Celebrating 30 Years of the Van Andel Museum Center
Thursday, November 14, 2024
At the JW Marriot Grand Rapids
In 1854, the Grand Rapids Public Museum was founded. 140 years later in 1994, the Van Andel Museum Center (VAMC) opened on the west bank of the Grand River in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The VAMC has served the Grand Rapids community as a pillar of community education, sparking curiosity through educational programs, exhibits, and programming for all. This year, at our 16th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala, we invite you to join us as we celebrate 30 Years of the Van Andel Museum Center.
Event Co-Chairs: Dave & Carol Van Andel, Linsey Gleason, and Jim Williams.
Our 2024 Honorees
The “Casey” Award | Megan Rydecki
Megan Rydecki is deeply involved in her community, empowering the next generation of leaders for the betterment of the world. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Masters in Public Administration, both from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Megan has spent time in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors serving with the City of Wyoming, International City/County Management Association, The Right Place, CQL, and most recently, Consumers Energy. In January 2023, she joined the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at GVSU.
Megan is also extensively involved in the Grand River Network, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Board of Trustees at GVSU. These experiences have allowed Megan to recognize the leadership potential in everyone. In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling with her family, playing with her rambunctious dog, running with friends, and enjoying community.
Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award | Jeff Gurney & Xuesi Li Gurney
Exploring museums across the globe is a passion that defines Jeff and Xeusi. For this cross-cultural couple, each museum visit is a journey through history, a deep dive into local culture, and a meaningful connection with communities and people. Their love for art and heritage not only enriches their own lives but also inspires those around them to appreciate the beauty and stories that museums hold.
Jeff and Xuesi have a shared passion for philanthropy and community service that impacts the cultural, educational, and economic health of our community. Together, they support numerous organizations, providing insightful guidance and unwavering support.
Jeff has a curiosity mindset and a background in technology and business administration. Over
the past two decades, he has driven positive change in West Michigan through his work with
various nonprofits and for-profits. Xuesi, a critical thinker with extensive supply chain management experience, transforms how businesses operate, optimizing resources and maximizing profits. She is passionate about cross-cultural understanding and community engagement.
Together, they volunteer and mentor, leading successful projects from educational programs to cultural events. Their commitment to making a difference is evident in every endeavor, inspiring many and creating lasting benefits.
Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award | Marlin Feyen
Marlin Feyen is the co-founder and former president of Feyen Zylstra LLC, a leading national electrical services and industrial technology firm for 42 years.
Through his work at Feyen Zylstra, Marlin helped bring several “firsts” to the Grand Rapids construction industry, including initiating a Apprenticeship Training Program approved by the Department of Labor; early development and adoption of prefabrication and mechanical/electrical coordination resulting in cleaner and more efficient job sites; and partnering with local competition on large, complex projects. Marlin’s expertise has been critical in local and national infrastructure projects including the Gerald R. Ford Airport expansion, Gordon Food Service distribution facilities, the Kent County Waste-to-Energy facility.
Marlin has been involved in numerous community boards and organizations and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Marlin and his wife Ruth have been longtime donors at the Museum, sponsoring the Legacy Awards Gala and the multiple
Marlin and Ruth have a blended family of one daughter and five sons. They share eleven grandchildren living in Grand Rapids (5), San Diego (2), Steamboat Springs (2) and Maui, Hawaii (2).
After retiring from Feyen Zylstra, Marlin has continued to prioritize people and the community, and was honored at the 16 Over 60 Awards Gala in 2021 for his continued contribution to West Michigan.
Attire
Cocktail
Location
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Parking will be available in the JW Marriott ramp for a fee.
Program
6:00 p.m. | Cocktails and Appetizers
7:00 p.m. | Dinner and Program
8:45 p.m. | Enjoy special evening activities and cocktails
9:00 p.m. | Afterglow
Following the program, continue the celebration at the afterglow, a cheers to 30 years dance party!
Sponsored By:
Title
Ambassador
Williams
Family
Benefactor
Patron
Jim and Barb Haveman Family
Sustainer
- BDO Seidman LLP
- DTE Energy Foundation
- Elevator Service
- Ferris State University
- Feyen Zylstra
- Horizon Bank
- Cindy Porter Janes and Mark Janes
- Kennari Consulting
- David and Amy Leonard
- Norm and Marilyn Leven
- Tom and Cecilia Maas
- Macatawa Bank
- Meijer, Inc.
- Mika Meyers PLC
- David Morgenstern
- NPF Investment Advisors
- Peacehaven Advisory Group (Ellen Bylsma)
- TowerPinkster
- Trillium Investments
- Van Andel Institute
- Vicinity Energy Grand Rapids, LLC
Friend
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor for This Event?
If you have any questions about sponsorship, please contact Lyric Floria | lfloria@grpm.org, 616.929.1704
Revisit the 15th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala