Enrichment Dinner will honor leaders

The Grand Valley University Foundation will honor noted philanthropists and a longtime advocate for women’s sports at its annual Enrichment Dinner.

The event is set for June 5 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Awards will be presented to Beatrice A. Idema, Brian and Paqui Kelly, and Joan Boand.

Enrichment Award

Beatrice A. Idema

Bea Idema is a passionate philanthropist whose lifetime of giving has made a tremendous difference in West Michigan in many fields, including education, health and the arts.

Bea and her husband, Bill, created a foundation that has supported multiple non-profits in the region including Camp Henry, D.A. Blodgett, Metro Health Hospital and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Idema recently funded the John Ball Zoo’s Idema Forest Realm and Funicular.

She has also supported Grand Valley for more than 40 years. Idema had key roles in the campaign for the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.

Leadership Award

Brian and Paqui Kelly

While now at the University of Notre Dame, Brian and Paqui, ’98, Kelly will always be part of the Grand Valley family.

Brian started his football coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Lakers. He served as head coach from 1991-2003; during that time his teams won two NCAA Division II championships. Paqui worked in the Financial Aid Office and earned a master’s degree in education from Grand Valley.

She is a two-time breast cancer survivor, giving the family the inspiration to establish the Kelly Cares Foundation, which supports organizations and programs that align health, education and community.

The Kelly family generously supports Grand Valley and the Kelly Family Sports Center is named in their honor.

Arend D. Lubbers Award

Joan Boand

Joan Boand, professor emeritus of physical education, will receive the Lubbers Award, established to honor longtime faculty and staff members for their service to the university and community.

Boand began her teaching career at Grand Valley in 1966 and was soon involved in establishing a sports program for women athletes. She coached softball, basketball, volleyball and track and field; her basketball teams won four straight conference titles. Boand retired in 1999 as associate athletic director.

To honor Boand’s career and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX, an endowment fund was established last year to support a scholarship and professional development opportunities for students. The fund is named in honor of Boand and Patti Rowe, a fellow faculty member.