Museum to honor community leaders
Dale Robertson | Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will honor three community leaders at the 18th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala on November 12 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. The 2026 event theme is The Depths of Discovery, a nod to the current visiting exhibit, Unseen Oceans from the American Museum of Natural History.
The Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala is the Museum’s largest fundraiser and supports educational programs, exhibits, and the Museum’s vast Collections. Each year, the Museum honors outstanding leaders who have inspired others through their personal and professional investments in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community, past, present, and future. These honorees help to continue the vision Jay & Betty Van Andel had for the Museum: to be a vital cornerstone of the Grand Rapids Community.
The recipient of the 2026 "The Casey" Award is Bill Templin. This award honors public service and volunteerism. Bill is a realtor and owner of Templin Homes through Compass Realty and longtime supporter of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
The recipient of the 2026 Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award is Gina Bivins. This award is given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the greater West Michigan region, supporting philanthropic organizations, and contributing to the cultural, educational, and economic health of the community. Gina has been a part of the GRPM community for 30 years, beginning as a volunteer in 1981.
The recipient of the 2026 Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award is Dale Robertson. This award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the community. As a Board member for eight years and Chair for three, Dale led the GRPM’s transition effort from city department to nonprofit entity.
For more information, visit https://www.grpm.org/gala/.
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