ANKENY, Iowa—The DMACC Foundation has named Mike Grandgeorge as chair of its Board of Directors. As the preferred giving channel for all Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) initiatives, the DMACC Foundation works cooperatively with individual donors, local businesses and support organizations to ensure funding is available for student scholarships, facility and program enhancements, and more.
Grandgeorge has been a member of the DMACC Foundation board since 1991. He has a strong history of giving back to the communities he lives and works in, but the DMACC Foundation remains his longest-serving commitment.
“I was invited to the DMACC Foundation Board of Directors with the encouragement and support of the late Eldon Leonard,” Grandgeorge said. “While getting to know the college, its mission and leadership, I observed first-hand the difference DMACC was making in people’s lives.
“And over time, I learned that I could make a difference – and that I truly wanted to make a difference – by creating opportunities to provide financial support through scholarships offered by the DMACC Foundation. I am proud to now have the chance to lead this dedicated group and to make an even bigger impact on the lives on DMACC students.”
Grandgeorge, who lives in Ames, grew up on a farm in Central Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in animal science. He began his career serving farmers as a farm mortgage lender and has worked with several lending companies throughout his career. Grandgeorge currently works in the insurance and financial services sector as an agent with American National Insurance, and serves on the state board of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
“Mike is a wonderful and longtime champion of the DMACC Foundation, and we are looking forward to his great leadership and continued passion for helping students achieve their goals,” said Tara Connolly, Executive Director of the DMACC Foundation.
Grandgeorge succeeds Curtis Van Veldhuizen in the role of board president.
The DMACC Foundation Board is served by 22 members who are leaders in the community and share an affinity for DMACC and its students. Board members are not paid. In addition to providing formal oversight of the operations of the DMACC Foundation, the board is instrumental in educating the community on the importance of private support for DMACC and in providing leadership for fundraising initiatives. For more information, visit dmacc.edu/foundation.
(contributed article and photo, DMACC)
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