2009 Phase II
2009 Phase II construction completed, adding research and office space On Dec. 8, 2009, Van Andel Institute celebrated the grand opening of its eight-story, 8 million Phase II expansion. This addition to Phase I added 240,000 square feet to the Institute and generated both economic and scientific opportunities by nearly tripling research space. It also created the potential to support a 5 million annual research operation. Phase II continued the vision of architect Rafael Viñoly and provided Institute scientists, educators and staff with beautifully designed lab and office spaces where they could continue their groundbreaking work. VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE | 25 YEARS 2008 “Kids’ Cancer Stories” comes to VAI In 2008, Kelley Peel had an idea. Peel, a counselor for Reeths-Puffer Schools in Muskegon, Michigan, was supporting five students whose mothers had been diagnosed with cancer. To help the students process the tough emotions they were feeling, Peel asked them to write about their experiences and accompany their words with illustrations. The result was a book, titled by the student authors: “Kid’s Cancer Storys: The Story of 5 Kids Whose Moms Have Cancer,” a poignant description of students learning to cope with a parent’s cancer diagnosis. The fifth- and sixth-grade students describe their own experiences and offer personal suggestions for readers who might one day face the same trials. We had the honor of hosting the student authors at the Institute in 2008. VAI purchased copies of the book for all scientists, educators and staff, which were then signed by the students during their visit. Proceeds from all sales of the books were donated to the Institute’s cancer research, becoming one of our first official community fundraisers and giving rise to the creation of Van Andel Institute Purple Community in 2009. (CLOCKWISE, STARTING AT LEFT) DAVID VAN ANDEL WITH THE AUTHORS OF “KIDS’ CANCER STORIES,” 2008; DAVID VAN ANDEL AT PHASE II GRAND OPENING, 2009; SIGNED PHASE II BEAM IS PLACED; DAVID & CAROL VAN ANDEL ARE PRESENTED WITH A PAINTING OF VAI AT PHASE II GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION; PHASE II RIBBON CUTTING 28 2008 – 2009
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