When it comes to individuals who have made Michigan into one of the nation’s best states, one of the first names that comes to mind is Dick DeVos. As the former CEO of Amway, Dick has played a key role in helping the city of Grand Rapids over the years. He, along with his wife and current U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, have made it their lifelong commitment to ensure Michigan continues to be one of the nation’s strongest states in terms of economics and education.
Always considered a strong and knowledgeable business leader while at Amway, Dick DeVos has also used his negotiating and team-building talents to help lead the way in allowing Grand Rapids to have various construction projects. Along with the Grand Rapids City Market, Dick has also been instrumental in forming a coalition of local business leaders that eventually resulted in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area seeing the construction of Van Andel Arena, Michigan State University Medical School, the DeVos Performance Hall, and the DeVos Place Convention Center.
Though both Dick and Betsy have been heirs to vast family fortunes, they have chosen to use their time and wealth to help improve the lives of many people in Michigan. Heavily involved in numerous charitable causes, Dick and Betsy have been key figures in helping see the approval and construction of children’s hospitals and private schools for children who are underprivileged and otherwise would not be eligible for such outstanding educational opportunities.
To demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of Michigan residents, the couple’s Family Foundation has given away nearly $140 million to churches, arts and cultural programs, health and human services organizations, and many other businesses and organizations. In addition to this, Dick DeVos has also been a major figure in state politics, where he has pushed hard for legislators to reform educational policies, especially as they pertain to private schools.
Realizing that poverty only exacerbates many other problems in society, Dick DeVos has committed himself to working tirelessly to solve many of the most difficult problems confronting not only Michigan, but also the nation. Having graduated from Northwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Dick and Betsy both know all too well the value of an excellent education. In fact, he and Betsy have recently started a scholarship program for those students wanting to enter Northwood University to study business and pursue graduate studies.
No matter the challenge ahead of him, Dick DeVos has demonstrated he has the knowledge, determination, and commitment to excellence to make the dreams of others come true. Whether helping children gain much-needed healthcare or a quality education, no obstacle is too tough for Dick Devos.