Grand Valley names Innovation Design Center after Grand Haven-based Shape Corp.

Sentinel Staff
·2 min read
Grand Valley State University recognized a longstanding partnership with Shape Corp. by naming its Innovation Design Center after the automotive supplier.
Grand Valley State University recognized a longstanding partnership with Shape Corp. by naming its Innovation Design Center after the automotive supplier.

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Valley State University has named its Innovation Design Center after a West Michigan automotive supplier in recognition of a longstanding partnership.

The university held a naming ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 9, to debut the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center in Grand Rapids. Shape Corp., a tier-one automotive supplier based in Grand Haven, has supported GVSU with funding gifts, project support and student placements.

Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella speaks during a naming ceremony for the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella speaks during a naming ceremony for the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center Tuesday, Aug. 9.

A recent gift from Shape Corp. is being used to establish a “significant endowment” for the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. It will be used to “promote innovation and meet the greatest needs” of Grand Valley engineering students.

"Shape makes our approach to engineering education possible and unique because we are able to offer an impactful level of hands-on learning, project-based learning and experiential learning," stated Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.

The Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center is located at 227 Winter Ave. in Grand Rapids. GVSU purchased the building, formerly Ferris Coffee and Nut Co., in 2017. Remodeling to an engineering programming building was completed in 2019.

The building contains rapid prototyping labs, digital design studios, a fabrication lab and dedicated space for K-12 engagement, including FIRST Robotics. FIRST Robotics students from Holland, Holland Christian and Black River participated in the naming ceremony, using their robots as part of the ribbon cutting.

A ribbon cutting for the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center was held at the end of a naming ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 9.
A ribbon cutting for the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center was held at the end of a naming ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 9.

GVSU President Philomena Mantella said support from Shape Corp. has “set the standard for experiential learning.”

"Industry partners like Shape truly set Grand Valley engineering and computing students up for success from day one," Mantella said. "Their support has helped the university build a unique learning journey for students who then take their confidence and skills to the workforce and fill the critical need for STEM-educated employees."

Attendees of the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center naming ceremony applaud Midge Verplank, co-founder of Shape Corp., Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Attendees of the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center naming ceremony applaud Midge Verplank, co-founder of Shape Corp., Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Executives Tony and Kyle Verplank from Shape Corp. said the company’s recent gift and long commitment to GVSU affirms a belief in further developing future engineers.

“The caliber of talent and the experiential programming that empowers students to excel both in the classroom and the workplace has made GVSU an integral part of Shape’s growth and success over the years,” Kyle Verplank said. “We are excited to see this dynamic partnership evolve and adapt with the changing needs of our business.”

The naming event capped GVSU's Engineering Design Conference Week, which highlighted senior projects and celebrated industry partners.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Grand Valley State names building after Grand Haven's Shape Corp.