such as Parkinson's. Education programs seek to inspire and prepare students to become the next generation of researchers. In 2019, the Van Andel Institute was led by Jay's son, David Van Andel as Chairman and CEO. Political activity and philanthropy A strong supporter of the Republican Party, Van Andel contributed $2 million to the re-election campaign of President George W. Bush, and $475,000 to the Michigan State Republican Party (mostly for state legislature candidates) in 2004 alone. He was noted for his friendship with former President Gerald R. Ford, a native of Grand Rapids, who lamented his death and called him "a great family man and a worldwide leader in the business arena". Steve Forbes wrote about Van Andel, "Whether in business or philanthropy, Van Andel understood that the primary goal was to serve the needs and wants of other people. He exemplified the best of America." Awards In 1981, Van Andel received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement. In 1993, Jay Van Andel was honored with an Edison Achievement Award for his commitment to innovation throughout his career. Death Van Andel and his wife Betty both died in 2004; Betty had Alzheimer's disease, and Jay had Parkinson's. References This article contains content from HierarchyPedia article Jay Van Andel, used here under the GNU Free Documentation License. 1924 births 2004 deaths American billionaires 20th-century American businesspeople Amway people Calvin University alumni Deaths from Parkinson's disease The Heritage Foundation Businesspeople from Grand Rapids, Michigan Neurological disease deaths in Michigan People associated with direct selling Michigan Republicans People from Ada, Michigan 20th-century American philanthropists American people of Dutch descent