Three individuals whose leadership, generosity and commitment to West Michigan have helped shape the region will be recognized at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s 18th annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids.
This year’s theme, “The Depths of Discovery,” takes inspiration from Unseen Oceans, the museum’s current visiting exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History. The evening will celebrate the contributions of Dale Robertson, Gina Bivins and Bill Templin, whose collective impact reflects the many ways individuals can strengthen a community.
As the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, the gala supports educational programs, exhibitions and the care of the institution’s extensive collections. It also carries forward the vision of Jay and Betty Van Andel, who believed the museum should serve as a vital cornerstone of the Grand Rapids community.
Three awards will be presented during the evening: the Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award, the Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award and The Casey Award. Each recognizes individuals whose personal and professional contributions have made a lasting difference throughout West Michigan.
The 2026 Honorees
Dale Robertson | Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award
For Dale Robertson, the Grand Rapids Public Museum represents more than an institution. It reflects a vision for education, accessibility and community connection that has shaped his career and left a lasting mark on West Michigan.
The recipient of the 2026 Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award, Robertson has played a central role in the museum’s evolution. He served on its Board of Trustees for eight years, including three years as chair, and led the effort to transition the museum from a city department into an independent nonprofit organization. After chairing the blue ribbon task force that established the vision for the new organization, he became its president and CEO in 2008.
Among his most significant accomplishments was co-founding the Grand Rapids Public Museum School, which opened in 2016. The school, a Grand Rapids Public Schools partnership with the museum, Grand Valley State University’s College of Education and Kendall College of Art & Design, was an inaugural winner of the XQ Super School Rethinking High School competition, earning a $10 million award.
Robertson also led the successful 2016 passage of the Kent County Zoo/Museum millage, helping secure support for two of the region’s important cultural institutions.
Throughout his leadership, Robertson championed the philosophy of “knowledge for all,” working to create a museum where everyone feels welcome and leaves empowered to ask questions, explore new ideas and embrace lifelong learning.
His commitment to public service began well before his museum career. Robertson started as a legislative aide to state Sen. Jim DeSana, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, before becoming director of state legislative relations for the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. In that role, he advocated for the Detroit business community at the state Capitol.
He later spent 19 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, serving as vice president for West Michigan and then vice president of governmental affairs. With responsibilities in Lansing and Washington, D.C., Robertson regularly testified before legislative policy-making committees on behalf of the organization.
His civic involvement has included board positions with the Grand Rapids Economic Club, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Metro YMCA, Alliance for Health, Pine Rest Foundation, Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Concordia University of Wisconsin/Ann Arbor. He also served on the River Corridor Plan Steering Committee and currently sits on the board of Michigan Future Inc.
In 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Robertson to the Michigan Travel Commission, adding another statewide leadership role to a career dedicated to civic engagement and regional growth.
Gina Bivins | Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award
Some of the most meaningful contributions to a community come from the people who dedicate themselves to preserving its stories. For Gina Bivins, that work has been a defining part of her relationship with the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the broader West Michigan community.
The recipient of the 2026 Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award, Bivins has been an integral part of the museum’s history, contributing as both a staff member and a volunteer. Her work has helped bring the region’s past to life for generations of visitors.
During her time as a museum employee in the 1990s, Bivins served on teams responsible for creating new exhibitions at the Van Andel Museum Center, including Streets of Old Grand Rapids and the City Hall tile layout in the first-floor gallery. She was also deeply involved in developing Newcomers: The People of This Place, an exhibition exploring the people and stories that have shaped the region. Her tours of the exhibition became legendary among museum staff for their depth of knowledge and ability to create meaningful connections with visitors.
Today, Bivins continues to share her passion for local history as a museum volunteer. As a member of Team Photo in the Archives, she helps digitize photographs from the museum’s collection and catalog them online, making historical images more accessible to the public.
Her dedication to preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage extends well beyond the museum. Bivins has volunteered with Festival of the Arts for more than 45 years, serving in numerous capacities, including as chair in 1991. She also serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, where she served as president through 2026.
In 2026, Grand Valley State University’s Kutsche Office of Local History recognized Bivins with the Gordon Olson Contribution to Local History Award, honoring her longstanding commitment to local history and community engagement.
Bill Templin | The Casey Award
Community connections often begin with one person introducing another to an organization, a cause or an opportunity to make a difference. For Bill Templin, building those connections has become an important part of his commitment to West Michigan.
The recipient of the 2026 Casey Award, which recognizes public service and volunteerism, Templin is a longtime supporter of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. A Realtor and owner of Templin Homes through Compass Realty, he has contributed regularly to the museum for more than a decade and serves on its Donor Development Committee.
In that role, Templin helps connect new donors with the museum’s mission while exploring new approaches to philanthropy in the community. He also serves as a member of the Expanding Curiosity Cabinet.
Templin’s involvement has extended beyond financial support. In 2019, he helped the museum’s development team establish its fundraising luncheon, working alongside staff to bring the inaugural event together in less than three months.
His ability to build relationships has had a lasting impact. Numerous monthly and younger donors credit Templin with introducing them to the museum and encouraging them to become involved.
That same community-minded approach carries into his work with other cultural institutions and organizations, including John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Whether supporting the museum’s mission or helping others discover opportunities to give back, Templin has become a valued connector throughout the region.
Online Silent Auction Opens Nov. 12
Community members can support the Grand Rapids Public Museum through the gala’s online silent auction, even if they aren’t attending the event.
Opening at noon Nov. 12, the auction will feature experiences, memorabilia, spa treatments, gift cards and more. Bidding will be available at grpm.org/auction.
Proceeds will help sustain the museum’s role as a vital community resource, supporting educational exhibitions and programs while funding the preservation and care of more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens.
The 2026 Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala is co-chaired by Dave and Carol Van Andel and Linsey Gleason.
Sponsors include The David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation, JW Marriott Grand Rapids, Varnum LLP, Comcast, Etheridge Group, Jandernoa Foundation, John Ball Zoo, Meijer and Vicinity Energy.
For event details and a complete list of sponsors, visit grpm.org/gala.
