Isaac DeVries - Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship Opens Doors

Isaac DeVries: Achieving Success Through Donor Support

Isaac DeVries is a rising senior at Saginaw Valley State University majoring in Criminal Justice, with minors in Psychology and Accounting. Originally from Zeeland, Michigan, he is a captain of the SVSU varsity swim and dive team, where he demonstrates leadership, discipline, and commitment both in and out of the pool.

In addition to his academic and athletic responsibilities, Isaac is a participant in the Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship, a program focused on leadership, service, and career preparation. Through this experience, Isaac has strengthened his professional skills and gained the confidence to pursue internships, including a role with Meijer’s Supply Chain Asset Protection team, as he continues to explore a future in law enforcement and public service.

Below is a speech that Isaac gave at the 2026 Donor Appreciation Luncheon in April. Read it to learn more about him.  

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Isaac DeVries, and I am a junior going into my senior year, majoring in Criminal Justice, with minors in Psychology and Accounting. I’m originally from Zeeland, Michigan and am a captain of the SVSU varsity swim and dive team. 

Like many students, my journey at SVSU has been shaped by opportunity and challenge. There are times when I’m balancing 15 hours of work and 20-plus hours of practice each week while being a full-time student. It can feel overwhelming. But experiences like that have helped me grow into a more disciplined, focused and motivated person. 

One of the most impactful opportunities has been the Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship. 

The Botz Fellowship is more than just a scholarship; it’s a program that truly prepares students for their future careers. Through its focus on leadership, service, and career readiness, it gave me the tools and confidence to start thinking seriously about my professional path. 

After participating in mock interviews through the program, I felt like my interview skills had improved greatly. It gave me the confidence I needed going into real interviews. 

I believe that because of that experience, I was able to secure a summer internship with Meijer’s Supply Chain Asset Protection team at their corporate office, where I will be working with their distribution centers to oversee the transportation of goods. This opportunity is something I may not have pursued or felt prepared for without the support of this program. 

The impact didn’t stop there. I continued seeking opportunities, including working with the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission and pursuing an internship with local law enforcement for this upcoming fall.

Looking ahead, my goal is ultimately to give back to the community. While I am still exploring the exact professional path I want to pursue, I know that I want to make a meaningful impact. My upcoming internship with Meijer will open doors to opportunities that I’m excited to explore, but I also have a strong interest in federal law enforcement. Issues like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and exploitation cases are major challenges in our society, and I would love to be part of the solution. No matter the path I take, my goal is to help make our communities safer and have a positive impact. 

At this time, I would like to give a special and sincere thank you to Janet Botz for her support of the Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship. Your investment in students like me goes far beyond financial assistance; you are helping build confidence and open doors to opportunities that truly shape our futures. 

I would also like to thank the family of Walter T. James for their generosity and for honoring his legacy through the Walter T. James Memorial Scholarship. Your support has made a meaningful difference in my ability to continue my education and pursue my goals. 

Finally, I want to thank all of the donors here today who support scholarships at SVSU. Your generosity does more than ease financial burdens; it creates opportunities, builds confidence, and allows students like me to fully invest in our education and our future. 

Thank you again for your generosity and for believing in students like me. 

Isaac DeVries’ time at SVSU highlights how donor support plays a key role in shaping his path. Scholarships have given him the ability to balance academics, athletics, and work while still pursuing opportunities that prepare him for his future career. With that support, he has been able to strengthen his skills, gain real-world experience, and move forward with a clearer sense of direction and purpose.

Help Cardinals soar by giving today at svsu.edu/give