Joan Secchia

Joan Secchia, a distinguished community leader in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is renowned for her extensive philanthropic efforts and community involvement. Born Joan Peterson in Saginaw, Michigan, she grew up and went to school in Midland, Michigan, where her father worked for The Dow Chemical Company.

Joan attended Michigan State University, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a degree in elementary education. After graduation, she married Peter Secchia, who was also a graduate of MSU. The following Fall, Mrs. Secchia taught 4th grade at an elementary school in Rockford, Michigan. She also taught fifth grade in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Joan and Peter built a life together in East Grand Rapids and spent time at their cottage in Grand Haven. They have four children: Stephanie, Sandy, Charlie, and Mark, and eleven grandchildren. Over the years, she has been deeply involved in various charitable and community organizations. Her contributions include serving on the boards of Opera Grand Rapids, the Junior League, the Dorothy Swift Hospital Guild, the Kent County Red Cross, the Children’s Assessment Center, the Grand Rapids Public School Foundation, the Women’s Resource Center, Aquinas College, and the Grand Valley University Foundation. Joan was also president of the East Grand Rapids High School Parent, Teacher, Student Association. In addition, Joan has been involved in numerous political campaigns, serving as Kent County co-chair for former Governor Milliken. Her service on multiple boards and committees continues, maintaining her commitment to enhancing the educational and cultural landscape of Grand Rapids and beyond. Her enduring dedication to community service, philanthropy, and family values has left an indelible mark on the institutions and lives she has touched.

During her tenure as the spouse of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Joan played a vital role in supporting diplomatic relations and community engagement. Residing in Rome from 1989 to 1993, she actively participated in various cultural and charitable activities, including serving on the boards of the USO and the Fulbright Commission. Joan also dedicated time to the Boys and Girls Town orphanage in Rome, highlighting her commitment to social causes and enhancing the lives of those in need, thus reinforcing the U.S. diplomatic mission through her volunteerism and advocacy.

The Secchias have been particularly influential in the realm of education and healthcare. Joan’s philanthropic leadership, alongside her late husband, has significantly impacted Michigan. They have supported various initiatives, including an endowment for the Spartan football program and substantial contributions to the College of Human Medicine’s Grand Rapids campus, which houses the Secchia Center. Their legacy of giving also extends to the establishment of the Secchia Stadium for women’s varsity softball, making it the largest cash gift to a women's sport in MSU’s history. Joan is a key figure behind the creation of the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, part of a $60 million project by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility, set to open in 2026, seeks to serve thousands of children annually, enhancing both inpatient and outpatient care capacities. Additionally, Joan committed to support Michigan State’s men’s and women’s tennis programs, and the Grand Valley State University Blue Dot Lab, reflecting her continued dedication to education and talent attraction. Her generosity has galvanized the West Michigan community, inspiring others to follow suit in offering their support.

The support of these projects continues a long-standing tradition of the Secchias’ significant support for West Michigan projects demonstrating their commitment to family and community. Other notable contributions from the Secchia Family Foundation include the Secchia Hall dormitory at Grand Valley State University, various expansions and exhibits at the Gerald Ford Foundation and Museum, and key projects at Michigan State University such as the Berkowitz Center, Clara Bell Smith Academic Center, and scholarships for study abroad. The Secchias have also funded important facilities at Spectrum Hospital, including the Heart Center and Children’s Hospital lobbies, and contributed to the DeVos Place Convention Center ballroom lobby. Their generosity extends to the Kent County Millennium Park, East Grand Rapids High School, John Cabot University in Rome, Frederick Meijer Gardens, and the Grand Rapids Public Schools, where they refurbished an inner-city school library. These efforts reflect the Secchias’ dedication to enhancing education, culture, and the community's overall well-being.

Joan and Peter also founded the Secchia CarePartners Program through the Spectrum Health Foundation Board. This initiative arranges appointments and transportation for families with children requiring ongoing care from multiple physicians, providing services free of charge. The program was inspired by their granddaughter Julia’s health issues, and it has become a crucial support system for parents, especially those living far from medical facilities.

In recognition of their contributions, Joan and Peter received the 2022 Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging their long-standing impact on the Grand Rapids community.

Joan’s deep commitment to philanthropy stems from her belief in giving back to the community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Inspired by her personal experiences and the values instilled in her by her family, Joan sees philanthropy as a way to create lasting positive change and support those in need. Her involvement in various charitable initiatives is driven by a genuine desire to help others, particularly children and families facing challenges. Joan’s dedication to education, healthcare, and community service reflects her understanding that investing in these areas can transform lives and build stronger, more resilient communities. Her philanthropic efforts are a testament to her compassionate nature and her unwavering resolve to leave a legacy of kindness and support for future generations.

Faith and family are central to Joan’s life, shaping her values and guiding her actions. As a devoted mother of four and grandmother of eleven, Joan’s commitment to her family is paramount, and she takes great pride in nurturing and supporting her loved ones. Her role as a mom and grandmother is marked by her dedication to fostering strong family bonds and imparting her values of compassion, generosity, and community service. Joan is also known for her exceptional ability to bring people together, whether through organizing community events, playing tennis, or engaging in bridge games. Her sociable nature and talent for connecting with others have made her a beloved figure in her community, where she has used her skills to support numerous philanthropic causes. Joan’s involvement in various charitable activities, combined with her love for sports and social gatherings, underscores her commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her and building a more connected and caring community.

Joan Secchia will be honored at the Corewell Health JA West Michigan Business Hall of Fame ceremony at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Monday, October 21, 2024.