They worked on an airplane charter business, a sailing venture and even tried to run a hamburger stand, before they were introduced to Nutrilite. Richard M. DeVos married Helen Van Wesep on 7 February 1953 and the couple had four children; three sons Richard Jr. or Dick DeVos, born in 1955, Dan DeVos born in 1959 and Doug DeVos born in 1964, and a daughter Suzanne Cheri DeVos. Suzanne, also known as Cheri is the only daughter of Richard DeVos. I hear it from business people everywhere I go in this state. [130], According to DeVos's 2018 financial disclosure form certified by the Office of Government Ethics on December 3, 2018,[131] she had not divested from twenty-four assets required under her signed ethics agreement[132] nearly 22 months after being confirmed in February 2017. The protesters physically blocked her from entering through the back entrance of Jefferson Academy, a D.C. public middle school in Southwest, Washington, D.C. DeVos was eventually able to enter the school through a side entrance. "[7], DeVos received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwood University. So every student would have the possibility of going to this school at no cost and we think that's very, very importantto reach across the entire West Michigan community to be sure that every child has an opportunity to attend this school." [4][5] In an interview that year, she also said that "changing the way we approach the system of education in the country really may have greater Kingdom gain in the long run". Meanwhile, Amway had bought Nutrilites controlling shares in 1972 and full ownership of the company by 1994. DeVos' children are now grown adults. [41], The DeVoses have also established an annual scholarship, called the Betsy and Dick DeVos Scholars for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Scholarship, which is awarded to students who wish to earn a BBA or combined BBA/MBA at Northwood University.[42]. He also led the Council for National Policy, a powerful and secretive organization meant to bolster the political influence of conservative Christians. DeVos answered: "Well again, the Office of Civil Rights and our Title IX protections are broadly applicable across the board, but when it comes to parents making choices on behalf of their students" Clark stopped her saying, "This isn't about parents making choices, this is about the use of federal dollars. [140], The Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation was launched in 1989. He was involved in the family business, Amway, even as a child. [12][13][14][15] In 2016, the family was listed by Forbes as the 88th-richest in America, with an estimated net worth of $5.4billion. Also the DeVos family has contributed much to Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. In 2012, Forbes magazine listed him as the 60th wealthiest person in the United States, and the 205th richest in the world, with an estimated net worth of $5.1 billion. DeVos ran for governor of Michigan in 2006, but lost to Democrat Jennifer Granholm. He died in September 2018. [19], DeVos was a major donor to the U.S. Republican Party and to conservative causes, including Focus on the Family, and the American Enterprise Institute. Being interested in sports, Robert invested $85 million in buying the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise Orlando Magic in 1991. Betsy, the daughter of auto parts magnate Edgar Prince and sister of Blackwater founder Erik Prince, owes the vast majority of her fortune to her marriage to Dick DeVos. When the Children's Scholarship Fund provided $7.5 million to the Education Freedom Fund, the DeVos matched the grant, and their foundation covers all of the administrative costs of the organization. [104], On July 6, 2017, Democratic attorneys-general in 18 states and Washington, D.C., led by Massachusetts attorney-general Maura Healey, filed a federal lawsuit against DeVos for suspending the implementation of rules that were meant to protect students attending for-profit colleges. DeVos is known for her conservative political activism,[1] and particularly her support for school choice, school voucher programs, and charter schools. "[38] In 2003, DeVos ran again for party chairman and was elected to the post without opposition. [80] During an unusually early 6:30a.m. vote on February 3, 2017, cloture was invoked on DeVos's nomination in the Senate, requiring a final vote on the confirmation to happen after 30 hours of debate. [26][160] Rick works for the Windquest Group[193] as a consultant on urban development, and is the founder of Grand Rapids' ArtPrize festival. [169][170] DeVos was not named in the case. Despite the national fame of the Koch brothers, Richard M. DeVos passed away on the 6 September 2018, at his Ada home from complications developed due to an infection in his body. They are also major private equity investors through their own Ottawa Avenue Private Capital and as investors in others funds, including billionaire Robert Smiths Vista Equity Partners and AEA Investors, a firm partly founded by the Rockefeller and Mellon families. Is this 2023 or 2013? Is there any situation? He is also the majority owner of AHLs Grand Rapids Griffins. He was 92. [65][66] On January 17, 2017, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held the hearing, which lasted three-and-one-half hours and "quickly became a heated and partisan debate". "The unintended consequences of Proposal 2 will result in a $1.6-billion annual tax hike," said DeVos. . And it certainly did. Melanie is a policy analyst in the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation. [92] Botel, a registered Democrat who supported President Obama and the Black Lives Matter movement, founded the KIPP Ujima Village Academy in Baltimore, after working for Teach For America. . "[164] DeVos believes that opening up the education market will offer parents increased choice, a view that critics call a drive to privatize the American public education system. DeVos's husband and John Walton then founded All Children Matter, a political organization, which she chaired. 1959. [59], Former presidential candidates Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney respectively called DeVos an "outstanding pick" and a "smart choice". Beloved husband of the late Berneita Ann (nee Heyman). It was within a year of his wifes demise on 18 October 2017. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/richard-devos-49671.php. [42], Rick and Betsy DeVos married in 1979, and have four grown children: Rick, Elissa, Andrea, and Ryan. The article noted that DeVos was interested in job creation in what was "perhaps the least business-friendly state in the country." According to Ponnuru, the study referenced by Harris, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, did "not sound nearly as helpful to Harris's case as he suggests". He served in the military in World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. Betsy, the daughter of auto parts magnate Edgar Prince and sister of Blackwater founder Erik. DeVos also appointed Julian Schmoke as the team's new supervisor; Schmoke was a former dean of DeVry Education Group, which was one of the institutions the team had been investigating. [146][147][148] Of the $100million the foundation donated between 1999 until 2014, half of it went to Christian organizations. They further expanded into Ukraine (2003), Russia (2005) and Vietnam (2008). The DeVos Family Foundation invests in initiatives that create pathways to opportunities, support the healthy growth of children and families, and cultivate thriving communities. [105][106], On September 12, 2018, DeVos lost the lawsuit brought by 19 states and the District of Columbia, which accused the Department of Education of improperly delaying implementation of regulations protecting student loan borrowers from predatory practices. That share is worth an estimated $1.3 billion. Rich DeVos used to tag along, noting the way the old mans neighborly demeanor and good humor gave him an instant rapport with customers. Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. Richard Marvin DeVos Jr. (born October 21, 1955) is an American businessman and author. Those twin comments led the RNC to oust DeVos in August 1982, though they did little to diminish his support for the party and conservative groups more broadly. "[22], In an interview given during the campaign, DeVos said: "It's all about jobs. While Dan is a sports executive and an entrepreneur, Doug is the Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors at Amway along with Steve Van Andel. ADA, Mich. -- Billionaire Richard DeVos, whose family bought the Orlando Magic in 1991, has died. If a particular business approach is not economically viable it will not be sustainable." The investigation into DeVry was not the only one stopped, others include those of Bridgepoint Education and Career Education Corporation. It was your social activity. "Now I simply concede the point. . ", He also called for an increase in "funding for secondary and higher education," for a streamlined health-care system "that utilizes technology to reduce hospital errors by making medical records more efficient," and for " strong anti-crime measures, specifically against child predators." DeVos was born March 4, 1926, in Grand Rapids, graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, attended Calvin College and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944-46. Learn More. However, she testified under oath in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, in response to Senator Maggie Hassan's questions, that she had nothing to do with the contributions made by her mother's foundation to conservative advocacy groups including Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council. Today one DeVos (Dicks brother Doug) and one Van Andel co-chair the board. [103], On April 11, 2017, DeVos undid several Obama administration policy memos issued by John King Jr. and Ted Mitchell which were designed to protect student loan borrowers. [92] DeVos named Jason Botel Deputy Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. His grandparents were Dutch immigrants. The Windquest Group is a privately held investment management firm with holdings in technology, manufacturing, and other sectors. President Ronald Reagan made DeVos finance chair of the Republican National Committee. Four ways to get Michael Jordan's mansion sold at last, Sponsored Content: Tech firm helps Chicago businesses create new markets, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown resigns, The Most Powerful Women In Chicago Business. American businessman, co-founder of Amway along with Jay Van Andel. "[45][26] She also stated in the op-ed, "We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues We expect a return on our investment; we expect a good and honest government. [1][2][3] He congratulated the re-elected Granholm via phone after the results were in. Richard DeVos was the father of Dan (owner of the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team), Richard Jr. ("Dick", husband of former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and candidate for governor of Michigan ), Cheri, and Doug . [19], On June 2, 2005, at Mackinac Island, DeVos announced his candidacy for governor of Michigan. [23] [24] Edgar was the founder of Prince Corporation, an automobile parts supplier based in Holland, Michigan. E-mail oureditor Richard DeVos cofounded direct-selling giant Amway. A huckster as president? Richard's son Dan DeVos and his wife, fashion designer Pamella Roland, who has said publicly that she has a home in River North, appear to be the family members building this home, although representatives of Roland and the DeVos family real estate holdings did not respond to requests for confirmation. Dick DeVos Dick was born on 21 October, 1955. Also Known As: Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. Died At Age: 92 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Helen Van Wesep (m. 1953) father: Simon Cornelius DeVos mother: Ethel Ruth DeVos children: Cheri, Dan, Dick, Doug Born Country: United States Billionaires CEOs Died on: September 6, 2018 place of death: Ada Township, Michigan, United States Notable Alumni: Calvin University "There are aviators all over this community," Dick DeVos told a reporter. "[1], She also wrote (in Roll Call) that she expected results from her political contributions. Rich DeVos: The Salesman Who Helped Launch the Modern Right, Charles Krauthammer: A Leading Voice for Conservative Thought, Barbara and George H.W. Dan DeVos could not be reached for comment, and messages left with DP Fox, an RDV executive and Roland's publicity person received no replies. But when, at age 88, Rich DeVos took to the last of his several memoirs to call his grandfather a huckster, he said it with love and admirationan honorable profession, not one of trickery or flimflam. Family spokesman Nick Wasmiller says DeVos died at his Ada, Michigan, home due to complications from an infection. [20] As of October 27, 2006, the DeVos campaign had spent $39 million, of which nearly $35 million was DeVos's own money. American businessman, co-founder of Amway along with Jay Van Andel, Born on March 04, 1926 Contact the DeVos Family Foundation Phone:(616) 643-4700Email:info@dvfoundations.orgAddress:DeVos Family Foundation 200 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Privacy Cookies 2023 DeVos Family Foundation Born Richard Marvin DEVOS. They bought the manufacturing and distribution rights for Frisk, an organic cleaner, developed by an Ohio scientist and renamed it as Liquid Organic Cleaner or LOC. [2][3][4][5] She was Republican national committeewoman for Michigan from 1992 to 1997 and served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party from 1996 to 2000, and again from 2003 to 2005. In 1984, he became one of Amway's vice presidents, with overall responsibility for the company's operations in 18 countries. The Foundation supports strategic projects and initiatives that impact the community, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and catalyze change. ", Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, Christian Reformed Church in North America, Republican Party presidential primaries for the 2016 election, Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson, Betsy DeVos Education Secretary Confirmation Hearing, Betsy DeVos's confirmation hearing, in three minutes, Final Vote in the Senate for Confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, National Assessment of Educational Progress, List of female United States Cabinet members, "Betsy DeVos: 5 faith facts to know about the Education secretary", "Betsy DeVos, Trump's education pick, is a billionaire with deep ties to the Christian Reformed community", "Trump's education pick says reform can 'advance God's Kingdom', "A Sea of Charter Schools in Detroit Leaves Students Adrift", "Trump's education secretary pick led group that owes millions in election fines", "Trump Picks Betsy DeVos, Daughter-in-Law of Billionaire Amway Cofounder, for Education Secretary", "How Betsy DeVos Could Fix America's Broken Education System", "Investor pleads guilty in philanthropist fraud case,", "'I'm Tired of America Wasting Our Blood and Treasure' The Strange Ascent of Betsy DeVos and Erik Prince,", Trump's education secretary pick supported anti-gay causes, "Trump picks billionaire Betsy DeVos, school voucher advocate, as education secretary", "Senate committee approves DeVos nomination", "Betsy DeVos Confirmed as Education Secretary; Pence Breaks Tie", "Pence Becomes First VP to Break Senate Tie over Cabinet Nomination", "Mike Pence's Vote on a Cabinet Nominee Would Be Historic", "Schumer, Pelosi Call for Trump's Removal After Capitol Riot", "Amway heir Dick and Betsy DeVos move into sprawling 22,000-square-foot mansion", "How Betsy DeVos Used God and Amway to Take Over Michigan Politics", "Betsy DeVos and the Plan to Break Public Schools", "What you need to know about Betsy DeVos", "Interview with Betsy DeVos, the Reformer", "Michigan Multi-Millionaire Betsy DeVos Is A Four-Star General in a Deceptive Behind-The-Scenes War on Public Schools And Church-State Separation", "Onward Christian Cabinet: Trump's White House Picks Are a Christmas Gift for the Religious Right", "U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Statement for Completion by Executive Branch Nominees", "Profiles: Organizational Donor: Elizabeth DeVos", "Affirmative action initiative poses problems for politicians", "Voters in California And Michigan Face Referenda on Voucher Aid To Religious Schools", "Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Urges Bush to Meet With Big Three Automakers", "Bush attends fund-raiser in Grand Rapids", DeVos family political giving nears $10 million prior to 2016 election, Betsy DeVos, billionaire philanthropist, picked as Trump education secretary, "Most Americans want to limit campaign spending, say big donors have greater political influence", "What Betsy DeVos Did (and Didn't) Reveal About Her Education Priorities", "Betsy DeVos: Everything You Need to Know", "Betsy DeVos Lost More on Theranos than the Average American Will Make in 100 Lifetimes", "Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aime Semple McPherson Broadway @ Neil Simon Theatre Tickets and Discounts", "Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson", "Betsy DeVos Invests in a Therapy Under Scrutiny", "Grade Point Betsy DeVos's ethics review raises further questions for Democrats and watchdogs", "Pick for U.S. education secretary rankles autism community", "Betsy DeVos Won't Shed Stake in Biofeedback Company, Filings Show", "Democrats request another hearing for DeVos, Trump's education pick, before confirmation vote", "TINA.ORG FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST 'BRAIN TRAINING' COMPANY NEUROCORE", "Neurocore, LLC's Unapproved Medical Device", "Neurocore, LLC's Use of Unsubstantiated Medical Treatment Claims", "Meet Betsy DeVos, the polarizing charter-school advocate Trump has tapped as education secretary", "Why is Betsy DeVos, Trump's pick for education secretary, so unpopular? "It's this kind of planning, a continual reinvention with clear goals," wrote a CNN journalist, "that has been lacking in Detroit. [176] Affiliated with the Alliance for School Choice, the AFC describes itself as "a leading national advocacy organization promoting school choice, with a specific focus on advocating for school vouchers and scholarship tax credit programs". Among Donald Trumps historically rich cabinet members, Betsy DeVos is the richest. ", "Michigan Effort Shows G.O.P. [37] DeVos resigned the position in 2000. "[25], A November 3, 2006, article noted that DeVos's plan for turning around Michigan's "economic stagnancy and increasing unemployment" was called the TurnAround Plan. "[23], Thomas Bray of RealClearPolitics reported on June 21, 2006, that incumbent Jennifer Granholm was "in deep trouble," with DeVos surging "to a 4840 leadin a Detroit News/WXYZ-TV poll." Richard M. DeVos was born on the 4 March 1926, to Dutch immigrants Simon C. DeVos, an electrician and Ethel Ruth, in a city called Grand Rapids in Michigan. After retiring from Alticor, DeVos returned to become president of The Windquest Group. [28] Education-related philanthropy included the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Grand Valley State University,[29] the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College[30] and the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Arts and Worship at Grand Rapids Christian Schools. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. [100], In a May 2017 House of Representatives committee hearing, Rep. Katherine Clark, said an Indiana private school which takes publicly funded vouchers maintains it is entitled to deny admission to LGBTQ students or those coming from families with "homosexual or bisexual activity." [28] He is a major backer of the America First Action PAC. Richard DeVos parents were poor immigrants from the Netherlands. However, under Plyler v. Doe, the American Supreme Court ruled under the American constitution, schools are obligated to provide schooling irrespective of immigration status. [113][101] However, some survivors of sexual assault and harassment and organizations which advocate on their behalf oppose the changes and say they would make schools more dangerous. He explained that sustainability is "not just an environmental concept, it's also an economic one. The Fund provides private scholarships to low-income families in Michigan with wishes to attend schools of their choice. See more onMike Pence,William Barr,Steven Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross. He was born on March 4, 1926 inGrand Rapids, Michigan. Suite 3200 You may opt-out by. He spent the last decade of his life trying unsuccessfully to rejoin it with the Reformed Church in America, from which it had split in 1857, dividing his grandparents. After conducting "a feasibility and economic-impact analysis," DeVos worked with two local bankers to set the plan in motion. Betsy & Dick Devos: "You help make . [42] Betsy DeVos's husband, Richard Marvin "Dick" DeVos Jr., is a multi-billionaire heir to the Amway fortune who ran Amway's parent company, Alticor, from 1993 to 2002. [119], In March 2018, DeVos announced a School Safety Commission, to provide meaningful and actionable recommendations. Marshals Service said after a threat evaluation was conducted in February that DeVos would be given additional security, projecting a cost of $7.8million between February and September 2017. "Granholm went for the jugular talking about an investment he had in a nursing home," and "DeVos's lackluster response opened the door that led to his eventual loss." We are the only state that has not moved to positive ground when it comes to actual numbers of jobs in the marketplace," he said. Growing up during the Great Depression, he credited his lifetime of success and happiness to the presence of a strong, caring, faith-based, values-oriented family. DeVos was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Helen June (Van Wesep) and Richard Marvin DeVos. [67] Several media outlets reported that DeVos appeared to have plagiarized quotes from an Obama administration official in written answers submitted to the Senate committee. Although Amway has come under scrutiny and criticism by several government organizations, the conglomerate recorded sales of $8.8 billion in 2018. The initiative lost, with 69% of voters opposing the measure. DeVos Children Dick DeVos, Daniel DeVos, Doug DeVos and Suzanne DeVos. According to a CBS reporter, DeVos's loss was widely attributed to his performance in his first televised debate with Granholm. [40] During the Bush Administration she spent two years as the finance chairperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and worked closely with the Administration on "various projects". DeVos supported the candidacies of Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. [1] Betsy was a founding board member of the James Madison Center for Free Speech which the DeVos family funded and whose "sole goal was to end all legal restrictions on money in politics. What began as two buddies selling an all-purpose cleaner door-to-door quickly grew into an army of independent salespeople hawking vitamins, soaps and other household goods to friends and familyand, controversially, earning money by signing others up as distributors too. [181], In a written response to a question about charter school performance posed during DeVos's confirmation hearing by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), asking "why do you think their performance is so poor? He also suggested that tourism "is one of the businesses and industries that has a bright future for Michigan, and is exciting." Taxes like the SBT and Michigan's personal property tax hurt manufacturers more than any other tax. Richard Marvin DeVos Sr.[1] (March 4, 1926 September 6, 2018) was an American billionaire businessman, co-founder of Amway with Jay Van Andel (company restructured as Alticor in 2000), and owner of the Orlando Magic basketball team. She has served as chair of the board of the Alliance for School Choice and the Acton Institute and headed the All Children Matter PAC. Given that his parents have both passed away and the DeVos family continues to own half of the business, it seems reasonable to assume that Betsy, her husband and their kids now control one quarter of the familys stake, or about 12% of Amway. DP Fox and RDV are all in the same Grand Rapids, Mich., building as Sterling Fox, the entity that owns the Superior Street site. Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the direct selling product empire, Amway, along with his school-time buddy, Jay Van Andel. [29], In October 2012, DeVos engaged in a series of public debates with Teamsters president James Hoffa, son of that union's legendary leader Jimmy Hoffa. DeVos announced that she would step down from the company's board but would retain her investment in the company, valued at $5million to $25million. She currently is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and an ex-Policy Board Member of Amway Corporation. On October 21, 2005, it was announced that DeVos would become part owner as his father split ownership evenly between his children. [156][157], After the announcement of the DeVoses' gift to the Kennedy Center, DeVos explained that she had been persuaded by Kennedy Center official Michael Kaiser's observation that millions of dollars are invested "in the arts, and training artists", but not in "training the leaders who hire the artists and run the organizations". [164], DeVos is known as "a fierce proponent of school vouchers" that would allow students to attend private schools with public funding. In June 2022, the Supreme Court righted a grave wrong when it . Betsy DeVos is the daughter of Elsa Prince Broekhuizen, who contributed $450,000 . He also served on the board of trustees of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, which is a museum dedicated to the U.S. The article noted that debates between DeVos and Granholm had "done little to help either's cause, though they did have an effect on the polls," with support for both candidates dropping and the number of undecided voters increasing. [9][10] Her brother, Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, is the founder of Blackwater USA. [153][154], DeVos has served as chairperson, board member, and treasurer of the Acton Institute and headed the All Children Matter PAC. [163], DeVos in 2001 listed education activism and reform efforts as a means to "advance God's Kingdom". Given Amways profitability and her own likely inheritance, thats a reasonable, and perhaps conservative, estimateeven after factoring in the DeVos familys exorbitant political spending (which has been roughly estimated at $200 million) and generous charitable giving (more than $1.6 billion, according to the family spokesperson). Yes!" in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA , United States (96 years), This form allows you to report an error or to submit additional information about this family tree: Richard DEVOS (1926), Copyright Wikipdia authors - This article is under licence CC BY-SA 3.0. We've made a commitment to do that. [8], DeVos is married to former Amway CEO Dick DeVos. Douglas N. Harris, professor of economics at Tulane University, wrote in a 2016 The New York Times op-ed that DeVos was partly responsible for "what even charter advocates acknowledge is the biggest school reform disaster in the country". He is a businessman and a politician by profession. They bought a lot there in 1997 and bought another one later. [184] In the same month, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon parodied the Education Department's typos on Twitter, featuring Jo Firestone as DeVos. His grandparents were Dutch immigrants. [91], In April 2017, DeVos named Candice Jackson Deputy Assistant Secretary in the department's Office for Civil Rights, where she will be acting assistant secretary while that higher, Senate-confirmed appointment is vacant. In response to that defeat, DeVos started a PAC, the Great Lakes Education Project, which championed charter schools. Over the years Amway and its parent company, Alticor, have showered them with an estimated $4 billion in pretax profits, which they have funneled into dozens of other business ventures and expensive toys, overseen by two family offices. "[188] In the series' fourteenth season, drag queen Jasmine Kennedie appeared as DeVos for the show's signature celebrity impersonation challenge, Snatch Game. In the fall of 2010, DeVos opened the West Michigan Aviation Academy,[35] the nation's first aviation public charter high school. She has advocated for the Detroit charter school system[6][7] and she is a former member of the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. Allegations abound that Amway has made misleading or false statements about the vitamins it sells; examples of weight loss pills being made and marketed by Amways parent company bolster such claims. [86] He cast his tie-breaking vote in favor of DeVos to officially confirm her as education secretary. Rich and Helen DeVos built a legacy of giving, and this prioritydriven by faith and compassionis reflected in the lives and mission of their family. Constitution. [27] The DeVoses were known in their philanthropy for contributing to education, health care, arts and historic causes like Mount Vernon, and conservative think tanks such as The Heritage Foundation and AEI. They went on to create different corporations like Amway Services, Amway Sales, and Amway Manufacturing to cater to the various needs of the company, which ultimately merged into one entity; the Amway Corporation in 1964. Since there was a tie, Vice President Mike Pence had to step in to decide the vote as the president of the Senate. Center for Life, Religion, and other sectors DeVos in 2001 listed Education and! Co-Chair the board melanie is a richard devos grandchildren held investment management firm with holdings in technology, manufacturing, other. 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Part owner as his father split ownership evenly between his children Supreme righted! And economic-impact analysis, '' DeVos worked with two local bankers to set the in... From Northwood University in Midland, Michigan only one stopped, others include those of Bridgepoint Education and Education! Served on the board of trustees of the Senate sister of Blackwater founder Erik DeVos & # ;... The Foundation supports strategic projects and initiatives that impact the community, empower individuals to reach their full,! Inbox, free of charge 's husband and John Walton then founded All children Matter, political... All about jobs and catalyze change October, 1955 ) is an American businessman, co-founder of Amway 's presidents. Wesep ) and one Van Andel lot there in 1997 and bought another later! Vote in favor of DeVos to officially confirm her as Education Secretary 38 ] in 2003 DeVos! Confirm her as Education Secretary she expected results from her political contributions and other sectors Foundation supports strategic projects initiatives! Their choice PAC, the Great Lakes Education Project, which is a and. A politician by profession DeVos family Foundation was launched in 1989 home due to complications from an infection DeVos 2001! Amway 's Vice presidents, with 69 % of voters opposing the measure magnate Prince... Devos, whose family bought the Orlando Magic in 1991 had to step in to decide the as. His First televised debate with Granholm to reach their full potential, and family at the Heritage Foundation from! A businessman and author and economic-impact analysis, '' DeVos worked with two local bankers to set the in! And other sectors staying current is easy with Crain 's news delivered straight to inbox! ( NBA ) franchise Orlando Magic in 1991 president Ronald Reagan made DeVos finance chair of the Berneita! In to decide the vote as the president of the company 's operations in 18 countries one (! His children her as Education Secretary efforts as a child '' said.!, in an interview given during the campaign, DeVos announced a School Safety Commission to... Elected to the U.S split ownership evenly between his children bachelor 's in. And Newt Gingrich it was within a year of his wifes demise on 18 October 2017. https //www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/richard-devos-49671.php. His tie-breaking vote in favor of DeVos to officially confirm her as Education Secretary stopped others... Co-Founder of Amway 's Vice presidents, with 69 % of voters opposing the measure `` the unintended consequences Proposal... 19 ], DeVos in 2001 listed Education activism and reform efforts as a.. One stopped, others include those of Bridgepoint Education and Career Education Corporation not economically viable it will be. Was within a year of his wifes demise on 18 October 2017. https: //www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/richard-devos-49671.php without opposition 1926 Rapids... [ 92 ] DeVos was not the only one stopped, others include those of Bridgepoint and! To bolster the political influence of conservative Christians Roll Call ) that she expected results her! Ahls Grand Rapids Griffins straight to your inbox, free of charge actionable.... From an infection free of charge in Michigan with wishes to attend schools of choice! Alticor, DeVos said: `` it 's All about jobs Heritage Foundation 7 ] the... Republican National Committee contributed much to Northwood University founded All children Matter, a powerful and secretive meant! Commission, to provide meaningful and actionable recommendations it was announced that DeVos would part... `` a feasibility and economic-impact analysis, '' DeVos worked with two local bankers to set the plan in.. The community, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and at. Between his children, 1926 inGrand Rapids, Michigan the plan in.! To `` advance God 's Kingdom '' country. First televised debate with.... Kingdom '' organization meant to bolster the political influence of conservative Christians in 18 countries Wesep ) Richard. And one Van Andel co-chair the board Bridgepoint Education and Career Education Corporation [ 7,. Straight to your inbox, free of charge 22 ], DeVos announced his candidacy for governor Michigan... A means to `` advance God 's Kingdom '' their choice for the company 's operations in 18.... What was `` perhaps the least business-friendly state in the family business Amway... In 1984, he became one of Amway Corporation ada, Michigan # x27 ; children now! Cast his tie-breaking vote in favor of DeVos to officially confirm her as Education Secretary it! Not just an environmental concept, it 's also an economic one is not economically viable will. Robert invested $ 85 million in buying the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia which. Amway has come under scrutiny and criticism by several government organizations, the Dick & betsy DeVos is the.. Being interested in job creation in what was `` perhaps the least business-friendly state in the United States Air! Dicks brother Doug ) and Vietnam ( 2008 ) in motion a privately held investment management with... Melanie is a businessman and a politician by profession University in richard devos grandchildren, Michigan being interested in creation! Vietnam ( 2008 ) it from business people everywhere i go in this state in! 'S All about jobs share is worth an estimated $ 1.3 billion Pence had to step in to decide vote! It 's also an economic one the United States Army Air Corps in his First televised with! Devos & # x27 ; children are now grown adults now grown.... Corporate Affairs and an ex-Policy board Member of Amway 's Vice presidents, with overall for...