Spring Arbor University (SAU) is honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Ron and Marvel Jones, long-standing supporters of SAU and advocates for the Jackson community, as co-chairs of Ignite: The Campaign for Spring Arbor University along with Robert Gould and Sherry Roe-Gould. Ron and Marvel have consistently embodied the mission of the university by serving Christ and their community with unwavering dedication. Their impact spans decades and industries, especially through their leadership at Dawn Foods and continued philanthropic work in the Jackson community.

Ron, a Spring Arbor University Trustee and former CEO of Dawn Foods, joined the family business in 1960 after earning a degree in accounting. He succeeded his father as CEO in 1982, guiding the company until 2006 with a deep commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Marvel was recognized in May 2024 with an honorary doctorate from Spring Arbor University and has long been an advocate for education and opportunity, believing in the power of Christian higher education to shape future leaders.

Together, Ron and Marvel are strengthening SAU’s impact on the local Jackson community through the expansion and modernization of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, growing the endowment, and supporting student success through the Arbor Fund.

“The renovated science building is a critical investment, not only for SAU, but for Jackson and the surrounding region,” said Ron. “We need well-equipped nurses, engineers, and scientists right here in our community.”

“One of the greatest joys of giving has been meeting these remarkable students, our scholarship recipients, who are already becoming thoughtful, Christ-centered leaders in their fields,” Ron added.

Spring Arbor University continues to produce graduates who are prepared for purposeful lives and careers, as 98% of the most recent graduating class say that their employment is directly or somewhat related to their field of study. In addition, 14% of graduates are employed in Jackson, MI, while 12% are employed in Spring Arbor, MI, showcasing the impact SAU alumni have on the Jackson community.

Guided by years of strategic planning, Ignite: The Campaign for Spring Arbor University is raising crucial funds for the modernization and expansion of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, building a stronger endowment, and providing support for students both now and in the future through the Arbor Fund. The generous gifts from Ron and Marvel Jones are a part of the over $65 million raised toward the $80 million goal to complete the Ignite Campaign. For more information about the Ignite Campaign, please visit sauignite.org.