New Outfit For Graceland Spaces

When a company restructures, it also means a shift in its physical setup including the office furnishing. Some of the inventory at Voya Financial in Des Moines underwent such a reorganization, and before it went just anywhere, Voya Facilities Manager Mary Westphal set everything in motion to make sure it went to Graceland.

Knowing Graceland University through family connection, Westphal saw it as the perfect new and appreciative home for the collection of high-end furniture, valuable artwork and technical equipment. Her idea turned into a generous in-kind donation by Voya Financial that has since upgraded offices, classrooms, student lounges and conference rooms across all three Graceland sites in Lamoni (IA), Independence (MO) and Mission (KS).

Westphal personally invested countless hours documenting inventory and coordinating the removal from Des Moines, temporary storage and relocation to the campuses. She redesigned interiors and oversaw the installation, and even recommended a company that could recycle the old furniture.

Graceland University is all about transforming lives—we want to thank Voya Financial and Mary Westphal for transforming the spaces in which living, learning, collaboration and gathering takes place at Graceland.