Aquinas College extends our sincerest condolences to the family of David Frey, Trustee Emeritus, who passed on June 14, 2023 at 81 years old. Our hearts are with Frey’s wife Judith, his six children, 15 grandchildren, three surviving siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Frey was a successful business leader, a force in the world of philanthropy, a supporter of Aquinas College students, and a passionate advocate for the city of Grand Rapids.

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Frey served the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He then went into the banking industry, succeeding his father Edward J. Frey, who had succeeded his father before him, to become Chairman of Union Bank and Trust Co. 

Frey served on the board of Trustees for Aquinas College, guiding and supporting us in our mission as an institution of higher learning. He also served on the board of the Frey Foundation, founded by his father. David Frey and the Frey Foundation’s boundless generosity have touched the lives of so many, including decades of Aquinas students past, present, and future. The foundation’s support for Aquinas includes the Frey Scholars program, which empowers student leaders through scholarships, as well as transformational capital projects such as the Alksnis Athletics and Recreation Building and the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science.

We are deeply appreciative of David Frey and the Frey Foundation’s support for Aquinas College, the surrounding city of Grand Rapids, and beyond. His legacy will continue to thrive through the projects, people, and dreams he encouraged and championed.