May 7, 2011 May 12, 2011 May 18, 2011 May 19, 2011 May 19, 2011 June 12, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 23, 2011 June 28, 2011 June 29, 2011 July 16, 2011 October 29, 2011
Kentucky Derby Party and New Grad Welcome | RSVP by May 4!
New York City Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Cincinnati Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Indianapolis Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Alumni Art on Campus Celebration | RSVP
Tigers Game hosted by Metro Detroit Alumni Club | RSVP
San Diego, CA Alumni Reception | RSVP
Los Angeles Alumni Reception | RSVP
Austin, TX Alumni Reception | RSVP
Dallas Alumni Reception | RSVP
All Alumni Golf Outing Info
Homecoming: GVSU vs. Michigan Tech | Details Coming Soon.
FROM COLLEGE TO CIRCUS: ALUMNA TUMBLES HER WAY TO SUCCESS Not long ago, if you asked Christianne Sainz, '06 what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer would undoubtedly include performing with the world famous group Cirque du Soleil. Five years after graduating from GVSU, her dream is within reach. Sainz graduated with a degree in theatre and met her current boss Alison Williams during a guest artist workshop at GVSU. Since then, her career has taken off, and she has been traveling the world with her friends. Recently she helped to produce a modern-day circus called "Stand Up 8." The part theatre, part gymnastics show features 8 performers with backgrounds in street performance and comedy. No animals, just pure talent. A Plainfield, Michigan native and a 2006 graduate, Sainz is a five-time national trampoline champion, and most recently returned to Grand Valley to perform in front of hundreds of students with "Stand Up 8" as a part of the 50th Anniversary event on March 24. Her journey has not always been fun and games. After suffering several serious injuries throughout college, Sainz was unsure if she would ever be able to get on the trampoline again. It was her determination that kept her training, and eventually soaring to new heights. She currently calls Los Angeles, California "home," and when she's not traveling, she is teaching gymnastics to pre-school aged children. Check out the Stand Up 8 website for the latest tour schedule. To see Sainz's performance on the trampoline and more of her interview go to our YouTube channel.
Young Alumni Welcome New Grads with Kentucky Derby Party
Join The Young Alumni Council as they host a Kentucky Derby Party in Grand Rapids to welcome the 2011 graduates on Saturday, May 7. It’s not a Kentucky Derby Race party without a Mint Julep! Enjoy regular and N/A drinks, and delectable Derby-themed fare to put you in the race day mood. All GVSU Young Alumni are invited to this casual spring event to congratulate the newest members of the GVSU Alumni Assocation. Relax on a grassy courtyard, watch the Derby race coverage and take part in Derby games. Bring your Derby best, and we'll bring the prizes! Hurry! RSVP by May 4.
Attend this event on facebook and tweet about this party to your followers!
Enjoy Alumni Art on Campus - May 19
Celebrate Alumni Art on campus and experience new alumni work on display in the gallery at the Performing Arts Center in Allendale. Enjoy complimentary cocktails, and meet Henry Matthews, Curator of Collections at GVSU and special guest artist and alumnus Richard Kooyman, BFA '79.
More | RSVP
Alumni Association Bestows Top Awards
The GVSU Alumni Association bestowed its two most prestigious awards during the commencement ceremony on April 30, 2011. Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Steele, '85 & '94, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Professor of Management with the Seidman College of Business, Dr. James Sanford , was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award. He was selected from nominations submitted by his former students and alumni of GVSU.
The accomplishments of both recipients were celebrated during a dinner and program at the Alumni House on April 29. More Info
Alumni at Accounting Firm Raise More Than $30,000 for New Seidman Building
There is indeed power in numbers. GVSU alumni Kyle Purdy, '03 & '08 and Dan Carter, '84 organized a challenge to the employees at Grand Rapids accounting firm Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols, and Carter. The firm matched, dollar-for-dollar, the personal gifts of its employees to the L. William Seidman Center , which is set to break ground on May 25. To date, more than $30,000 has been committed by the firm and its employees for the project. To find out more, visit the Alumni Workplace Connections section of the GVSU giving website HERE.
All Alumni Golf Outing Set for July 16
Dust off your clubs and round up your foursome. The annual Sleep Inn & Suites Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing is quickly approaching. The event takes place on Saturday July 16, and the registration fee includes 18 holes and cart, a GVSU gift with logo, refreshments, chances to win prizes, and a BBQ dinner to follow. This year we're continuing the Instructional Program for beginners. All proceeds go toward need-based scholarships for GVSU students.
Register online (after May 9) | More Info
The Alumni Association is in still in need of sponsors and volunteers for the event. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Alumni Relations at 331-3590 or alumni@gvsu.edu
Family Affair: Father and Daughter Graduate Together
For the Miller family, GVSU's commencement ceremonies on Saturday were double the celebration as a father and daughter received their degrees on the same day.
Mike Miller left Grand Valley in 1982 with three years completed toward his bachelor's degree. He worked as a sheriff's deputy and police officer in Colorado before moving back to Michigan with his family. When his daughter Stacie began classes at GVSU, Mike saw no better time to finish what he started. During the 10 a.m. ceremony, Mike and Stacie Miller accepted their diplomas together. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and his daughter, Stacie, received a bachelor’s degree in health professions. Both were featured in a story on WZZM 13 last weekend. Watch Story
Lt. Governor Brian Calley, '00 to Speak May 10 at GVSU
Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, a Grand Valley State University alumnus, will speak at a breakfast event May 10, sponsored by the Seidman College of Business. Calley earned an MBA from Grand Valley in 2000.
Calley is the second youngest lieutenant governor in Michigan’s history. A former two-term state representative, he previously served as minority vice chair of the House Tax Policy Committee.
The breakfast event will take place in Loosemore Auditorium, located in the DeVos Center on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The event is free and open to the public; registration is required. Call (616) 331-7100 to reserve your seats or register online here. More details
- May 12 – New York City Alumni Club Reception - Celebrate the 50th anniversary in a retro/modern setting with fellow Big Apple area alumni at BUtterfield8, an Urban American Gastropub (yep, you’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto). Join New York City Club Leader Darryl Nicholson, '08 for a commemorative video, an evening of networking and connecting with Laker alumni, and more. Share in the 50th anniversary excitement! So why do they call it BUtterfield8 ? More | RSVP
- May 18 - Cincinnati Alumni Club Reception - Celebrate Grand Valley's golden anniversary with fellow Cincinnati area alumni. Alumni Association Board Member April D. Robles, '98 has set up an alumni soiree at one of the most popular restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, Montgomery Inn at The Boathouse . It's a Laker evening on the banks of the Ohio that you won't forget. Details | RSVP
- May 19 - Seidman Finance Alumni Social - Join other Seidman Finance grads for complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments at the University Club in DeVos Center, in Grand Rapids. RSVP by May 10, or call 616-331-7390.
- May 19 - Indianapolis Alumni Club Reception - Lakers in the heartland will celebrate Grand Valley's golden anniversary in style at the Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar in Indianapolis. Join Indianapolis Alumni Club Leader Jennifer Poad-Baker, '92 at one of Indy's newest restaurants. Socialize over great food and drink, and help plan upcoming club events. Details | RSVP
- June 22 - San Diego Alumni Reception - West Coast Lakers salute Grand Valley, Part 1! Join San Diego Alum Candyce Covington, '02 & '04 and Director of Alumni Relations Chris Barbee, '88 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa. Enjoy a night of news fresh from GVSU, meeting Laker alumni, and fabulous food and drink. Play your part in celebrating the 50th anniversary of GVSU! More | RSVP
- June 23 - Los Angeles Alumni Reception - West Coast Lakers salute Grand Valley, Part 2! Join Los Angeles Alum and Southern California Alumni Club Leader Cindy Scott, '08 and Director of Alumni Relations Chris Barbee, '88 at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood. Enjoy a night of news fresh from GVSU, meeting Laker alums, and scrumptious food and drink. Play your part in celebrating the 50th anniversary of GVSU! More | RSVP
- June 28 - Austin Alumni Reception - The Alumni Association is bringing the hospitality down south to wrap up GVSU's 50th Anniversary celebration. Join Austin Area Alumni Club leader Alison Smith Randall, '99 along with Alumni Relations Associate Director Kim Schmidt, '88 & '00 at Cork & Co. Wine Lounge
for an evening of delicatessen, sipping wine and socializing. Please RSVP by June 20.
More
- June 29 - Dallas Alumni Reception - Enjoy a night out under the Lone Star sky at La Hacienda Ranch in Carrollton with the GVSU Alumni Association. Join alumnus Dr. James Meernik, '85 and Alumni Relations Associate Director Kim Schmidt, '88 & '00 at this fun and unique setting for one final GVSU 50th Anniversary celebration. Enjoy some fantastic Texas fare and have some fun with your fellow alums. RSVP to the fiesta by June 20. More
Make sure you check out all our events on our at-a-glance Calendar at top left or go to Alumni Events for the full scoop!
- Relay for Life - The GVSU Alumni Association team of 26 members took 1st place for raising more than $7,160 for the American Cancer Society at Relay for Life 2011. The 12 hour event was held at the Allendale Campus on April 8 & 9. The team was led by captain Tim Duthler, '78 who personally raised $4,895 and was the top overall individual fundraiser. The final total for the event was $81,820.02. More Photos
- Spring Game Cash Draw - The Grand Valley State Football Alumni Association held its biggest fundraiser to date on Saturday, April 16. More than 200 tickets were sold for a chance to win cash prizes. Nearly 150 people gathered at the Alumni House in Allendale for the raffle. Laker fans enjoyed drinks and delicious food donated by Outback Steakhouse. The entire event raised nearly $25,000 for the GVSU football program, to help pay for travel, equipment, and other needs. Photos
- Volunteer Celebration - Close to 120 alumni volunteers gathered at the Alumni House on April 12 to receive special recognition for their volunteer efforts for alumni programs and events during the last year. Volunteers enjoyed an evening of great food, drink and socializing. GVSU President Thomas J. Haas addressed the group, and Alumni Association board member Julie Bulson, '99 and '07 emceed the wonderful evening which also included a video showing volunteers hard at work. Thanks again volunteers! We appreciate what you do and we couldn't provide our programs without you. Photos
- Austin-area Alumni at Round Rock Express game - Austin-area alumni gathered for dinner and a Round Rock Express baseball game on April 9, hosted by Club Leader Alison Randall, '99. The biggest Austin gathering yet, the group welcomed alumni with graduation years ranging from 1968 to December 2010. All enjoyed sharing memories of campus and college life. Two attendees, Ravindran Vellore, '08 and Trang Cao, '10 met as international students at Grand Valley (from India and Vietnam, respectively) and are now engaged! More
M.Ed. in Educational Technology Degree Now Offered Online
Grand Valley State University now offers a master's degree (M.Ed.) in educational technology as a fully online program for distance learners. Through this program, educators at all levels will learn how to integrate and maximize technology use in instructional settings.
The program prepares teachers and leaders to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students and to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices. The M.Ed. degree is offered as a fully online program meant for those living in outlying counties. This program is also offered as a hybrid option (online and face-to-face) for those who reside in or close to the Grand Rapids area. For more information, contact edtech@gvsu.edu or visit this website.
Laker Navy Women Rule the River Against National Teams at Knecht Cup
On April 10, Grand Valley’s Women’s Varsity Eight (that’s an eight-person rowing shell for landlubbers) eked out a terrific win at the prestigious Knecht Cup Regatta in Camden, NJ, a competition featuring 50 schools. The Laker rowers were victorious in the Division I Women's Varsity Eight over scholarship-aided varsity programs from Rutgers, Duke, Old Dominion, West Virginia, and more. After two days of racing in heats and semis, all six of Grand Valley’s eights made it to the Grand Final. GVSU was the only University to accomplish that. Congratulations to the Laker Navy! For more: Grand Valley Rowing | Rowing Alumni Chapter