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May 8-9, 2012 May 10, 2012 May 11, 2012 May 16, 2012 May 24, 2012 May 25, 2012 May 30, 2012 June 20, 2012 June 22, 2012 June 27, 2012 July 21, 2012 August 21, 2012 August 30, 2012
When Erayna Gamble, ‘05 first came to GVSU, her focus was on computer engineering. But during her sophomore year, some insightful faculty and staff pointed her in the direction of business marketing and public relations. She took a career assessment test that showed her strengths were in marketing and advertising so she transitioned to Seidman College of Business. This turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made. “I knew that marketing was the perfect path for me because it allowed me to use my creativity but was grounded in analytics and data,” she said. After graduation, Gamble accepted a position as a marketing associate at Haworth, Inc. in Holland. Despite her initial hesitance to move, she understood the importance of gaining experience that would prepare her for the rest of her life. “It was the perfect foundation as a marketing professional,” she said. After more than two years with Haworth, she decided to go back to school and received a Fellowship to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. While in graduate school, she was Vice President of the Black MBA Association and a member of the Minority Advisory Board. She also interned at Nestle—an internship that eventually turned into full-time employment. Gamble currently works as Nestle’s Associate Brand manager of Innovation where she does everything from promotional strategy to campaign design. While working for Haworth, Gamble founded BL²END (Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions), a non-profit organization established for young professionals of color to network and provide service to the Grand Rapids area. The organization just celebrated its fifth anniversary with more than 500 attendees and numerous sponsors and donors. “It was very moving to be surrounded by individuals and corporations that are as passionate about BL²END as I am,” she said. She is also involved with Nestle’s Diversity Recruiting Team and as a Young Leaders volunteer for United Way. In the future, Gamble hopes to become the VP of marketing for a fortune 500 company, transition into independent brand consulting, and hopefully earn early retirement. |
Life 101: What You Didn't Learn in College - May 30
Join the Young Alumni Council on May 30, 2012 for Life 101: What You Didn't Learn in College. Network with young alumni and swap business cards with area young professionals, all while learning about “real world” topics such as budgeting, healthy living, home buying, and job searching. All topics are presented by GVSU graduates. GVSU Chicago Alumni Networking & Bowling - May 24
"Strike" up a conversation with Chicago Alumni Club Leaders Brian Dutkiewicz, ’02, Rachel Vanderwiel, ’09 and fellow alumna Lisa Davis, ’06 on May 24, 2012. Lace up your bowling shoes and compete for a chance to win great prizes at Lucky Strike Lanes in downtown Chicago. Not a bowler? No problem. Enjoy food and drinks while cheering on your fellow Laker alumni at the reception. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will also include Laker trivia with prizes. GVSU Graduates Record Number in 11-12 Academic Year
More than 2,500 Grand Valley State University students participated in commencement ceremonies on April 28 at Van Andel Arena. A record-breaking 5,340 students received a degree during the 2011-2012 academic year. National political analyst and a longtime supporter of the university, James Brooks, vice chair of the Grand Valley Foundation spoke to students in the morning and Juan Williams, political analyst for Fox Television, spoke in the afternoon. Watch the GVSU Commencement Video Nominate Your Fellow Successful Alumni
If you know an alumnus who has excelled in his or her field, let them know! Nominate them for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Winners are selected by a panel of Alumni Association committee members and are honored during the December or April commencement ceremony. Award Criteria | Prior Recipients Annual Alumni Golf Outing at the Meadows - July 21
Grab your foursome! The Annual Sleep Inn & Suites Alumni Golf Outing is just around the corner. Join alumni and friends on July 21, 2012 for an 18-hole scramble, alumni gifts, food, raffles, silent auction, and prizes. All proceeds benefit the Grand Valley Fund which helps to support educational opportunities, skill development and financial assistance. MichAGAIN Networking Event - May 8 & 9
Calling all IT professionals! If you or someone you know is living in California, MichAGAIN is looking for you! The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, SPARK, and Quicken Loans invite you to learn about the many opportunities that await you in the Great Lakes State. Hear the latest buzz about the new emerging technologies on May 8 in San Francisco and May 9 in Palo Alto. For more information, email info@michAGAIN.org. To register, visit www.regonline.com/michagain. Pin Your Laker Pride on Pinterest
Now there are even more ways to connect with fellow Lakers and share memories. Grand Valley now has an official Pinterest site that includes photos, history, traditions, and other things that help shape students to be Lakers for a lifetime. Look for the board for GVSU grads called "Laker Lore." Coming soon! Laker for a Lifetime: Students Say Thank You!
More than 1,000 students, faculty, and staff came together this April to celebrate over 1,400 donors who gave generously to the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons. Attendees were able to sign the final steel beam before it was secured on the northwest corner of the building. The new building will open fall of 2013 and will feature a special wall that recognizes alumni leadership donors. For more information about the building and how to become a donor, visit gvsu.edu/library/newbuilding. The Alumni Board of Directors is Looking for Leadership
Don’t miss your chance to be a voice for more than 86,000 graduates. The Alumni Association Board of Directors is looking for dedicated alumni to serve as GVSU representatives. Take your Laker pride to the next level! Terms are a minimum of 3 years and start in late September. Application deadline is May 11. More Information | How to Apply Community Outreach Week Involves 625 Lakers Worldwide
The final numbers are in! Lakers dedicated more than 2,000 hours of service during Community Outreach Week 2012. Although group projects weren't available in every area, 29 alumni volunteered on their own at non-profits where they live - from Kansas to Africa - giving their time during the week of March 26-31. Photos | Watch Video Did you know: The average volunteer hour is valued at $21.79? That means Lakers gave more than $43,000 worth of service during COW. Mark your calendar for Community Outreach Week 2013: March 18-23 Nearly $100,000 Raised at GVSU Relay for Life
More than 1,500 alumni, students, faculty, and staff came together for this year’s Relay for Life event. The campus raised $96,042 for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. The top fundraising team this year was the Alumni Association with $7,135 total funds raised. Our own Tim Duthler, ’73 was the highest individual fundraiser. For more details including results for all 102 teams, check out www.relayforlifegvsu.com/. Yankees Baseball and Laker Swag in NYC - May 10
Join NYC Alumni Club Leader Darryl Nicholson, ’08 for a pre-game picnic and baseball game on May 10, 2012 at Yankee Stadium. The picnic starts at 5:05 p.m. and will include ball-park favorites, university updates, and Laker prizes. The game will follow the picnic at 7:05 p.m. RSVP by May 3, 2012. Facebook Event Bridging 31: Lakeshore Alumni Reception - May 16
Linked by the lakeshore, bound by tradition. The GVSU Alumni Association, University President Thomas Haas, Athletic Director Tim Selgo, and J.P. Huntington, ’02 will host “Bridging 31," an event that will unite alumni from Muskegon to Holland and in between. Join them on May 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Spring Lake for hors d’oeuvres, networking, and a tour on Grand Valley's own research vessel, the D.J. Angus. All Things Michigan: Young Alumni Event - June 20
Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen! The GVSU Young Alumni Council invites you to spend the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year - at the John Ball Zoo Park Pavilion. Dress comfortably and join the festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. on June 20, 2012. Sway to the live music performed by GVUS alumni, socialize, and enjoy local Michigan fare. Details | Facebook Event | RSVP by June 18, 2012. Lugnuts, Crackerjacks, & Alumni in Lansing - June 22
Chow down on a pre-game baseball themed meal and refreshments with Lansing Club Leaders Cathy (Carson) Fitzpatrick, ’92 and Gail (Armstrong) Schafer, ’96 on June 22, 2012 in the Nuthouse Sports Grill. After the reception, Laker alumni and friends will watch the game from box seats at the Cooley Law School Stadium as the Lugnuts take on the Great Lakes Loons (LA Dodgers affiliate). Stick around after the game to see the free fireworks! Details | Facebook Event | RSVP by June 14, 2012. Traverse City Alumni Patio Party and Baseball Game - June 27
Have a ball with the GVSU Alumni Association and the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center this summer! Alumni, family, and friends are invited to the Traverse City Beach Bum Patio Party at Wuerfel Park on June 27, 2012. Enjoy a pre-game picnic at 6:30 p.m. followed by the game at 7:05 p.m. RSVP by June 20, 2012. Facebook Event Football Fan Trip and Wine Tour on the West Coast
It's the ultimate GVSU fan vacation! GVSU Alumni, family, and friends are invited to a fun-filled weekend in Oregon from August 30 to September 2, 2012. Fly into Portland, Oregon, enjoy a wine tour and cheer on the Laker football team as they take on Western Oregon, September 1, 2012. Payment deadline for the trip is May 25, 2012. Email schmidtk@gvsu.edu to make your reservation. More Information.
For more information about any alumni event, Event Recaps: Minneapolis, D.C. and Detroit
Twin Cities Reception - More than 20 proud Lakers gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Minneapolis on April 12. Among the topics discussed was the active work that GVSU is doing with local employers. Inspired by the event, attendees were unanimously excited about starting a formal alumni club and can’t wait to get the details finalized. Photos GVDC Reception - The Lorien Hotel in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia was the setting for an alumni gathering with Washington, D.C. area alumni on April 23. Just over 40 alumni and friends enjoyed networking over dinner and drinks while getting university updates from GVSU Board of Trustees Chair Noreen Myers, ’72. Attendees asked many questions about their alma mater and how they can assist in the future. Photos Metro-Detroit Alumni Reception - Sixty Six Lakers gathered 28 stories high at the Skyline Club in Southfield, Michigan on April 25 to discuss how to stay involved with GVSU. Attendees were eager to hear all the details about the new Seidman building and Mary Idema Pew Library. They also expressed interest in Community Outreach Week and are excited to start another service project later this year. Photos GVSU Alumna Named Internship Supervisor of the Year
GVSU Career Services celebrated those who have helped to advance the internship programs at GVSU at the sixth annual Internship Recognition Luncheon. Lindsey Rodarmer, ’03 & ’06, a web content specialist at Advantage Health and Saint Mary’s Medical Group, was named Internship Supervisor of the Year after receiving a record number of nominations. Offering internships is a great way to involve students in meaningful, productive work while energizing an organization with fresh ideas. If you are interested in developing an internship program at your place of business, contact Rachel Becklin at becklira@gvsu.edu or 616-331-3468. Celebrate Track & Field Championships in Colorado - May 25
Celebrate some of GVSU's best athletes in Colorado! Join the track and field teams, coaches, parents and GVSU alumni on May 25, 2012 for a meal at the NCAA National Championship events at Colorado State University - Pueblo Campus. The complimentary evening dinner will feature a pasta and chicken buffet and beverages from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. A cash bar will also be available. Event Details | RSVP by May 20, 2012 |