August 12, 2012 August 21, 2012 August 29, 2012 August 31 – September 2, 2012 September 7, 2012 September 8, 2012 September 13, 2012 September 13, 2012 September 21, 2012 September 25, 2012 October 6, 2012 October 20, 2012
Women’s Hockey Golf Outing
Freshman Move-In | Volunteer!
Washington Alumni Wine Tour
Football Fan Trip to Oregon
M.P.A.S. Open House in Traverse City
Alumni, Family & Friends Tailgater
KCON Alumni Fall Reception
Denver Alumni Reception
Accounting Scholarship Golf Outing
ArtPrize Reception
Lansing Alumni at Uncle John’s Cider Mill
Homecoming – Save the Date!
Alumnus to Compete at the Paralympics in London Like many college freshmen Chris Hammer, ’09 wasn’t certain where his life would lead. He chose to major in mathematics and secondary education thinking it was a safe bet, but he knew he was meant for something more. Today, Hammer is a Paralympic athlete, an athletic coach, and a master’s graduate. And he accomplished all this with only one hand. During his undergraduate studies, Hammer ran cross country for GVSU. His enthusiasm helped bring the team nine conference championship victories and to two national championships. Hammer himself was individually named All-American five times. While these triumphs helped him progress in his career as an athlete, Hammer insists that the teamwork he encountered at Grand Valley is what helped him succeed in finding his passion for sports. “The best memories are of the everyday grind: Just getting together on a daily basis to train our butts off together; knowing we did all the work together and we had each other's backs,” he said. “It is like a brotherhood.” After a one-year teaching appointment expired, Hammer threw caution to the wind and enrolled in graduate school at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. There, he not only earned his masters of science in physical education, he was also awarded a graduate assistantship in the sports administration program and volunteered as a coach for the cross-country and track teams. And thanks to a victory in the 1,500-meter run at the U.S. Paralympic Trials, he was also training to be a United States Paralympic athlete. He most recently qualified to compete in the Summer Paralympic games in London in late July. “Representing your country is one of the proudest experiences I believe anyone can ever have,” he said. “So putting on that USA singlet is the biggest motivator for me. And trying to be the fastest one-handed man on the planet. That would be pretty cool too.” Whatever happens in London, Hammer doesn’t plan on slowing down. He says that he will continue with his work at Eastern Washington University and hopes to pursue his PhD. The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games will take place from August 29 to September 9 but will not be aired in the U.S. Hammer will compete in the Men's Division T-46 800 meter, 1500 meter, and marathon events. 
You Asked, We Listened: E-news Coming to Your Mobile Device
The alumni e-newsletter is upgrading to a mobile friendly format and an entirely new design, which will roll out on September 5, 2012. Added bonuses include a menu bar for easier navigation and a compact design made for smaller screens.
Keep your mobile devices handy, and stay tuned next month to see the new layout. Spread the word and tell your fellow Lakers to sign up for the e-newsletter before September 5.
Volunteer at Freshmen Move In - August 21
The newest Lakers are moving to campus soon! Grab a box and lighten the load on August 21, 2012 for the annual freshmen move-in. T-shirts, beverages and meals will be provided to all volunteers. Morning and afternoon shifts are available. New meeting location is at the GVSU Fieldhouse.
More Information | Sign Up | RSVP by August 14.
Football Fan Trip to Oregon - August 31 to September 2
Alumni, family, and friends are invited on a weekend trip for Laker football fans! Get settled in on August 31, 2012 at the Grand Hotel in Salem. Then join fellow alumni for a weekend packed with all the joys of summer. Activities include a volleyball tournament, a winery tour, a pre-game tailgater, and a Laker football game.
More Information | Volleyball Tickets | Sign Up
Tailgater at the Home Opener - September 8
Help the Alumni Association, the Seidman College of Business and the Football Alumni Association break in the newly improved Lubbers Stadium at the Alumni, Family, and Friends Tailgater! Fill up on tailgater favorites at the pre-game festivities beginning at 4:00 p.m. on September 8, 2012 and enjoy live music from fellow alumna Kari Lynch, '10 and the Kari Lynch Band. The first home game kick-off in the updated stadium is at 7:00 p.m.
Admission does not include game tickets. Purchase tickets by calling 616-331-3200 or at www.gvsutickets.com.
More Information | Register by September 3.
ArtPrize Lakers: Help Spread the Word!
Planning for the fourth annual ArtPrize is under way and the GVSU Alumni Association wants to hear from you! Email alumni@gvsu.edu with details of any Laker ArtPrize project so it can be included in an exclusive GVSU map.
Celebrate Laker artists at the ArtPrize Reception on September 25, 2012 at Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall. All alumni and friends are invited to enjoy a light meal and refreshments. Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with special guest speaker, Ann Teliczan, ’83.
More Information | Photo Gallery 2011 | Artprize at GVSU
Save the Date for Homecoming 2012!
Sail back to Allendale on October 20 for Homecoming 2012! Take the helm at one of the many activities including the ever popular 5K Road Race, pancake breakfast, Reunion Row, and alumni tailgater. More information and website are coming soon!
The Power of Many Makes the Difference
In 2007, the Student Legacy Scholarship was created by students to provide financial opportunities to upperclassmen who exemplified Laker qualities, including academic excellence and campus involvement. Last year more than 600 students contributed an amount they could afford to help grow the fund. Their combined gifts funded 10 scholarships of $1,000 each! Thank you to our most recent alumni donors for making a difference and setting an example for future graduates.
To join the class of 2012 by giving to something you’re passionate about, visit www.gvsu.edu/give. Any size gift counts!
Washington Wine Tour and Reception - August 29
The Grand Valley Alumni Association and Seattle Club Leader Eric Maino, ’05 (pictured) invite you and a guest to the Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyard in Woodinville, Washington. Gather with local alumni on August 29, 2012 to hear the latest in university advancements from Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Kim Schmidt, ’88 & ’00. The evening will also include a tour of the vineyard’s selected wines as well as delectable hors d’oeuvres.
More Information | RSVP by August 22.
KCON will Honor Retirees - September 13
This fall, the Kirkhof College of Nursing will recognize the careers of Professors Nicki Grinstead, Marilyn VanderWerf, ’99 and administrative assistant Ruth Ann Stone. The annual KCON Fall Reception will be held in the Center for Health Sciences lobby and will also introduce the newest faculty members. Enjoy light refreshments and wine on September 13, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
More Information | RSVP by September 7.
Alumni Reception in the Mile-High City - September 13
Join Denver Alumni Club Leaders Nick Janiga, ’07 and Matt Muller, ’05 for an evening of campus updates and Laker bonding. Enjoy catered appetizers and refreshments on a private patio at Earl’s Kitchen and Bar on September 13, 2012.
More Information | RSVP by September 10.
Lansing Lakers at Uncle John's Cider Mill - October 6
Alumni, family, and friends are invited to Uncle John’s Cider Mill on October 6, 2012. Lansing Alumni Club Leader Cathy (Carson) Fitzpatrick, ’92 will host a fun-filled day packed with fall activities including pumpkin carving, train rides, and wine tasting. Lunch will be served at noon on Granny’s Porch with activities to follow.
More Information | RSVP by October 1.
July Event Recaps
Golf Outing - On July 21, 2012, the GVSU Sleep Inn & Suites Alumni Golf Outing raised nearly $5,000 in support of Grand Valley Fund which supports student financial assistance, educational opportunities and skill development.
Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day in the sun at The Meadows Golf Course, and more than 130 GVSU alumni, friends and volunteers attended.
Photo Gallery | List of Contest Winners
Detroit Zoo - Nearly 45 Lakers and their families joined the Metro Detroit Club and its leaders on July 21 at the Detroit Zoo for its first family friendly event! Lakers and their guests were treated to a catered meal and refreshments while sharing new and old campus stories. Alumni from Maryland and New York were also in town to attend. Afterward, the group strolled through the Zoo to feed the giraffes, play with the prarie dogs, and check out the alligators. Photo Gallery | Metro Detroit Club Facebook Page
GVDC Baseball Outing - Alumni and Laker friends gathered in Baltimore to cheer on the Detroit Tigers on July 14. Forty attendees enjoyed lunch at a local pub before heading to the stadium to watch the nail biting game which lasted nearly five hours. GVDC Facebook Page
Zelenka, '09 Finishes 4th at Summer Olympics
Olympian rower Sarah Zelenka, ‘09 (pictured holding the Olympic torch) and her partner Sara Hendershot advanced to the women's rowing pair finals thanks to a second place victory in the qualifying round in London. The two rowers placed fourth at the finals, a mere 0.20 seconds behind the bronze medalists.
Annis Water Resources Institute to be Featured on Discovery Channel
Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute will be featured on an upcoming episode of the Profile Series on the Discovery Channel. Story via GVNow | Read More
Graduate Physician Assistant Program Expands to Traverse City
There is good news for northern Michigan medical professionals: GVSU’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) program is now available at the Traverse City campus. Advance your career in one of the fastest growing fields in the country with this nationally recognized and hands-on program. Apply by October 1, 2012 for the fall 2013 semester.
Join the College of Health Professionals for an Open House on September 7, 2012 at the Northwestern Michigain University Center. Email Nancy Moseler at moselern@gvsu.edu or call (616) 331-5630 for more information.