Upcoming Events

April 3-4 Relay for Life

April 4 Atlanta Alumni & Friends Atlanta Braves Game SOLD OUT!

April 9 Phoenix Alumni & Friends Reception

April 10 Royal Oak Alumni & Friends Detroit Pistons Game

April 11 Laker Football Spring Classic and Cash Draw

April 17 Annual Accounting Awards Banquet

April 21  Alumni Volunteer Celebration

April 24 Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Educator Awards Dinner

May 21 Art on the Ravine

May 23 Royal Oak Club Gleaners Community Food Bank Volunteer Event

July 11 Sleep Inn & Suites All-Alumni Benefit Golf Outing

July 15 West Michigan Whitecaps Game

August 6-8 United Stage Theater Event

October 17 Homecoming

Rick Rossow, '98, former president of Grand Valley's Student Senate, graduated from GVSU in 1998 with a degree in Russian Studies. Soon after, he moved to Washington, D.C. and took a position with the U.S. India Business Council at the United States Chamber of Commerce. It was a time when, he says, people were not very interested in the developing nation. His small group was responsible for establishing a dialog between the United States and India, and served as a leader in forging international trade with the country. "It was incredible to be in the front row for change between the U.S. and India, a foot soldier helping to build one of our country's most important new relationships," says Rossow. The position provided an amazing opportunity for him to learn how business and governments interact. Today, he uses those skills in a new role, following insurance regulations in foreign markets for New York Life Insurance.

Additionally, Rossow credits his alma mater in providing a foundation for his career. "At Grand Valley, I learned that the world is a whole lot different than the one I grew up in. College broke through the mental wall and made me open up to other cultures. It made me sensitive to cultural differences - certain courtesies, adapting to your environment and other cultures." He also had the opportunity to study abroad in Russia, his first time out of the country. "Professors Christine Rydel and Edward Cole, who coordinated my Russian trip, were instrumental in teaching me that it was critical to learn how to spot and be open to cultural differences."

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Dr. Louisa Stark, '79 and Dr. Stephen Mattox to be honored by Alumni Association

The Alumni Association's two most prestigious awards will be presented during commencement ceremonies on April 25.  Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D, '79, Director of the University of Utah's Genetic Learning will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Stephen Mattox, Associate Professor of Geology, will be honored with the Outstanding Educator Award.   The two will be honored for their accomplishments during a dinner and program at the Alumni House the evening before commencement.

Would you like to nominate a fellow alum you know for the Distinguished Alumni Award? View awards criteria and nominate deserving candidates at www.gvsu.edu/alumni/awards.

Thank You Volunteers!

As a token of our appreciation for the nearly 500 alumni volunteers, we are hosting a volunteer celebration. All volunteers and their guests are invited to this special recognition on April 21, 2009 at 6 pm at the GVSU Alumni House & Visitor Center. GVSU thanks alumni volunteers for their support of the GVSU Alumni Association. Through their volunteer help and commitment to their alma mater, we are planting the seeds that make Grand Valley and our communities great. We appreciate the time they have shared in helping us, our students, and with our events. RSVP by April 14 to enjoy cocktails and strolling dinner as a thank you for your service.

Detroit Pistons Game with Laker Alumni

Sign up now to attend the Detroit Pistons game versus the New Jersey Nets on Friday April 10, 2009. Join fellow alumni and friends in two private suites at The Palace. The event is hosted by the new Royal Oak Club, led by Ashley G. Barnes, '06.  Alumni from all areas are welcome. The club seeks to gather alumni together to encourage social interaction, professional networking and community service in the name of Grand Valley State University.  RSVP by April 3. 

The Royal Oak club is also hosting an event at the Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit: Gather with alumni & friends to participate in a community service project at the Gleaners on May 23, 2009. Sign up to volunteer by May 1.

GradFest Volunteers Needed April 13 - 16

Help welcome new graduates into the Alumni Association and congratulate them on their success at GradFest 2009. At this campus festival volunteers will discuss the benefits of association membership and present gifts to graduating students. Volunteer at this exciting event and introduce yourself to the newest members of the Alumni Association. Shifts are available in one hour increments between 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Allendale (April 13-14) or Grand Rapids (April 15-16). For further information or to sign up, contact alumni@gvsu.edu.

Candidates Sought For GVSU Alumni Association Board

The GVSU Alumni Association is currently accepting nominations for open Board of Directors positions. Board members serve three-year terms beginning October 1. The Alumni Association meets quarterly in Allendale to assist with alumni programming and events. Learn more about the Association. If you are interested in open board positions or would like to nominate a fellow graduate, please forward names and biographical information to alumni@gvsu.edu by May 29.

Art on the Ravine to Benefit Art Scholarships

Entertainment, food, networking and a silent art auction are the highlights of this years Art on the Ravine event set for May 21 from 5:30p.m.-9:00p.m. at the Calder Art Center on the Allendale campus.  The silent auction pieces feature the works of GVSU Art and Design alumni. 

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit current GVSU Art & Design students through the Branstrom Fine Arts Award and the Nedra J. Smith Otis Faculty Scholarship. A portion of the cost of artwork purchased is tax deductible. A receipt will be sent.

Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP by May 13. Please contact Kim Schmidt with questions or for more details. 

Lakers in the Community

Grand Valley State University and the Alumni Association would like to thank the over 60 volunteers who participated in GVSU Alumni Community Outreach Week activities March 21 - 27. With the help of alumni and friends who donated their time and passion, we were able to help thousands of individuals in our communities. Graduates helped further the University's mission by volunteering for a wide variety of causes, such as cleaning up parks and trails, making snacks and meals for children and families in need, providing interaction and an engaging activity for homeless individuals, donating and sorting clothing and household items, donating blood, assisting students, and volunteer firefighting. Projects were hosted in the greater-Grand Rapids area; Lansing, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Austin, TX; Charleston, SC; and Port Richey, FL. Through these service efforts, alumni volunteers truly are planting the seeds that make Grand Valley, and our communities, great!

View photos of all projects.

Social Work Alumni Return To Campus

Around 50 social work alumni gathered at the DeVos Center on March 19 for a special training conducted by Dr. Joan Borst, Acting Director, MSW Program and Assistant Professor, on ethics in social work.

Following the training, alumni met over lunch to discuss the formation of an alumni chapter.  Ideas discussed included being available for lectures in classes, mentoring students and social opportunities for networking. Following lunch, alumni made themselves available to meet with students during the second annual Social Work Career Day.

Social work alums are invited to a social get together on April 23rd at the Grand Rapids Brewing Company at  3689 28th Street in Grand Rapids.  For more information, please contact Jan Duncan at jduncanmsw@sbcglobal.net .

Accounting Awards Banquet

The Annual Accounting Awards Banquet will be held Friday April 17, 2009 at The University Club of Grand Rapids. Network and socialize while enjoying a cash bar from 6:00-7:00, and the dinner & awards at 7:00. RSVP to Kathy Goralski, 616-331-7414 or email goralskk@gvsu.edu. Call the School of Accounting at 616-331-7414 with any questions. Cost is $25 per person.

Season Football Tickets

The 2009  football season ticket renewal process is wrapping up and then efforts will shift to bringing in first time season ticket holders.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness this exciting brand of football.     

Last year school records were set for season tickets and average attendance and a record 14,612 fans packed Lubbers Stadium to cheer on the Lakers against Ferris State university.  This year the Lakers kick off the home portion of their season against Saginaw Valley State University on September 12. 

Season or group tickets can be purchased at the Athletic Ticket Office in GVSU Fieldhouse or by calling 1-616-331-3200.

2009 Season Ticket Prices:

• Premium Blue Sections – 4 & 5, 11 & 12-$75
• Black Sections – 3 & 6, 10 & 13-$60
• Yellow Sections- 2 & 7-$55
• Green Sections - 1 & 8-$50

Visit www.gvsulakers.com for the 2009 Laker Football schedule and for all your Laker news. 

Club & Chapter Corner

GVSU is coming to you! Join us when the University comes to your area...Meet up with fellow GVSU alumni and receive the latest information about Grand Valley State at these great events.

• April 4 - Atlanta Alumni & Friends Atlanta Braves Game SOLD OUT!
• April 9 - Phoenix Alumni & Friends Reception
• April 10 - Royal Oak Club Detroit Pistons Game
• May 23 - Royal Oak Club Detroit Gleaners Volunteer Event

Event Recaps (View event photos)

February 25-College of Education Alumni Chapter-The chapter held its popular "Launching Your Career-Overcoming the Fear Factor" roundtable and welcomed 79 participants including 14 education alumni who returned to campus to share their expertise with current education students.  The chapter also hosted a Resume and Cover Letter workshop on March 24 attracting just over 50 students and 10 education alumni administrators.  
March 4 - Ft. Lauderdale Alumni & Friends Reception-Fort Lauderdale Club Leader Audra Lousias Vaz, '92, along with 18 alumni and friends welcomed President Tom Haas to Timpano's in Fort Lauderdale on March 4.  Alums in attendance enjoyed networking and heard the latest University news from President Haas.
March 11 - San Antonio Alumni & Friends Reception -Alumni enjoyed a university update and networking with Alumni Director Chris Barbee, '88 and Annual Giving Director, Jill Dooley, '90 & '99.
March 12 - Kirkhof College of Nursing Chapter Student Roundtables - Hosted with the Student Nursing Association the event attracted over 40 students, and 7 alumni table hosts. 
March 12 - Houston Alumni & Friends Reception-Twenty-five alumni and friends enjoyed an evening of networking Texas style at Pappasito's Cantina in Houston.  Hosts Reed Sutton, '00 and Jeremy Koger, '00 welcomed the enthusiastic crowd that enjoyed an update on university news and happenings from Tim Selgo and Chris Barbee, '88.
March 18-African American Alumni Chapter-A panel discussion titled "How to be the Hare in a Turtle Economy" featured alumni guest speakers providing career tips for students.  Twenty alums and students attended the event.
March 19-Kalamazoo Alumni & Friends Reception-Host Georgiann Voissem, '89 welcomed President Haas and Tim Selgo to the Kalamazoo Country Club on March 19 for an alumni networking reception.  Thirty-two alumni and friends were in attendance to hear an update on GVSU academics and athletics.