September 29, 2011 - April 4, 2012 November 7, 2011
November 15-16, 2011
December 3, 2011
December 9, 2011
December 10, 2011
March 26-31, 2012
Wheelhouse Talks
Meijer Lecture Series: Bonnie Wesorick
GradFest Info | Sign Up to Volunteer
Metro Detroit Bell Ringing Event
Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Educator Awards Dinner
Commencement
Community Outreach Week Save the Date!
ALUMNUS SHOWS HOSPITALITY: Bruce Lyon, '95 runs a successful hotel in Grand Rapids Bruce Lyon is a professional motivator. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management in 1995. As the director of operations at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, he spends most of his workday making sure almost every department is running smoothly. “A lot of my day is spent as a cheerleader and a psychologist,” said Lyon. As a senior at Rockford High School, Lyon thought he had his future planned. He would attend the University of Michigan and become an architect. His dream changed when he discovered the fast paced, ever evolving atmosphere of the hotel business. After high school Lyon started working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel as a second shift housekeeping supervisor to make ends meet. While working 40 hours a week, he attended Grand Rapids Community College for a couple of years before making the switch to GVSU as a full-time student in 1993. "Grand Valley really made it easy for me to be able to go to school, maintain my employment and walk right into a management job as soon as I graduated” said Lyon. His management experience at AGPH took him around the country. After only a few months, Lyon was offered a promotion at a hotel in Detroit. He climbed the ladder at resorts in Traverse City, Miami and Destin, Florida, and eventually ended up back at AGPH for the fourth and final time, accepting a position as director of operations. Throughout his 15 years of experience in the hospitality business, Lyon has been recognized for several achievements, including “Manager of the Year” at two separate hotels. He currently resides on the Grand Valley State University Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board, frequently speaks at GVSU HTM summits and is often asked back to Grand Valley to share his knowledge with students in the classroom. Lyon’s expertise and honest advice has recruited a number of GVSU undergraduates to the internship program at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. An accomplished businessman, Lyon still has some career aspirations. Inspired by a professor in one of his hospitality classes, he hopes to one day become an adjunct professor at GVSU. At the age of 41, Lyon has had a significant impact on the hotel industry in Grand Rapids, and around the United States. Ultimately, he was led back to his home turf, where he is living in Rockford and raising a son, Nick. Lyon insists he is here to stay. “West Michigan is special, and this hotel is incredible," he said. "There’s no other hotel that runs the way that this one does. I’m proud to live here, and I’m proud to be a Laker.”
Thousands Return to GV for a Halloween Themed Homecoming - Click to View Video
Homecoming 5k Run/Walk – There was no better way to warm up for the day’s festivities than with the eighth annual Homecoming 5k. A record 350 participants (68 alumni) showed up on the crisp fall morning for some family friendly exercise. Some came dressed with plenty of holiday spirit, sporting unique costumes. Nine alumni placed first in their age division. The race raised money for the GVSU Track and Field program. Race Results | Photos
Pancake Breakfast – Early risers and 5k finishers refueled with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Alumni Association. Guests enjoyed candy corn infused pancakes, sausage, juice and hot coffee. Photos
Homecoming Concert Featuring Mike Posner – Michigan native Mike Posner packed the Fieldhouse Arena as he entertained students, alumni and others at the Friday concert sponsored by Spotlight Productions. Posner sang his chart topping hits “Cooler than Me” and “Please Don’t Go.”
Alumni Tailgater & Expo – More than 800 Lakers poured onto campus and gathered under the sunshine near the Kelly Family Sports Center for a one-of-a-kind spooky themed Grand Valley reunion complete with music, Halloween themed food, prizes, and family friendly activities. View Video | Photos
Laker Football Game – GVSU went head-to-head against the Michigan Tech Huskies at Lubbers Stadium before a crowd of more than 9,000 fans. The nail biting game ended in a 24-20 Laker victory, capping off a perfect end to a successful Homecoming week! Photo Gallery | Game Highlights
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Write a recommendation for our fan page, post it on your profile and you'll be entered to win a Laker prize package worth more than $100. A winner will be selected November 14. Wherever you are in the world, you're a Laker for a lifetime!
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University Celebrates Alumni Leaders, Donors
More than 170 Alumni Leaders gathered at Reserve in downtown Grand Rapids on November 1 at Reserve Wine Bar & Restaurant to share ideas for keeping alumni momentum going for the next 50 years after the success of the University's recently completed Shaping Our Future campaign. Guests were treated to remarks from President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers, Past President Mark A. Murray and current President Thomas J. Haas. Alumnus John Bultema, ‘95 and Alumni Association Board President Julie Bulson, ’99 and ’07 also addressed the audience which was challenged to take ownership of the university by doubling alumni giving in the next three years. Photos | Give to Grand Valley
Fall Career Fair Helps Put Laker Alumni to Work
GVSU’s Office of Career Services hosted its semi-annual Career Fair on October 11 at the DeVos Place Convention Center. The event attracted 150 employers (view list) from a wide range of industries, offering 1,500 open jobs, internships, and co-op positions. Dozens of the recruiters present were Grand Valley graduates returning to hire fellow Lakers. Mandy (Noonan) Vernon, ’10 , was interviewed for an internship at the fair in 2008 by GVSU alumna Jenna Thayer, ’09. The internship Mandy landed as a result of the fair has lead into a full-time role as the internship coordinator for Advantage Health Physician Network.
“Attending the GVSU Career Fair opened up opportunities for me that I didn't even know existed. I am now employed full-time in a position that I love because I stepped outside my box to explore new career options,” said Vernon.
In total, nearly 950 job seekers, including 130 alumni, attended the fair to make valuable face-to-face employer connections. GVSU continues to do its part to put Michigan back to work!
Take Ownership and Show Your Laker Pride!
As Grand Valley alumni, you are important to the continued success of the generations of Grand Valley students who follow in your footsteps. Private gifts from alumni have become and will remain essential in meeting the needs of our students. Your financial support helps make it possible for the university to deliver nationally ranked programs, foster civic engagement, and reinforce and transform the region’s economy.
Invest in the future and reputation of Grand Valley. There is no better time than now to show your Laker Pride! To make a gift, please visit our easy online giving page or contact Jill Dooley at jill_dooley@gvsu.edu
Donor Stories | University Development | Alumni Relations
GradFest Volunteers Neeeded - November 15
Volunteers are still needed to help welcome the newest graduates to the Alumni Association on Tuesday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Allendale. Volunteer for an hour or more and connect with Grand Valley's soon-to-be alumni! For more information go to the Alumni Events Page or email Abigayle Sloan at sloanab@gvsu.edu.
Alumni Offer Valuable Input to Students at Academic Major Fair
More than 500 students looking for career advice received assistance from alumni, faculty and staff during the sixth annual Academic Major Fair, held on November 2 at the Kirkhof Center. Twenty-one alumni, ranging from 1960’s grads to 2000 grads, returned to campus to share their expertise with students about selecting the appropriate major for their career path. Students also received information about career testing and services and scholarship opportunities. The event, co-sponsored by the University Advising Council and Alumni Relations, also provided alumni with an opportunity to connect with fellow Lakers and visit with former professors. Event Photos
Community Outreach Week (COW) Wins Top Award
Congratulations to the just over 600 volunteers who were involved in Community Outreach Week 2011! This year’s 64 projects and nearly 2,000 volunteer hours has earned a Gold Award in the Pride of CASE V Awards Program. CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education recognized the work of the Alumni Association in conjunction with the GVSU Community Service Learning Center by awarding them "Best Collaborative Program" in the annual awards competition. The two organizations surpassed their goal of 50 projects in celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary. Entries were judged on meeting and exceeding goals, use of resources, creativity, and impact on the programs and the university.
Save the date: Community Outreach Week - March 26-31, 2012. 2011 Photos | CASE website
Upcoming Events
Metro Detroit Club Bell Ringers - December 3
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Ring a bell with the Metro Detroit Alumni Club to help make a difference in the community. For the second year, the club will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Last year the group donated more than $240 to help families during the holidays. You will be treated with cider and donuts throughout the day and may even get a little extra holiday music from a local musician! Please visit the group's Facebook Event Page for more info or email club leader Bradley Gibbons for more information.
Event Recaps
Cincinnati Bengals Game - Lifelong Lakers from the Cincinnati area got together to cheer on the Bengals as they took on the Indianapolis Colts on October 16. Alumnus Joe Sierawski, ’93 hosted a pre-game brunch at Behle Street Café and afterward the group walked to the stadium to enjoy the game under sunny skies. The group hopes to organize an alumni club in the Cincinnati area in the future.
FIMBA Reception - Representatives of the GVDC Alumni Club welcomed the first class of Seidman College of Business Full-Time Integrated MBA (FIMBA) Fellows to Washington, D.C. on October 6. The twelve FIMBA Fellows enjoyed a reception and had the opportunity to sit down for a question and answer session with the alums to discuss life in the nation’s capital. Topics ranged from keys to a successful transition to how to brand yourself outside of your hometown region.
Rowing Alumni - As a part of the 2011 Homecoming festivities, all rowing alumni were welcomed back to the boathouse in Allendale to renew the ties to their sport and catch up with old teammates. The chapter hosted a meet and greet, a luncheon, and christened two new boats in honor of alumni Danny Vainer, '08 and Mike Stoll, '08. Photos | Website
G3 Camp Gives Grandparents and Grandkids Look Inside Campus Life
Looking for a unique holiday gift? Grandparents, Grandkids, Grand Valley (G3) Camp is an exciting opportunity for children ages 8-12 and their grandparents to learn new things (like art, history, and science), laugh together, and live on the beautiful Allendale campus of Grand Valley in the summer of 2012.
Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on sessions, sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center, which are designed for all ages. Enjoy evening activities which include the climbing wall, swimming, movies, and more. Participants will spend quality time together creating memories that will last a lifetime!
For more information visit the G3 website or contact Margo Dill at: dillm@gvsu.edu or 616-331-2272.
Kingston University (KU) and GVSU Celebrate 25 Years
Padnos International Center is pleased to announce the 25th Anniversary of the GVSU-KU Partnership. This partnership has been a huge success offering numerous opportunities for Grand Valley students, faculty and staff.
GVSU will be organizing a display of photos, reflections, news clips, etc. from the past 25 years. If you have been to KU, please send copies of photos, journal reflections, or other interesting highlights you are willing to share. Contact Rebecca Hambleton at hambletr@gvsu.edu for more information.
Submissions requested by December 1, 2011