August 24, 2011 August 27, 2011 September 1, 2011 September 15, 2011 September 16, 2011 September 17, 2011 September 24, 2011 September 27, 2011 October 29, 2011 November 15-16 2011
Freshman Move-In Volunteer | Info
19th Annual Tom Villemure Basketball Golf Outing | Info
Football: GVSU vs. Western Oregon Tickets
KCON Alumni Fall Open House | Info
Accounting Scholarship Golf Outing | Info
Football: GVSU at Univ. of Indy | Info
Indy Club Tailgater 3:00p.m. | Sign Up
Alumni Tailgater 5:30p.m. | Tickets
Football: GVSU vs. Findlay | Tickets
Alumni Artprize Reception & Tour | Info
HOMECOMING Events | Volunteer
GradFest: Details Coming Soon
ALUMNA MEETS ROYAL COUPLE, RECOGNIZED FOR MILITARY WORK Meghan Wieten-Scott, '06 (pictured far left) never thought she'd be in the same room, let alone carry on a conversation with royalty. But recently in Alaska, she found herself standing face to face with the world-famous newlyweds, William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Wieten-Scott is the Operation Appreciation Program Manager for the Blue Star Families Network. What started as a volunteer project to keep her busy while her husband was deployed to Iraq, turned into a paid position. As the wife of a military member, Wieten-Scott has found a passion for supporting military families during times of transition. “I have found that most people (civilians) just don’t know what they can do to help, and that’s why our work at Blue Star Families is so crucial. It helps to bridge the gap and lighten the load for military families while letting them know that people do care,” said Wieten-Scott. Blue Star Families recently partnered with the “Joining Forces Campaign,” an initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The campaign focuses on providing support and career opportunities for veterans and their spouses after serving in the military. In conjunction with the initiative, the Blue Star Families came together with the USO, Service Nation: Mission Serve, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as Sony Pictures Studio on July 7 to put on the Hiring Our Heroes job fair and accompanying service project. William and Catherine participated in the service project as part of their North American royal tour. Wieten-Scott and another colleague were introduced to the couple during their tour through the facility. “I have to say, they were the most genuine, down to earth people I have met. They were completely focused on what we were saying, and looked us in the eye as we spoke with them. They weren't concerned about what they had to do next or where the cameras were.” After meeting the Duke and Duchess, Meghan hopes that someday the Blue Star Families program will travel oversees to help U.K. military families. Full Story | More Photos
Photo Credit: ServiceNation
Haunted Homecoming - October 29, 2011
GVSU, You put a spell on me.... It's a blue, black and white weekend of football, fun and fright!
There are plenty of chances to get reconnected with your alma mater during Homecoming 2011. From socials and a 5K run to pancakes and parades.
Reunion Row is back by popular demand, and don't miss the annual Alumni Tailgater featuring a special Halloween tailgate buffet , complete with tricks and treats. Ghosts and goblins young and old are welcome for the family friendly activities. Don't be scared for the many surprises in store. Check out the Homecoming 2011 website for all the spooky details!
You're Invited: GVSU Alumni ARTPRIZE Reception 9.27.11
The Alumni Association is hosting an event on September 27 to celebrate GVSU grads displaying their work in ARTPRIZE 2011! You're invited to a special reception in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT).
We'll take care of the refreshments, you bring your imagination! After the reception, take a self-guided tour of alumni art showcased around the city with one of our custom maps. Details | RSVP
Artists: Contact schmidtk@gvsu.edu and specify your project and venue information so you can be added to promotional materials.
Alumni Tailgater - September 24
GVSU Lakers vs. Findlay Oilers - Kick off the Laker football season with this year's alumni tailgater on September 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. Join alumni, family, and friends at this traditional tailgater which is sponsored by the GVSU Alumni Association, Young Alumni Council , and the Seidman College of Business.
Your $5 per person ticket includes: Full tailgate meal, DJ music, and two drink tickets (game tickets must be purchased separately). This is a family friendly event!
RSVP by September 19 | Tailgater 2010 Photos | See who's coming
Help a Laker Out: Freshman Move-In
Take a load off the mini-van and help incoming freshman move in to their new living area on August 24 with your fellow alumni. This on-going tradition gives you a chance to reminisce about those college days and get a little work out too! Join us for one or both shifts: 8:30 a.m. |12:30 p.m.
You won't go hungry because we'll serve you breakfast or lunch. So grab your old roommate, your family and friends and sign up today, to ensure we get your correct t-shirt sizes. Questions? Email alumni@gvsu.edu See who's coming on Facebook
Alumni Golf Outing Raises Thousands for Scholarships
Thank you to all the golfers and volunteers who helped us raise more than $2,700 for GVSU student scholarships. Thanks also to our donors and sponsors for your generous support. We'll see you in 2012 for the next outing! Full Story | Photos | Sponsors
Event Recaps
16 Years of Making Traverse City GRAND.
More than 130 band, cheer, engineering students, faculty, staff, and alumni along with Louie the Laker participated in the 85 year tradition of the Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade on July 9. More than 50,000 onlookers watched as Lakers flaunted their Blue, Black and White spirit. Photos
Football Alumni Golf Outing: Celebrating the Kelly Era
Nearly 150 GVSU Football alumni played at The Meadows Golf Course in honor of the Brian Kelly Era 1991-2003. The event took place following a dedication ceremony of the Turf Building, which was renamed the Kelly Family Sports Center, on June 25. The golf outing raised $4,500 for the Grand Valley Football Program. Photos
Upcoming Events
Nursing Alumni Fall Open House - September 15
Mark your calendars for September 15, 2011 to join with fellow alumni and KCON faculty to recognize five senior faculty members as they move to retirement. Professors Bielak, Britton, Gendler, Kline and Martin. The reception will be held in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences lobby from 5-7 p.m. Questions? 616-331-3558 or bondl@gvsu.edu
13th Annual Accounting Scholarship Golf Outing - September 16
Join the Accounting Alumni and Friends Organization on September 16 for their annual scramble at The Meadows at GVSU. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. and lunch reception to follow. For registration information, contact Kathy Goralski at goralskk@gvsu.edu
Indy Club GVSU Tailgater - September 17
Join Indianapolis club leader Jennifer Poad-Baker, '92 for a tailgater before the Grand Valley at University of Indianapolis football game on September 17, 2011. Enjoy delicious sandwiches and snacks while catching up with alumni friends and family at Key Stadium from 3-5:30 p.m. RSVP
Noreen Myers, '72 first alumnus named Board of Trustees Chair
Congratulations to 1972 graduate Noreen Myers who was elected as the first alumnus Board of Trustees Chair member in GVSU history on July 15.
Myers is an attorney from Lowell, and takes the place of Kate Pew Wolters, who has been the board chair for the past two years.
Ringing in Another Year of Giving at Grand Valley!
Excitement is in the air as we quickly approach a new academic year and Grand Valley alumni continue to annually support the university’s highest priorities, including student scholarships, like the Alumni Heritage Scholarship. Through this scholarship, nearly $275,000 in financial support has been awarded to children of GVSU alumni since 2002!
We invite you to join your fellow alumni in making a gift to Grand Valley - all gifts matter! Help the university increase assistance to students through opportunities such as the Alumni Heritage Scholarship. Make a gift HERE or contact Jill Dooley
Did you know that nearly 16,000 companies match their employees’ charitable gifts nationwide? Find out if your employer will match your gift to Grand Valley by visiting www.matchinggifts.com/gvsu.
Veterans Network... You're Invited
The Veterans Network and the Student Veterans Organization are co-hosting a kick-off and welcome celebration for incoming and current student veterans to welcome them to Grand Valley. They invite any Alumni who are former military members interested in mentoring current student veterans. The Veterans Kick-Off 2011 will be held Thursday, August 18 , from 7 - 9:00 p.m. in the Perry Dining Room at the Alumni House. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Steven Lipnicki at lipnicks@gvsu.edu or 616.331.7188.
19th Annual Basketball Golf Outing set for August 27
Show your support for Laker Men's Basketball by spending a day with Coach Wesley and current and former players on the golf course for the 19th Annual Tom Villemure Basketball Golf Outing on August 27 at 1:30 p.m. Registration is $125 and covers all contests, raffles and meals.
Please contact Coach Terrance McGee to register before August 17 or call 616-331-2159. Corporate and personal sponsorships are still available.