January 5, 2011 January 21, 2011 January 29, 2011 February 4, 2011 February 10, 2011 February 16, 2011 February 17, 2011 February 19, 2011 February 22, 2011 March 21-26, 2011
Young Alumni Griffins Outing
SOLD OUT!
Music Alumni & Friends Reception | RSVP
131 Showdown | RSVP
Super Science Saturday: Celebrating Chemistry Past, Present and Future
The 50th Anniversary Presidents' Ball
Chicago Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Volunteer! KCON Alumni Chapter / SNA Roundtable
Young Alumni Collaborative | RSVP
Women's Basketball Reunion
Careerfest and Health Career Day
March 7, 2011
Washington, D.C. Reception | RSVP
Community Outreach Week
A GIANT FOR THE KIDS: From a young age, Michael Remo knew he wanted to work with children—“the ones who need us the most,” he says, the ones that others refer to as “at-risk.” Remo, a ’93 Laker graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, couldn’t have known his early passion would bring him into leadership for inner city Grand Rapids children as the Seidman Center director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. Born in Alabama, Michael calls South Haven, Michigan his hometown. “My mom raised four boys there as a single mother, but she always extended a helping hand to those who needed it. She taught me young,” he says with a smile. Since graduation, Remo’s career has centered on serving youth in Grand Rapids, working with the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), and the David D. Hunting YMCA. Becoming director of the Seidman Boys and Girls Club in 2008 was a milestone for Remo. “I feel like I’m home. Through the club, I can touch it all—community development, the justice system, work with kids and families—I can use everything I’ve learned in school and my career.” In addition, Remo serves part-time as a weekend Case Manager for the ICCF Family Haven Shelter helping homeless families find permanent housing.
Michael Remo ‘93 makes an impact for children
131 Showdown Pre-Game Tailgate: January 29
Fuel up before the showdown! Headed to the Showdown on 131 to catch the GVSU basketball teams take on division rival Ferris State at the Van Andel Arena? Join us at Peppino's Downtown before the game to get fired and fueled up! For just $5, enjoy an all-you-can-eat game day buffet, hear from Athletic Director Tim Selgo and get Laker giveaways before heading to the arena to cheer on your Lakers (game tickets sold separately). More Info
| RSVP
Do you know a GVSU graduate who deserves recognition for his or her tremendous personal and professional accomplishments? If so, please let us know! Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2011 GVSU Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. The awards recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions to society, and whose accomplishments and careers reflect favorably upon Grand Valley. Nominations may be made by alumni, faculty, or staff members and must be received by January 18. Visit www.gvsu.edu/alumni/awards for full award criteria and to nominate a deserving candidate today!
Sign Up! Community Outreach Week, March 21-26
Alumni volunteers are growing a greater Grand Valley, and a greater community! We invite you to join the cause during Community Outreach Week with a different volunteer experience available every day! During this week of service, the Alumni Relations office will provide coordinated opportunities for alumni to volunteer in the name of Grand Valley. This year we have adopted the ambitious goal of 50 projects for the 50th anniversary! But we need your help in identifying fun and worthwhile group service projects.
If you have a project close to your heart or would like to lead a group in your area, please contact Chris Barbee or call 800-558-0541.
Collaborate with Young Alumni at GRid70!
Enjoy an evening of Collaboration, and Connecting around Commonalities - Laker style. The Young Alumni Council invites you to take part in a vibrant evening of networking at GRid70 , Grand Rapid's newest workspace collaborative, and design hub. Attendees will enjoy food and drink catered by Martha's Vineyard, and you'll use your culinary cleverness to create your own special cheese tray concoctions. Special gifts will be given to alumni working at GRid70's partner companies: Amway, Meijer, Steelcase and Wolverine World Wide. Cost to attend - a cheap and chic $10. RSVP today!
New and Improved Membership Benefits
Take advantage of your Alumni Association membership card by utilizing the great benefits and services afforded to you - a special perk for GVSU Alumni. New benefits are offered by Denny's, and updated benefits are offered for the Amway Grand Plaza, Courtyard by Marriott , JW Marriott and The Homestead. Sign up to get your card today!
New Club Leader for the New York Area
The New York City area will now be represented by Club Leader Darryl Nicholson,'08. Darryl has recently surveyed alumni in the area and is seeking potential event ideas for an alumni gathering in May. Darryl welcomes any event suggestions you may have, to gather Laker alumni in New York City.
- January 21 - Music Alumni & Friends Reception - Graduates of the Department of Music and their guests are invited to attend a hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception during the Michigan Music Conference. Join fellow music alumni and friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Amway Grand Plaza's Grandview Room, Grand Rapids. More info | RSVP
- February 10 - Chicago Alumni Reception: A 50th Anniversary Celebration - Join Metro Chicago Club Leaders Brian Dutkiewicz, '02 and Rachel Vanderwiel,'09 at the intimate and exclusive private club in Hub 51 for an evening of networking and connecting with Laker alumni in the Chicago area while enjoying great food, drink, and GVSU updates. More info | RSVP
- February 16 - Kirkhof College of Nursing Alumni Chapter & Student Nursing Association Roundtable - The KCON Alumni Board is looking for alumni volunteers willing to share their nursing career stories with students in a "speed dating" format on February 16 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Room 123 of the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences. Light refreshments will be served. If interested, contact Ruthann Brintnall.
- February 19 - Women's Basketball Reunion - Laker Head Coach Janel Burgess invites Women Basketball Alumnae and their families to a reception and basketball game. More info.
- December 11-12 - Detroit, MI - The Metro Detroit Alumni Club, led by Brad Gibbons, '08, hosted two December events, attracting over 50 Laker alumni participants. On Dec. 11 in Royal Oak dedicated Laker alumni served as bell-ringers for the Salvation Army. The following day Metro Detroit area alumni spread their Laker magic and helped cheer the Lions on to a win against the Green Bay Packers. Photos: Salvation Army
|
Detroit Lions
- December 19 - Tampa, FL - For a second week in a row Laker alumni gathered at a Detroit Lions football game, spreading Laker cheer and magic to help the Lions defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Alumni Club leader Tara Crow, '97 hosted a pre-game tailgate and game watch event for alumni in the Tampa area.
Women's Soccer and Cross Country are National Champs
Women’s soccer and women's cross country excelled at the NCAA Division II Championships in Louisville on December 4:
- Grand Valley claimed its second consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship in women’s soccer, with a 4-0 victory over #12 UC San Diego. The last team to notch back-to-back championships was UC San Diego itself in 2000 and 2001. The Lakers also set a NCAA Division II record with 21 shutout wins. More | Team Photo
- For the first time in Grand Valley history, the #2-ranked Grand Valley State women's cross country team won the 2010 Division II National Championship. The team had earned top-three finishes in each of the last five years. More | Photo Gallery
- In other NCAA championship competition, the #3-ranked Grand Valley men's cross country team earned its best-ever national finish, placing third in Division II. More | Photo Gallery
- And our women’s volleyball team competed in the NCAA Elite Eight, falling to #2-ranked Tampa but ending the season with a Midwest Regional Championship. More | Team Photo
Former GVSU Football Players Make the All-Decade Team
D2Football.com has recognized eight former GVSU Football players, awarding them spots on the All Decade 1st and 2nd teams. Cullen Finnerty, '08 was selected as player of the decade. Congratulations to all who were recognized.
Thanks to all of the alumni fans who continue to cheer on our talented student athletes. Go Lakers!
Ringing in a New Year of Giving at Grand Valley
As we ring in the New Year, we invite you to join fellow alumni in making a gift to Grand Valley. Grand Valley alumni continue to annually support the university’s highest priorities, including student scholarships and programs—all gifts matter! This generosity truly reflects the ongoing commitment of Grand Valley alumni—are you up for the challenge? To make a gift, please visit our easy online giving page or contact Jill Dooley.
Coming up in February 2011…join us in celebrating ‘Matching Gift Month!’ 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.
Super Science Saturday: Celebrating Chemistry Past, Present and Future on January 29
Join us to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry 2011 and Grand Valley State University's 50th Anniversary. Enjoy interactive, hands-on science fun for alumni, students, teachers, parents, and community members! Explore and learn through hands-on activities how chemistry affects our everyday lives and connects with biology, geology, physics, health science, engineering, history, art, and more. The event is hosted by Grand Valley State University's Regional Math and Science Center, Chemistry Department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. More
Presidents' Ball, February 4 - Come One, Come All
University President Thomas J. Haas and Student Body President Jarrett Martus cordially invite you to the 25th Annual Presidents' Ball on February 4 at the DeVos Place Ballroom in downtown Grand Rapids. This year's Ball is themed "The Golden Gala", recognizing Grand Valley's 50th anniversary and offers you the opportunity to mingle with fellow alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and community members. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner/dance and an awards ceremony. Tickets for the dinner and dance are $30. Please contact senates@gvsu.edu to reserve a ticket, or for more information visit www.gvsu.edu/studentsenate
Indulge in a Cause for the GVSU Women's Center
Chocolate never tasted so good. GVSU Women's Center is hosting their annual Indulge In A Cause event on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Tickets are $30; snow date is March 1. Call 616-331-2748 or send an email to reserve your tickets today! The Women's Center is also looking for individuals willing to sponsor an auction item or dessert. To help, call the Women's Center at 616-331-2748 and ask for Jo Ann or Rachael!