Horizons Winter 2025
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President's Desk
President's Desk
Grand Valley’s transformative educational experience is shaped by more than just beautiful facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a dynamic campus environment. What truly sets our university apart is our exceptional faculty whose dedication, expertise, and love of learning are at the very core of our mission to help our learners pursue their passions. As we celebrate the unique classroom experiences that make GVSU special, I want to introduce you to Faculty Focus, a new podcast series that showcases what sets our faculty apart.
Student Impact
Common Roots and Branching Out
Jourdan Watson, Class of 2025, and Erin Searcy, Class of 2025, are part of a program that connects students from underserved populations to Grand Valley and, in turn, to West Michigan. While they shared common roots in the math program at Fort Valley State University, Watson and Searcy have had room to branch out and choose different educational paths for their master’s degrees at GVSU. Watson and Searcy’s bright futures are possible, in part, thanks to the support of the expanded resources they have had access to at Grand Valley.
Real-World Experience Leads to Long-Term Success
Zander Fulton, Class of 2025, leveraged his natural passion for connecting with people to pursue a career in sales. While attending a student organization meeting, he discovered a paid internship that provided him with hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and valuable industry insights. This practical exposure not only deepened his understanding of the sales field but also directly contributed to securing a job offer for the spring, setting a positive tone for his post-graduation career.
Donor Impact
Bridging the Gap between College and Business
Fifth Wheel Freight (FWF), a third-party logistics and transportation company, is establishing the Seidman Experiential Learning Lab at Grand Valley State University. The purpose of the lab is to connect Grand Valley students with career professionals for help with real-world skills not easily learned in a classroom. FWF’s passion for hands-on learning extends to their internship program, which has served as a pipeline for Grand Valley students to get into the field of sales when they graduate.
A Scholarship Surprise
Paul Stuart’s journey at Grand Valley began with uncertainty. He struggled through his first few terms, eventually finding his stride and pursuing a degree in education. Decades later, his son not only earned a degree from the same university but also teaches here, guiding students like his father did. And now, through their new scholarship, the impact of the Stuart family’s Grand Valley legacy will continue. The student who receives this scholarship might face the same challenges Paul once did, but, like Paul, they will have the support to push through and succeed.
Fund Spotlight
Join us for our Second Annual Day of Giving
On March 20, Grand Valley State University is inviting the entire Laker community to support our students during its second annual Day of Giving. Make your gift early and set a standard for excellence as we come together and prove that Lakers Give Back! Our collective impact can continue to build upon Grand Valley's commitment to provide high quality education to our West Michigan community.
Plus - if you make a gift of $30 or more, you can receive a pair of exclusive Grand Valley socks! These socks are only available for Day of Giving, so make your gift soon before they are gone.
New Endowments and Scholarships
Thank you to the donors who established new endowments and scholarships. You are empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. Because of your gifts, Grand Valley's impact on our community continues to grow.
Events
Grand Valley University Foundation Holiday Reception
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Grand Valley University Foundation hosted its annual holiday reception at Cascade Hills Country Club. It was a time to celebrate all the successes of the year and look ahead to 2025 and all the possibilities that await.
Naples Dinner and Forum
On Tuesday, January 14, the Grand Valley University Foundation hosted its annual Dinner and Forum at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, Florida. Guests learned about opportunities to strengthen democratic consensus in the coming generations from a panel of three GVSU faculty and experts. Discussions involved shifting political landscapes and how each of their areas of expertise integrates to produce the decision makers and leaders of a better tomorrow.
