April 8-9, 2011 April 9, 2011 April 12, 2011 April 16, 2011 May 7, 2011 May 12, 2011 May 18, 2011 May 19, 2011 May 19, 2011 June 12, 2011 July 16, 2011 ---------------------------- A GVSU Collector's Item: Purchase your 50th Anniversary Book NOW
Volunteer! Relay for Life at GVSU
Austin Alumni Club Round Rock Express Baseball Game | SOLD OUT! Wait List Info
Volunteer Celebration RSVP
16th Annual Laker Football Spring Classic Celebration and Cash Draw | Register
April 19 - 21
Volunteer! GradFest
Kentucky Derby Party and New Grad Welcome | RSVP
New York City Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Cincinnati Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Indianapolis Alumni Reception: 50th Anniversary Celebration | RSVP
Alumni Art on Campus Celebration | RSVP
Tigers Game hosted by Metro Detroit Alumni Club | RSVP
Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing Info
NANCY STEELE, '85 & '94 Named GVSU Distinguished Alumna Dr. Nancy Steele, ’85 & ‘94 is making history on the front lines of war. As the head of nursing research for the European Regional Medical Command in Landstuhl, Germany, she studies the stresses of nurses working in a combat environment, examines the clinical care of wounded warriors, addresses deployment issues, and the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, she is responsible for daily operations at the Center of Science & Clinical Inquiry for all of Europe, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Steele earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Grand Valley State University in 1985, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 1994. After gaining 10 years of experience in the Army, Steele received her Ph.D. in Nursing from University of Michigan in 2002. Upon graduation, she served in Honduras and El Salvador as a Nurse Practitioner before she was stationed in Hawaii. During her last year there she was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, after being selected to take on the role of Human Protections Administrator for Iraq and Deputy Director of the Deployed Combat Casualty Research Team. In recognition of service to her country, Steele has received more than 20 military awards including, U.S. Military Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the United States Meritorious Service Medal. She was also nominated for the Bronze Star in 2008, credited with assisting in medical research efforts in Iraq that helped to improve health care to over 162,000 military and coalition personnel. Steele has been stationed in Germany since 2008. In November 2011 she will return to America and will be assigned to serve as the Regional Chief of Military Nurse Research at Womak Military Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On April 30, Steele will be presented as the GVSU 2011 Distinguished Alumna at Grand Valley Commencement Ceremony.
Relay for Life is days away! Fight Cancer on April 8-9
It's your last chance to join fellow Lakers in the fight against cancer! Sign up now to join the GVSU Alumni Association team in the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay for Life event at Grand Valley State University. Walkers have been collecting money to help eliminate cancer, and they’ll begin their relay shifts in the GVSU Fieldhouse at 6 p.m. on April 8. Please join us as a walker or by sponsoring alumni team participants. Visit www.relayforlifegvsu.com and click "Sign Up" to register as a walker or "Donate" to sponsor team GVSU Alumni Association. Survivors can also sign up to participate in the survivor lap!
Young Alumni Welcome New GVSU Grads
Get decked out in your dapper Derby duds, bring your big hats, and pull out your seer sucker suit. Join The Young Alumni Council as they host a Kentucky Derby Party in Grand Rapids to welcome the 2011 graduates on Saturday, May 7 . All GVSU Young Alumni are invited to this casual spring event to congratulate the newest members of the GVSU Alumni Assocation. Relax on a grassy courtyard, watch the Derby race coverage, take part in thrilling Derby games. Bring your Derby best, and we'll bring the prizes!
It’s not a Kentucky Derby Race party without a Mint Julep! Enjoy regular and N/A drinks, and delectable Derby-themed fare to put you in the race day mood.
RSVP by May 2.
Attend this event on facebook and tweet about this party to your followers!
We're keeping in touch with you in the 21st century. We've upgraded to a new facebook fan page. Please "like" us on facebook to get the latest GVSU alumni news about Homecoming and other events, tag yourself in photos, and be a part of our special giveaways. Don't forget we're also on Twitter , LinkedIn and YouTube ! More
Save the Date: GVSU Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing
Round up your foursome and mark your calendar for the 2011 GVSU Sleep Inn & Suites Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing at The Meadows on Saturday, July 16. Shot gun start at 1:30 p.m. The $95 registration fee includes GVSU gift, green fees, barbeque style dinner and awards.
Proceeds go to the Grand Valley Annual Fund. More Info 
Alumni Celebrations in NYC, Cincinnati and Indianapolis
New York City Club Leader Darryl Nicholson,'08 will be hosting a 50th Anniversary reception, and networking event in the Big Apple at Butterfield 8 on May 12 . It's your last chance to celebrate Grand Valley's birthday, and a way to connect with fellow alums over delicious food and drink. Details | RSVP
The celebration continues in the Eastern time zone on May 18 with a reception in Cincinnati, OH. Alumni Association Board Member April D. Robles, '98 is setting up a soiree at one of the most popular restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, Montgomery Inn, The Boathouse. It's a Laker evening you won't forget. Details | RSVP
GVSU alumni will also be celebrating the 50th Anniversary in style at the Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar in Indianapolis, IN. Join Alumni Club Leader Jennifer Poad-Baker, '92 on May 19 , at one of Indy's newest restaurants. Socialize over some great food and drink, and help plan upcoming club events. Details | RSVP
Alumni Across the Globe Reach Out During COW 2011
From park clean-ups and painting to food banking and reading to children, more than 250 volunteers put their hands to work for their communities during the week of March 21 - 26. The goal of 50 projects for GVSU's 50th Anniversary was surpassed as alumni from 24 cities across the U.S., into Canada and even Jamaica volunteered nearly 1,000 hours of their time. The Alumni Association would like to thank everyone who made this year a raving success! Photos | Facebook
- March 7 - Washington, DC - Grand Valley's 50th anniversary was the central theme for a reception that welcomed President Haas to the nation's capital. Fifty alumni and friends enjoyed an evening of networking and celebrating the university's milestone anniversary. Attendees had the opportunity to stroll down memory lane by viewing the 50th anniversary video and hearing about what the future holds from President Haas. New GVDC Club leaders David Slentz, '06, Charlie Terrell, '09, Kirah Rawls, '09, and Josh Hilbrand, '09,
were also introduced during the reception. Photos | Facebook
- March 19 - Tampa, FL - Spring training brought Lakers to Lakeland, the Florida home for the Detroit Tigers. Tampa Club Leader Tara Crow, ’97, and other Tampa area alumni and friends gathered in the Florida sunshine to watch the Tigers defeat the Atlanta Braves in a spring training game.
- April 9 - Austin Alumni Club Round Rock Express Baseball Game - This is currently sold out; click for wait list info.
- April 16 - 16th Annual Laker Football Spring Classic Celebration and Cash Draw - Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse. Preview the 2011 Laker Football team in the noontime inter-squad scrimmage, then enjoy the post-game reception. The annual Cash Draw offers ticket holders multiple chances to win cash and prizes throughout the day. Register Online | More Info
- May 19 - Alumni Art on Campus Celebration - Experience new alumni work on display in the gallery. Enjoy cocktails, and meet Henry Matthews, Curator of Collections at GVSU and special guest artist, and alumnus Richard Kooyman, BFA '79. RSVP
- June 12 - Detroit Tigers Outing - Enjoy America's favorite past time with your Laker family! Gather with fellow Alumni and guests in the exclusive and private climate-controlled Tiger Den. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, then head to your outfield box seats to watch the game. One lucky sports fan will have the chance to win a visit to the pre-game set with Fox Sports Detroit Anchor and GVSU Alumnus John Keating, '79. Hurry, this event always sells out. Get your tickets today!
Make sure you check out all our events on our at-a-glance Calendar at top left or go to Alumni Events for the full scoop!
Help welcome Grand Valley's newest graduates into the Alumni Association. GradFest is a one-stop-shop for graduating students to pick up caps and gowns, commencement tickets, and pick out new alumni gear! GradFest is an exciting time for students and it's equally exciting as alumni volunteers share the experience and welcome them into life after graduation.
Volunteers are needed for one or two hour shifts from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day. Please join us for as long as you are able. GradFest is April 18-19 & 20-21 in Grand Rapids. Sign Up or find more information on our GVSU Alumni Assocation facebook page.
Help Grow a Greater Grand Valley, Make a Gift to GVSU!
As we welcome the spring season, we invite you to join fellow alumni in making a gift to Grand Valley. GVSU alumni continue to annually support the university’s highest priorities, including student scholarships and programs - all gifts matter! You can do your part to help grow a greater Grand Valley!
There is no better time than now to make a gift to the Mary Idema Pew Learning & Information Commons. Through June 30, 2011, you can DOUBLE the impact of your gift! Are you up for the challenge?
You can also check out our student, donor and program stories of Giving to Grand Valley, or make an electronic gift with our easy online giving page or contact Director of Annual Giving, Jill Dooley at jill_dooley@gvsu.edu.
Famed filmmaker Ken Burns to speak on America’s next 50 years
Ken Burns, one of the most influential documentary makers of all time, will share his insights on the American experience with a look to the future on Thursday, April 21 in the Eberhard Center on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The 7:00 p.m. event is free and open to the public.
For three decades, Ken Burns has made distinctive historical documentaries, including The Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz. For his lecture, Burns will turn his keen eye to what the next 50 years may hold for America. He is the final Distinguished Academic Lecturer in a Grand Valley anniversary series. More Info
First-time National Championships highlight Laker winter sports
What a winter for intercollegiate and club sports! Many Laker athletes broke new ground this past season, while others held the high ground they had already earned:
- The Laker women's indoor track team became NCAA Division II national champions for the first time ever this March. More Info
- Women's indoor track coach Jerry Baltes was named the USTFCCCA National Women's Head Coach of the Year in March, the third time since 2007 he has received this honor. More Info
- Lakers remain strong in the water, as both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams scored in the top ten in their NCAA Division II championships last month. The men's team scored 7th, and the women's team were 9th.
- The Laker men's hockey club team won their first-ever national championship, beating the MSU Spartans club at the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s national championships in March. More Info
- A traditional powerhouse, the Laker men's wrestling club pinned down the #2 spot at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships held in March. More Info
Laker Rowing Team takes home trophies from Lubbers Regatta
Despite the cool temperatures, and rainy day, the 16th Annual Lubbers Cup Regatta was a success for the GVSU Rowing Team this year. More than 600 people packed the Spring Lake Yacht Club to watch 13 rowing teams from the U.S. and Canada compete. The Lakers captured the Spring Lake Yacht Club Cup for most points overall, and the Lubbers Women's Trophy for most women's points. In the final race, Brock University out of Ontario, Canada clinched the title for overall men's points and took home the Charles Irwin's Men's Trophy. More Results