Alumni Relations at Grand valley State University

Alumni Email Newsletter - January 2008

GVSU Alumni Association

 

SHARE YOUR CAREER EXPERTISE WITH UNDECIDED STUDENTS  JANUARY 29
We are seeking alumni who are interested in sharing advice and information about their careers with students who are undecided or considering switching majors at the Academic Major Fair on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Its a great way for students to meet with faculty members, advisors and graduates who were once in their shoes, and learn about the world of work in an informal environment. Shift times are available between 10 a.m.  2 p.m. Get more information about the event, or if you are interested in participating, please forward a resume or bio, along with a note indicating the times that you are available to Susan Proctor.

HONOR YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI
Do you know a GVSU graduate who is highly deserving of recognition for his or her tremendous personal and professional accomplishments? If so, please let us know! Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2008 Alumni Association 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 and must be received by January 11, 2008. Simply complete an online nomination form, or call (800) 558-0541.

NEW YEARS REGIONAL ALUMNI EVENTS IN AUSTIN, DALLAS AND CHICAGO
Ring in the New Year Laker-style at regional alumni events scheduled in January. Reconnect with former classmates, make new friends and enjoy great food at these informal receptions.

Austin, TX
Thursday, January 10 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cellar Room, downtown Omni Hotel, Austin. Hear the latest about your alma mater from Austin Club Leader Allison Randall, '99.

Metro Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Friday, January 11 from 6-8 p.m. at the Gaylord Texan - Texan Station, Grapevine.

Chicago, IL
Thursday, January 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Red Ivy, downtown Chicago. Enjoy all-you-can eat pizza, appetizers and a hosted bar for just $15 per person. Hear the latest about your alma mater from Metro-Chicago Club Leader Brian Dutkiewicz, 02.

Please RSVP by January 4 for any of the events or call 800-558-0541 for more information.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP WEST MICHIGANS HUNGRY FAMILIES
You are invited to join your fellow Grand Valley alumni as we provide much needed community service to hungry families in West Michigan. Up to 20 alumni volunteers are needed to help in the warehouse of Second Harvest Gleaners, a regional clearinghouse for saved and donated food. We will sort and re-package food items to be sent to some of the over 1200 food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens in the state that the organization supports. Please contact Susan Proctor if you are interested in volunteering.

LET THE GVSU FIELDHOUSE AND REC CENTER HELP WITH YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION
Are you resolving to get back that college figure in 2008? Let the GVSU Fieldhouse and Recreation Center help. All GVSU alumni are eligible for discounted membership to the award-winning facility. Enjoy use of the pool, gymnasiums, track, and an extensive selection of cardiovascular and weightlifting equipment. Visit the Web site for more information or to sign up for your membership today! Alumni membership is just $60 (individual) or $100 (family) for 6 months, or $100 (individual) or $175 (family) for one year.

22ND ANNUAL PRESIDENTS BALL  FEBRUARY 1
You are cordially invited to join GVSU students in celebration of the 22nd Annual Presidents Ball. This years theme is "A Red Carpet Affair" with an emphasis on the Silver Screen era. The evening will begin with a jazz trio and cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner and a program will begin at 6:30 p.m., featuring a student film competition, a student art gallery, and a student dance routine.  Student awards will also be presented. Following the program, there will be dancing, photo booths, a "private screening room", and the cappuccino man. Price is $25 per person and includes a three course meal, program and dance. To RSVP please contact Natalie Bush. For more information please call 616-331-2020.

CONGRATULATIONS LAKER ATHLETIC TEAMS AND COACHES
2007 marked an incredible year for Laker athletic teams and coaches. The Alumni Association congratulates all of GVSUs teams and their leaders who continue to help promote and elevate the name of Grand Valley State University for remarkable seasons, deserving accolades and several national championship playoff runs. Womens soccer ended their season with a school best 21-1-1 record and a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Final Four. Head coach Dave DiIanni was named NSCAA Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year. The volleyball team concluded their year with a trip to the Elite Eight and a 33-4 overall record, tying the third most wins in school history. The Laker football team had another incredible season, with a 12-1 record, and a trip to the NCAA DII semi-final game. The womens and mens cross country teams finished third and fourth in the nation respectively, garnering a host of individual titles along the way. In addition, head bas! eball coach Steve Lyon was named FieldTurf Division II Coach of the Year. Way to go Lakers!

ALUMNI COUPLES INVITED TO CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY  FEBRUARY 14
The Alumni Association invites alumni couples back to GVSU for a special Valentine's Day event. Enjoy Classic Pairings - Tastes from Around the World featuring gourmet food stations and wine pairings at the Alumni House and Visitor Center in Allendale. Cost is just $50 per couple. Contact alumni@gvsu.edu for more information or to sign up today!

SEIDMAN ALUMNI TAILGATER AND LAKER BASKETBALL GAME  JANUARY 12
You are invited to join the Seidman College of Business Alumni Association at a pre-game tailgate party at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 12 in the Canterbury Conservatory of the GVSU Fieldhouse. Stay to cheer on the GVSU Laker basketball teams as they take on the Ferris State Bulldogs. The womens game is at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m. Cost is just $15 per person and includes food and admission for both games. RSVP to busalumn@gvsu.edu or call 616-331-7100 for more information.

KIRKHOF COLLEGE OF NURSING ALUMNI OPEN HOUSE  JANUARY 31
Meet up with GVSU nursing alumni and meet new Dean Cynthia McCurren, PhD, RN at the KCON Alumni Chapter Open House on Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 123 of the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, 301 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids. Following dinner and a social gathering, you will hear from alumni speaker Ruth Ann Brintnall, '85 and '97, PhD, AOCN, HPCN, APRN-BC on Family Experience with Healthcare Provider Communication in the 48 Hours before Death.  RSVP by Thursday, January 24, 2007 at 616-331-3590 or alumni@gvsu.edu. For directions and available parking, please visit www.gvsu.edu/tour/grcampus.pdf.

 WASHINGTON D.C. ALUMNI CHAPTER ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP
The Grand Valley State University Washington, D.C. Alumni Club (GVDC) recently held its biannual elections for officers. Congratulations to Dave Yonkman, 98, president, Kim McKenzie, 03, membership coordinator, Rachael Voorhees 04, secretary/treasurer and Rick Rossow, 98, events/programming coordinator, on your new appointments.

 Our number one goal is to serve as a clearinghouse of information oninternships and entry level positions in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore metropolitan area, Yonkman said. We intend to aggressively reach out to Allendale and Grand Rapids to ensure that students and faculty are aware that we are here as a resource and are only a phone call or e-mail away.  Interested students and recent graduates are encouraged to contact any of the club officers for information on internships and job opportunities, or simply to connect with fellow alumni in Washington D.C. Contact information can be found at http://www.gvsu.edu/alumni/gvdc/.



Mark your calendar :

January 10, 2008
Austin Alumni & Friends Reception

January 11, 2008
Dallas-Fort Worth & Friends Alumni Reception

January 12, 2008
Seidman College of Business Alumni Tailgater and Basketball Game

January 17, 2008

Chicago Alumni Reception

January 21, 2008
GVSU Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

January 23, 2008
Van Andel Global Trade Center Reception with Dick DeVos

January 26, 2008
Super Science Saturday: A Polar Experience

January 31, 2008
Kirkhof College of Nursing Alumni Open House

February 1, 2008
Presidents Ball

February 6, 2008
Womens Center Indulge In a Cause

February 14, 2008
Classic Pairings

February 23, 2008
Second Harvest Gleaners Food Bank Volunteer Event

April 12, 2008
Relay for Life at GVSU

alumni spotlight

Nils Michaelis, 07, isnt one in a million  but close. Nils, who obtained a Public Relations degree in April of 2007, was selected from over 15,000 worldwide applicants for a job at Googles European, Middle Eastern and African Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. He will begin his position as account associate later this month and will be coordinating advertising from small business and single advertisers in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

One of a growing number of international students, Nils transferred to GVSU in 2005. I felt very welcomed at Grand Valley, says Michaelis, Its a great school and there was a lot of focus on why I studied here in my interview process. I definitely feel that me obtaining a degree in the U.S. and from Grand Valley contributed to receiving the position with Google. Its an incredible opportunity and Im very excited to get started. (Read full story)

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Alumni Relations Office
One Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: (616) 331-3590 or 1-800-558-0541 | Fax: (616) 331-3596