Grand Valley: Laker for a Lifetime News

Indulge in Chocolate at Women's Center Fundraiser

2013-02-11 00:00:00.0

All-you-can-eat chocolate desserts and a silent auction will highlight the Grand Valley State University Women’s Center ninth annual fundraiser, “Indulge in a Cause.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit Women’s Center programs and their endowment fund. The center offers scholarships to non-traditional students who may not otherwise qualify for financial aid.

Indulge in a Cause

Thursday, February 21

5-7:30 p.m.

Eberhard Center

Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Sweet desserts will be provided by local companies including Cabot Cheese, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and San Chez Bistro. The event is co-sponsored by United Bank and the University Bookstore.

New this year is the ability to bid for auction packages online before the event. Online bidding will close at 4 p.m. on February 19. Silent auction items are listed at www.gvsu.edu/women_cen and include a Nook, photography package, Northern Michigan getaway package and Grand Rapids night-on-the-town package.

Tickets are $10 for students and $30 for community members in advance; $15 for students and $35 for community members at the door. Reserve tickets by calling the Women’s Center at (616) 331-2748 or purchase online.

Since the Women’s Center was founded in 2001, it has assisted hundreds of students each year, hosted more than 600 programs, raised more than $100,000 for organizations that work with women and girls, and provided dozens of non-profit agencies with volunteers.

For more information, contact the Women’s Center at (616) 331-2748 or visit www.gvsu.edu/women_cen.

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Trustees Tour New Library

2013-02-08 00:00:00.0

After their February 8 board meeting, members of the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees toured the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, which is under construction on the Allendale Campus.

Pictured in the Padnos Reading Room are, from left, Board Chair Shelley Padnos, trustees David Way and Mary Kramer. Kramer, '79, made her first visit to campus as a trustee.

For More Information Contact: Dottie Barnes in News & Information Services - 616-331-2221

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Board Approves New Addition to Au Sable Hall

2013-02-08 00:00:00.0

Students are pictured at the ELS Language Center, which is located at 48th Avenue, but will soon occupy space in Au Sable Hall when the building is renovated.

Grand Valley's Board of Trustees today approved adding an addition to Au Sable Hall, increasing the classroom and office space in that building.

James Moyer, associate vice president for Facilities Planning, said the 22,000-square-foot addition should be complete in 2014. Construction will begin in June. Moyer said the two-story addtion will add eight classrooms and 16 offices. Projected cost is $6.7 million, he said.

Part of the new space will be occupied by ELS Language Center, an English language program that has had a 10-year collaboration with Grand Valley.

Nicholas Ghiglia, center director, said about about one-third of all ELS students enroll at Grand Valley following their program. The center enrolls about 130 students in any given session.

The center, one of 65 ELS Language Centers in the country, has been affiliated with Grand Valley since 2004. The center is now located on 48th Avenue.

Brian Copeland, associate vice president for Business and Finance, said the on-campus move fits with Grand Valley’s strategic plan pertaining to inclusion and internationalization. “An objective in the strategic plan calls for the university to increase its outreach efforts in order to enhance the diversity of the student body,” Copeland said.

Ghiglia said ELS students will enjoy becoming more immersed in Grand Valley’s culture. “Students enjoy coming to campus now to use the Fieldhouse, library and computer labs, but they will get the most benefit from being on campus daily,” Ghiglia said.

He added that the move to Au Sable will enhance the learning experiences of traditional Grand Valley students and ELS students.

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Graduate Assistant Tells Family Titanic Story

2013-02-08 00:00:00.0

More than 100 years after the ship Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, a Grand Valley State University graduate assistant is telling the story of one of the survivors at an exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Kelley Senkowski, graduate assistant in the Office of Graduate Studies, will be the featured presenter on Friday, giving two presentations about the story of her great-grandmother’s journey on the ship, and the story of how she survived when so many others did not. She will also be a guest at the museum’s “Night to Remember” event on February 21.

Senkowski said she had no intentions of presenting, but ended up doing so after contacting the museum late last year to ask if relatives of survivors could preview the event.

Until now, Senkowski said there had never been interest in the story of her great-grandmother, Jessie Trout, which has only been told in Kelley’s children’s classrooms once or twice over the years.

“I have always had an interest in Titanic, maybe even a fascination,” Senkowski said. “It has always just been a fact in the family that everyone just knew about growing up. The family tie makes it emotional to see the exhibit or the movie, just thinking that someone so close to me actually lived through the horror.”

Senkowski said that it’s also emotional thinking about the fact that her great-grandmother escaped the doomed ship, and how small decisions in the chaotic moments surrounding the sinking made a difference in the lives of others.

“For example, she was handed a French orphan to care for (on the lifeboat) that survived the cold because she chose to bring a heavy coat when others didn’t,” she said.

Senkowski hopes that guests to the museum exhibit develop an appreciation that your choices matter to generations down the line.

“I hope guests take away the fact that by God’s grace my children and I are here today. It also matters that you take care of yourself and make good, smart choices and help care for others, because it can make all the difference to people who come after you,” Senkowski said. “Your choices today matter for lives later on, even those you may never know.”

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Research Shows It's Better to Give Than Receive

2013-02-07 00:00:00.0

A group of researchers, including Amanda Dillard, assistant professor of psychology, found that giving to others not only makes people happy, but it protects their health and lengthens their lives.

Dillard said the group examined five-year survival data (from the Changing Lives of Older Couples) among a sample of 846 older adults from the Detroit area. Participants completed baseline interviews that assessed past-year stressful events and whether the participant had provided tangible assistance to friends or family members.

"The analyses revealed a significant interaction between helping behavior, stressful events, and mortality," she said. "Specifically, stress did not predict mortality risk among individuals who provided help to others in the past year, but stress did predict mortality among those who did not provide help to others."

Students Recognized at 'I Am GV' Reception

2013-01-31 00:00:00.0

More than 800 students who were nominated for “I Am Grand Valley” awards were recognized at a reception January 30 during Campus Leadership Week.

Faculty and staff members nominated students who display and employ strong leadership skills on campus. This year marks the campaign’s 10th anniversary. It is celebrated year-round on the first Wednesday of every month when students are asked to wear their “I Am Grand Valley” T-shirts.

Campus Leadership Week continues through February 1. View a schedule of events atwww.gvsu.edu/leadership.

Groundbreaking Report Sheds Light on Next-Generation Philanthropists

2013-01-29 00:00:00.0

A new report from Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy and 21/64 provides a first-of-a-kind study on the habits of next-generation donors, who will inherit an unprecedented $40 trillion and are poised to be the most significant philanthropists in history.

The report, called Next Gen Donors, looks at how the major donors of the future are approaching their giving and how it differs — and remains the same — from their parents and grandparents.

The report is the most comprehensive of its kind, drawing from 310 surveys from high-capacity young donors and 30 in-depth individual interviews. Young donors represent the future of philanthropy, but up until now, very little has been known about who the next generation of donors are and what they are interested in.

Through analysis of the survey responses and dozens of candid statements direct from next-generation donors, the report reveals:

• Next-generation donors want meaningful, hands-on engagement with the causes that they care about and want to develop close relationships with the organizations they give to, giving their time and talent as well as their treasure.

• Next-generation donors are highly connected with their peers, learning about causes from trusted friends and sharing philanthropic experiences with peer networks.

• Next-generation donors seek to maintain the difficult balance of respecting the legacy of previous generations and revolutionizing philanthropy for greater impact, aiming to use new, innovative, even risky strategies to make their giving more effective.

• For next-generation donors, philanthropy is a part of who they are; it is not just something they do. Young donors start developing their philanthropic identity from an early age by learning through hands-on experiences and looking to older generations, and they are eager for new personal experiences that will help them learn to be better philanthropists.

“Until now, there has been little research on this small but influential cohort of young people who hold the future of major philanthropy in their hands,” said Michael Moody, Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. “This study helps us move beyond our preconceptions about next-gen donors, and shows – somewhat surprisingly – that they have some strong similarities to previous generations of donors, even while clearly wanting to make big changes in how philanthropy is done.”

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an academic center focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the charitable sector. Their work involves conducting research, teaching effective practices, and providing pathways to service. They work extensively in West Michigan and throughout the state of Michigan, nationally and internationally.

They make a difference by enhancing the impact of foundations nationally and nonprofit organizations regionally, improving the quality of community decision-making with community members in West Michigan, and encouraging a habit of civic engagement among students, staff, and faculty at GVSU.

For More Information Contact: Nate Hoekstra in News & Information Services - 616-331-8138

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Campus Leadership Week to Recognize Student Leaders

2013-01-23 00:00:00.0

Student leaders at Grand Valley will be recognized during the university’s annual Campus Leadership Week January 28-February 1.

Hosted by the Office of Student Life and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society (ODK), students are invited to participate in a variety of events throughout the week.

All events can be found at www.gvsu.edu/leadership. Featured activities include:

The 5 Phases of Campus Leadership

January 28, 9 p.m., room 2266, Kirkhof Center

ODK members will highlight the five phases of campus leadership: scholarship athletics, community services, social/religious activities/campus government, journalism/speech/mass media and creative/performing arts.

Strengths Based Leadership Seminar

January 29, 1-3:30 p.m., room 1142, Kirkhof Center

Students can discover strengths and learn how to maximize natural talents in current and future leadership roles.

Resume Workshop, hosted by Career Services

January 30, 11 a.m.-noon, room 206, Student Services Building

“I am Grand Valley” Leadership Reception

Wednesday, January 30, 2:30-4:30 p.m., room 2204, Kirkhof Center

“I am Grand Valley” nominees will be honored for their leadership skills and contributions to the campus community.

Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Seminar

January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., room 2266, Kirkhof Center

The seminar will focus on the concepts of power and privilege, relational leadership as it relates to inclusion and explore how to integrate ideas into current leadership practices.

For more information, email iamgv@gvsu.edu or visit www.gvsu.edu/iamgv.

For More Information Contact: Leah (Zuber) Twilley in News & Information Services - 616-331-2221

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'Let the Good Times Roll' at the President's Ball February 1

2013-01-09 00:00:00.0

"Let the Good Times Roll" at the Presidents' Ball February 1

Grand Valley Student Senate President Jack Iott and President Thomas J. Haas are hosting the 26th annual Presidents’ Ball on Friday, February 1. The theme of this year’s ball is “Let the Good Times Roll” and students are encouraged to wear retro fashion from the 1950s.

The event will be held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, 303 Monroe Avenue NW. Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and dancing is 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tickets for the dance will be available at the 20/20 Desk in Kirkhof Center for $10 until January 27, then the ticket price will increases to $15. The price for the dinner and dance is $30.

Faculty and staff members will be presented with awards at the event. Carrie Christian, program coordinator for the LGBT Resource Center, will receive the Laker of the Year Award; Noreen Myers, Grand Valley alumna and former member and chair of the Grand Valley Board of Trustees, will receive the President Appreciation Award; and Medar Serrata, professor of Spanish, will receive the Student Award for Faculty Excellence.

Buses will run throughout the night with stops at Kirkhof Center, Mackinac Hall and DeVos Place. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Attendees cannot enter the event without tickets and must have a photo ID.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/presidentsball or contact the Student Senate at (616) 331-2333.

Original source here.

Field placements, internships on the rise

2013-01-08 00:00:00.0

Field placements, internships on the rise

In an editorial published by MLive, President Thomas J. Haas said Michigan employeers place a high value on internship and experiential learning. He said at Grand Valley, field placements have grown by nearly 40 percent.

Read the full article here.

Original source here.

Nonprofit volunteer, internship fair set for Thursday

2013-01-07 00:00:00.0

Nonprofit volunteer, internship fair set for Thursday

Nearly 50 organizations from West Michigan will be at Grand Valley’s Nonprofit Volunteer and Internship Fair on Thursday, January 10.

The fair will take place from 1-3 p.m. in the Henry Hall Atrium. It is a chance for students to connect with agencies for volunteer and internship opportunities.

Participating organizations include Feeding America, Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids, Goodwill Industries, Schools of Hope and Michigan Blood. Click here for a full list.

The event is free and presented by Grand Valley’s Community Service Learning Center and Career Services.

Students are encouraged to log their community service hours and activities online on the CSLC Service Tracker throughout the year. Click here to learn about the tracker. Individual and student organization awards will be presented for community service at the annual Student Life Awards Banquet in the spring.

For more information, contact Eric Stevens in the Office of Student Life at (616) 331-2345 or visit www.gvsu.edu/service.

More information here.

Campus Life 2.0 kicks off new year

2013-01-07 00:00:00.0

Campus Life 2.0 kicks off new year

Campus Life 2.0 will take place January 11 in the Kirkhof Center.

Students can learn about the more than 350 student organizations during an event presented by Laker Weekends on Friday, January 11.

Campus Life 2.0 will take place at 7 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, where student organizations will have booths and tables set up throughout the building. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the New Year.”

Some organizations will showcase performances from 9 p.m.-midnight, including the Student Senate Presidents’ Ball Fashion Show and dance lessons. There will also be a photo booth, laser tag, a DJ and refreshments. The movie “New Year’s Eve” will run in the Kirkhof Center movie theater throughout the night.

Students can also learn about the leadership and service opportunities offered through the Laker Leadership Programs, Community Service Learning Center and Laker for a Lifetime campaign.

Student organizations registered for the event can check-in at the Student Organization Center from 5-7 p.m.

Campus Life 2.0 is similar to Campus Life Night, an annual Grand Valley tradition that takes place before the fall semester each year to introduce new students to organizations and campus resources.

For questions, contact the Office of Student Life at (616) 331-2345 or visit www.gvsu.edu/studentlife.

More information here.

Hundreds to gather for FIRST Robotics kick-off event

2013-01-03 00:00:00.0

Hundreds to gather for FIRST Robotics kick-off event

Nearly 550 high school students and parents will gather at Grand Valley State University for the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition kick-off event January 5. About 40 FIRST Robotics teams from high schools throughout West Michigan will learn about this year’s game field and challenge.

The event will include a speech by Apex Controls President Mike TeBos and a live broadcast from the national kick-off event in New Hampshire where FIRST Founder Dean Kamen will help introduce this year’s challenge. Teams will have six weeks to design and build robots to compete in the West Michigan district competition, which will take place at Grand Valley from March 22-23.

FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-off

January 5

Eberhard Center, room 201

Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Doors open at 8 a.m., event begins at 9:30 a.m.

At noon, teams will go to the first floor of Keller Engineering Labs, next to the Eberhard Center, to see game elements and pick up their kits. Rooms will be available for teams who want to start brainstorming.

The 2013 season will include an estimated 2,355 teams — nearly 60,000 high school students — participating in 68 regional and district events worldwide. FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Learn more at www.usfirst.org.

For more information, contact Ken Platteschorre, who coordinates the FIRST Robotics West Michigan Competition, at ken.platteschorre@haworth.com or (616)890-7094.

Grand Valley ranked in top 10 in state

2012-12-28 00:00:00.0

Grand Valley ranked in top 10 in state

Grand Valley State University has been ranked in the top 10 of colleges and universities in the state by StateUniversity.com.

The StateUniversity.com ranking is based on statistical analysis and comparison of student/faculty ratio, student retention, test scores and other critical factors.

The complete ranking list can be found here.

Grand Valley mourns the passing of Robert C. Pew II

2012-12-22 00:00:00.0

Grand Valley mourns the passing of Robert C. Pew II

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of longtime supporter Robert C. Pew II, who died Saturday, Dec. 22, in Palm Beach, Florida. He was 89 years old.

Pew supported the university from its beginning and served on its Board of Control from 1985 to 1988. He helped lead the expansion of Grand Valley into downtown Grand Rapids by working to secure land and funding that enabled the creation of the Eberhard Center and the Meijer Public Broadcast Center, which are located on what is now the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Pew lent his support to Grand Valley’s new library project. The Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons is named for his wife of 60 years, and is currently under construction on the Allendale Campus. His son, Robert C. Pew III, served on the Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1994. He succeeded his father and was the first alumnus appointed to the Board. Pew's daughter, Kate Pew Wolters, currently serves on the Board.

“We are so very grateful for Bob Pew’s life of leadership and service,” Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas said. “Bob and his family believe in education and the promise of future generations, and they back that belief up with donations of their time, their talent and their treasure, and Grand Valley students will benefit for years to come. This whole community benefits from Bob Pew’s efforts, and we will greatly miss him.”

Pew received an honorary doctorate from Grand Valley and was inducted into the Grand Valley State University Hall of Fame in 1980. The Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons will open fall 2013 and that, along with the Pew Grand Rapids campus, will serve as a lasting tribute to the Pew legacy.