Alex Priebe, office coordinator for the Brooks College Dean’s Office, is feeling more thankful than ever to be a part of the Laker community.

Priebe is a communication specialist and manages Brooks College's website, social media presence, and newsletters. He also provides administrative support for the Supplemental Writing Skills courses and the Lake Michigan Writing Project, a summer writing camp for students in grades 3-12.

“Grand Valley is an incredible place to work and learn,” Priebe said. “Everywhere you look there are opportunities to learn, grow and connect. I feel very fortunate to work here. I started in 2018, and it quickly became apparent to me why GVSU ranks so highly as a place to work in Michigan.”

Priebe grew up in Zeeland and earned a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking from Michigan State University in 2008. He then spent four years in Turkey working for a nonprofit organization and teaching English. When he returned to the U.S., Priebe started his own photography business, worked in admissions at a university in Colorado and a photo print company before joining Brooks College.

Now working at home, like many other faculty and staff members, Priebe is trying to offer his support in any way he can.

“I'm focusing on ways to support students and our faculty during this adjustment to online teaching,” Priebe said. “With the rapidly evolving situation around COVID-19, I'm also doing my best to keep up with clear communication with the programs I'm involved with.”

And although this situation isn’t ideal, Priebe said he has seen cooperation and kindness.

“Some of the good I've seen come of this includes support for students and student employees who are experiencing financial hardship, delayed deadlines where possible, and frequent updates from our leadership," he said. "Last week, when I found out I would be working at home, the IT team quickly helped me get my computer modified so I could set-up a home office."

When campus resumes regular business, Priebe is looking forward to documenting the making of a beer made by Founders Brewing with help from one of Grand Valley’s design thinking classes, and applying to graduate school at Grand Valley.