Spring 2023

Meeting students where they are

If John Wen had a superpower, it would be adaptability. Wen is a textbook example of who leaders had in mind when they designed the accelerated degree program.

Spring 2023|Feature


Read article Grand Valley roots shaped photographer's career

Grand Valley roots shaped photographer's career

Ben Moon '97: Photographer, filmmaker, surfer, cancer survivor. Now based in Oregon, Moon said GVSU served as the foundation for his life of creativity and exploration.

Spring 2023|Feature

Read article Searching for patterns in cold case class

Searching for patterns in cold case class

A unique criminal justice class spent a semester helping Michigan State Police develop leads for unsolved cases.

Spring 2023|Feature

Read article Teaching our teachers

Teaching our teachers

In a changing PK-12 environment, GVSU responds with comprehensive programs to prepare tomorrow's educators.

Spring 2023|Feature


The President's Page

Like Ben Moon, who is featured in this issue, I want each member of our Laker community to carve their own trails, knowing those trails will always lead back to campus.

Spring 2023|The President's Page


Read article Wooster named head football coach

Wooster named head football coach

For three seasons, Scott Wooster was the offensive line/tight end coach and run game coordinator.

Spring 2023|Briefs

Read article Class project has community applications

Class project has community applications

Students collaborated with a Lakeshore coffee company to help reduce its energy consumption and maintain B Corp certification.

Spring 2023|Sustainability

Read article Collectors support gallery's vision of making art accessible to all

Collectors support gallery's vision of making art accessible to all

The pieces from their eclectic collection have helped fill the gap in GVSU's collection and can be seen throughout campus.

Spring 2023|Arts


Laker Letters unveiled as new icon in Allendale

A new set of 5-foot-tall "Laker Letters" was unveiled by Louie the Laker.

Spring 2023|Focal Point / Behind the Lens


Read article Lakers for a Lifetime

Lakers for a Lifetime

We gather to catch up with old friends and make new ones, to keep learning and growing, and to serve our communities and current students. Events take place throughout the year and across the country.

Spring 2023|Alumni Events

Read article Alumnus partners with GVSU to design innovative medical devices

Alumnus partners with GVSU to design innovative medical devices

A product launched by The Patient Company was initially designed by engineering students.

Spring 2023|Alumni Feature

Read article The Value of a Strong Relationship

The Value of a Strong Relationship

The value Kala Gibson '94 places in community has kept him engaged with Grand Valley long after graduation as a donor and now as one of the newest directors of the Grand Valley University Foundation.

Spring 2023|Supporting Future Leaders