Library exhibit offers advice for new students

Beginning a college career can be an intimidating time for first-year students, but a new exhibit in the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons aims to relieve this stress by offering advice and encouragement from the Grand Valley community.

The “Letters for Lakers” exhibit, which runs through September 23 in the library’s Exhibition Space, lets students take a letter from one of the approximately 250 envelopes on display. The letters contain encouraging messages, reflections and memories related to the college experience from Grand Valley faculty, staff, students and alumni. One special letter was written by President Thomas J. Haas and his wife, Marcia.

“The Grand Valley community is so special and everyone is truly trying to do their part to support our students and provide them with opportunities for learning and growth,” said Erin Fisher, library program manager. “As a new student on a large campus, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. We hope this exhibit provides students with a sense of community during the first few weeks of the fall semester.” 

Selecting a letter isn’t the only way students can engage with the exhibit. They can also write inspirational messages on Post-it notes for others, send a personal postcard to a friend or family member, or write their own letters to their future selves.

For more information, contact Emily Frigo at [email protected] or (616) 331-7343.