GVSU celebrates International Women's Day

As the world celebrates International Women's Day March 8, Grand Valley State University is commemorating its own women who are leaders, pioneers and mentors. 

Grand Valley enrolls, graduates and employs strong women who are celebrated every day. Their impact and accomplishments can be felt around the world. Here are just a few examples: 

Breaking barriers in STEM fields

Women who are Grand Valley alumnae, faculty members and students are breaking traditional barriers and closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Leah Olsen, ’07, is an example; she was drawn to engineering by a love of math and art. Why is it important to hire women engineers and women faculty who teach engineering courses? Read about it in the most recent issue of Grand Valley Magazine .

Student starts second internship at NASA

Engineering major Amanda Stark aimed for the stars and landed pretty close, earning an internship with NASA in Langley, Virginia for the second time.

Documentary recounts stories of women who played baseball in WWII

A team of Grand Valley students and faculty members produced a documentary ensuring the voices of women who played baseball during World War II are heard and saved for posterity. Women who played for the Grand Rapids Chicks and other teams not only advanced sports for future generations of women, but played an important role in the war effort. While movie fans know of "A League of Their Own," this documentary tells the stories of women who were pioneers in the sport.

Women's hockey player uses teammates for research

Allied health sciences major Karyn Schmaltz has combined a research project with the sport she plays. Schmaltz used teammates from the Grand Valley women's hockey team and players from the men's team to help her research shift length and energetics during a collegiate hockey game. Knowing how many calories are burned during a game, Schmaltz said, will help players with hydration and nutrition. The women's hockey team is set to play in the ACHA Division I national tournament in Kalamazoo March 9-10.

In addition, the Women's Center organizes educational events and activities during Women's History Month, and the university's Women's Commission has been advocating for all women at Grand Valley for nearly 20 years.