New group supports family members of students

Thousands of new students left home last month to attend Grand Valley, which can be a tough transition for some family members. 

The Grand Family Network serves as a resource and support system for parents and family members who have a student attending the university. 

"We chose to call it a network because we want parents and family members to feel connected to each other and the university," said LeaAnn Tibbe, associate director of Student Life and co-chair of the Grand Family Network. 

Tibbe, and co-chair Rhonda LeMieux, administrative assistant for Dean of Students, worked with a group of graduate students in the College Student Affairs Leadership program to research existing programs and develop a proposal. Tibbe said the network stems from the need for more frequent and consistent communication with family members. 

"We do a lot to connect with families in the summer during New Student Orientation, but oftentimes we don't connect with them again until commencement, at the end of a student's college experience," said Tibbe. "We have to build deeper connections because parents and family members are our advocates." 

The Grand Family Network will host its first event September 17 during Family Day. The tailgate event will take place in the Fieldhouse at 5 p.m., prior to the football game at 7 p.m. It will feature a performance by the Laker Marching Band. President Thomas J. Haas and his wife Marcia will attend, as well as Louie the Laker.