An orientation program September 7 invites Grand Valley State University students who reside on Grand Rapids' West Side to learn about the areas where they live, work and study.
Grand Neighbor Orientation (GNO) will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Lincoln Park, 1120 Bridge St. in Grand Rapids. Food and refreshments will be provided, as well as opportunities to meet community organizations.
A walking tour around West Side neighborhoods will begin before the start of GNO at 5 p.m.; participants should meet at the courtyard of the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Movie in the Park will follow at 8 p.m.
The program is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Grand Valley's connection to its West Side neighbors. Partnerships and collaborations that have developed organically over the years have set the framework for a more intentional effort, and led to the development of the university's first Civic Action Plan.
Liz Collver, assistant director for Student Life, said students can learn how they can become a part of the West Side at this event.
"It's important for Grand Valley students to have an understanding and appreciation of their neighborhoods," she said. "Living in a community takes effort and awareness, and we hope Grand Neighbor Orientation is just the start of many future relationships between the students who attend this event and their neighbors."
Grand Valley’s relationship with West Side neighborhoods extends beyond residential areas and into the classroom. Read more about Grand Valley's connection to the West Side in Grand Valley Magazine.
GNO, now in its second year, is organized by Grand Valley's Community Service Learning Center in collaboration with multiple West Side neighborhood associations and organizations.
For more information about GNO, contact Liz Collver, assistant director for Student Life, at [email protected].
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