Students to celebrate founders, donors of Grand Valley

The Laker Traditions Team and Student Alumni Association are teaming up to host several events October 22-26 to celebrate the founders and supporters of Grand Valley. 

On October 25, students will celebrate the 282 individuals who came together to the start the vision for Grand Valley 60 years ago. The sixth annual Founders Day celebration will take place at the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale Campus from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., where campus community members can stop by to decorate cookies and learn more about the university's founding. 

On October 25, 1958, Bill Seidman, recognized as the founder of Grand Valley, convened individuals to discuss what an institution of higher education would look like in the Grand Rapids area. In 1960, Grand Valley became Michigan's 10th state-supported college. 

Students will have the opportunity to celebrate the thousands of donors who support and give to Grand Valley during GVS(You) Week, October 22-26. The annual week, in its sixth year, is organized by the Student Alumni Association and Laker For a Lifetime initiative. 

Some events are highlighted below; see a full schedule at www.gvsu.edu/saa/gvsyou-week-8.htm. 

• October 22 - Laker Pride Day, Allendale Campus. Prizes will be handed out around campus to those wearing Grand Valley gear. 

• October 23 - Get the Scoop on Philanthropy, 5-7 p.m., Kirkhof Center Lounge. Stop by for ice cream, meet alumni donors and play Grand Valley trivia games. 

• October 24 - Thank-a-thon, Grand Rapids. Stop by the tables in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or the Seidman Center from 2-4 p.m. to thank a donor.