The Connection named for Vice President Blue

At its November 2 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Connection on the Allendale Campus as the Lynn M. Blue Connection, in honor of Lynn "Chick" Blue, vice president for Enrollment Development. 

Blue is the longest-serving employee at Grand Valley, achieving the 50-year mark in September. She was instrumental in designing the Connection, a 24,000-square-foot-building which opened in 2010 on the south end of campus that includes dining, classrooms and study areas.

President Thomas J. Haas said throughout her career, Blue has made it her mission to advocate for students.

"The Lynn M. Blue Connection is a place where students come together both academically and socially, which is a perfect fit given Chick's longtime dedication to student success and focus on their overall well-being."

Blue said during much of her time at Grand Valley she has worked to increase academic space.

"When Housing began talking about a new food concession on south campus, I worked with the team to add a second floor to the proposed building," Blue said. "The plan included two classrooms and two computing classrooms along with a large open space for student gathering and studying. Doing so would bring hundreds of students into the building throughout the day, and with smart scheduling, the courses in the classrooms would be those in high demand by the residents in the adjacent housing. The name Connection befits the whole idea."

Blue said the most recent change makes the name even more fitting. Disability Support Resources will occupy part of the second floor, providing critical support to students, faculty and staff members. There is a new testing center that is large, open and easy to access. The Lynn M. Blue Connection is also on the bus route and has ample parking at the entrance to the building. Elevator access and accessible restrooms are located at the entrance from the parking lot. 

Haas said Blue's passion to help students is seen in all facets of her work. In January 2018, Blue established The Blue Working Family Endowed Scholarship to assist students who have graduated from Michigan high schools, yet are unable to attend college because of economic reasons. 

In 2005, she established the Persistence Pals program for students from Detroit's University Preparatory Academy. The program provides support and resources for students at risk of not completing a degree.

Blue came to work for Grand Valley in 1968 as a clerk typist. She has held several positions, including director of Records and Registration, registrar, and vice provost and dean for Academic Services. She was named vice president for Enrollment Development in May 2015, a newly created position focusing on enrollment management.