Grand Valley mourns death of WGVU leader

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of Jay Lowe, acting general manager of WGVU Public Media. Lowe died of cancer May 25; he was 59.

Lowe came to Grand Valley in 2015 as assistant general manager of WGVU and was promoted to acting general manager in 2018.

"Jay was a talented and successful broadcast manager, respected and loved by his colleagues at WGVU and WZZM-TV 13, where he worked for 30 years," said Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations. "Jay was thoughtful, generous and a splendid gentleman, husband and father. His departure leaves a void at WGVU that will be difficult to fill."  

In 2017, Lowe was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with the Silver Circle Award for his longtime service in the television industry. 

Lowe received a master's degree from Grand Valley and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Colleen, and their sons Nathan (Molly) and Mitchell (Mikaela).

Visitation will take place May 29 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave SE in Grand Rapids from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a rosary prayer at 8 p.m. 

A funeral Mass will be held May 30 at 11 a.m. at IHM Church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Our Shepherds, Our Future Capital Campaign c/o Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or the IHM Killgoar Foundation.

More details can be found at this link.