Celebrate grand opening of faculty-staff Laker Club with complimentary lunch

The Laker Club, a new dining option for faculty and staff members, will offer a complimentary lunch buffet to faculty and staff members on November 21-22.

It's the soft opening for the dining space. The Laker Club will open for regular hours November 28. Located on the upper level of Commons, with an entrance from the Mackinac Hall courtyard, the restaurant will offer buffet options provided by Fresh Food Co. It replaces the former Faculty/Staff Dining Room in the Kirkhof Center.

President Philomena V. Mantella invites faculty and staff to grab lunch and find those important opportunities to connect, or reconnect with colleagues.

"These spaces and moments to be together in community are so important to who we are at Grand Valley," Mantella said. "We are excited to see many familiar and new faces enjoy a meal or a break in the new Laker Club together. I also would like to thank the teams from Laker Food Co. and Facilities Planning for the tremendous job renovating this space."

Reservations are needed during lunch hours on November 21-22. Visit gvsu.edu/rsvp/lakerclub to RSVP; three seating options are available. 

Provost Fatma Mili said providing this space for faculty and staff goes a long way in revitalizing connections.

"I hope we all make it the go-to place anytime we need to satisfy our hunger for food, for new ideas, and for friendly support," Mili said.

Felix Ngassa, professor of chemistry and chair of the University Academic Senate, said he hopes university colleagues will view the Laker Club as a "relaxed environment that encourages rapport and fosters a sense of belonging to the campus community."

"One way of promoting a sense of community is by engaging with many colleagues across campus and what better way than over a meal in a relaxed environment dedicated to faculty and staff," Ngassa said.

Laker Club details

• When the Laker Club opens for regular hours on November 28, reservations are not needed. 
• The cost for an all-you-care-to-eat buffet will be $10. Support the cashless campus system by using credit cards or dining dollars. 
• The menu will change daily and include hot and cold entree selections and hot and cold beverages.
• Faculty and staff are encouraged to invite a student to lunch.
• The Laker Club is open to faculty and staff and their guests.
• Regular hours of the Laker Club are Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters. 
• Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and complimentary snacks and beverages will be available from 1:30-4 p.m.