Laker Letters unveiled as new icon, rallying point in Allendale

A new set of permanently placed five-foot-tall GVSU “Laker Letters” was unveiled by Louie the Laker Friday, Dec. 2 on the lawn outside the Arend and Nancy Lubbers Student Services Center.

The setting for the blue letters was chosen to provide an iconic backdrop for gatherings and photos that also includes the Cook Carillon Tower and the Mary Idema Pew Library.

“The Laker Letters create not just a great photo opportunity, but a sturdy new icon, a strong rallying point and a renewed sense of pride for our Laker community,” President Philomena V. Mantella said.

Graduating students are encouraged to share their pictures with the new Laker Letters on social media using the hashtag #LakerLetters for the chance for their photos to be displayed prior to the Dec. 10 commencement ceremony.

The painted aluminum letters are anchored in concrete facing North Campus Drive and include a sidewalk that was designed to make them accessible to the entire university community. The scene will be lit at night using energy-efficient LED lamps that are expected to be installed soon.

The Laker Letters were fabricated by Valley City Sign, of Comstock Park. They replace popular, but well-worn foam versions of the letters that moved around Grand Valley’s campuses over the past years before being retired earlier this year.