GVSU in 2024: A review of the headlines, images and moments

Dec 17, 2024

When we look back at 2024 at GVSU, it was perpetual motion punctuated by quiet moments – innovation interspersed with timelessness.

GVSU in photos, 2024

A line of football players run across a football field. They are seen from the ground looking up.

Lakers warm up before a game.

This photo essay captures the year for Lakers.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR

On display: visionary digital literacy

People look at a 3D representation of a person on the screen.

Tech Week GR featured a digital 3D representation of President Philomena V. Mantella as she talked about the role of the Blue Dot ecosystem in Grand Valley’s future.

Grand Valley showcased its groundbreaking research and innovations in emerging technology during Tech Week GR. Read about this work as part of Blue Dot and the significant impact on students as well as West Michigan.

A long-awaited home debut for women's wrestling

One wrestler on a mat flips the other as a referee and spectators look on.

The Lakers on November 16 hosted their inaugural dual meet, taking on Northern Michigan at the Fieldhouse Arena.

The inaugural home meet for the women's wrestling team was both historic and triumphant. Relive this special day for the Lakers .

FinLit: A money-management tool developed by and for Gen Z

One person uses a marker to sign a large cardboard check held by another person. Both are smiling.

Grand Valley students Kevin Wong, left, and Joy Murerwa signed the check from Fifth Third Foundation's nearly $2 million commitment on October 8. Murerwa made remarks during the announcement.

The Fifth Third Foundation and Grand Valley announced that the foundation has committed nearly $2 million, one of its largest investments to an individual program, to FinLit, a financial literacy tool designed to help students learn about money management. Find out more about FinLit, which began as an idea pitch through REP4, a national alliance founded by Grand Valley and other higher education partners across the country.

A solar and campus sensation

A large group of people gathers to use special glasses to observe the solar eclipse.

The solar eclipse drew a crowd to a campus event.

An event hosted by the Physics Department to safely view April's solar eclipse drew more than 1,000 people to the center of campus. Find out more about this gathering, one that some longtime Lakers observed was also a phenomenon for its size and participation .

Commencement

A large group of seated people wearing blue graduation caps are seen from above.

A sea of Lakers attend the Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony.

Each year, some of the top-read GVNext stories are about Commencement, and it's easy to see why. Folks love reading about the stories behind some of our graduates and looking at the photos captured – images that highlight the emotion and sense of accomplishment that come with earning a degree.

Winter 2024 Commencement: Stories about our graduates and photos from the ceremonies

Fall 2024 Commencement: Stories about our graduates and photos from the ceremony