Articles by Mary Eilleen Lyon
Blue announces retirement from Grand Valley after 50 years
When Lynn "Chick" McNamara Blue was hired at Grand Valley State University as a clerk typist in 1968, she was put on a six-month probation. Her performance must have been acceptable because she is now a vice president and will break the record for the longest-serving employee when she passes the 50-year mark in September. While she noted she is definitely a Laker for a Lifetime, Blue announced she will stop showing up at the office each day at the end of this year.
Mar 12, 2018
Grand Valley's President Haas announces retirement in 2019
Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas announced he will retire, effective June 30, 2019. He became the university's fourth president in 2006 and has led Grand Valley through a steady period of managed growth and success. He has consistently credited his wife, Marcia, for her support of him and the university, and he has always led with the idea that students come first.
Feb 28, 2018
Message from President Thomas J. Haas
President Thomas J. Haas sent a message to the campus community February 16.
Feb 16, 2018
Grand Valley Board joins Spectrum Health in approving joint parking ramp
Grand Valley, Spectrum Health System and the city of Grand Rapids moved a step closer to jointly addressing the parking issues along and around the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids. The university's Board of Trustees joined Spectrum Health in formally approving a parking ramp that will be built on land owned by the institutions on Michigan Street.
Feb 2, 2018
Grand Valley State mourns loss of John Canepa, business leader, philanthropist
Grand Valley State University leaders join others in West Michigan mourning the loss of John Canepa, who died January 25. Canepa used his business acumen and his generosity to change the landscape of the city and to support the university with fierce dedication.
Jan 25, 2018
GVSU appoints new vice president for finance
President Thomas J. Haas announced the appointment of Gregory Sanial as the university's new vice president for Finance. Sanial is currently the chief of staff in the United States Coast Guard Fifth District (Virginia), having previously served as the Coast Guard's budget director, overseeing an $11 billion budget.
Jan 2, 2018
GVSU Accountability Report shows continued strong performance
Grand Valley's annual Accountability Report shows the university is delivering on its promise of a quality public education for students, and is a public good for the people of Michigan.
Nov 3, 2017
Grand Valley mourns supporter Helen DeVos
The Grand Valley State University community is mourning the death of Helen DeVos, one of the university's most steadfast supporters. The wife of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos died October 18, at age 90.
Oct 19, 2017
GVSU enrollment again tops 25,000
Grand Valley State University hit its enrollment goals with regard to total enrollment, first-year students, transfer students and minority students. More than 4,000 freshmen have enrolled at the university for six years in a row. This is one of the highest first-year enrollments in the state, as Michigan continues to see a decline in the number of high school graduates.
Sep 7, 2017
Grand Valley community mourns Judith Hooker, dedicated philanthropist and community supporter
A lifelong community supporter and philanthropist, Judy had a major role in the growth and progress of the university.
Aug 15, 2017
