Success Stories 2016
December 2016: Lynn "Chick" Blue
Chick Blue, Vice-President for Enrollment Development, has been with Grand Valley State University for 48 years. Well known for her commitment to students and their education, Chick remains passionate about her work and is a driving force here at GVSU in helping students become successful adults. Read more about Chick
September 2016: Jerry Baltes
Grand Valley State University track and field coach Jerry Baltes has been the head coach for eighteen years. Between family, cross country and track and field, Jerry is one busy man overseeing 180 students with help from five assistant coaches. Jerry and his coaching staff are constantly planning meets and keeping tabs on student grades and overall well-being. Though very busy, he still carves out time to stay active, practice mindfulness and eat a balanced diet. Read more about Jerry
August 2016: Pam and Clark Wells
Pam and Clark Wells are professors in the Department of Mathematics at Grand Valley State University. Pam primarily teaches mathematics courses for future elementary teachers, focusing on both content and pedagogy, while Clark teaches primarily calculus and advanced courses for mathematics majors. Both are involved on campus. Read more about Pam and Clark
July 2016: Angela Amerson
Angela Amerson, Academic Coordinator in Diagnostic and Treatment Sciences at Grand Valley, used to weigh over 340 lbs. When she was young, she continually struggled with her weight and as she grew older she maintained a heavier frame, and continued the upward weight trend. After careful thought and consideration... Read more about Angela
June 2016: MarcQus Wright
MarcQus Wright, Director of TRiO Student Support services, started working in the Housing Department at Grand Valley in 2005. A positive man with a healthy mindset, MarcQus maintains his healthy mindset by practicing mindfulness. Read more about MarcQus
April 2016: Financial IQ Winners
The GVSU Human Resources Health & Wellness teamed up with TIAA-CREF to host the “Save Up Your Savings Challenge” during the month of February... The winners of the challenge are now revealed! Congratulations Robyn Toth, Lisa Surman-Haight, and Alexianna Mundy! Read more about Robyn, Lisa, and Alexianna
March 2016: Kathleen VanderVeen
Many people think they will never need to worry about eldercare. They make the plans to care for their parents themselves, saying they would never place them in a nursing home. But plans can change, at least they did for Kathleen VanderVeen. Read more about Kathleen
February 2016: Kristina Mack
Though she prides herself on being a student, GVSU chemistry professor, and a mother, Kristina Mack is more than what others can see and, at times, more than she can see herself. Read more about Kristina
January 2016: Scott Grissom
Scott Grissom, who has been a Professor of Computer Science at Grand Valley since 1999, attributes much of his success in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to Grand Valley’s health coaching service which he has been participating in for five years. Read more about Scott