Celebrating University & Community Contributions

Throughout her tenure at GVSU, Dr. Connie Dang has played an instrumental role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity on our campus. At GVSU, Connie has served as Office Assistant to the Human Resources Office, Affirmative Action, and University Counsel; Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs; Special Assistant to the Vice President for Inclusive Community Outreach; and Senior Inclusion and Equity Officer. Her tireless efforts have contributed to making GVSU a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. Dr. Dang’s dedication and leadership have been pivotal in fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, strengthening our commitment to social justice.

Beyond her remarkable work within the GVSU community, Dr. Dang has also made significant contributions to the wider community and the state of Michigan throughout her career. Her involvement and leadership in numerous initiatives and organizations including: Committee to Honor César E. Chávez co-chairing the Committee consists of the partnership of seven higher education institutions in Michigan, K-12 schools, and local organizations focusing on providing access and affordability to Hispanic/Latinx students; Community Inclusion Group, champion efforts in being Western Michigan’s premier multicultural enjoyment and entertainment venues (Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall); Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, appointed by Michigan governor; Historical Society of Michigan, Board of Trustees; Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Vice Chair and Commissioner; Grand Rapids/Zapopan Sister City Delegation in Mexico; ten-day Kakehashi Asian American Leadership Program in Japan, sponsored by the Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Michigan Governor’s Global Michigan Initiative Uniting Communities Committee, to name a few. This community involvement has allowed her to serve as a catalyst for positive change beyond our campus borders. By engaging with various community partners, Dr. Dang has made a lasting impact and advocated for underrepresented voices in society.

Some of Dr. Dang’s greatest accomplishments include:

• Co-developed the inaugural faculty-led study abroad program to Vietnam
• Developed a new coursework in East Asian Studies, EAS 333 Vietnam: History, Culture, and Society
• Developed the inaugural Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Celebration at GVSU
• Co-led the development of the inaugural Asian, Black, and Latino Faculty and staff Affinity groups
• Developed the inaugural Asian Student Orientation and Asian Student Achievement programs 
• Led the development of the inaugural Laker Familia Orientation for Latinx students and families
• Advised and led the creation of the first Asian sorority at GVSU, Delta Phi Lambda
• Advised and led the creation of the first Vietnamese Cultural Association at GVSU
• Endowed the Phạm Đình Thám Memorial Endowed Scholarship (in honoring the life and legacy of Dang’s father), supporting Vietnamese students with the cost of their education at GVSU
• Co-created the non-profit Community to Honor César E. Chávez organization

Learn more about Connie

• Annual event celebrates legacy of Cesar Chavez - 2021
• GVSU 60 for 60: Connie Dang - 2021
• Governor appoints Dang to task force to study COVID-19 racial disparities - 2020
• Powerful Women: Let's Talk (WGVU) - 2020
• Orientations for new students of color focus on building community - 2020
• Staff, faculty member on front line confronting xenophobia, racism around COVID-19 - 2020
• GVSU Inclusion & Equity Leadership Spotlight: Connie Dang - 2020
• OMA to celebrate three decades of service - 2018
• Award ceremony honors LGBT community influencers - 2017
• Celebration of Asian American culture planned - 2017
• Laker Familia welcomes students to campus - 2015
• Black Lives Matter series continues with panel discussion - 2015
• Women Leading: Connie Dang - 2014
• Asian Affinity Group meets - 2014
• New affinity groups focus on faculty, staff of color - 2014
• Few Asian Americans fill higher ed leadership roles - 2013
• GVSU events will celebrate Asian Pacific heritage - 2013
• Delegation travels to South Korea - 2012
• First cohort completes University Leadership program - 2012
• Vietnam vets finally welcomed home - 2010
• State committee on Asian affairs meets at Grand Valley - 2010
• OMA director to present Her Story - 2010
• GVSU celebrates Asian Pacific American heritage - 2008

Dr. Dang and her brother established the Pham Dinh Tham Dominic Memorial Scholarship in honor of their father. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist Vietnamese students with the cost of their education at GVSU. Contribute in Connie's honor by selecting GVUF: Pham Dinh Tham Dominic Memorial Scholarship.