In 1991, Steve Schlicker joined the GVSU faculty in the department of mathematics.  In the 33 years since, he has taught almost every course the department offers, led dozens of undergraduate research projects, written several textbooks and many articles, served in a wide range of important leadership roles (including 6 years as department chair), and made a big positive difference in the lives of his students and colleagues.  As he enters retirement following the 2023-24 academic year, we talked with Steve about his professional life and experiences and share that conversation  here as a celebration of his career.

When Steve was an undergraduate student at Michigan State, he was a first-generation college student and he found himself without a support system for advice and career choices.  He knew he wanted to have his profession focused on something academic, so he took courses in many different disciplines to determine his interest.  After ruling out every other subject he studied, mathematics was the one he enjoyed most.  He also worked as a TA while an undergraduate and found he enjoyed teaching; he even went on to earn his certificate for being a high school teacher.  While he had an exceptional student teaching experience at the International School of Amsterdam, he realized that teaching at the secondary level wasn’t really for him. 

Unsure of what else he might do with his math degree, he had a conversation with his academic advisor, who showed him how he could afford to go to graduate school through graduate or teaching assistantships, and Steve did just that, in part because he knew that he liked being a student. Serving as a graduate TA cemented the idea that he liked teaching at the college level, and mathematics became the vehicle for his long college teaching career.

After finishing graduate school, Steve took his first faculty position at Luther College.  After a few years there, in an effort to move closer to family and support his wife’s search for a new job, Steve applied to a small number of universities, one of which was Grand Valley.  In his words, coming to Grand Valley “turned out to be a good decision.” 

Steve shared that two of the most enjoyable aspects of his work have been collaborating with students and colleagues. He has cherished the opportunity to teach a variety of courses, as well as to have been able to do research with students, observing that “it’s a joy to watch students grow and develop.”  Another aspect of GVSU that has been important to him has been the opportunity to set his own path and follow what he’s felt is important in his teaching and professional activity.  Steve notes with gratitude that GVSU has encouraged that freedom.

When asked about particularly special memories from his time at GVSU, Steve commented, “There are many events that will stick with me, but I’ll mention only two. One is the joy I had working with students and colleagues in our REU program. It was an honor to be able to introduce these outstanding students to mathematical research. The second item is participating in the teaching abroad program in Tanzania. I’m grateful to Lisa Kasmer for allowing me the opportunity to observe our prospective teachers thrive in this environment, and for making that program such an enriching experience.”

As he looks forward to retirement, Steve notes that while he’ll miss regular interaction with students and colleagues, and the continuing challenges that teaching presents, he’s excited to spend more time with his wife, son, and grandson, as well as more time gardening, biking, cooking, traveling, and playing golf and pickleball.

In closing, Steve shared that “I’d like to thank all my students over the years for allowing me to be a part of their lives. I hope I’ve had, in at least some small measure, a positive influence on them.”

Steve, on behalf of all your department colleagues and your students, we thank you for your many years of dedicated work and service to the department and university and for all of the ways that you helped improve the teaching and learning of mathematics at Grand Valley.  We wish you a long and pleasant retirement.