We Look Forward To Celebrating With You!
GVSU is Michigan’s most impactful regional university—because of you.
We were built to meet the needs of our community. Together, we have empowered learners and shaped a bold future. Join us as we celebrate our collective impact and look to the future. Through self-guided exploration of curated zones and interactive experiences, the Reach Higher Celebration on April 17 will highlight how Grand Valley is Michigan’s most impactful regional university—Together, let’s celebrate our collective impact and look to the future!
Complimentary appetizers, beer and wine, and other beverages.
Day of the Event:
Thursday, April 17, 2025
2-5 p.m.
Richard M. DeVos Center
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.
President's Kickoff Remarks
Loosemore Auditorium
2:30 - 5 p.m.
Reach Higher Celebration
DeVos Plaza
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GVx Talks
| Spotlight | Presenters | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding GVSU's Reach Across the State /Omni at GVSU | Kara Van Dam, Al Shifflett, and Shannon Owen | 2:40 - 2:50 p.m. |
| Navigating Academic and Professional Excellence /The CLAS Voyage | Janet Vigna | 3:00 - 3:10 p.m. |
| Shaping the Future of Rural Primary Care / Integrating Behavioral Health into Rural Care | Teresa Bacon-Baguley, Andrew Booth, Jill Ellis, Amanda Reddy, and Martina Reinhold | 3:20 - 3:30 p.m. |
| Bridging Educational Communities /HBCU/HSI Consortium | B. Donta Truss and Adebayo Ogundipe | 3:40 - 3:50 p.m. |
| Transforming Grand Rapids into a Tech Epicenter /Blue Dot Ecosystem | Laura Aikens and Marouane Kessentini | 4:00 - 4:10 p.m. |
| Redefining Possibilities for Black Boys and Men /Black Boys and Men National Symposium | LuWanna Williams and Adam Harris | 4:20 - 4:30 p.m. |
GV Spotlight Conversations
| Spotlight | Presenters | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| A Path to Affordable Learning /GVSU SAVE | Tony Glaab and Riley Gessler | 2:50 - 3:00 p.m. |
| Tuition-Free Academic Excellence /GV Pledge | Amanda Krebs and Nayeli Mora | 3:10 - 3:20 p.m. |
| Cultivating Future Educators /Addressing the Teacher Shortage | Adrianna Lynn and Mary Kay Murphy | 3:30 - 3:40 p.m. |
| Empowering Through High-Impact Virtual Tutoring /EQPD | Amirah Vosburgh and Tyler Peery | 3:50 - 4:00 p.m. |
| From Classroom to Career: Removing Obstacles to Real-World Success / Laker Accelerated Talent Link | Dana Hebreard, Aislinn Spaman, and Aliesje Knight | 4:10 - 4:20 p.m. |
| Co-Designing Nursing Education to Meet Healthcare Needs / West Michigan Academic-Practice Nursing Collaborative | Linda Lewandowski, Jaclynn Lubbers, and Susanne Woltschlaeger-Brooks | 4:30 - 4:45 p.m. |
Interactive Experiences
| Spotlight | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Empowering Students to Tell Stories that Matter /Student Reporting Labs | Ongoing |
| Making Learning Collaborative and Accessible /Knowledge Market: Peer-to-Peer Support | Ongoing |
| Redefining Possibilities for Black Boys and Men /Black Boys and Men National Symposium | Ongoing |
| Scaling Student-Designed Financial Literacy /REP4 FinLit | Ongoing |
| The Transformative Power of Students Research and Creativity /Graduate Programs | Ongoing |
Experiential Walkthroughs
| Spotlight | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Creating Inclusive Futures /Inclusion and Equity Institute | Ongoing |
| Fueling Entrepreneurial Dreams /ElevateWest Business Accelerator | Ongoing |
| Giving Learners Control Over Their Pathways /Digital Credential Wallet | Ongoing |
| Supporting Dimensions Wellness /Step Into Student Well-Being | Ongoing |