I am Grand Valley recognizes Grand Valley students who lead by example. Since 2003, Grand Valley has celebrated these students for their leadership, dedication, and hard work here at Grand Valley. Recipients include student employees, leaders in student organizations, resident assistants, students who excel in the classroom, and more. Anyone in the Grand Valley community can nominate students through a noncompetitive process. I am Grand Valley is an opportunity to thank and honor the student leaders here at Grand Valley and celebrate what it means to be a Laker.

The highly anticipated Leadership Summit returns on Friday, February 7, 2025, reinvigorating the spirit of leadership and empowerment among students from diverse backgrounds. Hosted on-campus, this dynamic conference is a nexus for students, faculty, and professionals to converge, collaborate, and cultivate the next generation of leaders. 

Highlights:

• Inspiring Keynote Addresses: Renowned leaders and change-makers will share their insights and experiences, inspiring attendees to lead purposefully and passionately.

• Interactive Workshops: Engaging workshops led by experts will provide practical tools and strategies for personal and professional development.

• Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations.

• Community Impact Projects: From service initiatives to advocacy campaigns, attendees will have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to create tangible impact in their communities.

Our CliftonStrengths program! Does your organization focus more on what it does wrong than on what it does right? Don't be hard on yourself—that's how our society is wired. This program seeks to begin dismantling a societally imposed deficit mindset that organizations have fallen victim to. Using the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, this program allows participants to explore their unique talents and how they contribute to addressing problems and concerns within their organizations.

Note: This program is hosted by LEAD multiple times throughout the semester and will be available to book for organizations starting Winter 2025.

At Grand Valley State University, we believe that every student has the potential to become a leader in their own right, and the S.A.I.L. series is designed to unlock that potential. S.A.I.L. stands for Students Aspiring in Leadership, encapsulating our commitment to nurturing our students' aspirations to excel in leadership roles on campus and beyond. The S.A.I.L. Leadership Development Series is a dynamic program crafted to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset required to excel as leaders in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Each semester, we introduce a new theme that serves as the guiding beacon for our sessions, ensuring a focused and enriching learning experience.