Upcoming Events

June 13 Raleigh/Durham Alumni @ Habitat for Humanity

June 18 Career Services Alumni Event

June 20 Raleigh/Durham Alumni @ Durham Bulls Game

June 24 Life 101 - What You Didn't Learn in College, Young Alumni Event

July 11 Sleep Inn & Suites All-Alumni Benefit Golf Outing

July 11 Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade

July 15 West Michigan Whitecaps Game

July 26 Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game

July 27 Young Alumni Volunteer Project at Camp Blodgett

August 6-8 United Stage Theater Event

August 25-Freshman Move In

August 27 - 30 West Texas Alumni Trip

October 17 Homecoming

Stephen Leppard, ’00, arrived at Grand Valley in the fall of 1997, after receiving a Bachelors degree in Biology from Albion College. As a graduate student Leppard lived downtown during his three years of working on a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, spending much of his time in the labs and his clinical rotations. He developed close relationships with professors Dan Vaughn and Barb Hoogenboom, crediting them both for their positive impact on students. In addition to close contacts and mentorships he formed with professors, he also met his wife of 4 1/2 years Ryane (Eno) Leppard, '98, '01 at Grand Valley. She too is a physical therapist in Kalamazoo. Graduating in April of 2000 he started his career as a Physical Therapist in Chicago. A native of the Plainwell area, he has been back in the Kalamazoo area for the past seven years and is currently the Assistant Clinic Director at Physiotherapy Associates. Part of his role is to coordinate physical therapy student rotations for the eleven Physiotherapy Associates clinics in the Kalamazoo area. Currently, he has two first year and two third year GVSU PT students working in his clinics. Leppard stays connected with Grand Valley in various ways; his favorite is mentoring students. He also maintains connections with many professors and provides internships for students at his practice. Leppard maintains connections with professor Dan Vaughn and also takes students for internships at his practice. Though his educational path seems prudent and reasonably traditional, Leppard is in no way complacent. A seeker of change and adventure, he works to make an impact in life, constantly striving for meaningful experiences. In the summer of 2008 he organized a fundraiser titled “Padding for Josh.” Raising money for a patient of Leopard’s who has cerebral palsy, he and Brandon Gerardy. '05 raced in the 61st Annual Au Sable Canoe Marathon, a 120 mile overnight canoe race from Grayling to Lake Huron that took over 17 hours. When the race was over, not only had Leppard experienced an amazing adventure race but also raised over $1,600 for a patient in need. Recognized for his selfless efforts, he was nominated by the Kalamazoo Rotary for a vocational exchange hosted by Rotary International. Each local Rotary group could nominate one young person, between the ages of 25 and 40 years that has been in their profession for over two years and has had a profound impact on the community. Stephen was selected as that one person for the Kalamazoo community. Out of 100 nominees in the state, and through a selection process including written essays and interviews, he was chosen as one of four outstanding individuals to represent the State of Michigan. His exchange counterparts were a High School Spanish teacher, a freelance journalist and a consultant working with nonprofit organizations. Each was an ambassador for the State, and for their respective professions. There for the entire month of April 2009 the journey consisted of vocational visits in five different cities in Argentina.  The exchange participants would break apart in the towns for their personalized vocation visits. One of his more memorable experiences was spending a day with the Physical Therapist responsible for training Velez Sarsfield, a professional soccer team. For Leppard, this was an opportunity to see high level physical therapy for a professional sports team that could be compared to the Bears, or Red Sox in the United States, and seeing the treatment for the teams was unique to observe similarities in physical therapy from one area to another. Ultimately, for Leppard the trip was hard to summarize. The people in Argentina were so very warm, weloming, and generous. What felt like six weeks in each city was actually only six days. Overall, however, what Leppard learned is that “so often people get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing day after day. Life goes fast. I encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and do something that challenges them. It makes life richer,” says Leppard.  Full Story

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2009 Sleep Inn and Suites All Alumni Benefit Golf Outing Set for July 11

July 11 is right around the corner which means it's time for you to get your foursome together for the 2009 GVSU Sleep Inn and Suites All-Alumni Benefit Golf Outing.  Join us at the Meadows (named as one of the top 25 college courses in the U.S.) for 18 holes of golf, a GV logo item, refreshments, and a post-event BBQ and awards ceremony.  The cost is $95 with proceeds benefiting the Learning and Information Commons, a new library for the 21st century and centerpiece of Shaping Our Future:  The Campaign for Grand Valley State University. The event gets underway at 1:30 pm with a shotgun start.   

For more information or to sign up to play, sponsor or volunteer  (dinner and refreshments provided) please contact alumni@gvsu.edu.
 
Instructional Program Added for 2009
Looking to learn some new skills to get your game up to par?  Then our instructional program is for you.  For $50, enjoy instruction from a Meadows staff member, a beginners kit, and a BBQ dinner with participants of the 2009 GVSU Sleep Inn and Suites All-Alumni Benefit Golf Outing.  Start time is 3:30 p.m.  All instruction will take place at The Meadows Practice Facility. 

Life 101: What You Didn't Learn in College

Your wish. Our command. Young Alumni have asked for exciting programming at a low cost, in downtown Grand Rapids. We one-upped that. For $10 get unlimited food, two drink tickets, socializing and networking with GVSU young alumni and access to six different life-skill sessions with dynamic speakers discussing exciting topics - topics requested by young alumni. Want to be more "green" in your everyday life? Need budgeting tips & advice? Interested in cooking nutritious, easy & cheap meals?

Presented by the Young Alumni Council, Life 101 is a chance to attend informational sessions on topics relevant to young alumni.  Join the fun on June 24 at the Eberhard Center. Reception starts at 5:15 p.m. and the first breakout sessions begin at 6:00 p.m. See session topics and RSVP  for the event by June 19th.

Volunteers Part of Award Winning Program

Thanks to nearly 500 volunteers taking part in volunteer opportunities this past academic year, the Office of Alumni Relations has been selected to receive a bronze medal for its Alumni Volunteer Recognition Program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.  The medal was one of 12 awards presented out of 127 entries.  Thank you volunteers for what you do!

Enrichment 2009-An Evening of Celebration

A record number alumni, community friends, donors, faculty, staff and retirees enjoyed a gala event last evening at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.  The annual Enrichment Dinner, hosted by the Grand Valley University Foundation, highlighted the numerous positive things happening at Grand Valley and also celebrated those whose gifts are creating opportunities and changing lives of students at the University. Thank you to all those who participated in the celebration. 

Raleigh/Durham Alumni Club Events

The Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina Alumni Club, led by Jackie McLaughlin, '03  is hosting two events in June.

June 13: Volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity, GVSU alumni and friends and Agape Ministries. Help a family in need of a home. RSVP / Information.  June 20:  Durham Bulls baseball game against the Pawtucket Red Sox. RSVP / Information.

Alumni Workshop Offered by Career Services

There's still time to sign up for the Career Services alumni workshop on Thursday, June 18th.   The event will run from 9 a.m.-11a.m.   Several professional staffing firms will be on hand to help you revitalize your job search and present new options. An investment professional will be available to discuss COBRA, rollovers, retirement planning, etc. This event is held on the Pew campus in Building C of the DeVos Center on the main floor. For more information and to arrange for a parking pass, contact the Career Services office at 616-331-6708. Whether you recently graduated or are in the middle of a career change, take advantage of the great resources available at this workshop!

GVSU in the Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade

Walk with Louie the Laker, GVSU cheerleaders and alumni, family and friends in the Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade on July 11. Enjoy a pre-parade breakfast during line-up at 9:30 a.m. and walk in the parade proudly representing GVSU. Sign up  to confirm your participation.  Due to order deadlines, parade t-shirts may not be available to those who sign up after July 1.

Alumni Event at the West Michigan Whitecaps

Come on out to the ballpark! Join alumni and their guests at the Fifth Third Ballpark July 15 to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps take on the Peoria Chiefs. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pre-game barbecue and watch the action from your seats in the private Centennial Securities Dream Deck. Don't miss the fireworks after the game! Ticket & meal package prices are $15 for adults or $10 for children under 12. The BBQ starts at 5:45 p.m. (show your ticket for early entrance) and the game begins at 7:00 p.m. RSVP for the summer fun by July 1. 

Indianapolis Club - Indians Baseball Game

Join club leader Jennifer Poad-Baker, '92 and other Indianapolis-area GVSU alumni and guests and take part in one of America's favorite summer pastimes, a summer baseball game. Watch the Indianapolis Indians vs. the Buffalo Bisons on July 26, from your seat on the lawn area of Victory Field. The cost includes game tickets and $5 in Tribe Tokens to be used for ballpark concessions. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 2:00 p.m. It's also Souvenir Sunday at Victory Field; the first 4,000 fans get a Nate McLouth bobblehead! RSVP by Monday July 13th. Order $9 Adult Tickets or for age 14 and under, $8 Childrens Tickets. 

Camp Blodgett Young Alumni Volunteer Event

Join other Young Alumni to help make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering your time on July 27 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. During the three-hour shift volunteers will share dinner with campers and engage in group activities and team challenges. Spend an evening at camp with at-risk children from Kent County and be an inspiration to bring out the best in great kids! Camp Blodgett serves young people from Kent County providing programs "that encourage academic achievement, support the development of a healthy self-esteem and promote social responsibility to give children the knowledge, tools and desire to be successful in school and in life." RSVP to volunteer by Monday July 20th.

The Lakers Are Going to West Texas A & M

Watch the first GVSU football game of the season and four women's volleyball games over the weekend of August 27-30 at West Texas A & M in Canyon, TX.  Travel with fellow alumni and Lakers sports fans for a fun filled weekend in West Texas.  A full package and a la carte travel arrangements are available.   The traveling party will leave Grand Rapids on August 27. If you live in Texas or near Canyon, join the festivities at the volleyball game, or football game and tailgater! Space is limited, so sign up today!

Alumni Artists Provide Scholarship Boost for Students

A crowd of over 100 alumni and guests gathered in the Alexander Calder Fine Arts Center May 21 for an evening of live entertainment, networking, food and a silent auction. The Art on the Ravine auction featured 86 donated works from Art & Design alumni. Held for the 4th year the event raised $4,541 with all proceeds directly benefitting GVSU Art & Design students through the Branstrom Fine Arts Award and the Nedra J. Smith Otis Faculty Scholarship. Supporting scholarships, admiring alumni art and enjoying a spring evening in Allendale, the event truly was a work of art. 
 

Club & Chapter Corner

GVSU is coming to you! Join us when the University comes to your area...Meet up with fellow GVSU alumni and receive the latest information about Grand Valley State at these great events.

• June 13 - Raleigh/Durham Alumni Club Habitat  for Humanity Volunteer Event
• June 20 - Durham Bulls Baseball Game - Raleigh/Durham Alumni Club
• July 11 - Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade Enjoy a pre-parade breakfast, and walk with alumni, friends, Louie the Laker and GVSU Cheerleaders!
• July 26 - Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game - Indianapolis Alumni Club

Event Recaps (View event photos)

May 23 - Royal Oak club leader Ashley G. Barnes, ’06 and Beth Diehl, ’06 hosted alumni for a volunteer event at the Gleaners Food Bank of Detroit. The group packed 11,269 pounds of food from the warehouse to be distributed to various shelters. 

Rowing National Championship

Rowing alumni can now celebrate a national championship.  The 2009  American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championship now resides in Allendale thanks to a strong performance by the GVSU rowing team.   The team emerged as the overall points champions and the women’s team points champions during the championships . The men’s team took third place in team points during the National Championship Regatta in Oak Ridge, TN last month.  In addition the team also won gold and silver medals in the Women's Varsity Eight (gold), Women's 2nd Varsity Eight (gold), Men's 2nd Varsity Eight (silver) and Women's Frosh/Novice Eight (silver). 

Spring Sports Finish Strong

Baseball-GVSU made its fourth appearance in the NCAA DII World Series since 2003, closing  the season with a a 5-4 loss to Belmont Abbey and an overall 45-16-1 record.  In May, Coach Steve Lyon's squad went 3-0 in the four-team GLIAC tournament to claim the Lakers' seventh straight GLIAC crown and the sixth straight tournament title. 

Men's Track and Field-The Grand Valley State men's track and field team used a pair of second-place finishes to place 12th at the NCAA Division II Track & Field Championships in San Angelo, Texas on May 23. The Lakers finished one point shy of a top-10 team score. 

Women's Track and Field- The women's track and field team captured fourth place at the NCAA Championships. The Lakers compiled 39.50 points and received scoring from nine different athletes, including three top-three finishes.  Head coach Jerry Baltes was named the GLIAC women's Coach of the Year for leading the team to its 10th-consecutive GLIAC crown.  This is the ninth time that Baltes has earned the honor in the outdoor season, including five consecutive seasons. 

Softball-The Lakers finished the season 33-18.  Junior utility player Breanne Kronberg was named to the All-GLIAC Second Team .  Senior pitcher Lori Andjelich and freshman catcher Carli Raisutis earned all-league honorable mention laurels for GVSU.

Men's Golf- The men's golf team finished ninth at the NCAA DII Men's Midwest/South Central Regional.  Tyler Hering led GVSU with a +3, which tied him for ninth place.  Coach Don Underwood was named the GLIAC Men's Golf Coach of the Year. In addition, four Lakers were named to all-GLIAC teams, headlined by Hering's First Team All-GLIAC selection.  Matt Malloure, Matt Johnson and Ben Brooks all earned Second Team All-GLIAC selections. 

Women's Golf-The women's golf team finished the season strong with a second place finish at the NCAA Championships.  Four GVSU golfers finished in the individual top 25.  The Lakers also claimed the 2009 GLIAC Championship; the title was the Lakers second straight and fifth overall since the tournament started in 2001. In addition, GVSU sophomore Kristina Langton earned medalist honors with a two-over-par 146.  First-year Laker head coach Rebecca Mailloux was named the East Region Coach of the Year.  Sophomore Kristina Langton earned First Team All-America laurels and  junior Ashley Smith was tabbed as an honorable mention All-American.  GVSU also tallied four of the five players on the All-Region East team, including Langton, Smith, junior Caitlin Bennett and sophomore Allie Tyler.

Men's Tennis-The Lakers ended their season with a loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament against Ferris.  This marked the fifth time that GVSU had advanced to the national level of competition.  The Lakers went into the national tournament with a record of 20-8.

Women's Tennis- The women's season ended with a  loss to Rockhurst in the first round of the NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Championships.   The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) named Audrey Koopsen  the Midwest Region Senior Player of the Year. Koopsen also earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year honors earlier in the season.