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Spotlights » Stacy Stout, '04

For Stacy Stout, '04 , education director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, a typical week at the office covers a wide range of duties: writing grants, researching best practices in youth and adult education, arranging academic enrichment events for teens, and sitting down one on one and in small groups with Hispanic youth, aged from 13 to 21, who have the potential to be promising and dedicated workers, even entrepreneurs, in the Grand Rapids community.

Many of the youth she works with are teetering on the edge of gang membership and incarceration, or gaining the education needed to be successful and contributing members and leaders of their community. This 'edge' is where Stout's passion is, where she does her best work, and where you'll find some of the reasons she was recognized this past October as one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal's '40 Under 40' young business and community leaders who are making a difference.

Since 2005, Stout has filled multiple roles at the community-based nonprofit Hispanic Center, located in southwest Grand Rapids. Currently, as education director, Stout oversees all adult education and youth services. She is certified as an Intermediate Gang Specialist by the nonprofit National Gang Crime Research Center. Stout uses this knowledge, and her extensive youth development experience, to provide gang awareness, prevention, and intervention trainings for school and community groups.

The trainings also generate revenue for the Hispanic Center's Supporting Our Leaders (SOL) Program, which serves over 150 youth annually, with a third of the youth struggling with gang affiliation when they begin the program. By emphasizing education and parent engagement, she helps youth see that they can get out of gangs, and in fact has helped many to successfully leave them.

For adult education, she coordinates an integrated computer English as a Second Language (ESL) program focusing on occupational training readiness and is working to establish a new General Equivalency Diploma (GED) preparation class for English and Spanish speakers. She sees both programs as key stepping stones for residents to pursue two-year and four-year degrees.

Stout says her Grand Valley experiences were invaluable. "The highlight of my undergrad career was the mentorship," she added.

"I was fortunate and grateful to have influential people who believed in me and mentored me; such as Don Williams, Mike Woods, and Eduardo Rojas-Sanchez." Williams and Woods each led the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at different times. Rojas-Sanchez recruited Stout to apply to Grand Valley when she attended the Hispanic Youth College Conference in Muskegon near her hometown of Whitehall. His encouragement helped her to gain a scholarship, student employment, and ultimately her first job after graduation as the OMA's Freshman Academy and Special Projects Coordinator. Today Stout is a colleague of Rojas-Sanchez, who is now assistant principal at Burton Middle School in Grand Rapids.

"Having mentors was also very important for me as a first-generation college student because I was going through so many changes as I began to define who I am," said Stout.

According to Stout, Grand Valley's effect on her was profound. "It changed my life. I grew up in a homogeneous community, and Grand Valley made me more aware of the world through my involvement with the Cultural Board working with racial and ethnic student groups. Grand Valley helped me define who I am as a person of color and a woman," Stout said. The university also helped her by providing many student leadership experiences, such as planning on-campus Hispanic Heritage Month events, Cesar E. Chavez Celebrations, and work with Latino Student Union.

Stout still has many connections with Grand Valley. The Hispanic Center hosts Grand Valley interns regularly. Stout speaks to Grand Valley classes and promotes the university at other community events. Current members of the GVSU chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta adopted her youth program as their official philanthropy and they, along with other GVSU student groups, volunteer hundreds of hours annually.



In the coming months, Stout will complete her Master's degree in Public Administration at Grand Valley, focusing on nonprofit leadership. Her goals for that degree include being a role model for her daughter and becoming a better supervisor. "I worked very hard and long hours to get where I am, but I also recognize that I didn't get here on my own. Many of my supervisors challenged me to grow. I have great people working for me now, I want to give them the kinds of chances I had. And so many of those chances began at Grand Valley." Added March, 2011

Spotlights » Emmitt, '04 & Aikens, '05

How does a political science degree plus a criminal justice degree equal a multi-million dollar insulation business? Best friends and business partners Andrew Emmitt, ’04 and Robert Aikens, ’05 will tell you it takes flexibility and hard work.

The two manage the Grand Rapids based company Air-Tite Insulation Inc. The business provides insulation services for residential, commercial and industrial clients. The customer service area stretches from Traverse City to as far south as St. Joseph, Michigan.

Upon graduation from Grand Valley State University, Andrew Emmitt had his sights set on a career in politics. After a stint as the political director for Kent County Republicans, Emmitt met the love of his life and settled down. In 2006, while weighing his career options, he had a discussion with his home builder father-in-law who suggested Emmitt start an insulation business. At first, the idea was laughable, but after some thought, he got serious and took a leap of faith.

“We bought a truck and a machine and we were on our way,” he said “At 22 years old I took a $20,000 risk and it paid off.”

Emmitt’s childhood pal, Robert Aikens, got wind of the business’ success, joined the payroll and eventually adopted the titles, “Business Partner” and “Director of Operations.” Aikens is responsible for Field Management, while Emmitt takes on sales and scheduling of the company which now employs 22 people, several of whom are fellow Grand Valley graduates.

The late nights and early hours of business ownership continue to pay off. Air-Tite recently bought out a competitor and moved to a larger location in Byron Center. Emmitt believes 2012 will be the company’s most successful year to date, estimating $2 million in sales.

Aiken’s favorite quote is “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” If his mantra is at all true, Aikens and Emmitt may just prove to be Air-Tite Insulation’s lucky charms.

The two, who have been friends since their grade school days in Holly, Michigan, say they refined their work ethic in the classroom at Grand Valley. They motivate and challenge each other.

“I took from Grand Valley the ability to work toward a goal and to think about a process, trouble shoot and be task oriented,” said Emmitt.

The liberal arts focus at Grand Valley made it possible for two transfer students to pursue their dreams, even before they turned 30.

Still having a sustaining career after taking a financial risk is what Emmitt says make him most thankful.

“It’s a proud moment every time I get to sign a pay check. It makes me feel good. I help feed the children of 22 people, only two of which are mine.”

Posted November, 2012.

Spotlights » Nadia Brigham, '99, '01 & '02

Growing up in Benton Harbor, Nadia Brigham ’99, ’01, & ‘02 experienced first-hand a level of poverty that has crippled so much of America’s youth. But instead of letting it defeat her, she has used her past experiences as a source of inspiration to break the cycle of poverty and help to put the communities of West Michigan back on track.

Brigham’s high school was part of a desegregation program in the 1990s. She calls the experience a “blessing” that allowed her to see the extremes that occur in society.

“The drive from my house to school was a demonstration in the disparities that exist in relatively short distances,” she said. “I learned, from my experience and education, that those disparities are often exacerbated and perpetuated by policies in a way that don’t allow people to escape poverty.”

Brigham knew she could make a difference. Although she already had the passion and the concepts, she needed the know-how to carry out her strategy, so she enrolled in the undergraduate social work program at Grand Valley and let her ideas thrive. In graduate school, Brigham was the President of the Master of Social Work Student Organization and helped it raise awareness of the issues concerning class, race, and injustice. Her professional goals grew with her academic ambitions. While in undergrad, Brigham worked with Wedgewood Christian Services as the assistant supervisor in resident treatment. From there, she shifted to the Hope Network and then to Heart of West Michigan United Way where she succeeded at becoming their senior community investment associate. What began as a desire to help the individuals quickly evolved into a growing project to correct the inequalities that prevent people from living meaningful and productive life.

Now, as Program Officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Brigham has the ability to sway unjust conditions by investing in initiatives that will promote the organizations place-based strategies: Educated Kids, Healthy Kids, Secure Families using Racial Equality, and Civic Engagement as embedded. Through these investments, Brigham strives to bring the attention a capacity back to the community, thus changing conditions so that the individual won’t slip through the cracks.

The work at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation allows me to look at how to create conditions to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children,” she said.

Her work also extends to the New Options Project, a $45 million project that creates pathways toward meaningful employment for young adults. Through this project, Brigham serves as a conductor for the development of innovative tools and approaches that will solve workforce pain point for employers and illuminated employment pathways for disconnected young adults. Locally, she also serves on the steering committee of the Collective Impact Initiative, the Kent County Family and Children Coordinating Council, the executive committee of the Great Start Initiative, the Talent 2025 advisory committee, and the Kent School Services leadership team.

This year, Brigham was awarded with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Grant-Making Guru Award for her dedication to community investment and the creation of important partnerships between neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations and foundations of West Michigan. She hopes to see more of these relationships develop in the coming years.

“I love philanthropy and hope to enjoy a long career in philanthropy, leveraging dollars to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people,” she said. “Whatever I’m doing, I know it will be about serving people and probably those who are vulnerable.”

Updated January 2013.

Spotlights » Huynh Tran, '06

Huynh Tran, ’06 and his family first came to the United States from Vietnam with little more than the clothes on their back. His father, an officer in the South Vietnam Army, had spent time in prison after working with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was unable to find work after being released. Tran’s family struggled under a communist government until being approved for U.S. immigration in 1999. After 13 years in America, Tran has built a promising life for himself; first as an architect, then as a research assistant, and now as resident physician at Basset Medical Center at Columbia University.

Tran began his studies in architecture at the Vietnam National University in Hochiminh City. He completed three years of his education before coming to America, but he didn’t let the move stop him from achieving his goals. He took classes in both architecture and pre-med at Muskegon Community College before transferring to University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2003. He spent two years working with AMDG Architects in Grand Rapids before deciding to follow his other passion: Medicine.

“I took a class at GVSU and I loved it,” he said. “I realized GVSU could help me pursue my dream to become a physician.”

As a student at Grand Valley State University, Tran took little time off. He was involved with premedical clubs and tutoring in the Math and Science Center on top of a heavy load of schoolwork. One of his favorite memories of Grand Valley were the long days and late nights spent studying for his medical college admission test.

“I ate and slept in the library during my MCAT studies,” he said.

The hard work paid off for Tran when he acquired a research assistant position at St. Mary’s Hospital immediately after graduation. He worked for a year before starting medical school at the State University of New York in Buffalo. Now, as a resident physician, he looks forward to the thrill of saving lives but also understands how to be compassionate when lives are lost.

In between performing operations, he examines patients and supervises medical students. A fan of a fast-paced environment, Tran thanks the multi-faceted education that he received at Grand Valley for preparing him for the many aspects of medical practice.

“As a resident, I teach medical students and other health care professionals.  As a physician, I teach my patients about health and disease,” he said. “The background that I fostered and learned at GVSU in leadership, professionalism, and humanism has helped me excel in everything I have done since.”

Not wanting to forget his roots, Tran founded VietMD.net, an organization dedicated to helping Vietnamese medical students learn Medical English and study for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. He has since returned to Vietnam to instruct students at the University Medical Center in Hochiminh City.

Tran’s drive to continue excelling in the field of medicine carries on this fall as he begins a diagnostic radiology fellowship at the University of Florida. His focus will be in interventional radiology which uses x-rays and ultrasounds to pinpoint and treat the source of an affliction without the need for invasive surgery.

Spotlights » Vicky Frankland, '98

When painter and art educator Vicky Frankland, ‘98 moved out to Portland in 2005, education wasn’t exactly a growing field. Despite having 15 years of teaching experience in Hart and Muskegon, the jobs just weren’t there.

“The year we moved to Portland, they closed two elementary schools and laid off several teachers.”

With no available teaching positions, Frankland took a managing position at Walgreens “to pay the bills” but still maintained a growing art portfolio. After a few years of living in Portland, she and her husband decided to buy a house, complete with a new puppy—a gift from her two daughters. While homeownership aided Frankland and her family in putting down roots in Portland, it gave Frankland little time to paint.

“It may sound crazy to those who have not raised a dog or owned a house, but it is so much work. You end up putting a lot of your energy into it.”

After a couple years and the house, dog, and family had been situated, Frankland decided it was time to put herself and her artwork back into the artistic scene. Using the networking skills she had learned at Grand Valley, she got involved with local artists and participated in a few art shows. Now that her artistic appetite had been roused, she wanted more. After answering an ad for a short film by Christen Kimbell, Frankland found it: both an outlet for her artistic expression and a way to use her background in art education.

“I was looking for open calls and saw Christen Kimbell’s posting for an artist,” Frankland said. “I sent her some samples of my work. We met within two weeks and she hired me for the project.”

The project is a short film based on the children’s book The Box written by Bruce Coville. In the story, a little boy is visited by and angel and given a box to protect. Throughout many years of his life, the boy tries to paint the angel to prove to others that the event took place. For the film, this meant hiring three actors to play the main character. For Frankland, this meant three oil paintings and numerous sketches that each take weeks to create. It was her job not only to provide these paintings, but also to teach the three actors how to paint to make it look like they had created the pieces. The art educator had few problems putting her “instructor hat” back on and felt the pull of her former career steering her back to teaching. But not in an academic environment.

Instead of teaching people to paint, Frankland’s next project will be teaching people with her paintings. In keeping with the philanthropic standards she learned while studying at Grand Valley, she and close friend Molly Jochim will put together a show that captures and promotes the many parks in Portland; the intention being to increase awareness of nature, conservation, and the world around us. The idea came to her after spending many afternoons in the parks with her dog.

“I started painting them: what they look like to my dog, what they look like to me. Then it occurred to me that I could do a show about them.” Frankland attributes her success, professional confidence, and humanitarianism to the instruction and education she received at GVSU.

“I feel like I received an incredible education,” she said. “Everyone in the program is amazing. Once I left the program, it wasn’t like I was leaving alone.”

Since moving to Portland, she has felt the network of individuals who want to aid their fellow Lakers. Upon hearing of her park project, she was contacted by fellow artist and GVSU alumnus Mark Rumsey, ’98 who will also participate. Frankland and Jochim plan to put on the show in the spring of 2013. A percentage of the proceeds will go to benefit the local parks department in Portland. To learn more about the film, visit www.indiegogo.com/theboxmovie.

Update June 2012.

Spotlights » Maryjean Schenk, '77

Dr. Maryjean Schenk has dedicated nearly three decades to the field of medicine. She is a leader, advisor and a mentor who has made notable accomplishments in the areas of family medicine and cancer epidemiology research. She is currently Vice Dean for Medical Education at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Schenk earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from Grand Valley State University in 1977 and finished her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) in 1983. After completing a fellowship in New York and practicing medicine in Virginia, Schenk returned to Michigan to join the faculty of WSUSOM in 1991 when she accepted a position as assistant professor in the family and occupational medicine residency programs. She also served as a research scientist there, at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. By 1993, she had both a masters in Public Health and a master of science in Industrial Health.

In 1997, Schenk was promoted to the director of clinical curriculum development. During this time, she also chaired several organizations such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the WSU Physician Group. In 2006, when WSUSOC merged two departments, Schenk was appointed the inaugural chair of the new Department of Family Medicine. Schenk has also held the position of interim associate dean of academic and student programs.

In addition to her daily tasks as vice dean, Schenk serves on a variety of boards and committees, including the American Cancer Societys National Board of Directors. The author of more than 15 nationally funded grants, 40 published articles, and recipient of numerous awards, Schenks leadership and research is proof of her unwavering dedication to her craft.

She currently resides in China, Michigan with her husband and has two daughters, one of whom will graduate from GVSU in December.

Updated September 2012.

Spotlights » Jeffery Brown, '73

When Jeffery Brown, ’73 graduated from Thomas Jefferson College at Grand Valley State University, he couldn’t bring himself to leave campus. He took a position in the Office of Student Life producing concerts and other events. Over time, the position evolved first into the Director of Student Activities, then into the Director of Housing and Student Activities. Before he knew it, Brown was bringing in big name acts to Grand Valley such as Aerosmith, Santana, Bill Cosby, and George Carlin. He was also in charge of Stage III – Grand Valley’s theatre in Grand Rapids, student recreation, the Health Center, Student Government, WSRX – GVSU’s radio station, and the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. But this was only the beginning of Brown’s multi-faceted career.

After eight years of improving student life at Grand Valley, Brown left GVSU to become a full-time entrepreneur. He and wife, Sandy built and operated four retail shops around Michigan that succeeded for more than 20 years. During this time, Brown also started running and became increasingly interested in physiology and kinesiology. Like the many other interests in his life, Brown’s excitement for athletics led to great success.

“I was a runner and triathlete,” he said. “So I became a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. This led to a position as the Director of the Health and Wellness Center at the Sherman Lake YMCA in Augusta, Michigan. I also started the first full Pilates studio at a YMCA outside of Hollywood California and became a Pilate’s instructor.”

Brown continued his career in Health and Wellness until 2007. The following year, his interests came full circle when he was hired as the Executive Director of the Poverty Reduction Initiative of Kalamazoo County. This brought his attention back to his initial passion that had developed at Grand Valley: Community.

“This work resonated with my earlier academic work at Thomas Jefferson College in psychology and counseling along with my continued interest in non-profit management,” he said.

His work at the Poverty Reduction Initiative aided the development of similar organizations around the state. Dedicated to promoting education and access to economic opportunity, PRI advocates for local, state, and national legislative programs that increase awareness and understanding of issues related to poverty.

Brown has since accepted a position with Communities in Schools of Michigan. As Executive Director, he uses the knowledge he gained from PRI and applied it to high school dropout prevention.

“With my background in Poverty Reduction, I am well aware of the out of classroom issues and specialized needs which vulnerable children need assistance with,” he said. “These challenges to young lives have a direct correlation to academic achievement.”

Brown has succeeded in every aspect of his multi-faceted career. He plans to expand the Communities in Schools program to every district in the state who reaches out for support and has a need. He believes that no child should have to struggle for their education and that everyone should find a career that resonates with their soul.

Spotlights » Jeff Hendra, '95 & '98

If you asked the teenaged Jeff Hendra, ’95 &’98 where he would be when he grew up, he would have said the NHL. While his dreams faded of making hockey a full-time job, his true passion wasn’t too far off. Today, Hendra works side-by-side with professional athletes. But instead of lacing up ice-skates everyday, he’s adjusting spines for professional golfers like Tiger Woods as a traveling Physical Therapist for the PGA tour.

The Marquette native began his college career at Northern Michigan University but transferred to Grand Valley State University in 1992 to complete his Physical Therapy courses. Although the material didn’t come naturally, that only made him study harder. So much in fact that, after completing his undergraduate studies, he returned to Grand Valley to earn his Master of Science in physical therapy in 1998.

“Grand Valley gave me a solid foundation for my physical therapy skills to put me out in the real world and my experience became a spring board for things I’d never imagined,” he said. “Grand Valley has maintained its prestige as the best physical therapy school in the state.”

After graduating, Hendra got his feet wet working for a private practice. From there his career took off and just a year later he was overseeing three clinics as clinic director of Physiotherapy Associates. Despite his success, Hendra knew his knowledge had to stay current. While working for Physiotherapy Associates, he was also continuing his education at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where he received his manual therapy certification. All the hard work and studying paid off when he was asked to join the PGA as the tour’s physical therapist.

Today, Hendra travels 30 weeks out of the year to countries like Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. He and two other therapists work with the athletes to keep them in top condition. During his 14-hour days, he does spinal adjustments and deep tissue releases for PGA athletes such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jim Furyk. His office is a 750 square foot travel trailer.

In addition to the work he does for the athletes on tour, Hendra also does between six to ten media interviews a year. He has shared his knowledge of physical fitness and health science in several magazine articles, radio spots, and television appearances.

For the remaining 12 weeks of the year, Hendra keeps himself in top condition by running, biking, and weightlifting. Inspired by his father’s work ethic, he encourages students to remain positive no matter what. “Think good thoughts and good things will come to you.”

Spotlights » Sarah Zelenka, '09

Life has been speeding up for Sarah Zelenka, ’09 since graduation. In 2009, she represented the U.S. in the Word Rowing Championships and has been setting and achieving goals one after another ever since. To achieve her goal as an Olympic rower, she first had to propel herself through some rough waters.

Zelenka joined the Grand Valley Rowing Team in her freshman year with no prior experience. One of the first setbacks that she encountered was the expense of rowing. Since crew is not one of Grand Valley's varsity sports which offer some sort of financial support for a limited number of university athletes, Zelenka was not eligible for scholarships. Like many other Laker athletes, Zelenka had to pay for tuition, school supplies, and living costs out of her own pocket. Despite this challenge, she immersed herself in sports and participated not only in the rowing club, but also in intramural basketball and intramural badminton. Getting accustomed to a demanding schedule is what she says prepared her for a hectic life as an Olympic athlete.

I am very confident in the education I received at GVSU,” she said. “The great experiences I was exposed to while studying at GVSU have made a great impact on me and will stay with me forever.

When she helped win the “Under 23 World Championships” in 2009, Zelenka was invited to work out at the national training center where she tried out and competed with the Unites States rowing team. Once she had secured a spot, Zelenka helped the team win gold medals in both the 2010 World Cup and 2011 World Championships. These triumphs took her all the way to the U.S. Olympic trials where she and partner Sara Hendershot from Connecticut took home the victory and the right to represent the U.S. in the 2012 Olympics.

We ended up being about two boat lengths down on the other crew halfway through the race,” she said. “Sara [Hendershot] told me that we needed to make a big move if we were going to get back in the race. So we shifted the rate up and increased the boat speed. We overtook the other boat within 20 strokes of the finish line!

With her ultimate goal – an Olympic gold medal – in sight Zelenka has more motivation than ever. Not even the rigorous training schedule can deter the passionate Laker.

I train for three to four hours in the morning, eat, nap, train for two to three hours in the afternoon, eat, sleep… wake up and do it again,” she said. “But I can’t imagine something that would top this summer in London.

Whatever happens in London, Zelenka hopes to return to Grand Valley to pursue a graduate degree in sports administration. I could see myself coaching or serving as an athletic director someday,” she said.

In addition to a full day of training, Zelenka also works odd jobs to support herself. She babysits, dog sits, and works part-time at the YMCA in Princeton, New Jersey where she is currently living. Although the journey to the Olympics has not always been a smooth ride, her countless hours of morning training on the Grand River has helped pace herself and ultimately put her goals within reach.

Follow your dreams,” she said. “Work hard and truly believe in yourself and everything will fall into place!

Catch Zelenka and Hendershot in the race for the gold this summer on NBC and cheer on your fellow Laker!

Updated June 2012.

Spotlights » Milinda Ysasi Castanon, '03

Milinda Ysasi Castañon received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2003 from Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in Marketing and Human Resources Management. She went on to pursue her graduate degree at Davenport University and graduated with an M.B.A. in Strategic Management.

Mindy served a three year term on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and during that time she participated on the activities committee and assisted with the planning of volunteer events. She has also committed time to on campus organizations such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Young Alumni Council by speaking at various events.

In addition to her volunteer support, she has been a generous donor by making gifts to the L. William Seidman Center and the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons. Mindy has worked in the human resources field for nearly ten years, and is currently a human resources consultant at Herman Miller Inc. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband Rafael.

Spotlights » Asa J. Lakeman, '02

Asa J. Lakeman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2002 from Grand Valley State University with a double major in Finance and Management.

As an involved member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for six years (2005-2011) Asa helped to grow the Alumni Associations week-long service event called Community Outreach Week into a program that involves alumni and their families all over the world. For three years, he also served as the Alumni Association secretary.

Asa is a founding member of GVSUs Young Alumni Council and a regular volunteer for Grand Valley events such as Freshmen Move-In, WGVU pledge drives, the Alumni Golf Outing, GradFest and Homecoming.

Not only does he provide assistance with his time and talents, Asa supports the university financially. He served as an Alumni Champion and is a donor to the new Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons and is a supporter of the Don Lubbers Excellence in Athletics Fund.

His service to the community overflows into his profession. Asa is a financial advisor at VantagePointe Financial Group in Grand Rapids. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Jessica and children.

Spotlights » Jamon A. Alexander, '05

Jamon A. Alexander graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

While he was a student, Jamon worked as a Resident Assistant, and was also involved with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and continues to maintain his connections with Grand Valley.

In the last seven years, Jamon has worked in the Development departments of the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Spectrum Health Foundation and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation and he is currently the Annual Fund Director at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Jamon is a passionate nonprofit professional who has established lasting relationships with volunteers, professionals and donors in the Grand Rapids community. He is a volunteer basketball coach for 5th and 6th graders. He also serves as a reading tutor for Schools of Hope through Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Professionally, Jamon has helped to grow multi-cultural programs and organizations in the West Michigan area. He is a founder of BL²END (Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions) a former keynote speaker for the African American Alumni Association, and has participated in numerous leadership and development programs.

He currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Jasmine and daughter.

Spotlights » James Ashley, '87

James W. Ashley, '87 is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Science Operations Center with the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University.

Ashley received a Bachelor of Science in geology from Grand Valley in 1987 and went on to receive a master's degree in geology from Michigan State University in 1995, and a Ph.D. studying planetary remote sensing geophysics from Arizona State University in 2011.

Ashley has worked as a laboratory instructor, an adjunct professor, and a Senior Research Assistant at the Annis Water Resources Institute. From 1990 to 2004, Ashley served as a full time Hydrogeologist and Project Manager at various environmental consulting firms in Michigan and Arizona. Throughout 15 years on the job he worked to assess and/or remediate more than 250 contaminated industrial and commercial sites across the United States.

While much of his career has been focused on consulting, his primary interest is the study of asteroids and meteorites which have fallen to Earth and other planets. He has presented his findings dozens of times at professional conferences and workshops, and enjoys sharing his research with the public through schools, museums, planetariums and corporate gatherings.

Ashley's work has been published in more than 45 abstracts and peer-reviewed articles, and his list of awards and certifications is nearly as long. One of his most notable research documents was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research regarding meteorites found on Mars. Ashley received the Project Manager of the Year Award from Shell Oil Products U.S., The Planetary Society Shoemaker NEO Grant Award, and is a member of the American Association of Professional Geologists, the American Geophysical Union, and The Meteoritical Society.

James currently resides in Phoenix Arizona.

He and his wife Mary are expecting their first baby. He was given the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Alumni Association in Spring of 2012.

Updated March 2012

Spotlights » Erayna Gamble, '05

Spotlights » Monica Zsolt, '08

As a senior in high school, Monica Zsolt, ’08 couldn’t wait to study at GVSU under the direction of clarinet music professor Dr. Arthur Campbell, the recipient of the April 2013 Outstanding Educator Award presented by the Alumni Association. She was so confident that she would thrive in the program that she didn’t even audition at any other universities. This same confidence is what got her through an aggressive sinus surgery, a challenging rehabilitation process, and all the way to a performance at Carnegie Hall.

During her final year at Grand Valley, Zsolt was planning her wedding, setting up a student teaching position at Grand Valley, and plotting to move to Nashville. She was also dealing with constant and crippling sinus and tonsil infections that multiple consultations and eleven rounds of antibiotics wouldn’t fix. The only other option was to undergo an invasive sinus procedure that would put her talents as a clarinetist at risk.

After weighing the pros and cons, Zsolt gave the green light to her surgeon in the summer of 2008. The procedure cleared and expanded her sinus cavities, straightened her deviated septum, and removed her tonsils. Although the surgery was a success, Zsolt still had a long recovery ahead of her.

“It took me at least nine to 12 months to bring my playing back up to par,” she said. “I had to teach myself how to play all over again.”

She and pianist husband Alex moved to Nashville the summer following her surgery and the city welcomed them with opportunity. She began teaching and playing clarinet and the couple built connections within the music community. Two years to the day after the surgery that could have ended her career, Zsolt auditioned for and won the principal clarinet position with the Nashville Praise Symphony, a musical organization that performs benefit concerts for non-profit ministries. Through this organization, she was contacted by renowned conductor Camp Kirkland and asked to accompany him to the debut performance of the Annie Moses Band at Carnegie Hall. She played first chair.

“Sitting on that stage knowing who had performed on that very spot throughout the decades was humbling and amazing all at the same time.”

Zsolt says that this experience wouldn’t have been possible without her guidance from Dr. Campbell and the education she received at Grand Valley.

“My degree in Music Education is a key factor in my employment in the Nashville school system, as well as my teaching ability with my private students and church orchestra.  I am thankful for the faculty who shaped me as a musician and helped me refine the skills I needed to do the things I am doing today.”br />While at Grand Valley, Zsolt had the honor of joining the GVSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the Michigan Music Educator Conference as well as the Laker Marching band to Florence, Alabama to watch the football team take home the national championship title in 2003.

When she’s not performing in big city music halls, Zsolt can be found either at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church where she serves as Orchestra Director, Williamson County Schools where she teaches middle school band, or instructing in her own private clarinet studio. She and Alex still reside in Nashville.

Updated April 2013.

Spotlights » Tracie Coffman, '01 & '06

For Tracie Coffman, ’01 & ’06, the choice to study social work was a no-brainer. By the time of her high school graduation, she knew that giving a voice to the disenfranchised was what she was meant to do. She enrolled in the social work program at Grand Valley and “never thought twice about it.” Not too long after, she became the first financial counselor for Home Repair Services in Grand Rapids.

Coffman is a natural trailblazer. During her sophomore year, she joined the university’s first women’s rugby team. She remembers that they had to practice on the plot of land that now occupies the Alumni House.

“Everything was really just pieced together that first year, but it was a lot fun,” she said. “We got approval from GVSU to be a club, but had basically no budget. I fronted the money for the teams’ first jerseys and we did carwashes and other fundraisers to raise money.”

Unfortunately, Coffman only played for one year. By her junior year, she was fully immersed in her path in social work and there was only room in her schedule for one passion. 

The next year, Coffman had heard about Home Repair Services through her internship at the Children Family Resource Council. While the job description requested someone with a background in finance, Coffman knew her talents would be well suited for the job.

“What they were looking for when they were initially hiring for this position was a banker; someone who knew the mortgage industry,” Coffman said. “But I really saw it as a social work position.” 

She turned out to be right. Even though foreclosures were a rare occurrence at the time, shortly after Coffman started working for Home Repair Services, the mortgage crisis of 2001 hit. Hundreds of families were in danger of losing their homes and needed somewhere to turn. 

“The education that I received from Grand Valley had shown me that a family who was about to lose their house was going to be in a much bigger crisis,” she said. “You can teach me the mortgage stuff, but you couldn’t necessarily teach a mortgage person all the social and personal skills that I had.”

Since then, her program has grown and improved with every year. The goal that she set during her senior year of high school came to fruition.

“I get to spend every day working with people who are losing their homes and helping them have a voice in a system that is not set up hear their plea,” she said.

This year, her efforts were recognized by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Coffman received the Good-to-Great award for taking Home Repair Services to new heights. She has also been awarded with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Councilor of the Year in 2009 and in 2010 with the Grand Rapids Bar Association Liberty Bell Award.

Spotlights » Alumni Owned Business: Genius Phone Repair

When your car breaks down, you take it to a mechanic. What do you do when your phone breaks down? Thanks to two business administration graduates, there is now a place to take them in West Michigan. Jordan Notenbaum, '10 and Garry VonMyhr, '10 give cell phone, tablet, and iPod owners a new alternative to an expensive upgrade if their device breaks down. Their new business, Genius Phone Repair in Grandville, serves customers with any plan, contract, or device.

Notenbaum's fascination with small devices started in elementary school when he would repair and modify small handheld game devices such as Gigapet and Digimon games. While studying marketing and finance at Grand Valley State University, he began fixing phones for family and friends. As word of his tech savvy got around, more and more devices started showing up on his fix itlist. So he enlisted the help of two college buddies.

"I took on Garry [VonMyhr] and Steve [Barnes] and we decided it was time to go for the gold," said Notebaum.

The trio set up shop on Wilson Avenue in Grandville in July of 2011 and their business has been growing ever since.

VonMyhr, who studied finance at Grand Valley, takes care of the Genius corporate accounts and manages the business' finances. Before venturing out as an entrepreneur, he was working as a financial advisor for Waddell & Reed. After about a year of employment, he began helping Notenbaum with their business.

"I always wanted to be a business owner,"VonMyhr said. "My education at GVSU helped pave the way for me to own my own business. It equipped me with tools to succeed."

Since the shop opened last summer, the team has hired an additional six technicians. Having more employees allows Notenbaum to focus on the more problematic repairs as well as the marketing plan for the business. Together, the team fixes everything from broken screens to water damage and also offers jailbreaking and rooting services which give their customers access to more apps and allows them to customize their device.

This May, they opened their second store near Knapp and East Beltline. The team hopes to open more stores and eventually franchise Genius Phone Repair. In addition to repairs and modifications, they also buy and sell used mobile devices and soon might offer insurance plans of their own.

Both Notenbaum and VonMyhr attribute their business sense and motivation to Grand Valley. The planning strategies and high expectations that they learned from the university have helped them create the successful business they run today.

"If you don't demand excellence, you will never achieve it,"Notenbaum said.

Updated April, 2012.

Spotlights » Tim Keenan, '80

Tim Keenan, '80 will tell you "I didn't think I could cut it in school." But the graduation year behind his name and his ability to overcome some of his biggest fears will tell you otherwise.

At 20 years old, Keenan was drafted to leave his hometown of Grand Rapids to serve on the front lines of the Vietnam War. When he returned to the United States, he saw the world much differently. He carried the burden of battle and lived with post-traumatic stress disorder. After working odd jobs without much fulfillment, Keenan decided he wanted to further his education. At the age of 30, he enrolled in William James College, a division of Grand Valley State College at the time (formerly located in what is now Lake Michigan Hall).

"The professors at Grand Valley welcomed me and treated me with dignity," said Keenan. "I learned so much about myself and to this day I carry those lessons with me, about how to treat people with respect."

His lessons in respect guided his career path where he put his sociology degree to work and became one of the founders of a community corrections program. The program is now utilized in three counties in northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse County.

"I would help give non-violent offenders alternatives to jail and prison. I worked closely with the judges and created plans for the inmates. I know I helped so many people help themselves,"said Keenan.

Keenan has assisted countless inmates with the transition back into meaningful, functioning roles in society. He served the Community Corrections Division for more than 25 years before retiring and seeking out his next journey - a 172 day, 2,178.3 mile journey - to the summit of the Appalachian Trail. Keenan had long suffered from war PTSD and a fear of being in the woods alone. In fact, the last time he had been back-packing was in Vietnam amidst gunfire and bombings. To hike the Appalachian Trail was his chance to confront his anxieties.

On March 28, 2009, his son dropped him off at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. He adopted the trail name "Naneek" (Keenan spelled backwards) and started on an almost six month journey. Most of his days were spent in complete solitude, which gave him ample opportunity to reflect.

"I thought about the simplicity of life. You don't need a different pair of shoes for every day and you don't need all these ties to wear. You need food, water and warmth."

After a week on the trail, Keenan admits, he wanted to leave his pack behind and head back into civilization, but taking advice from another hiker, he promised himself he would hike at least thirty days. He says it was the "trail angels" that helped keep his spirits up along the way.

"Several people offered a place to stay, home-cooked meals. People would leave coolers with food, soda, maps and weather reports," said Keenan.

On September 18, 2009, after 172 days of clashing with rain, sleet, cold, heat, fatigue, bears, wild boars, and loneliness, Keenan reached the summit. He was completely overwhelmed.

"I looked through the fog and mist and saw the sign of the end that I had been thinking about for 6 months. I started crying. I was overcome with emotion and then I thought, now what?"

One in ten people will complete the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, but Keenan says beating the odds isn't what makes him proud of the accomplishment. It's knowing that he had faced and conquered one of his most significant fears.

"In life we go through stormy times. If we weather the storm and learn from it, the sun will shine on us eventually. I think about Vietnam every day but now I've now replaced a lot of my thoughts of war with hiking."

On his journey, Keenan raised more than $9,000 for a college scholarship fund for children and grandchildren of veterans and victims of domestic violence. He still keeps in touch with several friends he met on the trail. Keenan has four children and he and his dog Benham go most places together. He spends a lot of time at his second home in Sayulita, Mexico, and he hopes to one day write a book about his adventures of war, trail and life.

Updated May 2012.

Spotlights » Laurie Finney Beard, '81

Laurie Finney Beard grew up in central Illinois and earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance at Millikin University. After working as a bank examiner for the Federal Government in Chicago, she later moved to Michigan, where she earned her Master of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University in 1981. After a few years as an investment broker, she joined forces with other local businessmen who had the vision to create a new local bank.  Beard became instrumental in the formation and successful capitalization of Founders Bank & Trust, a privately held community bank in Grand Rapids MI. As a founder of the bank in 1991, her first role as Senior Vice President was to create the Wealth Management Department. Beard was promoted to President & CEO of the bank in 2001.

Under her leadership, the organization has become one of the best performing banks in Michigan.  Founders Bank & Trust is the only bank headquartered in West Michigan with a Five Star (Superior) rating from Bauer Financial, an independent bank rating agency.  During her tenure, the bank’s total assets have tripled, to $450 million, with four branches and 100 employees. As to national recognition, Beard serves on the Community Bankers Council of the American Bankers Association, which is comprised of two bankers selected from each state.

Deeply committed to her community, Beard serves as trustee of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She is also a member of Grand Valley’s Foundation board and the GVSU Women’s Advisory Board.  In addition, she is a member of the GVSU Seidman School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board as well as the Advisory Board for the Vice Provost for Health.  She volunteers for Gift of Life, and along with the Secretary of State, Beard promoted April 2010 as “Donate Life” month, in memory of her son, Paul. Beard was recently appointed as a board member for the Transplant Games of America, a national multi-sport festival event to help promote the need for Organ & Tissue donation.

Her focus on the community has earned her recognition as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women, as Seidman School of Business Alumnus of the Year, and as one of the Top Women in Finance in West Michigan.

Beard is a baseball enthusiast, and a lifelong, eternally optimistic Chicago Cubs fan. She resides in Cascade Township.  Her son, Jeremy, daughter-in-law Beth, and her granddaughter Stella live in Chicago.

Spotlights » Arthur Campbell, D.M.A.

Dr. Arthur Campbell began teaching with the determination to give undergraduate music students the education he felt was lacking in most universities. He came to Grand Valley State University with the shared idea that all students deserve honest yet positive criticism from their instructors, to create a trusted confidence in their own talents and abilities.

Since coming to Grand Valley State University in 1996, Campbell has shaped the lives of dozens of graduating classes of clarinetists. His lessons lay out rudimentary guidelines in which his students may learn and grow while focusing on the changing needs of each student and each day. His holistic approach to education has gained mutual respect from his students and fellow educators as he challenges himself to give the “what,” “why,” and “how” of all of his methods and lessons. These methods have led alumni to become successful national and international performers,educators,composers, conductors, and entrepreneurs making Grand Valley State University’s undergraduate clarinet program one of the best in the country.

Campbell’s students admire his talents and are grateful for his encouragement and willingness to offer guidance, both as a music professor and as a counselor. His magnanimity and dedication to honesty created a studio environment where students felt respected, appreciated, and challenged.

Campbell earned his Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University and his Master and Doctor of Music from Northwestern University. He was one of only three students ever to complete a D.M.A. under the late Robert Marcellus, principal clarinetist of the Cleveland Orchestra.

Nationally and internationally recognized for his talents and achievements, Campbell’s classical recordings have been awarded with such honors as the Supersonic Award in Belgium, the Reccomendo Award in Spain, the Magnifique Award in France, and Record of the Month and Star of the Month in Germany. His repertoire also includes contemporary recorded releases from Everglade Records, Centaur Records, Gasparo Records, and ICA Recording Project which have been broadcast around the world.

He and his wife, associate professor of music at Grand Valley State University, Helen Marlais, were nominated for the 2013 International Classical Music Awards for their recording, “Music for Clarinet and Piano.” This is one of the most prestigious honors for classical musicians today. The couple lives in Grand Rapids.

Spotlights » Chris Hammer, '09

Like many college freshmen Chris Hammer, ’09 wasn’t certain where his life would lead. He chose to major in mathematics and secondary education thinking it was a safe bet. But he knew he was meant for something more. Today, Hammer is a Paralympic athlete, an athletic coach, and a master’s graduate. And he accomplished all this with one hand.

During his undergraduate studies, Hammer ran cross country for GVSU. His enthusiasm helped bring the team nine conference championship victories and finished on the podium in the top four teams at nationals, twice. Hammer himself was individually named All-American five times. While these triumphs helped him progress in his career as an athlete, Hammer insists that the teamwork he felt at Grand Valley is what helped him succeed in finding his passion for sports.

“The best memories are of the everyday grind: Just getting together on a daily basis to train our butts off together; knowing we did all the work together and we had each other's backs,” he said. “It is like a brotherhood.”

After graduation, Hammer accepted a one-year teaching position in Denver so he and future wife Amy Hammer, ’10 packed up and moved to Colorado. After making progress with the students in and outside the classroom, Hammer was exhausted and still apathetic about teaching.

“I just wasn't passionate about being a teacher,” he said. “I did not want to be one of those teachers in twenty years that hates his job. That's not fair to the students or yourself.”

After much soul searching, Hammer knew his heart was in coaching and athletics. Looking back, his choice to focus on education was an indirect way to pursue this passion.

“I was ultimately thinking that I would be a high school teacher so that I could coach the school's cross-country and track teams.”

But there was one problem. Other than running track for Grand Valley, he had little experience in the coaching field. Worried that he wouldn’t succeed, he remembered something his father had told him: “Money isn't everything; you have to do what makes you happy, because that is what really matters.” Heeding this advice, Hammer threw caution to the wind and enrolled in graduate school at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. There, he not only earned his masters of science in physical education, he was also awarded a graduate assistantship in the sports administration program and volunteered as a coach for the cross-country and track teams. And thanks to a victory in the 1,500-meter run at the U.S. Paralympic Trials, he was also training to be a United States Paralympic athlete.

“Representing your country is one of the proudest experiences I believe anyone can ever have,” he said. “So putting on that USA singlet is the biggest motivator for me. And trying to be the fastest one-handed man on the planet. That would be pretty cool too.”

The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games will take place from August 29 to September 9 but will not be aired in the U.S. Hammer will compete in the Men's Division T-46 800 meter, 1500 meter, and marathon events.

Whatever happens in London, Hammer doesn’t plan on slowing down. He says that he will continue with his work at Eastern Washington University and hopes to pursue his PhD.

Keep up with Hammer's progress on the 2012 Paralympics Website.

Spotlights » Adam Gould, '09

When he graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in film production Adam Gould, ‘09 moved to Los Angeles with little more than his education and a dream. After living with strangers and sending out countless applications, Gould found some familiar faces. He reconnected with some fellow GVSU film alumni and started building up his network.

Understanding the competitive market of film production, Gould knew that he’d have to work for free to gain experience. He accepted an internship with Larger than Life (the production company who produced films such as Hunger Games and Seabiscuit) as well as at Panay Films who produced Wedding Crashers. These internships not only made him more marketable, they also connected him to more and more professionals in the film world. After the internships, Gould was hired to be a production assistant for the Creative Arts Emmy’s in 2010. Then the same company hired him for the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Word of his talent spread quickly and before he knew it, Gould was a freelance production assistant.

Since his initial success, Gould has accepted regular positions for the Creative Arts Emmy’s and Screen Actors Guild Awards as well as other freelance projects. He was recently promoted to key production assistant and also worked at the 2012 Oscars as transportation coordinator for the Art Department.

Gould said that it was the hands-on education that he received at Grand Valley that prepared him for the driven world of film production. Had it not been for the late nights editing with classmates, his passion for film may have never developed.

In addition to his work on award shows, Gould also does stand-up comedy and improv performances around Hollywood. He has written many scripts and hopes to someday turn them into films.

Posted 2012

Spotlights » Sondra Segenga

For people like Sondra Stegenga, ’00 and ’02, education doesn’t end with a degree – it starts with one. Hers was a bachelor’s in behavioral science followed by a master’s in occupational therapy. But she’s not stopping there.

“The more I learn, the more fun my job is,” she said.

This outlook encouraged her to get involved beyond what was required of her as an occupational therapist. It is also how she became appointed to the Michigan Interagency Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities.

Stegenga is the Early On and Infant Program Supervisor for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. She began working in the district as an occupational therapist in 2005 and became supervisor in 2011. Although she says she misses the regular face-to-face interaction that she had with children and families while working in hospitals, she is very excited to have the ability to make a state-level impact on the services that are available.

“My greatest accomplishments are each time I see a child show joy in gaining a new skill they didn’t think was possible or see a family feel empowered in helping their child achieve their goals.”

This compassion for others was nurtured during her undergraduate and graduate studies at Grand Valley State University.

“GVSU gave me a strong foundation and appreciation for evidence-based practices and critical thinking while maintaining a focus on the most important factor, having a positive impact on the lives we touch,” she said.

Beyond the Ottawa School District and the Interagency Council, Stegenga serves on the board of the Family Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on children with special needs and provides resources for therapeutic treatments that may not be covered by insurance.

Stegenga’s education continues at GVSU as she pursues her second graduate degree, a master’s in educational leadership with an emphasis on special education administration. She hopes to continue advocating the importance of early childhood intervention and supporting the efforts made for children and families. She, husband Karl, and cat Patti live in West Olive where she hikes, bikes, paddles, and skis.

Spotlights » Jennifer Maxson, '94

Some say the key to success is to surround yourself with successful people. This is certainly the mantra for Jennifer Maxson, ’94. It is her job to help successful people take advantage of their full potential.

Her winding career path started at GVSU when she chose to study public relations. She knew right away that she wanted to help businesses prosper. She just needed the tools to make it happen. One of her professors, *Fred Chapman, gave her those tools. As one of her first mentors, Chapman brought real-world experience to the classroom; a world Maxson couldn’t wait to be a part of.

“I wanted to help organizations build awareness in order to grow their business,” she said. “Help them build leaders in their organizations to lead the business, lead change, and lead people.”

After graduation, Maxson maintained the close relationships with her GVSU peers. She was working as a marketing and event coordinator when one of her former classmates mentioned he was leaving his position at Grand Rapids bases PR firm, Nancy Skinner & Associates and needed to find a replacement. Maxson became the firm’s communications manager in 1996. After two years and a promotion, Maxson was put in charge of managing and coaching some of the firm’s essential business relationships. When the firm was acquired by Varnum Consulting in 2003, she was asked to stay on as the firm’s consultant and coach.

Now, as practice group leader for Varnum, Maxson works to improve the leadership and success of many employees at large corporations such as Amway, Herman Miller, and Spectrum Health. Her talents extend into the community where she is a volunteer with such organizations as Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA and the VanAndel Institute. Maintaining her ties to GVSU, she also mentors individuals with the Peter Cook Leadership Academy in the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

Maxon’s positive outlook and enthusiasm has created success not only for her, but for those around her. She has made a career out of creating leaders. The motivation she gets from seeing others succeed inspires her to work harder. She hopes to pass her work ethic on to not only to her clients, but also to her children.

“Bring value to others and in turn they will be willing to help and advise you.”

* Fred Chapman passed away in July of 2012.

Spotlights » Kari Lynch, '10

Her childhood fits the lyrics to a country song. Kari Lynch, '10 grew up a small town girl with big dreams. Born and raised in Clare, Michigan, she found her calling at age five while in the back seat of her Grandmother's car. Patsy Cline Was blaring from the tape deck and Lynch was hooked. Video Interview

It wasn't long before she picked up a pen and started writing songs. Since words seemed to come naturally to her, Lynch made the decision to enroll in Grand Valley State University's writing program. Even though her studies focused on professional writing, Lynch says that the combination of both the creative and business sides of writing had a huge impact on her career.

"The Literature classes at Grand Valley broadened my perspective on writing and it definitely made me a better songwriter," she said.

She also appreciated the freedom that Grand Valley gave her to explore subjects, something that makes her proud to be a Laker. During her time at the university, Lynch felt that her creativity was nurtured and that the professors taught her to think independently, beyond the pages of a book. One of her most influential professors is Associate Professor David Alvarez.

"He opened my eyes to so many things. Not just the books that we read, but the world: things I had never thought about before,"said Lynch.

While taking classes full-time, Lynch never forgot her dream of playing music. As she continued to finish her education, she was introduced to her current band mate, Matt James. The duo started playing together in 2008 and would play shows while balancing work and school. News of their talent spread quickly and they went from playing a few shows a month to sharing the stage with nationally touring bands.

After graduating in 2010 with a degree in Professional Writing, Lynch reached her goal of sustaining full-time gigs with her country group, The Kari Lynch Band.

"We left the first practice and looked at each other and thought: this is good"!

The Kari Lynch Band was the opening act for rising county star Justin Moore at the GVSU Fieldhouse in April 2012 and is currently on a Michigan-wide tour. Lynch is confident that the band's dynamic sound will take them all the way to Nashville and beyond.

Updated April 2012. *Photo credit: T Scott Photography

Spotlights » Liz Tompkins,

By the time she graduated from Grand Valley with a degree in social work, Liz Tompkins, 10 had mentored international students with Best Buddies, spent one year as a member of the Student Environmental Coalition, and had studied abroad, twice. Two years later and almost 9,000 feet higher in altitude, she is working with the Peace Corps in Carhuaz, Ancash, Peru.

Located between the Black and the White Mountain ranges in the Andes, Carhuaz has a population of only 6,000  five times as many as the population of her hometown of Maple City, Michigan. Her days begin at 6:30 a.m. when she wakes up for breakfast with her host family: Mañuka, a retired nurse; Veronica, a kindergarten teacher; and Juan Pablo, her 7-year-old host nephew. After breakfast, its off to a full day of meetings, research, and curriculum building. Currently, Tompkins is responsible for creating a curriculum for a 5-week vocational orientation class for high school seniors. This curriculum needs to prepare students for an upcoming vocational fair and must be presented to and approved by the schools directors before it is implemented.

In addition, Tompkins also tutors her host nephew, and volunteers with the local volleyball team where she helps coordinate events with the municipal youth director. While she jokes that her greatest accomplishment of the day is avoiding culture missteps, Tompkins said she was well-prepared for this adventure and has her Grand Valley mentors to thank.

"I feel well-rounded coming out of Grand Valley," she said. "I have never doubted my own abilities in the field and have relied on my contacts and mentors at Grand Valley for advice and support."

Her passion for encouraging others to succeed began early in life. She has always been motivated by bringing out the potential in others and recognizing the potential that others see in her. Before joining the Peace Corps, Tompkins worked for Eagle Village, a residential addiction? Treatment center near Big Rapids. For two years, she counseled abused and neglected teen girls. During this time, she had begun the application process for the Peace Corps and looked forward to the new challenge.

"I chose the Peace Corps because I have always enjoyed spending time in different cultures and countries," she said. "Now is the time for me to experience living abroad and living a more difficult life than I am accustomed to."

When her two-year appointment closes, Tompkins plans to return to school for her master's degree in social work. She hopes to continue being challenged and advises dont be afraid to be uncomfortable.

Updated October 2012.

Spotlights » Bruce Lyon, '95

Bruce Lyon is a professional motivator. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelors degree in hospitality and tourism management in 1995. As the director of operations at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, he spends most of his workday making sure almost every department is running smoothly.

"A lot of my day is spent as a cheerleader and a psychologist,"said Lyon.

As a senior at Rockford High School, Lyon thought he had his future planned.

He would attend the University of Michigan and become an architect. His dream changed when he discovered the fast paced, ever evolving atmosphere of the hotel business. After high school Bruce started working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to help make ends meet, as a second shift housekeeping supervisor.

While working 40 hours a week, he attended Grand Rapids Community College for a couple of years before making the switch to GVSU as a full-time student in 1993.

"The way the classes were set up they allowed me the flexibility to continue working here and allowed me to cater my internships to one specific location. It really made it easy for me to be able to go to school, maintain my employment and walk right into a management job as soon as I graduated,"said Lyon.

His management experience at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel took him around the country. After only a few months, Lyon was offered a promotion at a hotel in Detroit. He climbed the ladder at resorts in Traverse City, Miami, Destin, Florida, and eventually ended up back at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for the fourth time, accepting a position as director of operations.

Throughout his 15 years of experience in the hospitality business, Bruce Lyon has been recognized for several achievements, including Manager of the year at two separate hotels. He currently resides on the Grand Valley State University Hospitality Advisory Board, frequently speaks at GVSU Hospitality and Tourism Management summits and is often asked back to Grand Valley to share his knowledge with students in the classroom.

"You have the ones in the front that are really energetic, and you may have the ones like I was in the back that have worked a full shift the night before and are just trying to stay awake and get through the class. I try to speak to both of them," he said.

Lyon's expertise and honest advice has recruited a number of GVSU undergraduates to the internship program at the AGPH.

I don't have the best advice for everyone, but I tell students not to look for the glamorous internship. Just try to find something that's going to get you in the door and let your hard work prove it from there, said Lyon.

An accomplished businessman, and connected alumnus, Lyon still has some career aspirations. Inspired by a professor in one of his hospitality classes, he hopes to one day become an adjunct professor at GVSU.

"I still remember Dick King who taught our beverage class. He was more enthused about liquor laws and liability than anyone I've ever met, but I still go back and think about some of those things he said and apply them when we're in difficult situations."

At the age of 41, Bruce Lyon has had a significant impact on the hotel industry in Grand Rapids, and around the United States. Ultimately, he was led back to his home turf, where he is living in Rockford and raising a son, Nick. Lyon insists he is here to stay.

"West Michigan is special, and this hotel is incredible. There's no other hotel that runs the way that this does,he said. "I'm proud to live here, and I'm proud to be a Laker."

Spotlights » Meghan Wieten-Scott, '06

Meghan Wieten-Scott, '06 (pictured far left with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) never thought she'd be in the same room, let alone carry on a conversation with royalty. But recently, she found herself standing face to face with the world-famous newlyweds, William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Alaska.

Wieten-Scott graduated from Grand Valley with a degree in Public Administration and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Though she had some experience in the field, Wieten-Scott says her degree in Public Administration gave her an in-depth working knowledge of how non-profit organizations work, from grant writing to manage volunteers. Her love of philanthropy runs deep, instilled in her by her mother and brother, and several close family members who also attended GVSU before her, and she continues to support Grand Valley financially through the annual fund, even though shes thousands of miles away.

It is my hope that by giving back to GVSU, I can help provide this incredible experience for many other students in the future.

Wieten-Scott is the Operation Appreciation Program Manager for the Blue Star Families Network. What started as a volunteer project to keep her busy while her husband was deployed to Iraq, turned into a paid position. As the wife of a military member, Wieten-Scott has found a passion for supporting military families during times of transition.

I have found that most people (civilians) just don't know what they can do to help, and that's why our work at Blue Star Families is so crucial. It helps to bridge the gap and lighten the load for military families while letting them know that people do care, said Wieten-Scott.

Recently, Blue Star Families partnered with the "Joining Forces Campaign", an initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The campaign focuses on providing support and career opportunities for veterans and their spouses after serving in the military. In conjunction with the initiative, the Blue Star Families came together with the USO, Service Nation: Mission Serve, the US Chamber of Commerce as well as Sony Pictures Studio on July 7 to put on the Hiring Our Heroes job fair and accompanying service project. William and Catherine participated in the service project as part of their North American royal tour. Wieten-Scott and another colleague were introduced to the couple during their tour through the facility.

I have to say, they were the most genuine, down to earth people I have met. They were completely focused on what we were saying, and looked us in the eye as we spoke with them. They weren't concerned about what they had to do next or where the cameras were.

After meeting the Duke and Duchess, Meghan hopes that someday the Blue Star Families program will travel oversees to help U.K. military families.

Little did I know when I joined Blue Star Families last year that it would lead to such an incredible experience! It was such an honor to represent military spouses and Blue Star Families to such an influential couple. It's pretty surreal to know that someday I can tell my children and grandchildren that I met the King and Queen of England.

Meghan currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband Andrew.

Added August, 2011

Spotlights » Laurie Angell, '81

Laurie Angell, `81, didn't enter ArtPrize 2010 to make a grandiose artistic statement or to gain fame or fortune for herself and her collaborators. Instead, this Grand Valley alumna's passion for the natural environment quietly brought together a community of others who shared her passion. More than 30 fellow artists joined her in making an original fiber arts creation for the art contest in Grand Rapids, which runs to October 10, 2010. Their creation, they hope, will be one that ultimately "gives back" to the environment that inspired it.

Laurie Angell earned her Bachelor's in Natural Resources Management with a minor in chemistry from GVSU in 1981. After she graduated, Laurie began working for the Allegan County Health Department as a field sanitarian, and later a food sanitarian. As a public health specialist, her work included designing and inspecting on-site sewage disposal systems (septic tanks and drain fields). In another position, she inspected kitchens in restaurants, schools, and other public institutions serving food to the public.

While Laurie knew that her professional work contributed to a healthier, "greener" world, she also sought more personal ways to connect with nature. She became interested in natural fibers and textiles, and soon joined the Woodland Weavers & Spinners Guild of Greater Grand Rapids. This venerable group of about 70 artisans gathers regularly to practice their craft and share fellowship.

As this year's ArtPrize drew near, Laurie felt moved to act. 2010 happens to be the 50th anniversary of the Woodland Weavers as well as her alma mater Grand Valley. "The feeling of fellowship and support in the Woodland Weavers has always been a gift to me," said Laurie. "I wanted to help celebrate the Guild's anniversary, and creating a weaving was a way to link with Grand Valley's anniversary, too."
"I wanted to do more than just create something, however. My goal is that what we create will be sold, and the proceeds will go to benefit the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley," said Laurie. "They've been doing wonderful work to study and help Lake Michigan ever since I graduated."

Laurie `s idea was to involve as many guild members as possible. At a recent guild retreat on Lake Michigan, a particularly stunning sunset gave her the visual inspiration. She photographed it, and her sister created a colored-pencil sketch of an image that was simple yet captured the elemental power of the scene. Laurie showed the sketch to her fellow artists, and the 'Woven Lakescape' was begun.

Coaxed by Laurie, nearly half of the guild's membership joined to create 'Woven Lakescape.' The colors and fibers in each scarf were chosen by the individual artists using predominantly wool, cotton, or silk. Some of the fiber was hand dyed or hand spun, and the scarves were hand-woven, knit or crocheted. Using a construction that evokes the form of a loom, nearly 50 scarves were assembled to portray the Lake Michigan sunset.

"There weren't really any assignments. We all looked at the sketch and picked different areas to focus on, but that was it," said Laurie. "To me, this was both very personal and very communal. Each scarf was made by an individual, but we knew that others were also working on their parts, which would combine with ours."

The experience has deepened Laurie's understanding of art. "When I look at what we did, I see so much more than what is there. I see the friends who worked on their scarves, I think about the time they spent weaving and what they thought about, and what was happening in their lives then. I try to tell our story so that others can know what the `Woven Lakescape' really means."

Laurie noted that the project eventually drew in non-weavers as well. Generous financial support for the entry fees of the 34 collaborators came from Tom Windeknecht of Stanwood, Michigan in memory of his late wife Margaret, called "a great weaver" by others in the guild.

Unless sold during ArtPrize, the scarves will be available for sale at the annual Textile Arts Market, hosted by the Woodland Weavers & Spinners Guild and held at Calvin College's Prince Conference Center December 10-11, 2010.

Laurie lives in Byron Center and is married to Sam Angell; they have two daughters. She works today as a massage therapist and a "busy mother."

Added October 2010

Spotlights » Joe Buys, '07

Adrenaline surged through his body as Joe Buys, '07 performed his recent single in front of countless screaming fans at Rock the Rapids Music Festival on August 13. The aspiring hip-hop artist, actor, and model felt right at home in Grand Rapids.

One year after graduating from Grand Valley with a degree in advertising and public relations, Buys took a leap of faith and drove 2,280 miles from Michigan to the City of Angels, in pursuit of his dreams.

I fell in love with hip-hop music early on and never looked back. It's a feeling that runs so deep that it's almost unexplainable, almost like I didn't choose hip-hop, but it chose me.

Determined to jump-start his hip-hop career in L.A., Buys landed small gigs on movie sets, and TV shows, and had a reoccurring role as a model on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. However, he says his real passion is in music. He has been paying his dues and performing at clubs in California and Michigan, and returns to his hometown of Ionia to perform a few times a year.

Buys recently filmed his first official music video called Go Hard. The video represents everyday people who are making a big difference in the world. Buys encourages his listeners and his fellow Grand Valley alumni to give life everything they've got.

I want to be the best I can be at anything I do, he said.If someone is going to be better than me in something, it will never be because they outworked me.

His ability to rise above the ridicule of being a small town kid with big dreams is what drives the meaning behind his brand Dream Impossible.

Joe admits his latest performance at Rock the Rapids as the opening act for platinum recording artists T-Pain and Ludacris is his most significant gig to date. When he got the offer to perform, he was speechless.

This isn't the pinnacle for me yet, but I never dreamed I would even be in this position and be able to do these things. I had to overcome a lot of doubt.

His love for performing began at a young age, and his talent for promoting his brand came when he put his advertising and public relations major to work for himself.

With thousands of followers on Facebook, Buys started and grew his fan base at Grand Valley. He worked with friends to design and distribute flyers, sell CD's, and promote his latest shows.

Buys attends acting classes several times a week and on any given day can be found posting something to his music blog. He doesn't consider himself the typical hip-hop artist. When he isn't in the recording studio, or performing, you can find him relaxing at his home in Manhattan Beach, California and occasionally mentoring kids on the basketball court.

Buys said he has been blessed with the ultimate supporting cast, his family and friends.

It just hit me while I was driving in the car. I'm no longer chasing my dream, I may never have been. I'm living my dream. Wow.

Buys long-time friend and business partner Tyler Way, '09 of T.Way Collection documented his Rock the Rapids experience. The documentary will be available on Buys' website on September 13. To see the alumni relations video interview with Joe Buys just before he performed at Rock the Rapids, check out our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/grandvalleyalum

Photo Credit: Michael Cook - Grand Rapids Social Diary

Spotlights » Nancy Steele, '85 & '94

Dr. Nancy Steele '85 & '94 is making history as the Chief of Nursing Research Services for the Europe Regional Medical Command. She has been charged with the unique task of establishing the first nursing research center outside of the United States. As Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, she is stationed in Landstuhl, Germany and is responsible for daily operations at the Center for Science & Clinical Inquiry for all of Europe, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Steele earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Grand Valley State University in 1985, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 1994. She also spent several years as a visiting professor and assistant professor within the Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) at GVSU. It was during her work and research with KCON that she felt called to serve her country.

After gaining 10 years of experience in the Army, Steele received her Ph.D. in Nursing from University of Michigan in 2002. Upon graduation, she served in Honduras and El Salvador as a Nurse Practitioner before she was stationed in Hawaii. During her last year there she was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, after being selected to take on the role of Human Protections Administrator for Iraq and Deputy Director of the Deployed Combat Casualty Research Team.

In recognition of service to her country, Steele has received more than 20 military awards including, U.S. Military Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the United States Meritorious Service Medal. She was also nominated for the Bronze Star in 2008, credited with assisting in medical research efforts in Iraq that helped to improve health care to over 162,000 military and coalition personnel. She currently serves on the Army Nurse Corp Research Advisory Board (NRAB), The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), and the Association of Women's Health Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). Steele has also contributed to several nationally recognized publications including the Journal of Military Medicine.

Steele has been stationed in Germany since 2008. The majority of her nursing research focuses on the care of wounded warriors who serve on the front lines in Europe, and also the affects of fatigue, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other clinical issues on soldiers.

In November 2011, Steele was assigned to serve as the Regional Chief of Military Nurse Research at Womak Military Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Added April 2011

Spotlights » Ann Teliczan, '83

Ann Teliczan, '83 is an environmentally inspired artist. After graduating from William James College at Grand Valley, she kept her talent a secret from most of the world at first.

"For years, I kept my work to myself. It was a personal expression that I simply needed to do,"said Teliczan.

Her work is influenced by her exposure to nature as a child. Teliczan was born in Los Angeles, raised in a farming community in Washington state, and lived most of her younger years in Chicagoland where she was inspired by a vibrant art community. While she was a student at Grand Valley, Ann got a taste of her creative expression. She was a disc jockey and ran her own radio show at WSRX (now WGVU) called Annies Rock Hour. She was also very involved in the arts program, testing her skills as a photographer.

Upon graduation in 1983, the Michigan unemployment rate hovered around *13 percent, which left Ann torn between the decision to leave the state or make Grand Rapids her permanent home.

"When I graduated the economy was horrible, in fact there was a saying 'Would the last one to leave Michigan close the door'? I wanted to stay," said Teliczan.

Teliczan began her career as an advertising coordinator at Gemini Publications, a parent company of Grand Rapids Magazine and the Grand Rapids Business Journal. At the age of 29, she took a promotion and became the national advertising and public relations director at Brooks Shoe, a former division of Wolverine World Wide. She also worked for a nationally recognized design firm, and collaborated with hundreds of businesses.

As her children grew older, she longed for the sense of creative expression she embraced while she was a student at Grand Valley, and found it with the pottery program at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids.

"In 2003, I decided to go public," she said.

Hours spent in the dark room, and experimentation with scanners, composite art and printmaking led to Teliczans unique art works that now hang in hospitals, and other businesses around the country. Her prints are developed using an innovative process that blends traditional painting using minerals with cameraless, filmless digital captures that are printed on canvas and paper.

Recently, Fort Belvoir, one of the military hospitals in Washington DC, purchased 375 pieces of her work to be displayed in patient rooms. To date, it is her biggest sale, and it marks a milestone in her art career - next to the time Oprah Winfrey featured one of her photos in her Breathing Space online gallery.

In early 2011, Ann formed her own ad agency, AT Media Studio where she now develops ad campaigns and shoots photography for clients in the West Michigan area.

When she looks back at her experiences, she is reminded of the impact her Grand Valley education has made on her career path.

"I was able to get a job even though the Michigan economy was at a low point. My experience at Grand Valley gave me courage, confidence and the tools I needed to succeed."

Ann currently resides in Ada with her family.

*Information retrieved from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget website

Updated January 2012

Spotlights » Rob McCarty, '96

What do you get when you combine the stamina of a security officer with the savvy of a business degree? An entrepreneur. Although he studied criminal justice at Grand Valley State University, Rob McCarty, ’96 found his true passion in promotion and marketing. McCarty took the best of both degrees and applied it toward starting a business. His wife, Karen Tracey, ‘88, already an entrepreneur, and Troy Best, ’95, an established designer, opened the Image Shoppe in 2003 in the (at the time) up-and-coming East Hills neighborhood. 

Today, East Hills is thriving with local businesses, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations. No stranger to nonprofits, McCarty has worked with close neighbors West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Wealthy Street Business Alliance, and Green Grand Rapids. He is also one of the proud founding members of Local First, an organization dedicated to the support and promotion of local business ownership in the Midwest. 

In 2012, McCarty was awarded as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders and with the Joan Wolfe Award from WMEAC for his long-standing commitment to the organization. In his most recent project with WMEAC, he promoted the BetterBuildings for Michigan program which works to improve the energy efficiency in homes throughout the Grand Rapids area.

McCarty’s enthusiasm for local business and community stems from the same drive that gained him two internships while studying at Grand Valley. In 1995, he worked with West Grand, a nonprofit organization that strives to unite local businesses and residents to improve the vitality of their neighborhood. During his internship with West, McCarty ran the Auto Theft Prevention Authority program. Then in his senior year, he joined the Herman Miller security team and saw just how successful local business could be.

The experiences McCarty had throughout his educational career strengthened his character and gave him a high expectation of success. Seeing the investment that residents and businesses have put into the area gives McCarty confidence in West Michigan. He hopes to keep growing and improving along with the neighborhood and sees nothing but positive things in the future.

Updated December 2012

Spotlights » Michelle R. Troseth, '83 & '97

Michelle R. Troseth, '83 & '97 is the executive vice president and chief professional practice officer for Elsevier Clinical Decision Support & Elsevier Clinical Practice Model Resource Center in Grand Rapids. She is responsible for continuing to improve the professional practices of health care providers, and transforming the culture of healthcare settings around the world.

Troseth earned a bachelor of science in nursing in 1983, and a master of science in nursing in 1997 from Grand Valley State University. She started her career as a critical care nurse and later joined forces with her former professor and mentor, Bonnie Wesorick, founder of the CPM Resource Center. The CPM Resource Center works with healthcare organizations to provide clinicians with resources to focus on coordinating care and improving patient care using the latest clinical information and health information technology.

Troseth's job has taken her around the world, and the CPM Framework" and Models has been implemented in more than 300 hospitals across the United States and Canada with a mission to co-create the best places to give and receive care.

A member of the American Nurses Association, Troseth has presented to healthcare professionals nationally and internationally, and has contributed to several health care publications. She co-authored Business coalitions: Shaping health reform through technology and science in 2011. Troseth has led many federal comments on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act impacting health care and on Health Care Reform.

Among her many accomplishments and awards, Troseth was inducted into the National Academies of Practice as a distinguished practitioner in nursing. She and her husband are campaign chairs for the Wesorick Center for Healthcare Transformation within the GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing. She has shown support of the University financially and with her time and resources, and continues to support the evolving teaching practices in nursing and interprofessional education. She frequently speaks internationally, and shares the collaborative work of Grand Valley, the Kirkhof College of Nursing, and CPM Resource Center.

Troseth has three sons and currently resides in Hudsonville with her husband, Kevin.

Added November 2011

Spotlights » Christianne Sainz, '06

Not long ago, if you asked Christianne Sainz, '06 what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer would undoubtedly include performing with the world famous group Cirque du Soleil. Five years after graduating from GVSU, her dream is within reach.

Sainz graduated with a degree in theatre and met her current boss Alison Williams during a guest artist workshop at GVSU. Since then, her career has taken off, and she has been traveling the world with her friends. Recently she helped to produce a modern-day circus called "Stand Up 8." The part theatre, part gymnastics show features 8 performers with backgrounds in street performance and comedy. No animals, just pure talent.

A Plainfield, Michigan native and a 2006 graduate, Sainz is a five-time national trampoline champion, and most recently returned to Grand Valley to perform in front of hundreds of students with "Stand Up 8" as a part of the 50th Anniversary event on March 24.

Her journey has not always been fun and games. After suffering several serious injuries throughout college, Sainz was unsure if she would ever be able to get on the trampoline again. It was her determination that kept her training, and eventually soaring to new heights.

She currently calls Los Angeles, California "home," and when she's not traveling, she is teaching gymnastics to pre-school aged children. Check out the Stand Up 8 website for the latest tour schedule.

To see Sainz's performance on the trampoline and more of her interview go to our YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/grandvalleyalum

Spotlights » Matt Cooley, '08

Matt Cooley's phone rang on graduation day in December of 2008. It was his future calling from more than 3,000 miles away. A principal offered Cooley, `08 and his wife Victoria (Hope College grad, '06) teaching jobs in the Netherlands at the United World College Maastricht. After a long paperwork process, they left their hometown of Grand Rapids and headed across the ocean, again.

The scenery was not entirely new for Cooley who had spent the better half of 2007 in the Netherlands teaching K-12 students as part of GVSU's study abroad program. As an English major, with an emphasis in Language Arts and an Elementary Education minor, teaching has always been Matt's passion.

"I want to help shape their [students¿] character, molding them into thoughtful, communicative and open-minded individuals. I want to empower them with tools they need to succeed in a world where positive role models are hard to find," said Cooley.

A role model himself, Cooley has been teaching 37 fourth grade students from all over the globe every day with the help of his current teaching assistant and GVSU study abroad student, Tina. The last two years of teaching math, science, language, the arts, and geography to several children who do not understand English, has taught him a few lessons as well.

"It was always exciting to think that one day I would teach abroad, but for it to become a reality has been more challenging and more rewarding than I thought it would be."

Cooley says his experiences at Grand Valley have taught him to be a worldly learner, and he continues to stay in touch with former professors at GVSU for their honest advice and ideas, which he calls 'priceless.'

Matt hopes to one day pursue further studies in Educational Leadership, studying new ideas about teaching and learning differently.

He currently resides in Maastricht, Netherlands with his wife Victoria, and their English bull dog puppy Zoe. Watch the interview and video of Matt Cooley in his classroom. Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZDU-Nzow2o

Spotlights » David Garvey, '92

David Garvey, '92, of Grand Rapids was honored by Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern during the Governor's Service Awards ceremony held June 24, 2010, at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. 

He was one of just five finalists selected for the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award. This most prestigious of all the Governor's Service Awards honors an individual who has taken his volunteer service to the highest level, year after year. Finalists have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service, and have made service a long-term way of life.

The 67-year-old graduated Summa Cum Laude from GVSU in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and has been volunteering in various roles for over 50 years. His total service is impossible to quantify, but hours logged with just a few of the organizations he has assisted over the years totals more than 6,000. A former smoker of 30 years, his current passion is in offering smoking cessation and recovery support. He volunteers for Tobacco Free Partners in Grand Rapids, and has counseled more than 500 individuals through various support groups he has formed. He is a constantly available smoking cessation resource, having his personal number listed on the United Way 211 help line, State of Michigan Self-Help Directory, and in numerous doctors' offices and hospitals.

Garvey first discovered the positive feelings volunteering can bring at the young age of 9. The simple act of making cupcakes for members of his Cub Scout den launched a lifetime devoted to service.

In his teenage years, Garvey became a volunteer member of the United States Air Force Ground Observer Corps, a civilian defense group who kept look out for invading aircraft before the regular use of radar. He was named an Honorary Life Member of the Ground Observer Corps in recognition of his voluntary and faithful service. "I became involved with the corps to continue my father's tradition of service to our country and honor his memory," said Garvey, whose father was killed on Leyte Island during World War II.

Garvey's motivation for volunteering changed, however, during his twenties and thirties. During this time, his volunteer activity primarily consisted of visiting the sick. He himself had spent much of his life in and out of hospitals battling illness and addiction, and underwent a particularly long hospital stay while recovering from a serious closed-head injury. "When I visited others, I became acutely aware of how lonely, left-out, useless and fearful I had felt when I had no visitors. I could see those same feelings and the pain in their faces. I could feel it," explained Garvey. "I originally visited the sick because I thought I could relieve some of their bad feelings but discovered something miraculous, my own negative feelings were relieved by being supportive of someone else."

In addition to his smoking cessation work, he continues to visit the sick and infirmed. He also provides volunteer online research for the director of faculty development at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, developing materials on teaching methods and ethics for faculty of the school, and regularly volunteers for Grand Rapids Community College's Academic Service Learning Center.

He credits volunteerism with helping him develop a new world view, one which he strives to make a better place. He is extremely humbled by the Governor's recognition, calling it one of the most unexpected and exciting moments of his life. Quoting poet and artist John Ruskin, Garvey summed up the experience saying, "the highest reward is not what I get for my work, but what I have become because of it."

Added August 2010

Spotlights » Lisa Brooks, '92

Lisa Brooks, `92 had business on her mind when she took her first class at Grand Valley State University towards her bachelor's in business degree. With a passion for marketing, an eye for networking, and a willingness to live outside her comfort zone, she's now a successful marketer for a Fortune 500 company. And she's contributed to growing several national brands, including Coca-Cola, McDonald's and TGI Friday's.

Brooks is a senior customer marketing manager for Coca-Cola Refreshments, USA, working in Dallas, Texas for its Food Service and On-Premise division. Her title may be a mouthful, but it boils down to serving clients who sell Coca-Cola through fountain service in restaurants, theaters, amusement parks, and other food service venues.

"It's the most enjoyable job I can imagine," she says.

"My work isn't as simple as saying that I market Coca-Cola products," says Brooks. "I work more as a business marketing consultant, helping our customers achieve their goals for their brands." She assists in multiple ways, often providing market analysis, information on economic trends, and proprietary research done by Coca-Cola.

She has also helped her customers adopt new beverage technology such as Coca-Cola Freestyle, a touch-screen fountain machine that dispenses more than 100 beverage brands from one machine. Brooks describes it as a 'game changer' and "the biggest innovation in Coca-Cola's history."

Brooks' current clients include TGI Friday's, a popular chain based in Dallas with approximately 600 restaurants nationwide. Other clients are strong regional chains in the Southwest. Wingstop, which focuses solely on flavored chicken wings, has more than 445 restaurants. Another client, Taco Bueno Restaurants, has about 190 quick-service Mexican eateries.

It's rarely easy to find the most enjoyable job you can imagine and to secure work at a Fortune 500 company. Brooks credits her current position, first and foremost, to networking. "I had a great preparation--my Grand Valley education, the right work history, the right skill set. But it also came down to the right place, the right time and knowing the right people- people I met through my earlier positions."

In 2004, while Brooks was looking for a new job, a former boss mentioned that a woman executive was leaving a marketing position at Coca-Cola, and that she should apply. She contacted the woman, who turned out to be one of her former neighbors. The neighbor happily gave suggestions about pursuing the position. Brooks got the job, starting in Chicago and then competing successfully for a promotion to Coke's office in Dallas.

Lisa's career has connected her with some of America's most well-known brands. Before Coca-Cola, Lisa was assistant brand manager for Alberto Culver Co., based near Chicago, where she worked on their V05 Shampoo & Conditioner line. For another Chicago company, she helped McDonald's Corporation with marketing and advertising for the African American consumer market, including Happy Meal campaigns and promotions.

Brooks gives praise for her Grand Valley education. "The Multicultural Business Education Cohort (MBEC) program laid a very valuable foundation for me," says Lisa. "We were mentored, there was practice in speaking publicly, we gained leadership skills, and that made the difference."

"Perhaps the program's key strength was its internships. My internship at Amway in marketing cosmetics had the greatest impact for me," Brooks said. "The skills I learned helped me get a permanent position at Amway right after college, where I stayed for five years. Amway helped me move beyond sales and straight into marketing and product development."

Reflecting on reasons for her success, Brooks says: "I think it is because I have been willing to change and adapt, to let go of my fears of not being in my comfort zone. I did not settle for the status quo. As a networker, I've kept my eyes and ears open for opportunities, I've recognized how important timing is, and I have not been afraid to `go for it.'"

Brooks, who grew up in Grand Rapids, also credits her success to willingness to move when necessary. "When I went to Chicago, it was one of the best moves I made. It gave me a broader exposure to many industries, which I was looking for."

Mentors were important for Brooks at Grand Valley. Dean Emeritus Don Williams, who led the MBEC program, helped in many ways, including steering her toward marketing after she decided her first academic choice, accounting, was not for her. Brooks also acknowledges Jean Enright, the retired special assistant to the President, for mentoring her during and even after Grand Valley.

As for the future, Brooks says she continues to enjoy the independence of her job, as well as all the change and excitement it holds. "Someday, I want to evolve to become a greater contributor, managing other marketers," she adds.

Wherever life and work take her, Brooks will always remember Grand Valley. "When I think of the good friends I have now, most are from Grand Valley. I hold their friendships in the highest regard; I'm still good friends with my first college roommate," she says.

"Looking at the success I've had and the friends I've made, that says a lot about Grand Valley being a special place."

Added July, 2011.

Spotlights » Bo Pratt, '05 & '07

If you regularly flip through the pages of a popular magazine or surf the cable channels at home, chances are you've seen the face of former Laker football player, and Grand Valley graduate Robert (Bo) Pratt, '05 & '07.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Art in 2005, Pratt ventured to Australia to start his master's degree.

"I decided at the beginning of my trip that everything I said that I would never try, due to fear, I would reconsider" Pratt said.

That's when Pratt's adventure began. His journey put him face to face with dingoes, took him bungee jumping, glacier climbing, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef. He met Green Peace members in Tasmania, drank Kava with local tribesmen, dined on insects, and he finished his semester abroad as a member of the undefeated Australian Rugby League.

When Pratt returned to the states to finish up his master's degree in Computer Science, he stumbled upon some modeling jobs to supplement his income. Upon graduation he took a position in tech support at a local internet supplier company.

"After a couple of months I looked around at my co-workers and managers one day and I realized how unhappy most of them were," he said. "I asked myself if I wanted to be like them, and the answer was no."

A change of heart directed his focus on traveling and modeling and before long, Pratt was landing significant jobs in South Africa, and New York City. His résumé boasts of television commercials for Pepsi, Garnier, Samsung, and Kohl's, as well as ads for Cosmo, Essence, Meijer, Ford, MC Sports, and others.

Pratt splits his time between New York City and South Africa. He models and takes acting classes, but he has also found an appreciation for stepping behind the lens. He has taken up photography, and hopes to one day establish his own studio.

Motivated by challenges and the freedom to express himself, Pratt says his experiences at Grand Valley have influenced the person he is today.

"I learned so many lessons whether in classes or social situations at GVSU. Most of them play out every day. They were building blocks in my work."

It is uncertain where Bo Pratt's career will take him next, but it's sure to be an adventure.

You can find Bo Pratt's fan page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bo-Pratt/140480442638693

Spotlights » Linda Masselink, '68

Linda R. Masselink earned a Bachelors degree in Group Science from Grand Valley State University in 1968. She also earned a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1969.

Masselink started her career working for the Library of Michigan in Lansing. After getting married and starting a family, she returned to Grand Rapids and accepted a position at Davenport College Library. She worked at Davenport for 18 years before beginning her librarian career at Grand Valley.

In 1999 Masselink accepted a position at Zumberge Library on the Allendale campus. A year later she was asked to assist with the opening of the Steelcase Library on the Pew Campus in Grand Rapids. Her guidance and dedication led her to a promotion as Senior Librarian in 2007.

An experienced writer and presenter, Linda has been a member of the American Library Association since 1989 and is also a member of the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation Center for Community Leadership.

Masselink's leadership and service shines through her long list of volunteer and community activities. She has been involved with Leadership Grand Rapids, United Way of West Michigan, served as a Schools of Hope tutor, and has been President of the GVSU chapter of Toastmasters International. Her passion for serving Grand Valley was strengthened when Linda took President Haas 50 hour service challenge for GVSU's 50th anniversary. During her tenure Linda has assisted with the annual Alumni Freshman Move-In event and has been an annual GradFest volunteer for nearly 10 years. She is also a supporter and volunteer for the Faculty/Staff Giving Campaign, and is a consistent donor to university projects.

A recipient of several awards and honors, Masselink is a member of Beta Phi Mu Honor Society, and she was presented with the Community Service Award at Davenport College. Linda was most recently awarded Michigan Library Association Librarian of the Year in 2011.

Linda lives in Grand Rapids with her husband Bob. They have three children, and two grandchildren.

For her consistent service and commitment to Grand Valley State University and the Greater Grand Rapids area, Linda Masselink is the deserving recipient of the 2011 GVSU Alumni Service Award.

Added October 2011

Spotlights » Leslie Perales, '07

Leslie Perales, '07, has been named the editor of The Observer newspaper in Herndon, Va. She is now responsible for all editorial content in the company's print and digital publications.

Perales said she first became interested in journalism in high school but was also involved in photography and other types of media production. She intended to major in photography or graphic design, but picked journalism because it allowed her to incorporate those other skills.

"I'm really glad I stuck with journalism because it's a career that allows me to implement my photography and other media skills along with writing," she said. "At the Observer I have been a writer, photographer, videographer, and social networker, managing our Twitter, YouTube and Facebook accounts, as well as managing our Web site."

Perales graduated in 2007 with a degree in journalism. She also gained crucial experience outside the classroom, working at the Lanthorn, where she was a writer, copy editor, news editor and editor in chief.

"Some of my most memorable moments from Grand Valley were the many long days and nights I spent at the Lanthorn, with my fellow journalism and writing classmates," Perales said. "Nearly every experience I had there has helped further my career. My time at the Lanthorn really helped prepare me as a professional for the role that I'm playing now at the Observer."

Perales rose quickly at The Observer, where she started in January 2008 as a general assignment reporter covering community of Reston, Va. Perales soon took on the additional responsibility of covering Herndon and for planning the newspaper's coverage each week.

"Leslie has shown a great ability to understand how important local news is to our readership," said Observer Publisher Christopher L. Moore. "She is passionate about journalism, and compassionate about the people we serve."

Added March 2010

Spotlights » Christine VanTimmeren, '08

Many little girls dream about becoming the characters they see on television and Christine VanTimmeren, 08 was no different. Although, instead of soap opera stars or prime time prima donnas, she dreamt of becoming a television journalist.

VanTimmeren began her education at Hope College, but transferred to the Broadcast News program at GVSU her freshman year. In addition to the classes she took, VanTimmeren also gained experience shooting, writing, and editing news stories with the Grand Valley Broadcast Network (GVBN). When she took a job working as a reporter for FOX 17 her senior year, her professional life sped up and took off.

I was going to work at 3:00 a.m., then going to class all afternoon, and managed to get homework in there somewhere, she said. It was a crazy time, but I was so excited to have a job in the news business that I didn't care.

VanTimmeren worked for FOX 17 for two years before accepting a full-time position at News 10 NBC in Rochester, New York. She started as a news reporter in the same early morning hours that she had grown accustomed to while working in Grand Rapids. It was her responsibility to set up live broadcasts every weekday morning as well as report for the noon program. When her news director noticed her talent, he decided to give her a shot at anchoring. At first, she filled in mostly during the morning shows, but after six months of hard work and commitment, she was promoted the weekend anchor for both the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. news broadcasts. Thanks to her experience with GVBN, she is also able to write, shoot, and edit the day's news that she is assigned during the week. Every day presents its challenges, but putting together a story that touches people and makes them think, is worth all the stress, she said.

While becoming the weekend news anchor has been one the proudest moment in her professional life, VanTimmeren says that it's the Rochester community that is her biggest motivation.

Knowing that the person I interviewed is watching makes we want to make them proud, she said.

In addition to reporting, organizing, and anchoring the news, VanTimmeren also volunteers as emcee for local organizations like Hope Lodge Hospitality House, Verona Street Animal Shelter, and Full Circle Home.

Updated 2012.

Spotlights » Kevin Michael Schmitz, '06

Kevin Michael Schmitz, '06, is a professional advertising and editorial fashion photographer in Los Angeles and New York. He is the principle/founder of Kevin Michael Schmitz Photography, specializing in location lighting, digital imaging and large scale production. Kevin Michael photographs magazine spreads, fashion lookbooks, advertising campaigns, fine art pieces, documentary spreads, album covers, and is branching into celebrity fashion photography. His high-profile work has been published in eight national and international magazines within the past year.

After receiving a bachelor of science in photography from Grand Valley State University, Kevin Michael Schmitz pursued a master of fine arts in photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Upon moving to Manhattan Beach, California, he began his advertising photography business full-time. He employs six photography interns whom he mentors about the business of photography and advanced lighting techniques. As an educator, he guest lectures at photography and fashion workshops in Los Angeles.

Kevin Michael has taken his photographic thesis from GVSU entitled Alchemy of a Dream, to an entirely new level. As dreams have a unique way of transforming our unconscious into a limitless reality, photographs can trigger deep unconscious memories. Each fine art fashion piece is photographed as a multi-image composition of an archetypal figure meshed into a black & white negative background. This new style of fine art and fashion digital montage encompasses an ethereal feel that is represented by an inverse dreamscape of the collective unconscious.

In January of 2009, Kevin Michael Schmitz traveled throughout Israel during the war in Gaza. He photographed and authored documentary magazine editorials published in the United States and Europe. The project entitled ISRAEL: A Culture at War documents the people and Holy Land of Israel and the West Bank during a time of war. These gripping images and articles tell the perspective of the people living within the conflict.

Kevin Michael Schmitz is an active member of numerous professional organizations and holds an impressive list of clients. He plans to begin working as an adjunct professor of photography in Los Angeles this year to educate the future of the photographic industry in Southern California.

"I am deeply honored to have been nominated for the GVSU Young Alumni Award. Grand Valley truly prepared me for the world in so many ways, and I am excited to be living my dream as a professional advertising photographer."

www.KevinSchmitz.com

Added September 2009

Spotlights » Kathleen Underwood, Ph.D.

Dr. Kathleen Underwood is an educator, scholar, and public servant. Her commitment to historical research and passion for community improvement has earned her numerous awards and recognitions. She is currently associate professor of history and the director of the Women and Gender Studies program at Grand Valley State University.

Underwood completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado in 1969. After a brief academic break, her studies continued at the University of California where she earned both her masters and doctoral degrees.

In 1998, Underwood came to GVSU with nearly 20 years of academic experience. Having started her career at the University of Texas in Arlington, she knew that to successfully teach students meant instilling in them the importance of their role in the classroom.

During her time in Arlington, she also completed fellowships and several individual research projects in the fields of history and gender studies and contributed to numerous publications. In the years since, she has worked with the Coalition for Western Womens History, the National Womens Studies Association, and the Western History Association to promote the importance of women in history.

Her public service includes elected appointments in the Grand Rapids Historical Society, West Michigan Womens Studies Council, and Library Commission for East Grand Rapids Library. As chair for the Citizens of for EGR Community Complex, Underwood aided the successful campaign to revitalize the East Grand Rapids Library, Parks and Recreation, and City Hall  an $8.74 million project.

Underwood has been and continues to be a mentor for her students, even beyond graduation. Her belief in the importance of learner engagement has impacted her students both inside and outside the classroom. Underwood has one son, and she and husband professor of history Gary Stark, live in East Grand Rapids.

Spotlights » Bobbi Jo Kenyon, '02

Growing up with a teacher in her home, Bobbi Jo Kenyon, ’02 had no illusions about the dedication it took to be successful in the education profession. Her father was a teacher for 37 years, so she understood it required commitment, long hours, and hard work to make an impact on students. While the idea of extra work outside the classroom without pay might sway certain young girls from pursuing a career in education, it only made Kenyon want more. It was her early-seeded passion that led her to earn the 2012-2013 Michigan Teacher of the Year award.

Despite recommendations to study medicine or engineering because of her impressive grades in high school, Kenyon knew her gift was in teaching. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a degree in science and secondary education, she couldn’t wait to start her career. After a short stint as a substitute teacher, Kenyon was hired in as a full-time teacher for Grand Rapids Public Schools. After a transfer bumped her from Creston to Ottawa Hills High School, she planted her roots and has been growing her dedication to inner city education.

When she decided to pursue her Master’s degree, Grand Valley State University was the natural choice. The variety of classes allowed her to focus on specific interests that would benefit her and her students. An unexpected perk that she came to appreciate was the brainstorming and networking she could do with fellow teachers.

“I believe the only way to strengthen and improve the teaching profession is by working as a community of teachers who are always looking for ways to reach more students and improve achievement, and Grand Valley promotes this,” she said.

Kenyon not only enjoys the challenges and rewards of teaching, she also works hard to create the very best learning environment for her students. Working with organizations such as the Michigan Fellowship of Instructional Leaders, the Positive Behavior Interventions Support Team, and leading the Ottawa Hills Instructional Leadership Team, Kenyon strives to make the biggest impact possible in the lives of her students.

“We are not ‘just teachers,’ Kenyon stressed. “We are parents, counselors, confidants, role models, and big brothers or sisters to our students. We teach not only our content, but manners, morals, people skills, and life lessons.”

To help her create this positive environment in the classroom, Kenyon uses homemade games, in-class discussion, and hands-on activities.

“Above all else, I want to make learning interesting and fun,” she said. “These activities all help me stimulate learning and engage my students.”

Now that her roots are firmly established, Kenyon’s branches are extending even further. She is currently working on a website and blog with which fellow teachers throughout Michigan can discuss new ideas that will help improve education state and nation-wide. As Michigan Teacher of the Year, Kenyon will sit on the State Board of Education as a non-voting member. She will give a voice to teachers all over the state of Michigan. In the fall, Kenyon will also visit the Whitehouse to meet the President. Follow her progress at www.bobbijokenyon.com.

Spotlights » Mandi Zemba, '07

Mandi Zemba, '07, the newest member of the Team USA Minnesota, began her competitive running career at GVSU in 2001. From Menominee, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, she won her first of eight NCAA Division II National Championships that year.

The elite athlete was actually a late-comer to running, however, spending 11 years as a competitive swimmer before focusing the endurance she had gained from her swimming experience on running. "I had some success in High School by UP-standards in distance running and track and was offered a scholarship to Grand Valley. That's really when I learned how to train," says Zemba. "One of the main reasons I chose Grand Valley was for the running program and because it was an up-and-coming school that had a good program in my major (Physical Education-Corporate Fitness & Wellness). [Head coach] Jerry Baltes was building a very reputable program and has great passion for running. It was a very good fit."

After winning her first National Championship her freshman year and leading the Lakers with a third place finish in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship in 2002, Mandi red-shirted the 2003 season. She was contending with some injuries and gave birth to her son, Zac. "I was going through some struggles with injuries and other personal [matters]," explained Zemba in an interview with Down the Backstretch, "Having Zac [made me] able to focus more on what was most important in my life and not take anything for granted," she says. "I felt like Grand Valley and Jerry [Baltes] gave me a second chance and I wanted to make the most out of it."

Zemba definitely took advantage of that second chance and continues to add to her remarkable successes. She went on to win seven more national titles at distances ranging from 1500 to 5000 meters, as well as in cross country. After graduating last April, Mandi became the Laker's assistant cross country coach and continued training under Baltes. She finished eighth in the 5000m at the USA Championships last June and competed in July for Team USA at the 2007 Pan-Am Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

In December, she received news that she had been added to the Team USA Minnesota roster, a post-collegiate long distance development group, and moved with her husband and Zac from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to be competing at this level. I am learning so much from training every day with this group of elite athletes." Last Thursday, Zemba left her new Minnesota home to begin warm-weather training in Austin, TX. She is preparing for the 2008 USA Cross Country Championships and World Cross Country Team Trials to be held on February 16 in San Diego, CA. Her ultimate goal is to compete for Team USA at the Olympics.

Added February 2008

Spotlights » Tenzin P. Bhagen, '04

Tenzin P. Bhagen, '04, arrived at Grand Valley State University in 2000 following a path that none before him had taken, a fitting precursor for the eventual founder and primary guide of Tashi Delek Travel Company based in Washington D.C.

Tenzin was the first student to receive GVSU's Tibetan Refugee Scholarship, which was originated by President Emeritus Arend Lubbers in 1999. He was selected from a wide slate of deserving candidates due to his remarkable background and his unwavering dedication to the quest for education.

Bhagen was born in eastern Tibet. He had family members who were chieftains in the area prior to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, many of whom were eventually executed or imprisoned for political dissent. Bhagen himself spent his youth as a child laborer. He never dreamed that one day he would learn to read and write, let alone graduate from college. "There was no opportunity for any type of education where I grew up and no way to gain knowledge of the outside world."

In 1987, he fled Tibet, lumbering over the snow-covered Himalayas to northern India where he entered his very first classroom at the age of 21 and earned his high school diploma. He moved to San Francisco in 1996, began working for a non-profit organization founded by the Beastie Boys to support non-violent social change, and enrolled in community college. It was while in California that he received an email from Grand Valley informing him of the newly established scholarship. "

I was reborn at Grand Valley. To me, a human being without an education is not fully developed, like a bird without wings." Grateful for his unique opportunity, Tenzin made sure to explore the many doors opened to him through GVSU. He studied hard, worked for the student newspaper, the Lanthorn, and spent a year studying abroad in London, further expanding his international experience in education. In 2001, he became a U.S. citizen.

Earning a B.A. in Journalism from GVSU in 2004, Tenzin became the first person from the area where he was raised to earn a modern college degree. He moved to Washington D.C. and began his career pursuits. With his first-hand knowledge of Tibetan culture and people, he was offered a job leading student expeditions to his homeland.

"I returned home and saw that friends and many of the children remain illiterate. I realized that I had to use my experiences to help and saw the best way to do this was by avoiding political activity." With a loan he received from Jeff Koeze, a Grand Rapids businessman that he met through connections to GVSU professor Michael DeWilde, Tenzin started his own travel company. The journeys provide total cultural immersion and not just a visit to a tourist destination. "Because of my connections, I am able to arrange home stays and meetings with monks, nuns, and lay people as well as guide treks through Tibet's beautiful terrain." His unique tours and the amazing philosophy the company was founded on have earned him national exposure through articles in the New York Times and National Geographic.

On starting his company, Tenzin explains, "I hope to be a cultural bridge between the East and the West. I want to benefit the people of Tibet but also the people from my new country by exposing them to a very different culture and way of life. The experience in Tibet really changes people spiritually, physically, politically. I often feel that if everyone in the world could spend a week living with a family in a different culture, the world would be a better place." His ultimate goal, however, is to establish scholarships for Tibetan natives helping them gain access to higher education, as he himself was helped by Grand Valley and President Lubbers.

Tenzin is organizing a trip in the Summer of 2008 specifically for people at Grand Valley and in the Grand Rapids community. He will also begin offering rare winter trips during the Tibetan New Year this February. "The winter in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is actually warmer than in Grand Rapids. It's when the tourists disappear and the Tibetan pilgrims from all corners of the country flock to Lhasa, providing a [rare photographic] opportunity," explains Tenzin. If you are interested in participating in a trip, or would like more information on Tashi Delek Travel, visit www.tashidelektravel.com.

Added December 2007

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