Grand Valley: Alumni Spotlight

Rick Rossow, '98

Rick Rossow, '98, former president of Grand Valley's Student Senate, graduated from GVSU in 1998 with a degree in Russian Studies. Soon after, he moved to Washington, D.C. and took a position with the U.S. India Business Council at the United States Chamber of Commerce. It was a time when, he says, people were not very interested in the developing nation. His small group was responsible for establishing a dialog between the United States and India, and served as a leader in forging international trade with the country. "It was incredible to be in the front row for change between the U.S. and India, a foot soldier helping to build one of our country's most important new relationships," says Rossow. The position provided an amazing opportunity for him to learn how business and governments interact. Today, he uses those skills in a new role, following insurance regulations in foreign markets for New York Life Insurance.

One of his greatest accomplishments with the India Council was bringing a business delegation of 150 executives to India during President Clinton's visit in 2000. "We were forging a relationship that had been practically non-existent prior to 1998. At that time, most Americans only [thought of the country in terms of the] India-Pakistan conflict, and we made it our goal to de-hyphenate that relationship." He says that many Americans still hold negative perceptions of India, such as poverty and the conflict with Pakistan, but that positive images of India as a democracy, and its growing technological culture have now become prominent in most American's view of the country.

His tremendous work with the India Council was recognized by New York Life Insurance Company who offered him his current position in 2008. They needed someone responsible for following insurance regulations in foreign markets, and of the 8 countries in which the company has investments, India was the fastest growing. "While I was working with insurance companies before as a part of the larger mix of business with India, I am now focusing exclusively on the insurance industry and need to know enough about our business to communicate interculturally." New York Life has been extremely active in furthering Rossow's career growth by providing professional development opportunities and supporting him in learning several new languages.

His role with the company involves several components, not least of which is staying on top of the evolving regulatory structures of 8 different countries. He maintains regular communication with teams in each country and provides guidance to the countries themselves on how other nations are regulating business. He also serves as one of the company's interfaces for foreign trade and policy in Washington D.C., remaining current on U.S. trade negotiations and how they impact New York Life's international business. He sits on numerous key trade associations to advocate for the company and meets with foreign government officials when they visit D.C.

In the short time since his graduation, Rossow has established an extraordinary career. He attributes his success to the help of several mentors, including former Ambassadors to India, Frank Wisner and Tom Pickering, both of whom came back to the U.S. and became forceful advocates for building the relationship with India. He also cites Susan Esserman, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in the Clinton Administration, and Ray Vickery of the Department of Commerce, for their visionary leadership in establishing U.S.-Indian relationships, as well as Joe Alhadeff, Chief Privacy Officer of Oracle Corp., and Mary Pittilli of Discovery Communications. "For me as a young person, learning how to be an advocate was such an excellent skill to gain."

Additionally, Rossow credits his alma mater in providing a foundation for his career. "At Grand Valley, I learned that the world is a whole lot different than the one I grew up in. College broke through the mental wall and made me open up to other cultures. It made me sensitive to cultural differences - certain courtesies, adapting to your environment and other cultures." He also had the opportunity to study abroad in Russia, his first time out of the country. "Professors Christine Rydel and Edward Cole, who coordinated my Russian trip, were instrumental in teaching me that it was critical to learn how to spot and be open to cultural differences."

He also attributes GVSU for providing him a solid foundation in communication skills. He participated in the campus chapter of Toastmasters, a public speaking group that is still active at GVSU. "Toastmasters provided me with the chance to learn the mechanics of public speaking, and as Student Senate President, I really had the opportunity to hone those skills." Additionally, he is thankful for the solid writing skills he gained in school. "At Grand Valley I had some of my most useful writing critics - they were fierce. Writing is something that is heavily weighed in all careers," continues Rossow. "It's a key part of my job, writing critically and concisely." He used his writing skills to serve as a senior staff member of the GVSU student newspaper, The Lanthorn, alongside friend and editor-in-chief Dave Yonkman, '98.

Today, Rossow and Yonkman serve as officers of the GVDC Alumni Club, organizing programs and activities for graduates in the Washington, D.C. area. The group, which hosted its largest-ever event on January 15, 2009, with 60 attendees, began in 2002 when Rick and some of his GVSU friends who met for happy hour decided to develop an open group for others in the area. For more information about GVDC, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/alumni/gvdc.

Rossow has maintained close connections with GVSU, volunteering his expertise when called upon. In 2004, he helped organize and spoke at a Van Andel Global Trade Center conference on conducting business in India, and recently helped promote a Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies' event in Washington D.C. to area alumni. "I am just really proud of the university, and want to do anything I can to contribute."

Added April 2009

Louisa A. Stark, '79

Dr. Louisa A. Stark is the April 2009 recipient of the GVSU Distinguished Alumna Award. She is a leader in genetics and genomics education, having made notable contributions to the field of science education that are of national and international significance. She is director of the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center. She also serves the University of Utah as clinical professor of Science Education and associate director of the School of Medicine's Community Engagement Core Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences.

Stark earned a bachelor of science in biology from Grand Valley State University in 1979, where she spent several years as a teachers assistant. This role provided the foundation for her interest in becoming an educator and ignited her ongoing interest in facilitating learning for others.

Following graduation, she worked for six years as a research assistant and laboratory manager in the neurophysiology research laboratory at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was accepted into UCB's graduate school and earned a Ph.D. in evolutionary genetics in 1992. Her graduate work was supported in-part by a highly-competitive and prestigious pre-doctoral fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

During her final year in graduate school, she began work with the UCB Hughes Biological Science Education Initiative (HBSEI), promoting science in Denver's inner-city high schools and conducting professional development workshops for teachers in the area. This work sparked her passion for science education and the focus of her career.

After earning her doctoral degree, Stark worked as scientist-in-residence, a position which she helped create for HBSEI, and significantly expanded the organization's science education outreach and professional development programs for area teachers. She eventually advanced to the role of senior scientist.

In 1999, she began work for the Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah. The Center is a science education outreach and partnership program with the mission of "making science easy for everyone to understand." Under her direction, the center has gained a national and international reputation for producing high quality educational materials and offering teacher professional development programs. It is best known for its Learn.Genetics Web site, the most widely-disseminated genetics education site in the world. The site provides easy-to-understand educational materials focused on genetics, life science and health. In addition to the educational materials it produces, the Center annually provides professional development for over 600 primary and secondary teachers throughout the world.

For her marked contributions to science education, Stark has received numerous recognitions from prestigious groups, including the American Society of Human Genetics' Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education, and the Utah Science Teachers Association's lifetime achievement award. She has held numerous elected positions in national organizations and served on various national boards and committees. She is an accomplished grantsmaker and author, and her expertise is sought internationally through consultations, invited lectures and presentations, and to organize national meetings.

Stark and her husband currently reside in Salt Lake City, UT.

Added March 2009

Mary Epps, '05

With the lead up to the original February 17, 2009 deadline for the conversion of nationwide television broadcast signals to digital, it has been nearly impossible to avoid the onslaught of media coverage regarding the switch. In Michigan, much of the thanks for this broad awareness can be credited to Mary Epps, '05, DTV project coordinator for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters in Lansing, MI.

Epps was hired by MAB in June of 2008 as DTV project assistant. After just a few short months, she was named project coordinator for the state, providing support and DTV-related communications to the organization's over 300 member stations. One of her main goals has been to help broadcasters around the state in informing and preparing the general population for the conversion through public service announcements and other means.

"We achieved 100 percent awareness of the transition according to a recent Michigan State University poll," she explains - a tremendous accomplishment, especially in light of the fact that the U.S. House of Representatives last week passed legislation postponing the conversion deadline to June 12, 2009 amid concerns that millions of households in the nation were still not prepared.

At the heart of the bill delaying the switch were concerns regarding the U.S. Commerce Department's coupon program, which offers households coupons to defray the cost of purchasing a digital TV converter box. By the end of 2008, all funds for the coupon program had been allocated. Consumers using an antennae or rabbit ears to view broadcast networks and requesting coupons were put on a waiting list. The coupons expire 90 days after issuance and if unused, the designated money is returned to the treasury and additional coupons can then be issued. The hope with the extension is to allow more time for consumers to redeem these coupons.

"With the extension of the transition deadline, I will continue in my capacity to support our members and to educate the public on all things DTV. Our message to the general public will continue to be, 'Get prepared now. Don't wait to make the transition until June.' There is concern that there might be limited availability of converter boxes in the months to come," says Epps.

Epps earned a B.S. in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University in 2005, and went to work as a communications assistant for the Michigan Department of Transportation. She then worked for the Coldwater Daily Reporter before taking her current position.

She credits Grand Valley and connections made through the institution in helping prepare her for her role. "Michael Walenta [general manager of WGVU-TV] was an excellent resource for me regarding all things DTV," says Epps, who looks forward to continuing on at MAB after the conversion is complete to focus on event communications and assistance with legislative issues.

The position will bring her back to Grand Rapids March 9-11 for the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference. GVSU broadcasting, engineering and communications students and professionals are encouraged to attend this career fair and great networking opportunity.

Added February 2009

Stephen Leppard, '00

Stephen Leppard, '00, arrived at Grand Valley in the fall of 1997, after receiving a Bachelors degree in Biology from Albion College. As a graduate student Leppard lived downtown during his three years of working on a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, spending much of his time in the labs and his clinical rotations. He developed close relationships with professors Dan Vaughn and Barb Hoogenboom, crediting them both for their positive impact on students. In addition to close contacts and mentorships he formed with professors, he also met his wife of 4 1/2 years Ryane (Eno) Leppard, '98, '01 at Grand Valley. She too is a physical therapist in Kalamazoo.

Graduating in April of 2000 he started his career as a Physical Therapist in Chicago. A native of the Plainwell area, he has been back in the Kalamazoo area for the past seven years and is currently the Assistant Clinic Director at Physiotherapy Associates. Part of his role is to coordinate physical therapy student rotations for the eleven Physiotherapy Associates clinics in the Kalamazoo area. Currently, he has two first year and two third year GVSU PT students working at his location.

Leppard stays connected with Grand Valley in various ways; his favorite is mentoring students. He occasionally returns for the Doctorate of Physical Therapy research day as a way of supporting peers and to listen to the latest evidence based research. Leppard maintains connections with professor Dan Vaughn and also takes students for internships at his practice.

Though his educational path seems prudent and reasonably traditional, Leppard is in no way complacent. A seeker of change and adventure, he works to make an impact in life, constantly striving for meaningful experiences. In the summer of 2008 he organized a fundraiser titled "Padding for Josh." Raising money for a patient of Leopard's who has cerebral palsy, participants raced in the 61st Annual Au Sable Canoe Marathon, a 120 mile overnight canoe race from Grayling to Lake Huron that took over 17 hours. Recognized for his selfless efforts, he was nominated by the Kalamazoo Rotary for a vocational exchange hosted by Rotary International. Each local Rotary group could nominate one young person, between the ages of 25 and 40 years that has been in their profession for over two years and has had a profound impact on the community. Stephen was selected as that one person for the Kalamazoo community. Out of 100 nominees in the state, and through a selection process including written essays and interviews, he was chosen as one of four outstanding individuals to represent the State of Michigan. Beyond that, out of a group of physical therapists, teachers and other accomplished individuals, he was the only physical therapist of the group.

His exchange counterparts were a High School Spanish teacher, a freelance journalist and a consultant working with nonprofit organizations. Each was an ambassador for the State, and for their respective professions. There for the entire month of April 2009 the journey consisted of vocational visits in five different cities in Argentina. Rotary groups from each town would greet them at the airport and escort them to their town and residence for the week. At each rotation they stayed with host families and were accompanied by team leaders. One of the primary goals of the voyage is true cultural immersion. He joined his host families on museum trips, at local art fairs and to a Boca Juniors Futbol (soccer). Whatever was happening in the area, he was there with the family, eating local cuisine and assimilating as best he could. The exchange participants would break apart in the towns for their personalized vocation visits. One of his more memorable experiences was spending a day with the Physical Therapist responsible for training Velez Sarsfield, a professional soccer team. For Leppard, this was an opportunity to see high level physical therapy for a professional sports team that could be compared to the Bears, or Red Sox in the United States, and seeing the treatment for the teams was unique to observe similarities in physical therapy from one area to another. While their therapy was 10 years behind ours in evidenced based practices, and more mobility based, it was still good treatment," says Leppard.

Ultimately, for Leppard the trip was hard to summarize. The people in Argentina were so very warm, welcoming, and gernerous. What felt like six weeks in each city was actually only six days. As a sports fan and former soccer player, the highlight of his trip was seeing a Boca Junior soccer match. This renowned Argentinean soccer team (on the scope of the New York Yankees) had game attendance of 50,000 people, and the experience, for Leppard, was beyond words. Overall, however, what Leppard learned is that "so often people get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing day after day. Life goes fast. I encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and do something that challenges them. It makes life richer," says Leppard.

Reflecting on how his educational experience at Grand Valley prepared him for his career, and for this trip, Leppard proudly shared that " the PT program is regarded as one of the elite physical therapy programs in the State of Michigan so when I went on a clinical in Michigan, they knew I would be well prepared. The educational background prepared you well to be a leader, and a community member not only at physical therapy, but as a person in your community."

Added June 2009

Jason Paulateer, '96 & '05

In today's fast-paced world of competing career and family demands, it can be difficult to find the time to fulfill your passions and make a real impact in your community. Jason Paulateer, '98 & '05, a local executive at National City Bank, father of eight children (five of which were adopted), and member of numerous community organizations, seems to have mastered this work-life balance - and still finds time to volunteer along the way.

In an economy where many in his field are happy to even have jobs, Paulateer says he feels blessed to have been able to match up his life's work with his heart. "I've worked in the banking industry in some capacity for over 13 years, but no matter what I kept getting drawn back to working with non-profits." As vice president and executive director of National City's Community Development Association of Michigan, he now works to help non-profit and for-profit businesses obtain funding for urban real estate projects. He is proud to have been able to assist with the revitalization of several Grand Rapids neighborhoods by partnering to turn abandoned, dilapidated buildings into beautiful, thriving organizations. "Most people have to go to work and find personal time to give back, I get to go to work to give back," he says.

And give back he does in all areas of his life. Paulateer is local treasurer and a life-member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as its district marshal (chairman of the committee tasked with hosting its 5-state district conference.) He is a board member for Wedgwood Christian Services and the YMCA - David D. Hunting Branch. His community involvement garnered him the W.W. Plummer GIANT Humanitarian Award in 2007, and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce named him the Financial Services Advocate of the Year during their annual Minority Business Celebration. In addition, National City Corporation has recognized his performance with Corporate Excel Awards, one of the highest honors bestowed upon its employees.

Paulateer holds both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business who honored him with their Up and Coming Alumni of the Year award. He received a bachelor of business administration in management in 1996, and a master of business administration with a finance emphasis in 2005. He says that giving back to the community was always in his nature but credits Grand Valley with helping to pull it out of him.

He especially enjoys returning to his alma mater to share his experiences with current students, partially in response to an encounter he had. Paulateer says that one of his most memorable experiences at Grand Valley was attending a Minority Business Enterprise Center event where a human resources executive from Steelcase was giving interviewing tips to students. At the end of the program, the presenter handed out his business card and told the students to call him if they wanted to set up a mock interview, which Paulateer later did. "I've never forgotten his openness and the impact that made on my career. I hope that I can share some of my experiences and in turn help a student today," says Paulateer. "They say you learn from mistakes, but that doesn't mean you have to make them all yourself."

Jason and his wife Chapri (Bell) Paulateer, '96, have three biological daughters, and initiated the licensing process to become foster parents in late 1996. The couple has since adopted a sibling group consisting of five children from their community. The bustling family resides in Grand Rapids.

Added July 2009

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

Edward Cardenas, '95

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has named Grand Valley State University alumnus Edward Cardenas as his press secretary.

Cardenas, 35, is a former Detroit News reporter and spokesman for U.S. Rep. Candice Miller. He also was a volunteer with the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the men's NCAA Final Four and the National Summit. He graduated from Grand Valley in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in International Relations.

Cardenas joins Bing's communications team, which includes Karen Dumas, interim communications director; Meagan Pitts, deputy press secretary; and Dan Liljana, communications manager.

"It is an honor to work for Mayor Dave Bing and the residents of Detroit," Cardenas said. "After graduating from Grand Valley State University in 1995, I chose to return to Metro Detroit and be part of the revitalization that was occurring in the city and region. Armed with the knowledge and skills I gained at Grand Valley, I look forward to being part of the continued renaissance of the city and region."

When he was at Grand Valley, Cardenas was an active member of the Student Senate and helped establish the Latino Student Union. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi, and his involvement in campus activities earned him the Kenneth R. Venderbush Student Leadership Award his senior year.

Cardenas in part attributes his passion for stories about people who make a difference to his time spent at Grand Valley State University. "Grand Valley has made such a big impact on me, and I have a commitment to people and organizations that have impacted and assisted me. I had such a good experience while I was in school."

Added August 2009

Megan Ward, '06

Few people land the job they dreamed of having in college, and even fewer realize that dream just a few years after graduating. Megan Ward, '06, made the decision her sophomore year while working for GVSU's Fred Meijer Center for Writing that she someday wanted to direct a center of her own. At the young age of 23, Ward is now Writing Center Director at Northwestern Michigan College.

Her Grand Valley experience was invaluable in helping her accomplish this goal, and she counts her time at the Meijer Center for Writing as one of the best aspects of her undergraduate education. "I found my niche, and met a group of friends with personalities and interests similar to my own," says Ward. It was with some of these friends and writing faculty member John Lestat, that she co-founded the student organization, Writers'Club, a creative writing group on campus. "I received excellent support from the faculty in both the English and Writing Departments, who all provided ample opportunities to go above and beyond and explore our own ideas."

After graduating magna cum laude from GVSU in 2006 with bachelor's degrees in writing and English, she earned a master's degree in rhetoric and composition at Miami University of Ohio in 2008. A key influence for Ward has been Meijer Center for Writing Director Ellen Schendel, who assisted her in narrowing down graduate school options to top programs, and connecting her with individuals who attended various programs across the nation. "Ellen's mentorship allowed me to more fully understand what it meant to be a professional in the field, before actually entering it. Through working with her, I was able to see what the job would be like and how to be successful in the field of writing centers and composition."

Her graduate experience was a trial as she struggled with competitive classmates, but she survived only to face the challenge of landing a job in her field. She applied for jobs spanning the country, but the one she landed brought her unexpectedly back to Michigan. "My goal was to use the opportunity of job searching to move somewhere else in the country that I hadn't lived in yet. It seemed like the perfect timing. However, with the job market like it is, I ultimately had to choose based on which job fit me the best, and that happened to be in Traverse City."

Megan found the perfect career fit at Northwestern Michigan College, a publicly funded community college serving the Grand Traverse region. "I enjoy the smaller atmosphere, as there seems to be a large deal of collaboration happening across campus. I'm also seeing students extremely engaged in the material and eager to learn."

Her primary responsibility is managing the writing center within the communications department of NMC. In addition, she manages a reading tutor program, where college students are placed into local elementary schools, as well as a teaching assistant program in conjunction with basic writing classes. She oversees 20 students in the writing center and another 10 students in the reading tutor program. "My employees are the main reason I love this job so much. They are amazingly engaged, intelligent, and interested both in their jobs and in academia. Every day is a new experience and I'm incredibly thankful to have such a motivated and resourceful staff."

Another aspect of working in academia which appeals to Megan is the ability to continue conducting her own research within the field. Within writing center work, she is studying the idea of professionalism among student tutors in writing centers and how that affects them both as members of the profession and as students themselves. Another facet of her professional research is that of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender spirituality, and how rhetoric in the public sphere shapes the spiritual development of LGBT individuals.

Added May 2009

Arie Noordsij, '80, named Firefighter of the Year

Arie Noordsij, '80, was named 2009 Firefighter of the Year for the City of Port Richey, Florida. He was honored during the city's September 12, 2009 Heroes Awards Banquet which was established in honor of first responders who died in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Noordsij is a full-time security officer with University Community Hospital in Carrollwood, FL, and a volunteer firefighter for Port Richey.

The city's fire chief nominated Noordsij citing his dedication, experience, and educational background. The prestigious award hadn't been given since 2003, and the distinction is even rarer given Noordsij's volunteer status.

"Arie began with the Port Richey Fire Department in October 2008, and brings a lot of experience and knowledge with him. This doesn't mean he has stopped learning. Since joining our fire department, he has completed over 100 online FEMA courses. He is consistently at the fire house for trainings and meetings and rarely misses an emergency call," said Fire Chief Timothy Fussell.

Noordsij earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from GVSU in 1980, and worked as a paid on-call firefighter for the City of Wyoming, Michigan from 1978 - 1996. He received his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1980 and his basic firefighter certification in 1982.

Despite his distance from the university, Noordsij is deeply committed to his alma mater. He is a GVSU Alumni Ambassador, assisting with the university's admissions efforts. He also donated a pint of blood and volunteered 6 hours with the Port Richey Fire Department in the name of Grand Valley during GVSU's alumni Community Outreach Week in March of 2009.

Added October 2009

Elaine Videan, '97

Dr. Elaine Videan, '97, was honored as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence during Homecoming 2009.

Videan has traveled far since receiving a B.S. in biology from GVSU in 1997, including to Central America and east Africa. After graduation, she entered Miami University of Ohio where she earned both master's (2000) and doctorate (2005) degrees in zoology with a focus on primatology.

Videan has worked with and studied a variety of primate species including howler monkeys, macaques and chimpanzees. She has conducted field work on howler monkeys in Nicaragua and studied chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her true passion, however, is captive primate research.

While pursuing her graduate degrees, she worked and conducted research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, the Southwest National Primate Research Center, and the Primate Foundation of Arizona. For the past two years, Videan has worked at the Alamogordo Primate Facility on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. She holds a variety of management and administrative duties at Alamogordo including, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, program development, and coordination of the facility's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. She continues to be active in both behavioral and clinical primate research and has produced over 20 peer-reviewed publications. Videan believes passionately in the human care and use of primates in biomedical research and is working at both the local and national level to ensure the continued availability of primates for biological research aimed at improving human health.

Added November 2009

Brenda and Brendan Brosnan, '89

2009-02-03 16:31:26.0

Non-Profit Co-Founded by GVSU Alumni Couple Donates $50,000 to Children's Hospital of Michigan

Brenda (Rogers) Brosnan, BBA in Finance, '89, and Brendan Brosnan, BS in Criminal Justice, '89, met while students at GVSU in the late 1980's. Both were members of the Laker Cheerleading squad and shared a love of hockey. The couple helped start the GVSU Laker Hockey Club as students, the first of two organizations they would eventually co-found.

After graduation, the couple married, and on October 25, 1999, they gave birth to twin sons, Chase and Dylan. They were healthy, happy babies until the age of 18 months.

It was at this time the Brosnans began to notice significant changes in Chase's motor functions. "He started walking off balance, falling down, and losing control of his motor skills," explains Brenda. "He went from a coordinated toddler to a child who couldn't walk, talk, or even sit up by himself. He would cry non-stop."

Chase was repeatedly diagnosed with an inner ear infection and vertigo. But the couple was certain there was something more.

Due to his parents' perseverance, Chase was eventually taken to Children's Hospital of Michigan and correctly diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system -- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body, and OMS (Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome), an even rarer autoimmune neurological disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells.

"Treating Chase aggressively was our only hope for remission of the cancer and for neurological remission from the OMS, which can leave a child permanently brain damaged if it is not treated aggressively and quickly," says Brenda. Chase's tumor was surgically removed, and he underwent chemotherapy to treat the cancer. He then began daily steroid injections and regular intravenous treatments for the OMS.

All together, the Brosnan family fought for six long years, and are happy that today Chase is medicine free, cancer free and OMS free.

As a result of the long battle and the struggles they faced during Chase's treatment, in 2005 the couple co-founded The Chase Away Foundation, a non-profit organization in Rochester Hills, Michigan with the mission of helping brighten the time a child spends in treatment for cancer and OMS. The foundation is 100 percent volunteer operated.

Brenda, a senior partner at Golden Mortgage in Bloomfield Hills serves as president of the foundation. Brendan, a police officer, range master, sniper and member of the Warren Police Department's SWAT team, is the foundation's vice president.

"We were blessed and extremely fortunate to have excellent medical coverage and the means to provide Chase with toys and other items to distract him during his many long hours, months, and years in treatment," says Brenda. "Our hope is to be able to help make a positive impact on the children and families of those suffering from pediatric cancer and OMS who aren't as fortunate."

On December 8, 2008, The Chase Away Foundation and foundation advisory board member Mike Babcock, head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, made a donation of $50,000 to the Children's Hospital of Michigan. The donation, given to help renovate the hospital's oncology floor and which will be named The Chase Away Treatment Room, is the largest donation the non-profit has made to date.

"This is a huge milestone for Chase Away," continues Brenda. "This is just one step we have been able to take because of those who have helped the foundation. We are so thankful to the hospital, our board, our advisory members, like Mike Babcock and everyone who has supported our efforts to help these needy children."

Please visit www.chaseaway.org to learn more.

Added January 2009

Shelley Lee, '86

2008-12-22 16:50:21.0

Shelley (Maurer) Lee, '86, attributes much of her personal and professional accomplishments to her time spent at Grand Valley. "GVSU is where I really learned to write and write and write..." says Lee. It is also where she forged some of her closest and most treasured personal relationships. She met her husband, David Lee, '83, while studying to earn her BS in public relations and psychology from GVSU. During this time, she also amasssed a core group of supportive girlfriends who remain close to this day.

Lee was formerly the director of the Bowling Green Pregnancy Center in Bowling Green, OH. Last year, she published her first book Before I Knew You as a fundraiser for the center. The book is a loving tribute to the joy of parenthood and features a cover portrait of her and Dave's infant daughter Hannah, whom they lost to SIDS. Her second book Mat Madness, a short book geared toward helping the newcomer wrestling fan better understand the sport, is currently going to print. The couple resides with their four sons, all wrestlers, in NW Ohio.

Lee meets up every three years or so with her cherished group of friends and former Grand Valley classmates. Pictured above are Becky (Gray) Barton, '91, Leslie (Burrgraff) Gonzales, '86, Lee, and Amy (Langshied) Wiles, '86, on a trip back to where their friendships began, their first trip to Allendale in their eighth gathering since graduating. Others who regularly attend these informal reunions but not pictured are Patty (Edwards) Moore, '89, Donna Hartsell, '86, Tracy Winslow, Sue Nelson, '85, and Heidi Antel. Lee has been keeping a running memoir of their reunions over the years.

Added September 2007

Neil Sauter, '06

2008-12-22 16:48:22.0

Neil Sauter, '06, wanted to do something adventurous and productive after graduation before settling into a career. Now, in order to raise money and awareness for United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, Neil is walking across the state of Michigan from the Southeast corner of the mitten to the Northwest tip of the Upper Peninsula. The twist? He's doing the whole thing on stilts. "I mentioned my idea to UCP, but didn't know if they believed me at the time." Once he began making plans, they realized that his plans were more than idle musings.

The organization has been extremely helpful and supportive of the project. The walk is designed to cover approximately 100 miles per week, which allots 15-25 miles of travel on stilts per day. Neil, who has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy himself, will stop once a day for scheduled speaking appearances to inspire young people to overcome their challenges as well as educate them about becoming advocates for others. "So far I am impressed with how responsive and excited the kids have been. They have been asking a lot of good questions along the way."

He has gathered vast amounts of support in his venture. "I was nervous about being welcomed warmly, but people have been really great." Some individuals and companies are providing financial sponsorship for his walk. Others open their homes to him, providing a place to rest before traveling to his next destination. Far more encourage him each day with kind words, company, food and beverages, or the offer to carry his backpack for a leg of the journey.

"I anticipated it would be a pretty good challenge, and so far it's about right." The further he goes the stronger he gets, which is beneficial considering the wear and tear on his stilts. After one long day of struggling with a broken brace, he dropped his water bottle. He left it on the ground, breaking the strict anti-littering policy he abides by as an environmental advocate. "Mother Nature heard about my poor decision and voiced her disapproval by blasting me with a strong wind for about 2 hours."

Neil plans to attend graduate school at either Michigan State University of the University of Michigan to study Natural Resource Management. He has a strong interest in becoming an advocate for the environment and educating others. No matter what the future holds, Neil says "I plan to bring about change and advocate for people with disabilities."

Neil obtained his bachelors degree in psychology in 2006. As a student at GVSU, Neil was active in organizations which serve to bring about positive change in the community. He was involved in and eventually became president of Best Buddies, an organization that matches students with young people with disabilities. "I still have regular contact with my buddy, and his family has become like a second family to me." He also participated in Alternative Breaks, where students travel to different locations in the U.S. to complete service projects. "It's is a great opportunity for students to become active in their communities and to do something that will make a positive impact." Neil has certainly carried that tradition on to great heights since his graduation. Word of his positive impact on the community is growing in momentum and will hopefully continue to grow. He has raised $6,700 so far, which will be matched 3:1 by a federal grant. UCP is just $8,000 from their fundraising goal. To learn more about Neil's venture, read his journal, see pictures, schedule an appearance, or join in supporting UCP, visit www.stiltstory.org.

Neil comes from Blissfield, MI where he grew up with his parents, who have been of great support and inspiration to him, and his two wonderful sisters. He is engaged to be married this fall.

Added June 2008

Frank Coronado, '03

2008-12-22 16:44:40.0

The success of any University can truly be measured by the character and achievements of its graduates. If the example of Frank Coronado, '03, is any indication, then Grand Valley is certainly living up to its mission.

A firm believer in lifelong education, Coronado earned a bachelors degree in human resource management from GVSU in 2003 after nearly 20 years in the business community working for both large and locally-owned corporations such as Worldcom, Meijer, and Steelcase, Inc. "Through its diversity, GVSU helped prepare me to deal with all types of people that I come in contact with," said Coronado. He is currently the corporate relations manager for Davenport University where he makes business and community connections for students from all walks of life.

"Frank has a true passion for assisting all those that are under served," said Dante Villarreal, '99 & '02, regional director of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center at GVSU and a member of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. "He is a true advocate for Hispanic and all businesses, and is always opening doors for entrepreneurs throughout West Michigan."

Coronado is a founding member and currently completing his term as president of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival, the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project, and the City of Grand Rapids Civil Service Board, and is the chair for the Holland Chamber of Commerce's Holland First Program. He has recently served as a panelist imparting his wisdom and experience for the City of South Haven's Relating Not Translating: How to Market to U.S. Latinos, and Grand Valley's Hispanic Business Forum.

In recognition of his leadership and involvement in the business and Hispanic communities, Coronado was recently named Businessman of the Year by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during their 3rd Annual Awards Banquet.

"It was an honor to win the Hispanic Businessman/Latino of the Year Award," stated Coronado. "The award means a great deal to me. It let me know that the Hispanic community and the community in general appreciate what I am doing to further Hispanics and other minorities in business professions."

Added July 2007

Blaine Koops, '76

2008-12-22 16:43:53.0

For the sheriff of Allegan County, Grand Valley State University is a family affair. Blaine Koops graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. His wife earned her master's degree in education and his oldest daughter is attending Grand Valley.
"Grand Valley has a real special place in my heart," said Koops. "The criminal justice program prepared me for those first steps necessary to be successful."

Koops worked for the Holland Police Department and in 1986 was named "Police Officer of the Year." In 1987, he was hired by Grand Valley to serve as director of Criminal Justice Training. After two years, Koops returned to the Holland Police Department where he was promoted to the rank of captain, serving as the commander of the Administrative Services Division.

His career success continued as he was accepted into and graduated from the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy in Virginia. Koops waited three years to attend; the normal wait time is five to seven years. The extensive three-month training involved both academic and physical challenges.

"I received world-class training, running 10 miles a day and facing a tough obstacle course," he said. "I was happy to conquer the yellow brick road."

The yellow brick road is an extremely challenging part of the obstacle course that not everyone can complete. Koops has a yellow brick on his desk reminding him of his conquest.

Koops said he enjoys staying connected to Grand Valley. He serves as an adjunct professor for Grand Valley's School of Criminal Justice, teaching the art and power of team negotiations and problem solving within the community.

Karla Pankow, '01

2008-12-22 16:41:58.0

Karla Pankow, '01, recently returned from a two-week Habitat for Humanity International service project in Tajikistan, where she was literally changing lives - not the least of which was her own.

Karla, who earned a BBA in marketing from Grand Valley in 2001, is a sales representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals in Grand Rapids, but her passion lies in helping the underprivileged. The frequent God's Kitchen and Degage' Ministries volunteer had an epiphany one night that she wanted to do something more. She went online and began researching global volunteer opportunities.

"For some reason, I went straight to the Habitat for Humanity Web site and directly to the global opportunities page. I thought that if I was going to do something, I wanted to do it big!" explains Pankow.

While on the site, she found information about a project in Tajikistan, a mountainous and landlocked country in central Asia vulnerable to annual natural disasters such as earthquakes, mudslides, flash floods and avalanches. In 2005 and 2006 alone, 7,000 homes in the country were damaged or destroyed, 58 people were killed and more than 50,000 people were affected by these natural disasters, shedding light on the critical need for housing assistance and safer construction in a region where more than 60 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Karla had indeed discovered a "big" need, immediately filled out an online application and began the 6 month approval and training process. She raised $6,000 to pay for travel and accommodations and to assist with Habitat for Humanity's ongoing efforts in the area. To gain construction experience, she volunteered at the May 2008 GVSU Alumni Habitat for Humanity build in Grand Rapids, along with several other local builds. This experience proved to be quite different than what was awaiting her overseas.

On September 26, Karla met up with 10 other U.S. and Canadian volunteers in Tajikistan where she was assigned to help with the relocation of families from the landslide-prone Chal-Chal village in Nurek, to more a stable area nearby. The group helped to construct new earthquake-resistant houses from cement, stone, wood, mud bricks, and galvanized iron sheets. While the village will eventually have electricity (each house will have one light fixture) no power tools were used during the build. "Only the most primitive tools and construction materials were available," describes Karla. "It was an experience you just can't prepare for with all that is available to us in the United States."

While she assisted with all of the houses in the new village, Karla worked closely with one particular family. Asur, the father, and Emomaly, his six year old son, left the rest of their family of five in the old village to assist with the construction. The families have to provide at least 400 sweat equity hours, which includes digging the foundations and pit latrines, fetching water, and making bricks. Through building their own home, beneficiaries gain construction skills and knowledge on how to build seismic resistant houses with locally available construction materials, as well as the ability to repair and renovate homes to ensure future maintenance.

"It was particularly rewarding to work with Asur. Not only is his the poorest of the families being relocated, but he was initially very skeptical of Americans and our work-ethic. After the first day that my colleague and I worked on his house, he specifically requested that the two of us continue on his house. When we left, he was just so extremely grateful for what we helped do for his family that he had tears in his eyes," says Karla. "I think in the end, though, I got more from the encounter than what I gave. It has been the most humbling and life-changing experience I have ever had."

Karla returned to Grand Rapids on October 8 a changed person and is already planning other international Habitat for Humanity projects. She is researching future projects in Ethiopia or Nepal, and has been approached about the possibility of leading a group on a project. Eventually, she hopes to return to Tajikistan to view the progress in Chal-Chal and to reconnect with Asur and his family. In the meantime, she continues her many volunteer projects including local Habitat for Humanity builds and is focusing on ways to make this her life's work.

To find out more about the project, the needs in Tajikistan and other Habitat for Humanity International projects, contact Karla at karlapankow@hotmail.com.

Added November 2008

Diane N. Reed, '87

2008-12-22 16:41:03.0

Diane N. Reed, '87, has achieved her dream, not without a fight, and is now encouraging others to do the same. A lifelong believer in achieving excellency through the power of education, this college professor, consultant, former nurse and mother of two had long held a goal of earning her PhD. " 'Becoming' for me, entailed being part of a minute segment of society, i.e., a woman of color possessing an extraordinary educational achievement - a PhD," explains Reed.

After graduating with a bachelor's of science in nursing from Grand Valley in 1987, Reed worked for years as a Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, and Maternal/Child. She began her family, moved to Florida and later earned an MBA in marketing from Florida Metropolitan University. She also began working as an adjunct instructor at local Florida colleges and universities including Seminole Community College, Valencia Community College, the University of Phoenix, and Florida Metropolitan University.

After years of hard work juggling her career, family and post-graduate studies, Reed was able to achieve her dream and became one of the less than 1% of all individuals to hold a doctorate degree. And the process has changed her life more than she could ever have thought when she set out.

Before entering into her doctoral studies, she had done extensive research and taken some sound advice - to be sure to follow a path of study that is engaging and that she had passion for - otherwise there would be a significant risk of not finishing. The process is arduous and expensive and she wanted to be sure to use the experience as an opportunity to do more with her life. She found a program that allowed for a great degree of flexibility in its coursework and developed her own specialty in the area of career planning. This specialty spawned her own consulting business, where she now consults with schools, colleges, private businesses and individuals regarding development of creative and innovative concepts for achieving career goals.

While studying for her PhD, she began interacting with other women undergoing similar challenges in their educational journey. She turned to these women for encouragement and advice and a few of them joked that they should make their stories into a book. Years later, this book would become a reality. THREE WOMEN One Dream was published in 2007 and catalogues Reed's story, along with two other like-minded women, as they navigated the turbulent doctoral waters and decided to become a champion for other women to pursue their educational dreams.

"I want to be sure to always be here to help encourage others," says Reed. "I couldn't have achieved my dream without the support of family, friends, and strangers, and feel I want to be able to provide that for others as well."

Reed will return to West Michigan to share that support in person during a book signing at Schuler Books and Music, 2660 28th Street, Grand Rapids on September 27, 2008. Contact dreedconsult@aol.com for more information.

Added September 2008

Michael McFadden, '06

2008-12-22 16:38:47.0

McFadden Earns AFL Accolades

Grand Rapids Rampage defensive lineman/linebacker and former Laker football standout Michael McFadden, '06, recently earned several accolades from the Arena Football league for his impressive performance both on and off the field this season.
On July 14, McFadden was named to the Arena Football League's Al Lucas Hero Team for his contributions to the West Michigan community this past year. The Al Lucas Hero Award, named in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman, is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football.

In the off-season, McFadden spoke with over 5,000 youth football players across West Michigan during the Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's. Additionally, he played a key role in the U.S. Army "Be Strong for Life" High School Tour, interacting with 1,500 students at Grand Rapids' Central High School, Creston High School and Godfrey-Lee High School. He has also encouraged athletes at GVSU's summer football camps. Throughout these visits, McFadden stressed the importance of education, discipline and heart as keys to success.

"I really enjoy speaking to children and giving them guidance, not only about football, but life. So many kids for whatever reason are not blessed with a solid foundation and need a positive role model to let them know they can achieve their dreams," McFadden said.

During the season, McFadden continued his community impact. He made weekly after-school visits to Harrison Park Elementary School, participated in the Children's Miracle Network's telethon benefiting Helen DeVos Children's Hopsital, and volunteered as a Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Grand Rapids.

On June 23, the AFL named McFadden to its 2008 All-Rookie Team. During regular season play, he paced all Rampage players with four sacks, including a team record-tying three sack performance on April 25. Despite spending nearly half of the season on the injured reserve list, McFadden led Grand Rapids with five tackles for loss, totaled 20 tackles overall and added a forced fumble in nine games.

The Saginaw, MI native has also maintained strong ties with his alma mater. On March 14, he welcomed fellow Grand Valley graduates during the first GVSU Young Alumni event held at a Rampage game. He plans to assist Grand Valley's football team in their upcoming season, and will be supporting to the Laker Football Fund. "I appreciate the financial opportunity that I was given and want to be sure to continue that tradition of success," he said.

"Grand Valley has prepared me well for my professional career both on and off the field," continued McFadden, who earned a Bachelor's of Science in advanced public relations and advertising from GVSU in 2006. He put his degree to good use, working in the Rampage's front office during the off-season handling marketing, ticket sales, public relations and logistics for the organization. The team's season ended with a conference playoff championship loss to the San Jose SaberCats on July 12.

Added August 2008

Mandi Zemba, '07

2008-12-22 16:36:11.0

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

Margo F. Jonker, '76

2008-12-22 16:32:36.0

Margo F. Jonker, '76, former Laker softball standout, was recently recognized for her impressive career as head softball coach for Central Michigan University. On April 19, the CMU softball complex was formally renamed in her honor. The Margo Jonker Stadium is the first structure on Central Michigan's campus to be named solely after a female.

"It was a tremendous honor to have our softball facility named after me. It was a dream come true that I never even dreamed of," said Jonker. "It is truly a testament to all of the outstanding people I have had the opportunity to surround myself with, especially to our student-athletes throughout the years. I feel fortunate to have been the gatekeeper of this outstanding program for the past 29 years."

Jonker was a pitcher and catcher for Grand Valley, and after graduating in 1976 spent three years as the Laker's pitching coach before starting her career at CMU.

Now in her 29th season as head coach for the Chippewa's, Jonker has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments during her tenure. She is the all-time winningest Mid-American Conference softball coach, having lead her teams to 966 total victories, and ranks ninth on the Division I all-time wins list.

The nine-time MAC Coach of the Year has won a conference-record eleven MAC titles, nine MAC Tournament Championships, and has led her Chippewas to the NCAA Tournament thirteen times, as well as the NCAA Women's College World Series in 1982.

In 1998, she served as assistant coach for the gold-medal winning USA World Championship team, and in 2000, earned another gold medal as assistant coach for the USA Olympic Team.

The Holland, Michigan native is a member of several Halls of Fame, including the Michigan Amateur Softball Hall of Fame, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and was inducted into GVSU's athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

Added May 2008

Tenzin P. Bhagen, '04

2008-12-22 16:31:34.0

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 avtivity." 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

Vicki Zwart, '92

2008-12-22 16:19:43.0

Vicki Zwart, '92, walks through Chicago to the local CBS station at 2 a.m. weekday mornings, only four hours after she puts her two small children and herself to bed. It's this type of commitment and dedication to a profession she has been drawn to since elementary school that has translated into her tremendous sucesses in the third largest television market in the country.

The Emmy-winning executive producer got her beginnings as a broadcasting student at GVSU. During her first broadcasting class in 1989, she was recruited to work for WGVU FM, Grand Valley's licensed Public Broadcasting Station. "Working for WGVU was a great learning experience. I really got to do pretty much every job during my three year's there. I started out as a reporter, then became the afternoon anchor and ended up producing my own show. David Moore (then news director and now producer and morning anchor for WGVU-Radio) literally taught me how to report and what it takes to put a story on the air. Without this experience, I would never have gotten the great opportunities that I have."

After earning a B.S. in broadcasting from Grand Valley in 1992, Vicki decided she wanted to get into television, and obtained her M.S.J., with honors, from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She got her television break shortly thereafter as associate producer for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, where she was awarded "Best Newscast of 1997" by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. She rose through the ranks at WZZM and often returned to Grand Valley to speak to classes about what it takes to get into broadcasting.

In 1998, Vicki headed back to her hometown of Chicago to work as a per diem, fill-in writer for WGN-TV. After only 6 months covering vacations, her talent was recognized and she was hired as senior supervising producer for the WGN Morning News. "It was my dream job after growing up watching the Cubs on the station."

Four years later, she followed her executive news producer to Indianapolis and began working as the executive producer for FOX-59 Morning News where she worked with fellow-alum, Tracy Forner, '91. Within four years, Vicki supervised a young staff and fledgling program into the only morning show in the market to experience continual ratings increases. She was awarded two Emmys for Outstanding Morning Newscast in 2005 and 2006.

She recently moved back to the Chicago-area where she lives with her husband, Kevin, '92, and their children, and is currently the executive producer of the CBS 2 Morning News.

Added August 2007

Paul D. Storrie, '88

2008-12-22 16:17:00.0

Paul D. Storrie, '88, has the kind of job that millions of children dream about having when they grow up. He spends his days immersed in the worlds of superheroes, vigilante outlaws, and mythical legends. But it's not exactly the job he thought he would have as a child. "The funny thing is I'd been drawing since I was a kid," the award-winning comic book writer and graphic novelist explains, "I always had aspirations to become an author, it's just that I wanted to draw comics and write prose."

Storrie earned a BA in English from Grand Valley in 1988 and was just a couple of classes shy of an art minor. After graduation, he spent several years doing odd jobs all the while trying to break into the comic world receiving a number of rejection notices along the way. "Eventually I discovered that I could work extremely hard to be an okay artist, or I could concentrate on my writing. I was diffusing my efforts trying to do both and it was slowing me down."

"Tenacity," continues Storrie, "is the 'secret' to making it as a freelance comic author. It takes a lot of work. There isn't some magic key, as people tend to think, that gets you in the door. I was simply too stupid to quit. I wouldn't accept the rejection letters. I always kept plugging along."

His concentration and tenacity eventually paid off in 1998 when his first professional publication, Robyn of Sherwood #1 was released from Caliber Comics. He did four issues of this series about the adventures of Robin Hood's daughter and moved on to pen several stories for Moonstone Books. His introduction to a broad audience came through Batman Beyond #23 for DC Comics in 2001. He worked with DC on several other publications as well as with Marvel Comics, who recently re-released the Captain America: Red, White & Blue 60th Anniversary anthology in softcover. Paul considers this to be the one work in his extensive bibliography that he is most proud of. "I've been a Captain America fan since I was little. That combined with the ability to work with and learn from the exceedingly talented David Lloyd, who drew my story for the anthology, was amazing."

Not only Captain America, but comic books in general, meant a lot to Paul as a child. "They opened up a world of adventure and gave me stories of people I could identify with who were doing the right things for the right reasons, not necessarily for the praise or glory." It's one of the things that drives Storrie to stay in the field. "The thought of providing a similar experience to a new generation of children is very rewarding to me. Above all, if I can give someone - a child or an adult - a story that makes them laugh, or ponder something or just entertains them for awhile, I can be proud of that at the end of the day."

Storrie credits GVSU for helping him hone his talents and feeding his passion for writing. Although the genre he was pursuing was unique from other writers he went to school with, the ideas and theories discussed about writing and the impact authors can make was great. "There were many individuals at Grand Valley who were very encouraging of writing professionally, and the art classes I took really enhanced my visual sense. The college is still with me in many ways." Two of his stories, Revisionary, and "Wolf Whistle" from Werewolves: Dead Moon Rising take place in part or in whole on the campus of Great Lakes State University, a fictional school inspired by his time at GVSU.

For more on Paul D. Storrie and to view his full bibliography, visit www.storrieville.com.

Added October 2007

Dwayne W. Moore, '93

2008-12-22 16:13:02.0

Dwayne W. Moore, '93, was recently promoted to Director of Operations at the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids. He is responsible for staff, board and program development and budgeting of the $8.4 million facility. He has been with the organization for over 12 years, where he started out managing the sports program at the struggling, original downtown facility. "I'm proud of what I do. I enjoy the chance to serve others and feel blessed to have been able to move my way up through hard work and dedication," says Moore.

Moore credits Grand Valley and relationships he made while attending for helping him to reach this career goal. "I actually got started with the YMCA at the urging of Leroy Hackley (former Associate Director of GVSU's Wellness and Recreation Services)," explains Moore, who worked under Hackley as a student employee in the intramural sports program. A criminal justice major, he was working as a public safety officer for the Lansing School District before joining the YMCA. "[Hackley] recognized my ability to serve individuals through this type of outreach before I was aware of my potential."

"The YMCA has truly become part of my life," continues Moore. "I try every day to live the motto of building strong children, strong families and strong communities." He is especially proud of working at the Hunting facility where the diversity of clientele and his staff are a true reflection of the community. "People of all ages, races, and backgrounds are welcome at our YMCA which bridges the gap between the inner city and suburban areas. This was the vision of Mr. Hunting and I strive to help fulfill that vision."

The Lansing native was recruited to play football at Grand Valley in 1987. After just three short weeks of practice, he injured his knee and needed surgery. "Looking back, [the injury] really opened my eyes," he admits. Although Moore recuperated and was able to continuing playing for the Lakers, his dreams of becoming a professional athlete were ended. "You know, every kid dreams of going on to play pro. After the knee injury, I realized this wasn't a reality and really began to put a focus on the need for education. I started working hard in areas outside of just athletics." Moore is glad he did. "My degree is still helping me. I truly got an education at Grand Valley - in more than just criminal justice but in life experience."

He hopes that his experiences can help him as he shapes future leaders through youth programming and also with his staff, many of whom are current GVSU students. "I try to lead by example and hope I can be a positive role model for someone else out there."

Moore currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife of nearly 16 years, Carla, and their five children.

Added November 2007

Chriss Lyon, '91

2008-10-07 17:03:36.0

Chriss Lyon, '91, a dispatch supervisor for 911 of Berrien County, enjoys the challenge of solving mysteries. But it's when she leaves her day job that her work as a detective begins. A self-taught genealogy expert and member of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society and Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates (MSRA), Lyon spends her free time researching victims of shipwrecks and plane crashes to help long lost relatives find previously unidentified loved ones.

While Lyon studied film and video production at Grand Valley, she says she's always been intrigued by detective work and history. "My dad was a firefighter and I think that is how I became interested in disasters and mystery." Her grandmother sparked her eventual interest in genealogy through researching their own family tree.

One of Lyon's recent volunteer genealogy efforts has recently garnered extensive media coverage with the dedication of the NWA flight 2501 memorial in Berrien Springs on September 20, 2008. The ceremony marks the culmination of a project she had been working on for nearly seven years.

She first began researching flight 2501 in November of 2001, when she found an online article about the crash while putting together a genealogical history of grave sites in Berrien County. "I was shocked that so little was known or even reported about such a tragic event."

Flight 2501 crashed into Lake Michigan near the city of St. Joseph in June of 1950, and at the time, was the largest aviation disaster in U.S. history. None of the 58 passengers survived the crash and the cause of the disaster remains unknown as the wreckage has never been located. After the crash, remains that washed ashore were collected by Coast Guard officials, unceremoniously cremated and placed in an unmarked grave. The remains were nearly forgotten about until Lyon got on the case.

Though most records from the time no longer exist, in 2007 Lyon discovered two lines in an old log book of the Riverview Cemetery in Berrien Springs indicating the grave site of "plane crash victims from 1950." Family of the victims were finally able to obtain a sense of closure after more than 50 years.

MSRA and Lyon had been able to identify and contact the majority of family members, many of whom traveled to Michigan from as far away as Virginia and California for the memorial ceremony and dedication of a donated headstone containing the names of all 58 victims.

"It is so important to give family a place to go to remember their loved ones. Now they have a place to visit," explains Lyon. "We wanted to be sure that these people who were forgotten for so many years by the area would never be forgotten again."

This may seem an unlikely course for an individual who earned a bachelor of arts in film and video, but Lyon sees it differently. She thinks of genealogy as an art from, not a science. "It's researching a bunch of official documents that some people take as absolute. They are supposed to be completely accurate but there are often errors in transcription and spelling. You need to approach it with a degree of creative license, using the documents as guidelines, or else you'll miss something," she says.

Lyon looks forward to continuing her life's passion. Her success on recent projects has shed light on what else she is capable of doing. "There are so many other people out there searching for closure and so many unidentified remains. I hope in my own small way that I may be able to help with the preservation of history."

Added October 2008