Photo Galleries

Sustainability Showcase 2018 (9 Photos)

The Sustainability Showcase is an annual event to showcase student projects highlighting a variety of environmental and sustainability issues. Some classes presented while others displayed informative posters.

A faculty member welcomes the attendees to the event.

A group of students present their sustainability project while reference a power point.

Attendees discuss a topic at a round table.

Attendees chat while viewing students' poster presentations.

2018 Civil Discourse Symposium (23 Photos)

Over 200 Grand Valley faculty, staff, students, and community members participated in the 5th Annual Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Symposium: Civil Conversations on Climate Change on October 25 at the L.V. Eberhard Center. Elizabeth Arnold, associate professor of anthropology and the current Padnos/Sarosik endowed professor of civil discourse, selected this year's topic of climate change and facilitated the event. Three panelists representing various views on climate change were Jordan Chrispell, West Michigan Clean Energy Organizer for the Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter, Steve Goreham, author and Executive Director of the Climate Science Coalition of America, and Kelly Parker, professor of philosophy and Director of the Environmental Studies program at GVSU. Attendees were then invited to practice civil discourse in roundtable discussions which were facilitated by hosts and focused on a unique climate change issue.

Housed within the Brook College of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professorship of Civil Discourse was founded in 2013 through a generous gift from longtime university supporters, Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik with the mission to prepare GVSU students to be leaders in advancing respectful, informed dialogue around vital social issues in their communities.

Dean Hiskes welcomes attendees to the event.

Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professorship of Civil Discourse, Elizabeth Arnold, introduces the panelists.

Over 200 attendees are seated at round tables in the Eberhard Center.

Elizabeth Arnold explains the importance of civil discourse and how to listen to understand.

Jordan Chrispell, West Michigan Clean Energy Organizer for the Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter, speaks about climates change and social justice.

Jordan Chrispell speaks on vulnerable people groups affected by climate change.

Outstanding Alumni Panel 2018 (14 Photos)

On October 4, 2018 Brooks College hosted its second Outstanding Alumni Panel & Networking Event to bring alumni and current students together to discuss the value of interdisciplinary studies in the professional world. The six distinguished panelists represented a variety of educational backgrounds and career paths including ranging from Religious Studies, Liberal Studies, Honors, and African/African-American Studies.

Jen Jameslyn, Director of the Brooks College Office of Integrative Learning and Advising, facilitated an inspiring discussion with six distinguished alumni panelists that ranged from the benefits of study abroad opportunities, the honors college, internships, and guidance on navigating nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental sectors. As the panelists shared from their educational and professional experiences several themes emerged including the value of mentors and relationships and the importance of critical thinking skills. 85 students, faculty, and staff were engaged in the event which also included a resource fair and a time for networking.

A special thank you to six distinguished alumni panelists Brandy Arnold, Molly Barnard, Anne Marie Carson, Alicia Crawford, Alfredo Hernandez, and Megan Kiplinger.

Faculty members and alumni speaking and smiling

Wendy Burns-Ardolino speaks to a group of students about the Social Innovation Master of Arts program

Students interact with faculty and staff at the student resource fair

A residence hall staff member plays a game with two students

Ayana Weekley chats with two faculty members

Dean Hiskes welcomes to audience to the event

Kick Off to a Great Year 2018 (13 Photos)

Our annual faculty and staff event to start the new academic year. This year's theme was "Celebrating Our Interdisciplinarity."

Staff members smiling and talking together.

Faculty members talk and laugh at a table.

Loren Rullman, Vice Provost of Student Affairs speaks with Mark Schaub, Director of the Padnos International Center.

Brooks College Staff and Faculty arrive at the lunch event.

Faculty and staff members laugh together.

Dean Hiskes chats with faculty and staff members.

Winter 2017 Graduate Reception (11 Photos)

Winter 2016 Graduate Reception (9 Photos)

On Saturday, April 30th, the Brooks College Dean's Office hosted a reception for our graduates and their guests.

Winter 2015 Graduate Reception (5 Photos)

On Saturday, December 12th, the Brooks College Dean's Office hosted a reception for our graduates and their guests.

Civil Discourse Symposium 2015 (16 Photos)

The second annual Civil Discourse Symposium took place on Thursday, November 19. The event was titled "East and West Together: Intersections of Re-Imagining the Future of Michigan."