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• Site Index

Building Legacies

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Dr. Glenn Niemeyer Learning and Living Center

Opened in 2008, this innovative learning and living center is named for the Grand Valley's former provost who retired in 2001 after more than 30 years of service to the institution. It houses 449 students in a combination of four-bedroom, two-bedroom, and studio apartments. It also is home to the Frederik Meijer Honors College, accommodations for visiting faculty, meeting rooms, five lounges, and offices for housing staff.

The first Provost of Grand Valley, Dr. Glenn Niemeyer was born on January 14, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan. He received his bachelors degree from Calvin College and his masters and doctoral degrees, both in history, from Michigan State University. He was one of the first faculty appointed to Grand Valley when the institution opened in 1963. Dr. Niemeyer was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1970, vice president for academic affairs in 1976, and provost in 1980. After serving Grand Valley for 38 years, Dr. Niemeyer retired in May, 2001. During his career, he was elected chair of the NCA Higher Learning Commission and later vice president and president of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In April 1994, Grand Valley awarded him the honorary doctorate of Letters. Commenting on naming the Living Center in his honor, Dr. Niemeyer said, "I am particularly pleased to have this Living Center named for me since it houses the Honors Program which symbolizes the institution's academic focus." Glenn and Betty Niemeyer have three children and nine grandchildren. The Niemeyer Living Center was dedicated in October 2001.

For more information regarding the honors college, click here.

Sustainability Facts

Niemeyer Learning and Living Center – Having achieved LEED Certification these buildings utilize many sustainable features common to green buildings, such as low VOC carpets, paints and sealants, natural daylight, Energy Star rated appliances, dual-flush toilets, low-flow plumbing fixtures and recycled materials. Other sustainable features at Niemeyer include:

• Restoration of Green Space – This project was constructed on a previously developed site which consisted of a 626 space impervious asphalt parking lot. The site now consists of four buildings, a 35 space parking lot and green space. By reducing onsite parking and limiting the overall building footprint this project was actually able to restore natural habitat for various plants and animals.
• Sustainable Construction Practices – This project was able to recycle over 96% of construction waste. Recycling construction waste, ultimately, reduces the demand for virgin resources and, in turn, reduces the negative impacts associated with the extraction, manufacturing and transportation of those resources.
• Storm Water Management – Through the use of a total of eight rain gardens and green roofs the site’s storm water runoff rate was reduced

For more information regarding sustainability at GVSU, click here.

Page last modified December 12, 2012