"As an alumnus and a adjunct I thank you and congratulate you on all you have done for GVSU. Your leadership and dedication were essential in the growth of the school. Thanks, Bruce"
"Hello Don, I sincerely appreciate the exceptional job that you did as President of GVSU while I was attending there and thereafter! It's always a real pleasure to chat with you when I bump into you at different alumni events and out in the public. I like how very real, genuine, authentic, caring and humorous you are! You are an exemplary leader whom I wish more authority figures could emulate! Congratulations on such a great person and job you are doing in your life. Sincerely, Alix Bartnick"
"Congratulations for making GVSU what it is today. You should not remember our first meeting during my Senior year, but I went to you to explain why I wanted to take in excess of 20 credit hours to graduate in 4 years. You listened and granted my request. I had one of my better GPA's that term and then started my career. Since then, I've retired and now consult for the firm I retired from. I often play golf with your son John Lubbers at the Meadows. We have great times and he tells me you still play quite well too. My daughter graduated from GVSU as well in 2006, so we are both proud alumni. Thanks again. Tom Bernott "
"Thank you for all you have done to help GV flourish in every way possible. We are all proud of our University due in great part to you and what you have done! GO LAKERS!"
"No one could be more passionate about Laker sports than Don Lubbers. As GVSU President, Don struck the perfect chord of leadership between academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship. From Allendale to Grand Rapids, and now far beyond, we see today the fruits from the seeds he planted decades ago. His impact in setting high scholastic standards, new achievements on and off the field of play, and the much-needed brick and mortar growth, is storied. And, best of all, his profoundly wise and witty point of view has been there for all to sample, whether he's forging alliances with leaders of industry, or simply having a breakfast meeting with an alumnus like me. All memorable, always heartfelt, never duplicated, and with outcomes that have benefited Lakerdom more than we will ever know. For all of this, and for Don's genuine love of competition and sport, this recognition is a small way to say thanks...thanks to the man who is truly an authentic legend among us. Let's always remember the transformation he shaped with his vision for GVSU, and how he did it all with his approachable style and quietly fierce determination. He is the epitome of the Great Laker, always."
