GVSU in photos, August 2023: The beauty of beginnings, from new homes to new friends, and even a sunrise

Alexis Clemens, a senior criminal justice major, brought a collection of house plants to campus during move-in on GVSU's downtown campus August 21. "She's a plant mom," said her father, Mark Clemens.

Alexandra Kozelek hugs her emotional support animal Milo, during move-in on August 22.

Joshua Bednarz holds Steve the bear, who was left behind by his sister when she went to college years ago. Joshua adopted Steve and they moved to campus together on August 22.

Zoë Rodgers holds a women's devotional bible that has been passed down from her grandmother. Rodgers brought the book as something sentimental from home as she moved into the Allendale Campus August 20.

President Philomena V. Mantella, center, laughs while interviewing Elizabeth Kalafut, a resident assistant at Grand Valley, left, during the filming of Philly on the Street August 20.

"I'm happy to expand my knowledge and grow more as an individual," Alanna Stevenson said about starting college. Stevenson, a first-year student studying criminal justice, had just moved in and was spending time with friends near Kleiner.

Students participate in an ice-breaker outside as part of the Laker Familia orientation event August 21.

Nevaeh Hemmes-Palms sets up her room while surrounded by family members during Laker Connections move-in on August 20.

Two people move boxes toward a living center during move-in week August 22.

President Philomena V. Mantella, left, pretends to interview her dog, Lily, during the filming of Philly on the Street August 20.

Honors College students walk through Kleiner Commons during move-in week at GVSU.

High school student Isiah Jett poses for a photo with Louie the Laker while touring Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center August 15.

The office hours of Randy Winchester, professor of chemistry, extend out into the hallways of the Padnos Hall of Science August 31.

Students laugh together during the FIT 150 Strokes and Drills class as the new academic year got underway. The class is taught by Eric Murray, the associate head swimming coach.

Medical dosimetry students pose for photos at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences August 25.

Students in Nancy Giardina's FIT 153-02 class try their hand at sailing on Zumberge Pond August 31.

Lin Bardwell, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, left, laughs with students Carson Brunette and Kelly Elswick, center, during a Maajtaadaa! Orientation event August 20.

Class of 2027 students celebrate at Lubbers Stadium during their class photo taken after Campus Life Night August 27.

Shannon Cohen, '00, '11, received the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to a Grand Valley alum who excels in their chosen profession, and whose accomplishments positively impact society and reflect favorably upon themselves, their community and GVSU.

Rhyan Vereecken, right, looks out the window with her youngest brother, Dylan Schmuker, center, as he watches the "tiny cars" go by outside the fourth-floor window of Secchia Hall during move-in on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Vanity Blake performs in the Kirkhof Center during the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center's Rainbow Social.

Daimion Banks, left, and Alexis Baskin, center, dance to music during a Black Excellence gathering outside of Kleiner Commons during move-in on the Allendale Campus August 20.