About Us Winter 2018
Our goal at MoneySmart Lakers, is to provide you with tools and resources which help you understand your finances and develop or define your money management skills.
Phone
(616) 331-3234
Location
100 Student Services Building, Allendale Campus
Meet Our Staff
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Suzy Herman
Assistant Director of Financial Literacy
Suzy oversees the MoneySmart Laker program and the peer mentor staff. She is originally from Park Ridge, Illinois and earned a degree in journalism at Dominican University. After that, Suzy attended Grand Valley State University for her Masters of Higher Education degree, and stayed to work with on-campus housing. When not at work, Suzy enjoys cooking and traveling. She is excited to help all students feel comfortable with their finances, no matter where they are in their journey!
Andrew McDonough
Financial Literacy Graduate Assistant
Andrew is a proud Laker alum who is beginning his first year as a graduate student in the College of Education. His interests include running, swimming, and reading. As a member of the MoneySmart Lakers team, Andrew helps oversee the student workers and to promote and develop the program; as well as to devise new methods of implementation and outreach. He is most excited to see students take control of their finances while in school, in order to be more confident about their budget and expenses!
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Jess DeWyse
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Jess is a senior at GVSU majoring in Accounting. She transferred here last year from Delta College, which is located in her hometown Bay City, Michigan. She enjoys staying active, being outdoors, and spending time with family/friends. Jess talks with students about their loan questions and concerns, and also the importance of creating smart spending habits. She is most excited about being able to interact with Grand Valley students and help them to feel more comfortable about their personal finances!
Abigail Gbewonyo
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Abigail is an International student originally from Ghana, West Africa but born and raised on the island nation of Palau, located in Asia Pacific. She is Senior at GVSU studying Health Information Management, and minoring in Information Systems. Abi enjoys tennis and cooking international cuisines! Her favorite part of being a peer mentor is the opportunity she gets to share effective ways students can develop better Money Smart skills in their personal finances.
Andrew Jenks
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Andrew is a senior at GVSU studying Business Economics and Finance. He grew up in Lansing, Michigan and enjoys playing soccer and roommate poker nights. Andrew conducts group and individual financial literacy counseling in the MoneySmart office. He especially enjoys building credit and wealth building. He is excited about helping other students to better understand their finances and set themselves up for future success!
Makenzie Schneider
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Makenzie is a senior at GVSU studying Health Communication with a Business minor. She grew up in Wyoming, Michigan with her parents, sister, and golden retriever. Makenzie conducts individual and group financial literacy appointments in the MoneySmart office. She is particularly passionate about spending plans and exit counseling. She is excited to help other Lakers grow and expand their financial knowledge!
Avion Silas
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Avion is a sophomore at GVSU studying Psychology and Social work. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and enjoys fishing and stringing up a hammock in the summer with friends. Avion is a peer mentor for MoneySmart Lakers. He is interested in loans and budgeting, and strives to make every student at Grand Valley MoneySmart!
Jenna Ali
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Jenna is a freshman at GVSU majoring in Finance. She grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and loves activities like reading and playing volleyball. Jenna enjoys working with students on budget planning and improving their financial literacy. She hopes to help GVSU students develop the skills that they will need to be financially successful in life.
Caitlyn Gimler
MoneySmart Peer Mentor
Caitlyn is a sophomore at GVSU studying Finance and international business. She grew up in Rapid River, MI (the U.P.) with her parents and her silver Labrador retriever. She enjoys yoga, riding horses, and eating. She is extremely passionate about helping others with wealth building and spending plans! She is so excited to help Lakers increase their financial knowledge.