Chris Barbee, Grand Valley State University's new Alumni Relations Director, graduated from GVSU as a Broadcasting major in 1988. He was a producer-announcer for WGVU radio and producer-host for WGVU-TV. Well-known for his on-air work at WGVU, Chris was an award-winning news reporter and host of "GV Sports," a weekly Laker TV magazine show. He was a color commentator for Laker men's basketball, and teamed with Laker Hall of Famer Dick Nelson to call Laker football for five seasons.

Later, Chris moved to Washington DC and worked for eight years as press secretary to US Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Grand Rapids). There he compiled an outstanding record of service as a member of Ehler's staff, and is highly regarded as a  communicator and public relations practitioner.

A Kalamazoo native, Chris graduated from Mattawan High School and is married to Janice Abramowicz of Grand Rapids; they have an infant daughter, Maya.

Chris says he looks forward to promoting GVSU and its alumni activites. "It's an honor and a privilege to return to my alma mater in this capacity. I'm extremely excited to return to Grand Valley and renewing old friendships within the campus community."