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Student Veteran Orientation
2025 Waddle of Honor Graduation Ceremony
MVAA Veteran Friendly School Gold 2023-2024
MVAA Veteran Friendly School Gold 2024-2025
Flags on campus for memorial day
Laker Vets at NatCon
MVAA Veteran Friendly School Innovator Award 2023-2024
MVAA Veteran Friendly School Innovator Award 2024-2025

GI Bill® and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Certification

Our Registrar's Office certifies GI Bill® enrollment to the VA and can assist with related information.

The following individuals have been designated as primary contacts based on last names. For example, if your last name is Smith, you would contact Kurt Ritter. 

You are encouraged to seek assistance from anyone else if your assigned certifying official is not available. 

Last Name

Certifying Official

A - C

Sophia Bruno [email protected]

D-J

Kaitlin Penney [email protected]

K-M

Elle Hilley [email protected]

N-R

Sam Krepel [email protected]

U-Z

Kurt Ritter [email protected]

Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly Voc Rehab) Enrollment Certification | Chapter 31 | Federal and State (MINGSTAP) Military Tuition Assistance Programs

Paul Dillon

[email protected]

(616) 331-2278

Join Laker Vets

Laker Vets at Grand Valley is one of over 1,400 Student Veteran of America chapters from around the nation. Our chapter is here to support student veterans, military, and dependents in their success on campus and in the classroom. We are an inclusive organization, and as such we welcome anybody wanting to make a positive difference for our community! You do not have to be a veteran to be a member.

Laker Vets Mission:

We assist GVSU veterans’ transition to college life and provide a success-oriented network.

We support military-connected organizations and individuals in our community.

We are active members of the Student Veterans of America and provide leadership opportunities for our members.

laker vets

Upcoming Events

VA VITAL Staff on Campus

Thursday, January 15, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care

Coffee & Camaraderie

Thursday, January 29, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

A time to connect with the military-affiliated community at GVSU while enjoying free coffee and donuts.

VA VITAL Staff on Campus

Thursday, January 29, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care

VA VITAL Staff on Campus

Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care

Coffee & Camaraderie

Thursday, February 26, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

A time to connect with the military-affiliated community at GVSU while enjoying free coffee and donuts.

View more Events

Lounge Spaces on Campus

Open 9 AM - 5 PM

Monday - Friday

Accessible after hours and on weekends with student ID

Kirkhof

Russel H. Kirkhof Center

Room 0072

1 Campus Drive

Allendale, MI 49401

DCIH

Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health

Room 110

333 Michigan Street N.E.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3314

Page last modified December 5, 2025