The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to a faculty member who has had a significant impact on the lives and careers of alumni.

Peter Riemersma, associate professor of geology, has spent more than two decades sparking curiosity and connection in and beyond the classroom. Known for his empathy and enthusiasm for Earth science, he inspires students to engage not only with geology but with each other, their communities and the natural world. 
 
Riemersma earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Michigan, a master's degree from the University of Utah, and a doctoral degree in hydrogeology from the University of Wisconsin. He began his career as a practicing hydrogeologist before transitioning to teaching. After a brief appointment at Vassar College, he joined Grand Valley in 1999 and has been a pillar of the Geology Department since. 
 
Riemersma’s dedication to immersive education extends far beyond campus. With Peter Wampler, Riemersma co-created Water in the West, a four-week, cross-country course exploring water issues and landforms in the American Southwest. Other experiential courses have taken students to Florida, the San Juan Islands, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes, offering hands-on insight into geological processes and environmental issues.

His innovative teaching style blends rigorous content with creativity and warmth. Riemersma has been known to hold office hours in the Kirkhof Center while playing ping pong with students. In large lecture halls, Riemersma uses humor to build rapport. Many of his students said these imaginative approaches make geology feel exciting and accessible.
 
A passionate mentor, Riemersma has guided students in research projects that resulted in presentations at national conferences and GVSU’s Student Scholars Day. Kirk Perschbacher '07, a former student, shared, “Peter teaches with expertise and compassion. He helped open geology to me as a career, and I still return each year to speak to his classes.” 
 
In 2024, he received the SAFE Award (Student Award for Faculty Excellence) and was invited by the Student Senate to deliver their signature “Last Lecture.” Through mentorship, creativity and a love for field-based learning, Riemersma has made an indelible mark on generations of students and the West Michigan community.

For more information about the GVSU Alumni Awards, visit gvsu.edu/alumni/awards.