James Dells
Since commissioning as a Naval officer, I've dedicated my career to preparing and developing Sailors to accomplish the missions of the Navy and contribute to the broader joint warfighting effort. Over the past 16 years, I've been assigned in a variety of
Published September 23, 2025
Hanna Burnham
In 2017, their freshman year at Grand Valley, Hanna and Ryan met in the Hoobler Living Center. They started dating their sophomore year, and continued to support each other throughout their academic careers together at GVSU. Ryan graduated in 2022 (educa
Published September 8, 2025
Rachel LePoudre
Rachel (Partain) LePoudre '07 and husband Eric LePoudre welcomed their first child, Milo Thomas LePoudre, on August 25, 2025. The family resides in Macomb, Michigan.
Published September 4, 2025
Caitlyn Gimler
After graduating from GVSU in the midst of the pandemic (April 2020), I started my career at Plante Moran within their Wealth Management group. This August, I somehow have reached my 5-year anniversary of being with the firm, which has gone by ridiculousl
Published September 2, 2025
Kirstyn Wildey Fritz
Kirstyn Wildey Fritz has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for her work in real estate, banking and finance, and public finance law. Kirstyn is a partner at McDonald Hopkins LLC and resides in Clevela
Published August 26, 2025
Reyna Worthy
Reyna Worthy, a military spouse based at NAS Key West, FL, is part of the 2025-26 cohort of the Military Spouse Leadership Initiative. A program of the Association of Defense Communities and Liberty Military Housing, the initiative brings together militar
Published August 18, 2025
Krystal Melton
Krystal Melton (Wilson)'14, Studio Art, and Geoffrey Melton'14, Biomedical Science, are celebrating 10 years of marriage. The couple met on the Route 50 bus between campuses and got engaged on that same bus two years later. They now live in Jenison, MI wi
Published July 17, 2025
Ashley Gist
Ashley Gist, '09, '11, has been named a 2025 Boating Industry 'Women Making Waves' award recipient. The 'Women Making Waves' awards recognize women in the recreational boating industry who have made and continue to make great contributions to its success,
Published July 10, 2025
Travis Alden
Joining the SME team in March of 2025 to lead business development efforts throughout West Michigan, Travis brings 20+ years of diverse community & economic development experience - as well as strong, far-reaching relationships established through broad-b
Published July 7, 2025
Mark Bryson
On Friday, June 20th 2025, the summer solstice, Mark Bryson (Class of 2009) married Sarah Bryson (formerly Collier) in a private ceremony at the Grant Pavilion at The Meadows at Millennium Park. Years after crossing paths as volunteers with the North Coun
Published July 3, 2025
Brian Nordstrom
On Saturday, June 7th 2025, Brian Nordstrom (Class of 2017) married Sarah Nordstrom (formerly Wagner) (Class of 2017). We met and became friends at Grand Valley in 2017, graduated from the business school together that same year, and ended up dating in la
Published June 30, 2025
Valarie James
A New Chapter Begins, Inner Fitness Counseling and Wellness is Open! I'm excited to share that I've officially opened my own integrative private practice, Inner Fitness Counseling and Wellness, right here in the Greater Grand Rapids area! Rooted in
Published June 20, 2025
Viola Pagnani
When Viola Pagnani was invited to moderate the Winter 2025 Meijer Lecture Series, she didn't anticipate how it would shape her professional path. Chosen for her background in veterinary medicine and her passion for community engagement, Viola helped highl
Published June 19, 2025
Hunter Stephens
Proud to share that I have accepted a position as a Preschool Assistant Teacher position at Refugee Education Center!
Published June 19, 2025
Jennifer Connors
Jennifer (Patton) Connors is thrilled to announce the publication of "In Pursuit of Flavor", the debut cookbook from the first-time author/publisher. "In Pursuit of Flavor" offers readers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that shares personal stories
Published June 16, 2025
Aditya Dube
Canýt believe Iým saying thisýIýve landed my first full-time job in the U.S. as an Application System Analyst at Corewell Health! From visa stress to job hunts and endless learning curves, this journey has been anything but easy. Just feeling really t
Published June 13, 2025
Jennifer Buck
Jennifer Witham Buck (ý99) a Travel Advisor with Love Travel Collection was honored with the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Award winning the ýBest Targeted Marketing Ideaý Category presented by Princess Cruises on June 5, 2025 at the Ritz Carlton in
Published June 12, 2025
Payton Peltomaa
At the 2025 WMPRSA PRoof Awards, I was deeply honored to be named Outstanding Emerging Professional, a recognition that reflects not only my individual growth as a public relations professional but also the incredible mentors and community that have shape
Published June 11, 2025
Jen Fiero
Selected as Michigan Academic Librarian of the Year (2024) by the Michigan Academic Library Association. Recognized at the Michigan Library Awards on October 16, 2024.
Published June 9, 2025
Tonia Koss
Tonia Koss (Wallace) '93, '04 has started her own company called Preaisle Commitment Conversations. She coaches engaged couples to build a rock-solid foundation to their marriage in three 90-minute sessions either locally in-person or virtually. "I'
Published May 19, 2025