Alumni Spotlights
Jennifer Buck 1999
Employer
Love Travel Collection
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-witham-buck-ccc-922b1651/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Since graduating from Grand Valley State University in 1999,
I’ve spent nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry. I did multiple
internships with the Walt Disney Company and Holiday Inn Worldwide as
a college student starting in 1996. After graduation, I joined the
Community Foundation for Muskegon County as the Operations Manager for
the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, followed by management
roles in Catering and Dining Services with Creative Dining Services at
Calvin University. I also coordinated weddings for Cornerstone Church
and have a calligraphy studio. In 2017, I started as a Travel Advisor
with Love Travel Collection and help create vacation memories for the
clients all over the world! I’m proud to be among the top-producing
travel advisors for seven years, a Certified Cruise Counselor, member
of ASTA, SUPERAgent and Trusted Travel Advisor with Travel Leaders
Network, and a two-time winner of Grand Rapids Kids’ Top “Disney
Vacation Planner.” In June 2025, I received the TravelAge West
Trendsetter of the Year Award for Best Targeted Marketing Idea—a true
career milestone and one of the most meaningful moments that would not
have been possible without my amazing colleagues at Love Travel
Collection and clients. Privately, I married to another Grand Valley
Statue University Graduate - Kevin (class of 2000), and we have a 15
year old son, Tyler and live in Caledonia, Michigan.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
I have so many memories from my time at GVSU! My dad
graduated from GVSU in 1975 (back then it was Grand Valley State
College) and I moved in to the same dorm (Copeland) he lived in
exactly 20 years later! I used to work in the computer lab - and one
of my jobs was to physically turn on each individual computer first
thing every morning. We were also the first official class to have
email addresses - I still remember it!
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever
received?
“Always follow your heart and make the most of each day you
are given. Real magic happens when you keep dreaming big, working hard
when no one is looking, learning something new everyday, and always
doing the next right thing.”
4. List three words you would use to describe your
Grand Valley experience.
Foundational, Transformative, and Rewarding!
5. What difference would you like to make in the
world?
During one of my college internships at Walt Disney World, I
was honored with the “Most Magical Moment Award” Mickey Statue for a
simple, small gesture that deeply touched a family. That moment left a
lasting impression and taught me how powerful a simple act of kindness
can be. Ever since, I’ve tried to bring a little magic into everything
I do - whether in my community, my work, or everyday interactions with
others. We all have the ability to be that single spark. My hope is
that when someone hears my name, it brings back a magical memory,
makes them smile, and inspires them to do the same.
July 2025
Interest Area(s)
Hospitality Tourism Mgt, Adv Public Relations
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