Why is the flag flying at half-staff today?


Saturday, March 26, 2022
All day
Allendale Campus, Detroit Center, Health Campus, Meijer Campus in Holland, Muskegon Regional Center, Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students


In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in honor of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who passed away at the age of 84 years old.

“Madeleine Albright was a trailblazing figure on the world stage who upheld our highest values,” said Governor Whitmer. “She viewed public service as a noble calling and served our country as Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of State. After fleeing war and violence to come to the United States with her family as a girl, she became a woman who advocated for diplomacy, peace, and prosperity around the globe. Secretary Albright inspired generations of young women to pursue careers in national service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.”

Madeleine Albright was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on May 15, 1937. In 1948, her family immigrated to the United States where she became a citizen in 1957. Throughout her career, she served in various roles within Congress, the White House, and on the National Security Council as well as a teaching and leadership position at Georgetown University. In 1993, Madeleine Albright made history when she became the first woman appointed and confirmed as Secretary of State.

Albright attended Wesley College and earned a doctorate degree from Columbia University in 1976. She passed away on Wednesday, March 23 at the age of 84.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

Flags should be returned to full staff on Monday, March 28, 2022.

More information:
US Flag
Michigan Flag

This event is recurring on Sunday, March 27, 2022.


Location Information

Download parking map for the Allendale Campus

Download parking map for the Detroit Center

Download parking map for the Health Campus

Download parking map for the Meijer Campus in Holland

Download parking map for the Muskegon Regional Center


Contact Information


Institutional Marketing

(616) 331-2525


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This event was added to the calendar by Cherilyn Denomme (denommec@gvsu.edu) on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 8:41 a.m.