August 30, 2022 (Volume 46, Number 1)
Article by
Michele Coffill
Students who participated in the Laker Familia orientation August 21 are pictured. It was one of four Laker Connection orientation programs.
About 400 new students quickly found communities on campus by participating in Laker Connection orientation programs, which were held August 21-23.
New students who identify as Asian, Black, Native American or Latino/a attended sessions designed to help them navigate campus resources. Several events included all orientation groups. The orientations serve as the start of year-round student success programming.
Glenn Valdez, professor of psychology, is the program lead for the Asian Student Achievement Program. He said the highlight of Asian Student Orientation was the welcome reception for students and their families that featured Asian foods from area restaurants.
"They also spent a lot of time with our wonderful student orientation leaders who led them in ice breaker activities, gave them campus tours and helped to connect them with some of the cultural organizations on campus, like Asian Student Union, Filipinx American Student Association and Vietnamese Cultural Association," Valdez said.
This article was last edited on August 29, 2022 at 1:1 p.m.
Adrienne Wallace said meeting students "in the messy middle" distinguishes teaching as a profession, rather than a job.
Featured Video
February 24, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 12)
Article by
Michele Coffill
The longtime co-chair of MLK Commemoration Week discusses how those events and Black History Month connect to GVSU's mission.
February 24, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 12)
The regional event with 57 area middle and high school teams returns to the Valley Campus on March 21.
February 24, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 12)
Article by
Peg West
