President's corner

October 3, 2023 (Volume 47, Number 3)

a person hands President Mantella a VR headset to wear on the blue bridge in Grand Rapids during the GR in XR event

President Philomena V. Mantella prepares to don a virtual reality headset at the GR in XR event September 21 on the Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids.

Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills

During Tech Week Grand Rapids, participants at the GR in XR event immersed themselves in a futuristic visual representation of what could be ahead for the downtown area.

The event also allowed Grand Valley to feature an effort underway to build what the university is calling the Blue Dot ecosystem. During remarks to kick off the event, President Philomena V. Mantella explained that the Blue Dot concept expands beyond physical locations on multiple campuses.

"Blue Dot was named as we think about the Earth and its place in the cosmos, which inspires all of us to explore and cherish our world," Mantella said. "As a metaphor, it underpins Grand Valley's vision for a forward-looking ecosystem where technology, creativity, collaboration and the pursuit of a brighter future seamlessly converge."

Mantella said Blue Dot will allow GVSU and West Michigan to "meaningfully intersect so that the opportunity for technology and innovation can fuel our economic development." Mantella added that Grand Valley is committed to preparing students with future-ready skills to support that work.