January 27, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 10)
Article by
Samantha Rypstra
Venture into the Lake Ontario Hall basement to learn more about the tunnels and the university's sustainability efforts during a Groundhog Day event on February 2.
Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
Did you know there are tunnels underneath GVSU's campus? The tunnels carry steam, power and data across campus and have been rumored to be haunted.
Mark Schaub, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, has long referred to the tunnels as the GVSU “burrows.” Curiosity about the tunnels and other campus infrastructure has inspired a Groundhog Day celebration that will allow the campus community to go into the basement of Lake Ontario Hall and view the entrance to the legendary burrows.
The event on Groundhog Day, February 2, at 9 a.m. in Lake Ontario Hall, room 179, will celebrate sustainability and the promise of spring.
It will also feature a sneak peek at the upcoming Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) STARS report, a self-reported performance assessment by universities using the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) framework. The report helps measure university efforts in areas such as environmental curriculum, energy, waste and more.
In addition to viewing aspects of the sustainability report, attendees will have the opportunity to venture into the Lake Ontario Hall basement and view the entrance to burrows as well as enter a raffle, pose in a photobooth and enjoy refreshments.
This event is being hosted by the Brooks College Dean’s office, the Office of Sustainability Practices and Facilities Services.
— Samantha Rypstra is the office coordinator for Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
This article was last edited on January 22, 2026 at 12:17 p.m.
Aviation students can complete the Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Traverse City, or online, and have tangible professional benefits within the industry.
Featured
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Article by
Kate VanDerKolk
A Detroit News article centered on university governance and a Brookings article called the Thompson Scholars program a model solution for increasing access for students from middle-income families.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Now working in the Division of Enrollment Development and College Futures, Ngassa discusses how his background serves as a bridge between enrollment and academic affairs.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
