Head to the 'burrows' on Groundhog Day to learn about campus sustainability

January 27, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 10)
Article by Samantha Rypstra

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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.

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