Andy Beachnau, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, is
pictured during a First-Generation Student Celebration in November.
After 42 years at Grand Valley, Beachnau will retire at the end of June.
Photo Credit:
Kendra Stanley-Mills
Andy Beachnau, right, stands with (left) Bart Merkle, retired vice
provost for Student Affairs and dean of students, and Bob
Stoll, associate dean and director of Student Life, in this 2010 photo
in the Kirkhof Center.
It's a question Andy Beachnau often poses to students: "When did
you know you were a Laker?"
For Beachnau, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, the
answer is 1983, one year after arriving at Grand Valley to work as a
residence hall director (in Robinson Living Center).
"I remember going to my parents' house for a weekend and then
telling them, 'I have to go home,' and I meant to Grand Valley,"
Beachnau said.
Known by many as the "Mayor of GVSU," Beachnau will retire
at the end of June, ending a 42-year career at the university. He has
served many roles in Housing and Residence Life, including as
director, overseeing housing and health services. He moved into
leadership roles in the Division of Student Affairs in 2011.
While some people may view Beachnau's tenure as a lengthy stop at one
institution, he sees it as shorter stints at several different Grand Valleys.
When Beachnau started working at GVSU, there was an enrollment of
6,000 and 1,000 students lived on campus. Now, 6,000 students live on
campuses in Allendale and Grand Rapids.
"So, it's quadrupled since I've been here," he said.
"Each president brought different strengths and I'm happy to say
I've worked well with all of them."
Beachnau is proud of having a hand in designing living centers as
communities and comfortable spaces for students, which, he said, plays
a role in helping them thrive on campus. His favorites: Niemeyer and Holton-Hooker.
He's also proud of mentoring many staff members, most of whom started
working at Grand Valley early in their careers in housing and have
continued in roles elsewhere at the university.
"I look at them as future leaders. And I say whatever their next
job is, it will be easier. These are staff members who have dealt with
people, programming, budgets and facilities," he said. "I
consider it my responsibility to provide them with a good foundation.
"I've been fortunate to be around good people who have responded
to my invitation to 'do better.'"
Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, nominated
Beachnau for emeritus status upon his retirement. Hall-Jones said
Beachnau has greatly contributed to Grand Valley's ethos and culture,
whether it's through mentoring students, being the biggest fan of
Laker athletics or teaching graduate education classes.
"His nickname on campus is the 'Mayor of GVSU,' reflecting his
love for our entire campus, including neighboring partners, students,
parents and his colleagues. Their noticeable respect for him is
evident throughout our Laker community," Hall-Jones said.
Beachnau's retirement celebration is planned for June 24, 3:30-6
p.m., at the L. William Seidman Center, with remarks at 4 p.m. RSVP by
sending an email to Robin Burris, [email protected], by June 15.