President's corner

March 12, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 14)

President Mantella in blue jacket and skirt leaning on a chair in her office

President Philomena V. Mantella

Photo Credit: Amanda Pitts

One of the highlights for me every year is the opportunity to honor and celebrate our long-standing employees through the annual service awards and this year is no exception. As we get ready for the final weeks of an academic year that has seen continued success and capacity building, our proactive approach to growth is built upon our foundational excellence and that foundational excellence is built upon our longtime faculty and staff. For decades, your passion, your support of your colleagues and your persistence to overcome obstacles have been the cornerstone of our success.

Growth has been part of our DNA since GVSU was founded more than 60 years ago and has been a constant through the years. Even as we’ve gotten bigger, you’ve remained steadfast in your resolve to focus on teaching and learning and to be relational and holistic in the service of our students. Your commitment to our learners and one another has always been built on the loyalty, longevity and belief in continual learning that you bring to campus every day.

The investment of your time, talents and knowledge has paid off for the thousands of students you’ve touched and the generational impact that has been made on their families and their communities. Our collective work makes a difference today and sets a path to a brighter tomorrow. We thank you for all you’ve done and look forward with optimism and determination as we build the Michigan of the future.