When Rebecca Lubbers ’25 looks at a map, she sees more than lines and legends – she sees opportunity, equity, and the chance to prepare communities for an uncertain future. She came to Grand Valley wanting to make a difference. As a geography and sustainable planning major, she explored how data, technology, and thoughtful design can empower communities to plan ahead, and she found her calling in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

“I want to work on projects that make a tangible impact on both communities and their environment,” she said. “My goal is to use GIS to develop strategies that enhance resilience and educate people on how to address climate challenges, tailored to individual communities’ needs.” 

At Grand Valley, Lubbers found the tools she needed to succeed. Faculty helped her connect classroom concepts to real-world experience. Scholarship support gave her the freedom to stay focused on her studies. And hands-on learning opportunities helped her build the skills and confidence to lead. 

“My professors were phenomenal,” she said. “They were really great about pulling in real-life experiences to help us learn how things would be applicable in the field. It felt like more than just an in-classroom experience.” 

Mapping Meaningful Change 
Using industry-standard tools like ArcGIS Pro, Lubbers learned how to interpret complex data sets and translate them into maps that tell stories. These stories can shape public policy, identify community needs, and guide sustainable development. Her training led to a research assistant role and a competitive fellowship with the City of Grand Rapids, where she supported local planning initiatives. 

Lubbers’ story reflects Grand Valley’s broader commitment to digital literacy – a university-wide priority that empowers learners in every major to develop fluency with the tools shaping their industries. The goal is for every student to be able to create, evaluate, and engage critically with digital technologies to complete tasks safely and ethically in professional and civic contexts. 

“Digital literacy isn’t just about knowing how to click buttons on software or browse the internet,” Lubbers said. “It’s about understanding the underlying components and functions of technology and how to apply knowledge effectively so that I don’t fall behind in the rapidly changing digital landscape.” 

Access Made Possible 
Lubbers received the Grand Valley Pledge scholarship, which covers tuition for qualified Michigan students. This award, combined with several donor-funded scholarships, allowed her to stay focused and on track to graduate. 

“When I first applied to GVSU, I didn’t know if I’d be able to afford to stay,” she shared, pointing to the difference that scholarship support made to her college experience, “Without it, I don’t think I could have kept going.” 

She hopes donors know how much their support means to students. “Even small contributions help,” she said. “It all adds up to a bigger picture. It makes things possible for students like me.” 

Ready to Lead 
Lubbers graduated this past spring, and her two little girls were able to watch as she received the Excellence in a Discipline award from the geography department. Lubbers said balancing her academic career with raising two young children was an experience that added another layer of determination to her work.  

Now, she’s looking ahead to a career that combines technology, education, and sustainability – helping others navigate change with clarity and confidence. 

“I’m excited to use these skills to empower others and keep learning,” she said. “This was never just about getting a degree. It was about building a future – for me and for my family.” 
 

 

 

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