60 Reasons to Celebrate Grand Valley

Happy 60th anniversary! As we launch into our next 60 years, we want to take a moment to celebrate where we are and some of the exciting things GVSU is doing today. The list below includes just a few examples of all the reasons we have to celebrate as students, a university, and a community. Thank you for helping to make all of this happen.

 

25 years in a row as one of America’s 100 Best College Buys. –Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.
The Veteran Promise, guarantees admission for enlisted 2021 Michigan high school graduates.
Design Thinking classes helped Founders Brewing Co. create a new beer
The 2nd largest art collection in Michigan, displaying art in every campus building…a ‘borderless museum’
2 million rides on the Laker Line each year
139 degrees offered plus certificates and badges
94% of recent grads employed or pursuing advanced degrees
One of the greenest universities in the nation, according to the Sierra Club
More than 7, 392 students participate in internships, co-ops, practica and student teaching annually
A record $40 million was raised from generous donors in 2020-2021, the highest single year of giving in GVSU history.
More than 550 donor-funded scholarships supporting thousands of students annually
The Lakers have been at the top of Division II athletics for more than 18 years
220 students enrolled in LEADS online accelerated bachelor’s degree program, and the first cohort graduated in April 2021.
Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) commitment puts aside $1,000 per graduate for future classes.
The K-12 Connect program, part of the NextEd Accelerator, served 1,800 learners with 7,500+ hours of virtual tutoring this year.
GVSU leads REP4, a national alliance to a create new educational models designed by learners for learners.
600+ students present research projects in an average year.
128, 187 GVSU alumni, with 99,202 living in Michigan
1.6 million titles held in GVSU’s 4 libraries, digitally and in print
1,200 employers participate in events and student interviews on campus in an average year
100+ alumni-owned businesses are registered in the Alumni Business Directory online.
20+ years of partnership with Muskegon County through the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute
The Master of Health Administration program is 1 of 2 in Michigan to earn national health care management accreditation
myBlueLaker app helps students get answers to hundreds of questions about campus
#1 place to work in Michigan. –Forbes 2020
Diversity and inclusion programs and outreach recognized nationally
Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest - Washington Monthly, 2020
Best in the Midwest-Princeton Review 2020
Top university in the Midwest-U.S. News and World Report, 2020
Faculty member, Stephen Mattox, recognized as a top public university educator
WGVU Public Media helps launch new learning channel on PBS for families and teachers
For 11 years in a row, GVSU is one of the country's most environmentally responsible colleges. - Princeton Review, 2020
GVSU joins national alliance to develop inclusive, diverse STEM faculty
GVSU ranked 6th nationally for the number of students studying abroad
The Grand Valley Pledge offers a tuition-free program for qualified students from six Michigan counties
The Sustainable Agriculture Project, GVSU's educational farm, has donated more than 500 pounds of produce to support communities impacted by COVID-19 this year
The Kirkhof College of Nursing partners with Dwelling Place to provide integrative, primary care and behavioral health services to individuals living in low-income housing
33,250+ employment and internship opportunities are listed with the GVSU Career Center
GVSU partners with Fort Valley State University to diversify West Michigan's engineering and computer science talent pipeline
The Doctor of Nursing Program ranks as one of the best in the nation -- U.S. News and World Report
More than $90 million in scholarships and grant assistance supports students each year
23 NCAA Division II National Championships
A record $132 million was raised in the recent Laker Effect campaign from 35,000 donors
Grand Valley is the top provider of health professionals in West Michigan, and a leading health talent pipeline for the state
GVSU’s engineering program has grown 40% in recent years
250+ music, theatre, and dance performances/year
The Barbara Kindschi Greenhouse offers 6 microclimates for 300 species.
In 2020/2021 90% of first-year students and 100% of incoming transfer students received faculty mentors
In the past 8 years, the average scholarship award/student doubled
400 registered student organizations including 42 in service/advocacy, 30 fraternities and sororities, and 18 intramural sports
Average class size of 26
23,350 students come from all 50 states and 75 countries
300+ areas of study
4,000 study abroad programs to choose from
25% of students participate in research with faculty
12 areas worldwide host alumni clubs
20+ health sciences programs and growing
Alumni live in all 50 states
Laker athletes participate in 20 varsity sports and 50 club sports
4 game-changing immersive housing options launched on the Robert C. Pew downtown campus in Grand Rapids

Page last modified June 18, 2021
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