Kirkhof Center at 50
Memories created at student hub
STORY BY MICHELE COFFILL
HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
It's at the geographical center of the Allendale Campus: The Kirkhof Center. It's grown and evolved to now house dining and gathering areas, social justice centers, the Laker Esports Center, Student Veterans space and the Office of Student Life.
Some Lakers will remember this student hub as the Campus Center. The building opened in 1973 to house a bookstore and dining areas, serving an increasing student population. In 1982, it was named for Russel Kirkhof, a self-taught electrician who owned Kirkhof Electrical and Manufacturing Company, recognizing his $1 million gift to Grand Valley four years prior, which, at the time, was the largest single donation to the college.
Regardless of the name, the building so many Lakers fondly remember celebrates the 50th anniversary of its 1974 dedication this year. As alumni shared their memories of the Kirkhof Center, themes of finding career passions, lifelong friendships and even spouses were common.
John Keating, ’79 Bally Sports Detroit host and reporter, recalled the days he broadcasted from student-run radio station WSRX "tucked away downstairs." "It was the launch point for many broadcasting careers, including mine."
John Keating, ’79 Bally Sports Detroit host and reporter, recalled the days he broadcasted from student-run radio station WSRX "tucked away downstairs." "It was the launch point for many broadcasting careers, including mine."
Kristy Davis ’78 remembered
"the amazing, iconic furniture" and having to use your student ID to rent headphones to listen to music while studying.
Kristy Davis ’78 remembered
"the amazing, iconic furniture" and having to use your student ID to rent headphones to listen to music while studying.
Tony Nelson ’03 worked in the Kirkhof Center and expressed appreciation for the social justice events that happened there and the real-world experiences he gained. "Working in the Office of Student Life gave me opportunities to organize with fellow students and learn how to make a space that was warm and welcoming. I have a lot of love for the people I met inside Kirkhof and appreciate the continuation of its legacy."
Tony Nelson ’03 worked in the Kirkhof Center and expressed appreciation for the social justice events that happened there and the real-world experiences he gained. "Working in the Office of Student Life gave me opportunities to organize with fellow students and learn how to make a space that was warm and welcoming. I have a lot of love for the people I met inside Kirkhof and appreciate the continuation of its legacy."
Sarah Hollander Murphy ’99 credits the Kirkhof Center for meeting her husband. "When we were first going out, he would always walk through the building when I was working in the concession stand to say hello and see me. Later, it became a place to hang out and play pool because we were too poor to actually go somewhere."
Sarah Hollander Murphy ’99 credits the Kirkhof Center for meeting her husband. "When we were first going out, he would always walk through the building when I was working in the concession stand to say hello and see me. Later, it became a place to hang out and play pool because we were too poor to actually go somewhere."
Timothy Hondrop ’89 said the building was a natural meeting place and recalled attending the first Presidents' Ball there, seeing comedian Jerry Seinfeld perform and, sadly, "watching the TVs in disbelief when the [Space Shuttle] Challenger exploded" in 1986.
Timothy Hondrop ’89 said the building was a natural meeting place and recalled attending the first Presidents' Ball there, seeing comedian Jerry Seinfeld perform and, sadly, "watching the TVs in disbelief when the [Space Shuttle] Challenger exploded" in 1986.
