Opening Easier Conversations on Race with Dar Mayweather ’07 & ’09
Dar Mayweather ’07 & ’09, a leadership studies faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, spoke to 166 alumni, faculty and staff members January 12 in the kickoff event of the Alumni Relations Sustaining Change series.
In his presentation, “Opening Easier Conversations on Race,” Mayweather guided viewers toward a deeper, more universal understanding of race so individuals can build relationships despite racial differences. Participants also learned that opening conversations on racial issues in organizations, committee meetings, or one-on-one discussions is a relational process.
Alumni 101: Charcuterie Boards with Layna Buthker ’13
During January and February, GVSU alumni from nine states took a break from the responsibilities of everyday life and put their charcuterie talents to work by creating cheese, bread, fruit and meat boards.
Layna Buthker ’13, who led the two sold-out sessions, admitted she is not a professional but wanted to share her tips and passion for charcuterie boards with other alumni. Participants also received a Laker for a Lifetime charcuterie board for future presentations.
Read with Lakers Book Discussion: Educated
Read with Lakers, a new virtual opportunity for alumni to connect with one another through books, launched in January with more than 135 participants. The program was free and ended in March with a virtual discussion on Educated, by Tara Westover. Participants were divided into breakout rooms with a discussion leader to dive deeper into the themes of the book and explore their reading experiences.
As a precursor and learning component related to Educated, alumni were invited to take part in the Power of Education Webinar in February. GVSU faculty and staff members Craig Benjamin, Moira Ozais and William Washington took part in a panel discussion focusing on the value of education, the liberal arts model, access to education and its impact on first-generation students.
January 21
Finding Our Way Through Uncertain Times, presented by David Coffey
March 17
Know Your Worth — Understanding the Job Offer, with panelists Bunmi Parks ’08 and ’13, Brittany Garza ’13 and Nick Weatherholt ’17
February 24
From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter: A Brief History of Athlete Activism, presented by Louis Moore
April 13
Beat the Odds, Overcoming Adversity, and Taking Control of Your Story, presented by Lamar Brown ’10
April 20
Movie Trivia Night
January 26
Finding Rest in the Grind, presented by Katie Jourdan
March 9
Reframing Leadership - Moving Past the Position, presented by Grace Tummel
May 12
Impacting Community with Art: A Conversation with Hubert Massey ’83
March 9
Residence Hall Association of the ’90s Reunion
March 24
Hand-Lettered Canvas Signs, presented by Amy Hallochak ’15
