Joyce Ohm is an internationally recognized leader in cancer research and education. Her pioneering work in oncology and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists began when she was a GVSU undergraduate student. 

Ohm earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley in 1996. She received a doctoral degree in cancer biology from Vanderbilt University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in tumor biology at Johns Hopkins University. Her early research into cancer and stem cell epigenetics laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing cancer discovery and treatment. 

From 2009-2018, Ohm served as professor of biology, chemistry and oncology at the University of North Dakota. She then joined Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, where she serves as professor of oncology and chair of the Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics. 

Throughout her academic career, Ohm has mentored students and scholars at every level, from high school to junior faculty, cultivating future leaders in biomedical research. Her passion for mentorship and education has been a hallmark of her work. She has also participated in five Empire State Rides, a 500+ mile cycling adventure from New York City to Niagara Falls that raises funds to fuel cancer research.

Beyond her university roles, Ohm is active in several leading scientific organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research, International Society for Stem Cell Research, Connective Tissue Oncology Society and Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration. 

Ohm’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. She received two early honors for research presentations from Vanderbilt University and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in 2014. Recently, she earned the 2024 Graduate Student Association Award for Excellence and Mentoring from Roswell Park. 

Gloria Masterton Hunter discovered her passion for leadership and education when she was a Grand Valley student. Today, she brings that same energy to the classroom as a high school educator and mentor. 

A 2017 graduate with a degree in social studies and secondary education, Masterton Hunter now teaches at Legion Collegiate Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She covers subjects ranging from honors government to economics and psychology, while also serving as social studies department chair, faculty mentor and advisor to student council and yearbook. In 2022, Masterton Hunter was named a Top 10 Educator of the Year by the National Society of High School Scholars.

Her deep commitment to her community has not gone unnoticed. One student wrote, “We joke the school would fall apart if Ms. Masterton took a sick day. She does it all. She’s a Laker through and through. This year, she encouraged me to apply to GVSU, and I was accepted!”

At GVSU, she was recognized as the 2017 Social Studies Major of the Year, served as vice president of Phi Alpha Theta, and contributed to the Great Lakes History Conference and National History Day. 

Beyond the classroom, Masterton Hunter serves the broader education community. She’s contributed to South Carolina’s Instructional Materials Review Panel, represented the state at the Jumpstart National Educator Conference on Financial Literacy and mentored students in National History Day competitions. 

With a career rooted in service, mentorship and academic excellence, Masterton Hunter exemplifies what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime.

Bob Stoll’s impact on Grand Valley is woven into the fabric of student life. Over his 38-year career, he helped transform the university’s culture, laying the foundation for the vibrant, inclusive community Lakers know today. 

When Stoll began at GVSU in 1983, student life was still developing. Recognizing the need for deeper engagement, he became a catalyst for change. As associate dean and director of Student Life, he expanded programs like Student Senate, Greek Life, club sports and student organizations. Today, GVSU offers more than 400 student groups, thanks in part to Stoll's leadership. 

Known for connecting with students personally, Stoll built relationships that endure well beyond graduation. He championed involvement as a path to personal growth, encouraging students to discover their talents and use them to make a difference. 

Stoll received numerous honors throughout his career, including the university’s first Administrative/Professional Achievement Award in 1985, the Hall of Fame Award from the National Association for Campus Activities in 1992, and the Distinguished Individual of the Year Award from former President Mark A. Murray and Student Senate in 2006. Recently, he was recognized by the Seidman College of Business for ongoing student mentorship. 

President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers once said: “Bob is a distinguished individual. He is not distinguished so much for one glorious moment in his career. He is distinguished because he works so effectively day after day.” 

Now retired, Stoll remains a dedicated member of the Laker community and his legacy lives on through the programs he helped build.