Bob Monaghan, a member of GVSU's Pioneer Class who graduated in 1967, gave a series of practical tips on careers and life to the new class of graduates. Monaghan was a college student when there were no computers on campus at GVSU. Now, as Vice President for Employee Management Data Services of Siemens Shared Services, LLC, he is responsible for maintaining the system technology for the company's human resources office and payroll for 65,000 U.S. employees. Monaghan and his wife, Kathy, were GVSU's first residence hall directors when Copeland House, the first residence hall on campus, opened in 1966. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986.
Two GVSU faculty members who were honored at Saturday's ceremony are also graduates of the institution where they now teach. Ruth Ann Brintnall, a professor in the Kirkhof School of Nursing, and Mary deYoung, professor of Anthropology and Sociology, were honored as Outstanding Educators. Brintnall received her master's of science in nursing (MSN) from GVSU in 1985. DeYoung received her bachelor's of science degree at GVSU in 1971.
The awards are given each December to GVSU faculty members as a way of emphasizing and encouraging Grand Valley's emphasis on quality teaching. GVSU graduates from 1995 voted to honor Brintnall and deYoung.
Donald Pottorff, professor of Education, was also honored Saturday in absentia. He is currently on sabbatical.
