Talking with our neighbors

President Mark Murray recently addressed a luncheon meeting of the Allendale Chamber of Commerce. In his talk to the standing-room-only crowd of West Michigan businessmen and women, President Murray outlined the university's growth into a residential campus in Allendale. Now, with 20,000 students attending, he suggested it was time to slow growth to keep Grand Valley's focus on its strengths.

'One of the great characteristics of Grand Valley is its sense of community,' Murray said. 'It's a nice size. We want to hold that and continue the quality we have now.'

Murray encouraged residents of the surrounding community to take advantage of the university's proximity by attending sports and arts events. He also discussed Grand Valley's emphasis on 'experiential learning' for students through study abroad opportunities, community service, and internships. Grand Valley interns working in local businesses, in particular, is a win-win situation both for the community and for students, he said.

'The opportunity to build up our great university and to do it in partnership with the community is something I'm very excited about,' Murray said. 'Let's get some things going. We truly are interested in being partners.'

Murray's talk marked the first time a Grand Valley president addressed the Allendale Chamber of Commerce.