Like her father and sister, Jennifer Kuipers will pursue a teaching career after Grand Valley State University's Commencement Saturday, December 9, at 10 a.m. at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Nearly 800 students are expected to participate.
Kuipers' father graduated from Grand Valley in 1968 and spent 12 years as a teacher with Grand Rapids Public Schools before becoming a counselor in the district. Her sister earned her bachelor's and master's from GVSU in 1991 and 2002, and has been teaching for 14 years.
"My father and sister love teaching and they loved Grand Valley," said Kuipers. "The university has provided a great experience for me. I've met all kinds of people from around the state and country. There is a positive, learning-centered atmosphere."
Mary L. Kramer, vice president and publisher of Crain's Detroit Business, will be the commencement keynote speaker. Kramer graduated from Grand Valley in 1979. Before joining Crain's, she worked at daily newspapers for 16 years. Kramer will be given an honorary doctor of letters at Saturday's ceremonies.
Also at commencement, Julie Chlebo, associate professor of education, will receive the Outstanding Educator Award, and Daniel Oglesby, senior vice president for human resources for Spectrum Health will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Chlebo joined Grand Valley's faculty in 1997. She teaches mostly graduate classes in early and childhood education. The Outstanding Educator Award is based on responses sent to Grand Valley alumni five years after receiving their degrees. They are asked to cite the educator who had the most significant, positive effect on their education and careers.
Oglesby has spent nearly 30 years serving in senior human resources positions for Fortune 500 companies. His leadership at Spectrum greatly contributed to the recognition it received from an area professional association as one of the "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in West Michigan. Oglesby earned a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley in 1974, and later a master's degree from Western Michigan University.
