Officer earns award from Ottawa County organization

Grand Valley Public Safety Officer Gwen DeGraff was recognized by an Ottawa County organization for her work in helping to prevent dating violence and sexual assault.

In late October, the Lakeshore Alliance Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault presented DeGraff with its Agency Professional Award during an awards ceremony in Fennville. Grand Valley's Women's Center nominated DeGraff for the award, recognizing her efforts as a community policing officer and Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor.

Jo Ann Wassenaar, associate director of the Women's Center, said DeGraff's commitment to educating students and advocating for victims "has garnered respect from community members and co-workers."

DeGraff, who joined the Public Safety department in 2004, said she was thrilled to receive the award. "It's nice to work for an organization that recognizes the value of partnerships with other campus departments, like the Women's Center, and community organizations," she said.