Thanks to support from Admissions and the Dean of Students Office, a graduate student was able to represent Grand Valley at a New York City college fair geared toward LGBT high school students.
Matthew Mokma, who works as a graduate assistant for Grand
Valley’s LGBT Resource Center, attended the fair in November. He
learned about the fair through the university’s participation in the
Campus Climate Index, sponsored by Campus Pride.
Mokma said about 20 colleges and universities were represented
at the fair, which drew about 300 students and their parents.
“A lot of people said they were impressed with Grand Valley,
that it has an LGBT Center, two scholarships for LGBT students and
their allies and other support services,” Mokma said.
He took admissions recruitment materials and also materials from
the Women’s Center, LGBT Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs.
“I think it was really beneficial for Grand Valley to be there,” Mokma
said. “It’s certainly not the largest college fair, but it’s important
to emphasize the university’s commitment to diversity and showcase our
campus community.”
Jodi Chycinski, director of Admissions, said busy fall
recruitment schedules do not allow time for admissions counselors to
travel to New York. “Our office was pleased that Matt was willing to
represent the university at this fair,” she said. “We feel that the
exposure was a great step in helping students and their parents
understand our commitment to diversity at Grand Valley.”
