GVSU distinguished alumni to share experiences

Grand Valley State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) welcomes a group of distinguished alumni for special presentations beginning Thursday, October 9 on the Allendale Campus.

During the various Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence events, the alumni will share their post-graduation experiences and provide their insights about what constitutes strong academic preparation for students.

“Our distinguished alumni are an inspiration to us and to the students,” said Shaily Menon, CLAS associate dean and professor of biology and natural resources management. “We are grateful for their willingness to return to campus and share their post-graduation experiences and adventures with current students.”

The following events are free and open to the public.

David Diekema, ’07, forensic biologist with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL)
“The Real Work of a Forensic Biologist: Applied Science in the Laboratory, at the Crime Scene and in the Courtroom”
Thursday, October 9 from noon-12:50 p.m.
Kirkhof Center, room 2215/2216
For more information, contact the Cell & Molecular Biology Department at (616) 331-2315 or [email protected].

Jennifer Haberling, ’91, Hudsonville Public Schools
“Teaching in Today’s Context: Accountability, CCSS and the Rest”
Thursday, October 9 from noon-1 p.m.
Lake Ontario Hall, room 177
English majors and faculty are invited to attend.
For more information, contact the English Department at (616) 331-3400 or visit www.gvsu.edu/english.

Kate Pillsbury, ’12, and Tom Gunnels, ’12, The Crane Wives
An evening of music and discussion about the songwriting process
Thursday, October 9 from 5-7 p.m.
Kirkhof Center, Area 51 room
For more information, contact the Writing Department at (616) 331-3411.

Brandelyn Pitcher, ’08, ’10, biostatistician at Duke University
Statistics Department Luncheon
Thursday October 9 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mackinac Hall, room C-1-130
Statistics majors and minors are invited to attend.

“From College Career to Professional Biostatistician”
Thursday, October 9 from 1-1:50 p.m.
Mackinac Hall, room B-2-110
For more information, contact Cheryl Smalley at (616) 331-3355 or [email protected].

Stephen Gardner, ’09, senior associate medical physicist at Henry Ford Health System
“Radiotherapy Physics: A Look at the Historical and Current Clinical Practices”
Friday, October 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Padnos Hall, room 207
For more information, call the Physics Department at (616) 331-2274 or email [email protected].

Paul Collins, ’08, assistant professor and lighting designer at College of Charleston
“Performance and the Elements of Lighting Design”
Friday, October 10 from 3-5 p.m.
Performing Arts Center, room 1506
For more information, contact the School of Communications at (616) 331-3668 or email Alfred Sheffield at [email protected].

James Rook, ’99, pediatric oncologist and emergency room physician at Loma Linda University Medical Center
Q&A session
Friday, October 10 from 9-9:50 a.m.
Loutit Lecture Halls, room 101
For more information, contact the Biomedical Science Department at (616) 331-3318 or [email protected].

For more information about the 2014 Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence programs, contact Keesha Hardiman at [email protected] or visit http://gvsu.edu/s/Jw.

About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Created in July 2004, CLAS is the largest of Grand Valley’s colleges and offers more than 50 bachelor’s degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, humanities, the fine and performing arts and the social sciences. Grand Valley undergraduates in all fields build the foundation of their major studies in general education courses offered by CLAS.