GVSU recognized for commitment to supporting veterans

Grand Valley's commitment to working with veterans has led to recognition by both a Michigan community and by a national ranking of best schools for veterans.

The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce this week will honor GVSU's Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab with a Community Service Award during the 67th Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon at Firekeepers Casino Hotel.

The MVE-Lab has provided key support for Battle Creek's strong military community by assisting and launching 12 entrepreneurs and also driving numerous emerging opportunities, said Kara E. Beer, the Chamber's president and CEO. The group wanted to recognize a program that has had such a direct impact.

"We look at what entities or individuals in our community are going above and beyond to help our local military, as well as looking at ways to engage with the community and lifting up our military and armed forces up," Beer said.

Shorouq Almallah, director of the DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said MVE-Lab representatives are "honored and humbled" to receive the award.

"This recognition is a testament to the profound impact of the MVE-Lab in empowering veteran entrepreneurs in Michigan and in the Battle Creek area," Almallah said. "It reflects the dedication, passion, and hard work of our invaluable partners, sponsors and facilitators who have been instrumental in making this achievement possible. We are committed to continuing our mission of supporting and empowering veteran entrepreneurs and look forward to furthering our contributions to the community."

Grand Valley was also named this week to the 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings by the Military Times. Military Times said it analyzes programs and public data to help guide veterans on their educational planning.

Besides the MVE-Lab, GVSU veteran initiatives include: 

• Veterans Advance, a progressive work-based learning program
• GVSU Veteran Promise, which offers guaranteed admission to high school seniors who choose to serve in the military prior to college. 
• Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Program, which expands student support and programming while providing career support, including the transition from military to civilian careers.
• LEADS for Vets accelerated bachelor's program, a fast-paced online program designed specifically for career veterans who are looking to jump start their second careers.