Lakers fill the Valley Campus for Homecoming 2025

The Valley Campus was alive on Nov. 8 as GVSU community members old and new came together to celebrate Homecoming 2025. 

Few traditions fill campus with such vibrant and abundant Laker spirit as Homecoming. From the Golden Reunion for the Class of 1975 filled with reflections on just how much has changed on campus, to watching the Lakers take on Michigan Tech in Lubbers Stadium, Homecoming 2025 was a time to reconnect with old friends, see how campus has changed and celebrate what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime. 

For members of the Class of 1975, the day began at the Alumni House for their Golden Reunion. There, they had the opportunity to hear from President Emeritus Don Lubbers.

“When you came to Grand Valley, it was less than a decade old—forming itself, much like the students it served,” he reflected. “And as you were learning, I was learning too – learning how to be a state college president, experimenting with college structure and organization.” 

Lubbers emphasized Grand Valley’s commitment to innovation, applauding current leadership for initiatives like Blue Dot and the new College of Computing, which, he noted, have been designed to meet the needs of the region. “Grand Valley continues to be an essential contributor to the progress of West Michigan, serving as an example for the whole state,” he said.

Doyle Hayes, a 1975 alumnus, shared his experience with Grand Valley as he delivered a toast. “When I went to school, I was a FTIAC (first time in any college) student. And even though I was only six months older than the other students, I felt 100 years older,” he reflected afterwards. “But Lubbers got me on every committee, got me involved in stuff. He was always a champion for those people who didn't have a lot of clout.” 

Fifty years after graduating with the Class of 1975, Hayes still serves on multiple Grand Valley boards and recently wrapped up 43 years as a GVSU adjunct professor. When asked his advice for current students, Hayes’s answer was simple. “Learn all you can, get involved and get to know the people you’re around,” he said. “Not only are these the people that are going to move your career forward, but these are the people that will shape your life.”

Not far from the Alumni House, Lakers could be found reconnecting and celebrating during the tailgate. The Laker Marching Band marched through campus, filling it with not just music and Laker spirit, but nostalgia for many. The Laker Marching Band was joined by their own alumni, who performed selections alongside the current band throughout the day. 

“It’s such a special shared experience, marching together,” said Nicole Denz ‘25, reflecting on the day spent with generations of LMB alumni. “I haven’t marched with some of these people before, but we all just knew. We’re all a part of something together.” 

Denz says that she chose GVSU because of the marching band. Having served as Drum Major during the fall 2024 season, she says coming back to visit and seeing new student leaders step up has been a highlight of her experience. “I remember when theose students first started with the band, and it just feels good to know the band is in good hands. The energy's still there no matter the group, which is really cool.”

The crowd of Lakers that filled Lubbers Stadium had the opportunity to see the crowning of the 2025 Homecoming Royal. Out of eight court members, Art Jackson was selected as this year’s royal. Jackson, a fourth-year nursing student, is a Cook Leadership Academy Fellow, president of the Multicultural Student Nurses Organization and was a recipient of the Kirkhof College Innovator Award in 2025. 

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity, to be highly regarded by my peers and to represent this wonderful Laker Nation that we have,” Art shared shortly after being named royal. “This was the first time we’ve had someone from the Kirkhof College of Nursing nominated to be on court, so it’s a big win for the college.” 

The Lakers rounded out Homecoming with a 18-15 win over Michigan Tech. 

Mark your calendar for next year’s Homecoming : October 3, 2026.