Visit the Grand Valley State University Homepage
News from Grand Valley State University

National organization recognizes GVSU's commitment to Latino student success

BY Michele Coffill

Sep 30, 2025

Grand Valley's commitment to Latino student success was recognized nationally by Excelencia in Education during an event on September 30 in Washington, D.C.

The nonprofit organization announced Grand Valley as an Intentionally Thriving Institution, one of eight nationally. This designation extends impact beyond educational pathways and recognizes a commitment to preparing students for the workforce. In 2019, GVSU was among the inaugural institutions to earn a Seal of Excellence from Excelencia in Education.

“GVSU is honored to receive this recognition from Excelencia and is committed to helping the Latino community unlock the potential and generational impact that comes with higher education,” said President Philomena V. Mantella.

VP Robert Shorty at podium with Excelencia in Education on screen behind him
Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, gives remarks at an Excelencia in Education event in Washington, D.C., September 30, as he accepts the Intentionally Thriving Institution recognition on behalf of GVSU.
Image credit - Tiburcio Lince

Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, said the designation is more than a symbol, adding, "It's how we lead."

"It has helped us secure continued investment in programs like the Grand Valley Pledge for free tuition, hardship funding for students facing barriers, enhanced advising models and our signature Laker Familia program," Shorty said. "It affirms that our work to support, retain and graduate Latino students is making a difference, and it reminds us that there is still more to do."

Latino graduates at GVSU are securing jobs or graduate school placement at a rate of more than 93%. Other results are listed below.

  • Since 2019, GVSU has expanded bilingual and family-centered programs, which has helped boost retention among Latino students from 76% to more than 86%.
  • Partnerships with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (ALSAME) have opened doors for students. Last year, more than 750 middle and high school students received college planning resources through these collaborations.
  • The Grand Valley Pledge has helped make college affordable for thousands of Michigan families, and Latino recipients are now retaining at a rate of 76.6%.

The recertification as an Intentionally Thriving Institution extends through 2028. The event in Washington, D.C., included awarding Seal of Excelencia certification to five institutions and recertification to five others.

“Seal of Excelencia certified institutions are investing in transformation, ensuring access to excellence, and becoming places where Latino and all students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “These institutions have made demonstrable efforts to ensure students’ return on investment in a degree while cultivating talent that fuels our country’s future.”

screen at event reads GVSU Intentionally Thriving Institution
GVSU's recertification as an Intentionally Thriving Institution extends through 2028.
Image credit - Tiburcio Lince

Tags

Subscribe

Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.

Related Stories

table of Philly's Faves products, plush dogs, t-shirts, lapel pins, pennants and a photo book
Office of the President

Monroe Center Laker Store collection offers new way to support GVSU scholarships

President Mantella on stage, Reach Higher Together on projection screen
Office of the President

University Address: Mantella charts path for growth, innovation and impact

Bob and Ellen Thompson stand in front of many students and president Mantella who are dressed in GVSU Thompson scholars tshirts
Office of the President

Visionary behind the Thompson Working Families Scholarship is named a 'Michiganian of the Year'