Move-In 2026: Lakers return and so does the campus vibrancy

"Everyone we talked to said they loved being at Grand Valley."

Grand Valley’s living centers and residences buzzed with activity once again as first-year and returning students arrived on the Valley Campus in Allendale for the first day of Move-In 2026.

A year of opportunities and expectations awaits Lakers as the 2026-2027 academic year begins on August 31.

Riley Graham, of Coldwater, and her parents were among the first in the Lot C queue, awaiting instructions from resident advisors and Housing and Resident Life staff before moving her into her room at Hoobler Living Center. 

Riley, wedged in the back row of her family’s SUV amid bags and boxes, was eager to begin her Grand Valley journey studying education. “Everyone was so nice and welcoming during my visit,” Riley said.

Her mother, Liza Graham, said Riley knew immediately that Grand Valley was the place for her. 

“After we visited, she said, ‘That’s it. That’s the one,’” Liza Graham said. “We’re excited for her, but it’s bittersweet.”

Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, said the willingness of faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer their time is what sets the Grand Valley experience apart.

“The Grand Valley experience is different because the alumni, faculty and staff turn out to help, year after year, to do the heavy lifting and moving boxes,” Hall-Jones said. “That is really special. Colleen (Bailey) has orchestrated this machine that runs so smoothly .”

Josh Stickney, senior lab manager in the Biomedical Sciences Department, was among the volunteers helping the newest Lakers with their belongings. 

Outside the D-Wing of Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center, Stickney directed the steady flow of vehicles and corralled blue bins for anxious parents. 

“This is their first big experience at Grand Valley, so you want it to be a good one,” Stickney said. “It’s crazy for sure, but at least we can get them past that first hurdle, move in and then feel like they’re home so that they can get busy next week with classes.” 

While Stickney helped one family collect their things, Bella Springer, of Royal Oak, was moving into the room she’ll share with her best friend.

Springer said she preferred the more personal setting that Grand Valley offered. Her father, Bill Springer, said Grand Valley's reputation preceded it when it came time for his daughter to choose a college.

“I think it was the campus, the environment, and the way people speak of their experience here,” he said. “Everyone we talked to said they loved being at Grand Valley and their time here.” 

— Brian Vernellis

First-year student Aniyah Johnson and her family were unpacking in Copeland Living Center when a visitor poked his head into the doorway. It was Kevin Conn, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life.

Twenty-plus years ago, Conn lived in the same room. The 2006 Grand Valley graduate returned to the Laker community several weeks ago to lead Housing and Residence Life in a new role for the Division of Student Affairs.

Conn chatted about Grand Valley with Johnson, a political science major, and said that the nearby trees outside Copeland would keep that room cool.

"It's really surreal to walk back into Copeland," he said. 

A native of Northville, Conn said he chose Grand Valley because, "It was comfortable. I felt like myself here and wanted to be here."

It was in Copeland where Conn got his first experience in student leadership roles. "I had an active RA, who brought me into residential programs. From there, I served on the hall council and later was an RA myself in Copeland, Frey and Laker Village," he said.

Conn earned a GVSU bachelor's degree in business management and finance. He earned master's degrees from Southern Illinois and Stony Brook universities and a doctoral degree in higher education from New York University.

Conn said he hopes students who are moving in this week feel as comfortable as he did.

"I hope they feel cared for, I hope they feel seen," he said. "I hope they see people who believe in Grand Valley. Move-In is a great example. As an institution, we have made a commitment to this with faculty, staff and alumni volunteers. Not every place does that. It's special."

-- Michele Coffill