News from Grand Valley State University

School of Communications

New GVSU podcast spotlights historical letters and the stories behind the people who wrote them

"To the Letter: A Podcast from Grand Valley State University Special Collections and University Archives" is a new, episodic podcast that was created to provide more exposure to the various historical collections owned by the university. The initial episodes will spotlight a correspondence of letters between a member of the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division and his sweetheart during World War II. Grand Valley students have been tapped as voice actors who will portray the authors of the letters during each episode.

Sep 8, 2017


23rd annual Summer Film, "For the Birds," wraps production

The 23rd annual Summer Film Project wrapped production on July 28 after two weeks of filming at various locations around West Michigan. Since 1994, the Summer Film Project has provided students with the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals while producing a feature length film. This year's crew consisted of more than 25 Grand Valley students, faculty, and professionals along with six professional actors from Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, and West Michigan. This year's screenplay was written by James Sturtrid

Aug 1, 2017


Student uses digital media skills to promote elephant sanctuary

Spencer Rohatynski, a senior majoring in public relations and multimedia journalism, spent five weeks serving as the digital media coordinator at the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, which is located in the Ban Na Klang Village in northern Thailand. During his internship, Rohatynski created a social media promotional video for the sanctuarym taught English to young children in the villageýs school and participated in village chores.

Jul 7, 2017


Students place in top 5 at national advertising competition

A team of 19 Grand Valley students recently bested more than 160 collegiate teams from around the U.S. to place in the top 5 in the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition. The series of three individual competitions which took place over the course of three months culminated at the AAF's ADMERICA national convention in June. During the final round of the competition, Grand Valley's NSAC team placed 4th among the eight finalists.

Jul 6, 2017


Alumna awarded national PR society's highest individual honor

Jaclyn Ermoyan, '17, has been named the recipient of the Public Relations Society of America's National Gold Key award. It is the highest individual honor given by the organization. She will receive the award in October.

Jun 30, 2017


PR major receives Student of the Year award

Jaclyn Ermoyan, an advertising and public relations major who graduated in April, received the PR Student of the Year award at the 2017 PRoof Awards, held May 4 at Studio D2D in Grand Rapids. While at Grand Valley, Ermoyan served as CEO of GrandPR, the university's award-winning, student-run public relations firm.

May 10, 2017


National student advertising team wins mega-district competition

A collective of 19 students, known as the GVSU National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team, recently took first place in an advertising campaign competition hosted by the American Advertising Federation on April 21. The team will compete in a semi-final competition on May 4.

Apr 28, 2017


High school students learn value of theater studies, careers during workshops

Grand Valley faculty and students recently spent March 31 teaching local high school students about the value of an arts education, and career opportunities in the field of theater during High School Theater Day.

Apr 4, 2017


Students learn the art exhibition process through competition showcase

The 5th Annual Juried Student Exhibition will be on display through March 30 in the Padnos Student Art and Design Gallery located in Calder Art Center on the Allendale Campus. An award ceremony and special reception will take place Wednesday, March 22, from 4:30-6 p.m.

Mar 21, 2017


Students win media awards for TV, radio and news

Several students working for GVTV, WCKS "The Whale" radio, and the "Lanthorn" recently received multiple awards for their work at Grand Valley. Broadcast content produced by GVTV and WCKS students recently received honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Student Media Awards. Staff for the "Lanthorn" also won awards in the 2016 College Better Newspaper Contest, sponsored by the Michigan Press Association.

Mar 13, 2017