Articles by Thomas Chavez
Laker Kickoff celebrates new year with spirited welcome for students
The Aug. 28 event on the Valley Campus featured festivities at Lubbers Stadium, a lawn party and more.
Aug 28, 2026
GVSU Police Academy celebrates 57th graduating class on Valley Campus
After 17 weeks of training, the Grand Valley State University Police Academy's summer cadre celebrated their graduation. The academy's 24 recruits, their instructors and their families filled the Louis Armstrong Theatre on August 26.
Aug 26, 2026
University Address: Mantella outlines dimensions of the university GVSU chooses to become
Mantella opened the annual University Address with a quote from former GVSU President Arend "Don" Lubbers saying, “GVSU is always becoming.”
Aug 19, 2026
New Padnos Artist-in-Residence explores American belonging and culture in campus installation
The newest Padnos Distinguished Artist-in-Residence, Jeffrey Augustine Songco was excited about the opportunity to be ambitious and adventurous with his art.
Aug 18, 2026
'A completely different ballgame': GVSU graduate swaps planning NFL games for FIFA World Cup matches
Six of the event's matches will take place at Lumen Field, with McConnell and her team undertaking planning and management duties for the Seattle games.
Jun 11, 2026
GVSU Expert: A Q&A on what it means for the United States to host the World Cup
Tara Hefferan is a Senior Affiliate Professor at Grand Valley and an applied anthropologist. Among her specialties, Hefferan has an interest in the anthropology of sport, particularly soccer studies.
Jun 8, 2026
GVSU-based START Project celebrates 25 years of enhancing educational equity
For a quarter century, START, Statewide Autism Resources Training, has enhanced equity and removed barriers to education to meet the needs of students in Michigan.
May 4, 2026
GVSU Summer Film Project celebrates 30 years at "Three Divided by Zero" premiere
During the six-week Summer Film Project course, GVSU students fill out the production crew on the film set with professional filmmakers serving as department heads.
May 4, 2026
Acrisure Amphitheater to feature opening theme performed by GVSU Orchestra
When the Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids opens, guests will be greeted by an opening theme performed by the Grand Valley Symphony Orchestra. The recorded work is slated to play before every event at the venue.
May 1, 2026
Art Buddies: Lakers work with special education students to create playful art pieces
Grand Valley art education students celebrated the conclusion of the two-semester Art Buddies program with a showcase in early April.
Apr 20, 2026
