News from Grand Valley State University

University Development

Grand Valley announces Design Thinking Academy

The Design Thinking Academy will help students become innovative thinkers and problem solvers who are able to make lasting impacts in the world by utilizing the design thinking process. The deadline for applications is May 5 and the academy, which will begin in fall 2017, is open to all Grand Valley undergraduate students, regardless of major.

Apr 7, 2017


Faculty and students working to remove rattlesnake species from endangered list

There are almost 20 species of snakes that are native to Michigan, but the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous one. Due to snake fungal disease, the species slithered its way onto the U.S. Endangered Species List in September 2016. Jennifer Moore, professor of biology, and a team of students have been conducting ongoing research in an effort to save the species.

Apr 3, 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


Grand Valley Magazine gets new look

The winter issue of Grand Valley Magazine features a redesigned, fresh look that is due, in part, to reader responses to a fall survey.

Mar 13, 2017


Professor uses puppets to teach students, connect with community

Jason Yancey, associate professor of Spanish, brought his more than 15 years of puppeteering experience to Grand Valley in 2009. Since then, he has incorporated his unique expertise into upper-level Spanish theater and drama courses. During these classes, students write and produce original Spanish puppet shows, create their own puppets, and perform in the community.

Mar 9, 2017


Former president announces fund to honor son's memory

Andy was well-remembered as senior class president at East Grand Rapids High School. His friends expressed condolences and told the Lubberses how nice Andy was to them, especially when they felt insecure. Andy killed himself at age 43 after battling depression and mental illness for decades.

Feb 21, 2017


Music majors work with local students to compose and perform

Music students from Grand Valley recently completed an internship with the Grand Rapids Symphony, during which they helped 20 local high school students compose pieces of music that were performed at the symphony's annual "Symphony with Soul" concert on February 18.

Feb 21, 2017


Kindschi fellowship will give students unique research opportunities

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship is seeking applications from students for a new research fellowship.

Feb 17, 2017


Alumna manages collection of 1 million monetary objects at Smithsonian

Alumna Hillery York, '12, began her time at Grand Valley with the plans of a career working with large animals as a veterinarian. After developing an affinity for history through her general education courses, York changed direction. Now, she is the collections manager at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in the National Numismatic Collection. In this role, she oversees the acquisition, care and cataloging of more than 1 million monetary objects.

Feb 10, 2017