Welcome to Laker Village and Grand Valley Apartments

Welcome to Laker Village and Grand Valley Apartments! We are thrilled to have you join our community! LVA is home to some first-year students, returning students, transfer students, graduate students, student athletes, and the International House living-learning community. We offer 2- and 4-bedroom townhouse-style apartments, as well as a select few efficiency units. GVA is located in the South Campus Neighborhood near The Blue Connection, Library, Niemeyer Honors College, and the Kirkhof Center. Residents can enjoy the privacy of their own bedroom and additional living space, all while still enjoying the community that has been built. Outside, there is a volleyball and basketball court, and a large courtyard where you will typically see students lounging or playing outdoor games. Let’s have a great year together, and don’t be afraid to say hi if you see us around – we are here for YOU!

First Floor Meetings

Meet your fellow residents and your RA at your first floor meeting! The first floor meeting will be the evening of your scheduled move in. See your RA boards in your building for a specific date and time.

meet the staff

Resident Assistants (RAs) are sophomore-level or higher, undergraduate and graduate students who live on-campus. There is at least one RA on every floor of each living center. They contribute to a positive community living experience by serving as a campus resource for first-year students, and by coordinating social and academic activities for residents. RA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.

Community Directors (LCDs) are professional staff members who have a Master's degree in student affairs. LCDs are live-in staff members and they assist in the daily operations of residential communities housing 200-700 residents. These operations include administrative duties, managing conduct, supervising an RA staff, and providing support to residential students. LCD staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and have extensive experience in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.

Community Director

Kyana Smith Picture

Kyana Smith

Community Director

MS - Biomedical Science; Grand Valley State University (In Progress; 2025)

BS - Human Biology; Michigan State University

BA - English, Minor in Spanish; Michigan State University

Phone: (616) 331-0106

Pronouns: She/Her

I received my bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, where I also was a resident assistant for two years. I am now pursuing my master's degree at GVSU. I am passionate about being an advocate for historically underrepresented communities and look forward to developing a community where students can thrive and grow while pursing their academic studies. I am excited to learn and grow as a professional in housing and residence life.

[email protected]

ROBERT ORNELAZ

Community Director

Phone: (616) 331-0501

Pronouns: He/Him/His

[email protected]

Resident Assistants

Sandra

Sandra Osei

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: MSC.Data Science and Analytics

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Sandra Osei is a graduate student from Ghana pursuing her Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences (Statistics with Computer Science) from the University of Ghana. Sandra has experience supporting students as a Teaching Assistant and as a former Floor Representative, where she enjoyed building strong, inclusive communities. She looks forward to helping residents feel connected, supported, and at home this year.

 

Erick

Erick Anangwe

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Data Science and Analytics

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Meet Erick Anangwe. He is an international student from Kisii, Kenya. Erick is currently in the Master's in Data Science and Analytics program at Grand Valley State University. He aspires to be a skilled entrepreneur.

 

Terry

Terry Mueni

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Criminal Justice

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Terry is a graduate student studying criminal justice. Her passion for criminal justice stems from a deep desire to advocate for fairness, equity, and support for those in need. Originally from Kenya, she brings a global perspective to mentorship and community building, having been a youth leader since 2015. In her free time, she likes to take nature walks, engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family, and listen to music.

 

Afua

Afua Asante

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Ms. Cybersecurity

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Afua Asante is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Cybersecurity with a strong interest in digital forensics and threat intelligence. She brings a background in library and information science, as well as experience supporting academic communities in international and national settings. She is passionate about empowering others through access to digital tools and inclusive learning environments. Afua is a fan and lover of dogs. Away from academics, she enjoys cooking, painting and cutting, and watching movies.

Caden

Caden Suave

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Math and Statistics

Pronouns: He/Him/His

This is Caden! He is a junior at GVSU. He is currently studying math and statistics, and plans on getting a master's in applied stats. In his free time, Caden plays video games, swims, and likes to work on cars with friends.

 

Kaijehl

Kaijehl Williams

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Allied Health Sciences Pre-PA 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Kaijehl Williams is a junior at GVSU, currently studying Allied Health Sciences: pre-PA emphasis. He is also involved in several other organizations, such as Black Male Scholars & Mental Health in Minorities. Kaijehl also enjoys working out, sculpting, poetry, and editing.

Qwaylin

Qwaylin Miller

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Behavioral Neuroscience

Pronouns: He/Him/His

This is Qwaylin Miller! He is a behavioral neuroscience student going into his junior year here at GVSU. Three things that Qwaylin loves are science, weight lifting, and going to the movies.

 

Jaden

Jaden Green

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jaden Green is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences on a Pre-Pharmacy Track. She is from Canton, Michigan, and graduated from Salem High School. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and shopping. Jaden is excited to serve as your Resident Assistant, meet you all, and have a fun year.

Ksenija

Ksenija Rubez

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major: Cybersecurity

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ksenija is a junior at Grand Valley majoring in Cybersecurity. In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, drinking coffee, and practicing yoga. This will be her first year as a Resident Assistant, and she is most excited about meeting new people and helping students build a sense of belonging in their community.

 

Nile

Nile Stewart

Mentor Resident Assistant

Major: Social work

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hello! Nile is a senior this year studying her bachelor's in Social Work. As a returning RA, she is excited to be joining the Laker Village community and getting to know everyone. In her free time she loves to hang out with family and read books in her free time.

Justice Hudson-Moorer

First Year Resident Assistant 

Major:

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Erica

Erica Gjolaj

Mentor Resident Assistant

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Erica is a junior studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Digital Studies. This is her second year as an RA in the Laker Village community. She enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Thanzin Mohammad

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major:

Pronouns: 

Ella

Ella Demers

Mentor Resident Assistant 

Major: Elementary Education with a Mathematics emphasis

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

This is RA Ella! She is currently a junior studying Elementary Education with a Mathematics emphasis. This is her 2nd year as an RA! She truly enjoys getting to know her peers around her at GV and making lasting connections. A fun fact about Ella is that she has a twin sister who also attends GV!

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GVSU Events Calendar

Junk Drawer - Senior Seminar Closing Reception

January 9, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Junk Drawer - Senior Seminar Where: 106 Gallery, at 106 Division Ave South When: Runs from December 5th, 2025 to January 9th, 2026 Opening Reception on December 5th, from 6:00pm-9:00pm Closing...

M. Hockey D1 vs PNW

January 10, 2026 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Grand Valley State's D1 Club Hockey team hosts Purdue Northwest at 7:30pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Open Speaker Meeting

January 11, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

AA Open Speaker Meetings are open to all! These meetings are a great way to learn about what AA is, what it does, and what it does not do, too. During these meetings, a member of AA will share their...

View More GVSU Events Calendar



Page last modified August 21, 2025