Events
GVSU Through the Years Luncheon
Date and Time
Saturday, October 26, 2019 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
RSVP
You can RSVP for this event
Description
Head to the Russel H. Kirkhof Center to enjoy lunch and hear from current students, other alumni, and a member of a founding family, about how Grand Valley has evolved throughout the years. You’ll also be able to share your own Grand Valley memories during this discussion led by Dr. Damon Arnold, Director of Grand Valley's Laker Academic Success Center. This is event is LIB 100 approved and free for students using the code STUDENT.
Rick Gillett, son of GVSU Founder Richard Gillett, earned his teaching degree from Albion College and taught for 23 years at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Blandford Nature School. Following Blandford, Rick helped to found and taught at the Goodwillie Environmental School at Forest Hills Public Schools for 15 years before “retiring” to life on his small farm in Vergennes Township where he raises cattle, as did his father Richard “Dick” Gillett. Dick Gillett, was the longtime chairman of Old Kent Bank and inductee of the Grand Rapids Business Hall of Fame recognized for his years of economic and community leadership in West Michigan. Dick played a significant role in the founding of Grand Valley State University and maintained a lifelong friendship with founder Bill Seidman and founding president Jim Zumberge. Dick was the first Grand Valley University Foundation president when the foundation was chartered in 1965. He was a great strategist and a dedicated community leader who helped the Grand Valley University Foundation build relationships throughout the region that maintain to this day. Rick recalls the early years of the university and the extensive work Seidman, Zumberge and others like his father put into establishing, fundraising for, and growing the then State College. Dick and other founders imparted an enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit that continues today as Grand Valley State University leads in the innovation of higher education while maintaining a firm focus on student success. Rick also supports GVSU for its important roles educating future leaders and providing tremendous resources in our community.
Lea Ebels ’69: "In the early 1960's an article
appeared in the Grand Rapids Press about a small liberal arts college
that was going to be built in Allendale named Grand Valley State
College. My Dad had read the article, knowing that I wanted to be a
teacher, Dad said, "Now there's a college you could go
to". My response was, " Dad I'm not going to a college in
the corn fields". Little did I know then that I would enroll at
GVSC, in the corn fields a few years later. My plan was to attend was
to attend Grand Rapids Jr. College and then on to MSU to pursue a
degree in Education.
I had started dating my husband, Tom Ebels,
who left for Albion College only to return and enroll in GVSC. He took
me out to visit the College and I fell in love with the campus and
realized this was the place for me. It was small, personal, affordable
and close to home. Grand Valley has always been there making it
possible for me to pursue my professional goals. I was able to go back
to Grand Valley to renew my teaching certificate, fulfill all
requirements in order to teach in a Pre-Primary Impaired classroom and
finally receive a Masters in Education. For four years, two of my
grandchildren and myself attended 3 G-Camp, which stands for
Grandparents, Grandchildren and Grand Valley. It was very rewarding
and gratifying for me to share my alma mater with my
Grandchildren.
In conclusion I would like to quote from a letter I
received dated July 10, 1996.
"Congratulations on being a
part of an important profession in our society which is teaching our
young people. We are proud of you and we are grateful for the
encouragement motivation, and inspiration you provide your students. I
hope you will stay involved with your University and that you will
visit our campus often. Thank you for the profession you have chosen
and for the difference you and your colleagues make in your
community".
Sincerely,
Arend D. Lubbers
President
He never knew the powerful, impression his words made on me. His hope
was fulfilled and I have stayed involved."
Michael Remo ’93: "I am a native of Alabama.
However, I was raised in South Haven, Michigan. In 1987, I was
recruited to play football for the Lakers (1988-1991). I started my
studies at GVSU in 1988. I played under the direction of Coach Tom
Beck. Later in my career, I played for Brian Kelly. I am thankful for
all the GVSU coaches and professors who poured into my life and
contributed to me reaching my goal to graduate in 1993 with a degree
in Criminal Justice.
After leaving GVSU, I worked for the Kent
County Juvenile Detention Center. This job led me to a chance
encounter with a young man who introduced me to the world of community
development at the Inner City Christian Federation. I worked at ICCF
for 10 years before going back to my first love, working with
children. In 2005, I began a 9-year, journey working in youth
development by way of the David D. Hunting YMCA and Boys & Girls
Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. In 2013, another chance
encounter with a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor at the
17th Circuit Court Family Division lead me back to my CJ
career as a Juvenile Probation Officer. I worked as a Community
Probation Officer for nearly 6 years before being promoted to
supervisor in March 2019. Currently I work as a Juvenile Probation
Officer Supervisor during the week and a Case Worker on the weekends
for a local homeless shelter.
I live in Grand Rapids with my wife
Venessa Jeffries-Remo. We are the proud parents of our daughter Paris
Madison. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family
and friends.
I am forever grateful for my experience at GVSU. I
enjoyed living on the campus, meeting new people, laughing with my
professors and being a student-athlete. It was not easy, and I bumped
my head along the way, but I would not trade it for anything. Go Lakers!!!"
Courtney Simmons ’04: Passionate about connecting people, Courtney works to ensure high performing teams have the best and brightest talent, and enjoys creating a community of inclusiveness, diversity, and authenticity at Herman Miller. In her role as the Inclusiveness and Diversity Talent Manager she is responsible for bringing internal teams together in effort to reach and build diverse talent. Outside of work, she volunteers with Make-A-Wish Michigan and Creative Youth Center, a community non-profit, that serves public school students and amplifies their voices by making them published authors. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, cooking, reading, enjoying the sun, and traveling as often as she can.
-ADDITIONAL DETAILS-
LOCATION: Pere Marquette Room, Russel H. Kirkhof
Center
MAP: 10670 South Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401
PARKING: Lot M (E6 on the Allendale Campus Map)
ATTIRE:
Casual/Laker Gear
$15 PRICE: Baked potato bar
Please RSVP by Friday, October 18.
Contact
GVSU Alumni Relations
[email protected]