Laker Club Talks
Upcoming Talks
Damon Arnold
It's Not How You Start: The Moments That Shape a Life
Thursday, October 1, 4 p.m.
Damon Arnold, Ph.D.
Associate Athletic Director of Student Athlete Development & Engagement
Growing up in a single-parent household, being expelled from two high schools, and ultimately graduating from an alternative school, Damon could have allowed his circumstances to define his future. Instead, a series of pivotal moments, meaningful relationships, and intentional decisions led him to discover a truth that would ultimately become the foundation of his life's work: purpose changes everything.
Through humor, honesty, and powerful storytelling, attendees will discover how life's defining moments often become the catalyst for growth, resilience, leadership, and lasting impact. More importantly, they will be challenged to recognize the moments shaping their own lives and learn how purpose can become the compass that guides them forward.
Kindly RSVP by September 28
Christopher Jones
My Leadership Journey: The Past Is Prologue
Thursday, October 15, 4 p.m. | Thornapple Room, Russel H. Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus
Christopher Jones, Ph.D.
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dean Chris Jones has enjoyed a three-decade career in higher education. He has held several significant leadership roles at public and private institutions. In this Laker Club Talk, Chris discusses how key individuals and past experiences in his personal and professional life have been instrumental in shaping the leader he is today. He reveals that some less than pleasant episodes were great gifts on his journey as a leader and a human being.
Kindly RSVP by October 7
Daniel Lindstrom
The Currency of Trust: What 22 Years in the FBI Taught Me About Leadership, Community, and Living with Integrity
Tuesday, November 10, 4 p.m.
Daniel Lindstrom, Ed.D.
Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police
Drawing on more than two decades in the FBI and now serving as GVSU's Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Daniel will share how trust is built, tested, and sustained through everyday decisions. Through personal stories and leadership lessons, he'll explore why integrity, service, and shared responsibility are the foundation of strong organizations and thriving communities.
Kindly RSVP by November 2
The registration link will be shared soon.
Winter 2026
Ryan Otter
College Facilitates Aha Moments
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Ryan Otter
Interim Vice Provost for Research and Innovation
Ryan Otter has spent his entire adult life in higher education. In this Laker Club talk, he will reflect on the pivotal aha moments that have shaped both his professional path and personal outlook. Ryan will explore how the college environment fosters curiosity, reflection, and discovery, and how those moments continue to inform his leadership and decision-making today.
Leah Breen
How to Move from Surviving to Thriving
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Leah Breen, Associate Vice President for Education Innovation and School Services, Division of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholar Success
What do coaxing kindergarteners to read aloud and preparing a multimillion-dollar pitch for the governor have in common? More than you think. Leah Breen will share how her journey in her personal life, and around K-12 education – from classroom to the Capitol – has demonstrated that having the courage to explore the unknown can lead to remarkable results.
Fall 2025
Dean Bayo Ogundipe
On Ice Cream and Thermodynamics: The Power of Moments
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Bayo Ogundipe, Dean, Padnos College of Engineering
Our lives are an endless series of moments. Once we realize how significant these moments can be, we are compelled to seek opportunities to shape them. Dean Ogundipe reflects on the powerful role that serendipity has played in his life and the magical nature of meaningful experiences.
Winter 2025
Dr. Robert Shorty
Beyond Barriers: A Journey of Igniting Resilience
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Dr. Robert Shorty, Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Robert Shorty shared his inspiring journey of resilience, reflecting on the challenges he overcame to achieve personal and professional success. Drawing on his experiences, he offered insights into the transformative power of resilience and the critical role academia plays in fostering growth and opportunity.
Jessica Karbowski Weare
How to Win the Lottery and Other Lessons Learned on the Job
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Jessica Karbowski Weare, GVSU General Counsel
Jess Weare shared her experiences of “learning while doing” in roles ranging from a server at Applebee’s to an Iran sanctions attorney at the U.S. Department of State to acting Commissioner of the Michigan Lottery. She reflected on the value of adaptability and reminded us that we’re all making it up as we go along—and that sometimes, “I don’t know” is a completely acceptable answer.
Fall 2024
Dean Marouane Kessentini
Sapere Aude “Dare to Know”
Monday, October 7, 2024
Marouane Kessentini, Dean, College of Computing
Sapere aude, Latin for "dare to know," encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace learning new things. Dean Kessentini shared three stories and three key takeaways from his sapere aude journey. His hope is that they will inspire and equip us to make a difference—with people who make a difference—at a time when it truly matters.
Dean Linda Lewandowski
Bloom Where You Are Planted
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Linda Lewandowski, Dean, Kirkhof College of Nursing
KCON Dean Linda Lewandowski shared her leadership journey, from growing up in rural Michigan to navigating the various “halls of academia,” highlighting the opportunities for growth and the lessons learned at each stop along the way.