Upcoming Events

Grand Valley State University is pleased to partner with The Right Place to host a series of events during Tech Week Grand Rapids. All are welcome!
Creative Solutions That Change Lives: The Engineering & Computing Mindset
Tuesday, September 19 | 4–6 p.m.
GVSU Shape Corp.
Innovation Design Center
This immersive hands-on event will help shed light on how engineering and computing are woven into our daily lives. Join us for complimentary drinks and appetizers. No RSVP required.
GVSU Tech Talks
Wednesday, September 20 | 12–2 p.m.
John G. Russell Leadership Center
Join us for a series of engaging talks on a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and extended reality.
This event has reached capacity.
GR in XR
Thursday, September 21
The Blue Bridge
Private Preview 5–6 p.m.
Public Gathering 6–7:30 p.m.
Envision the possibilities! Gather on the Blue Bridge for a glimpse into what the future may hold for Grand Valley State University and the City of Grand Rapids through extended reality.
RSVP by September 14 to attend the private preview.
Tech Week Grand Rapids is a multi-day collection of events designed to showcase the region's vibrant tech community. Learn more at techweekgr.com
Questions? Please contact Morgan Knapp at [email protected] or (616) 331-2185.

The Laker Club Talks
Laker Club Talks Return this Fall!
Together, we will explore a variety of topics, perspectives, and ideas that empower us to form meaningful relationships and find common ground through impactful conversations in a relaxed and informal setting.
Please Register to secure your spot
For questions, please contact Morgan Knapp at [email protected] or (616) 331-2185
The Longest Journey I Have Ever Made
Ning “Jackie” Zhang, Dean, College of Health Professions
Thursday, October 5, 4–5 p.m.
Laker Club, Allendale Campus
Dean Jackie Zhang shares three stories of his personal and professional journey: from patient care to population health/healthcare management, from China to the U.S., and from other public and private universities to Grand Valley State University.
Kara VanDam, Vice Provost for Graduate and Lifetime Learning
Rediscovering Home
Thursday, October 12, 4–5 p.m.
University Club, DeVos Center
After attending college in Grand Rapids, VanDam called a lot of places home over the next 30 years: Chapel Hill, Barcelona, Chicago and D.C. Then a stroke of fate set her course for a return to West Michigan. What’s it like to come home when so much has changed?
From Pulling Stumps to Pushing Strings
Steven Hodas, Executive Director, GV NextEd Co-Lab
Wednesday, October 18, 4–5 p.m.
Laker Club, Allendale Campus
Steven Hodas, Director of the NextEd Co-Lab, reflects on differences in culture change within K12 and higher education.
Robert Talbert, Professor of Mathematics and Senior Faculty Fellow for Learning Futures
Active Learning is Personal
Thursday, October 19, 4–5 p.m.
Laker Club, Allendale Campus
Professor Talbert shares how his experiences as a student set the stage for how he teaches today, along with discussing active learning and his personal mission to make it the default setting for higher education.
Recent Events

2023 University Address
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Richard M. DeVos Center Courtyard, Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus

2023 Faculty & Staff Picnic
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
L. William Seidman Center, Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus

2023 Juneteenth Celebration
The Inaugural Juneteenth gathering celebrated the history, resilience, and ongoing progress of the Black community in the United States and at GVSU. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the journey toward freedom and equality, and it is crucial that we take this opportunity to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with one another.
We were honored to have Professor Bobby J. Smith II as our esteemed speaker for the event. Dr. Smith is an interdisciplinary sociologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Luncheon and keynote presentation with Professor Bobby J. Smith II
Monday, June 19, 2023
GVSU Quest Series - Faculty Panel
Monday, June 19, 2023
