News
REC Students and Staff Help New Lakers Move On Campus
August 22, 2018
Professional and student staff from Campus Recreation continued their partnership with GVSU Housing to help students move onto campus on August 22, 2018. “It is an annual tradition for us to welcome new students into the Grand Valley family and help them move into their new home away from home,” states Kate Harmon, Director of Campus Recreation. “Our ongoing partnership with GVSU Housing is about providing the best experience for students to get involved, be active, and live healthy.”
More than 6,000 students moved to campus this year, with help from GVSU President Thomas J. Haas, Marcia Haas, and hundreds of other alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Joe Bitely, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation overseeing the Outdoor Adventures program, mentions that “being able to give back to the Laker community” is his favorite part of the event. “Coming from another university, it was a lot smoother process than I was expecting,” adds Kaileigh Brammer, Outdoor Adventures Program Coordinator. “It really shows that we care.”
“It’s always a nice little surprise for students, families, and parents on moving day, which provides a stress reliever and welcomes them home to GVSU,” states Allison Brandt, Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant.
Nearly 40 student staff and 10 professional staff from all program areas within Campus Recreation – including Fitness and Wellness, Outdoor Adventures, Sports Programs, Marketing, and Administrative - assisted with the move. “As a student, it gives us the chance to interact with new students and potential new friends,” adds Karmen Johnson, student office assistant and Intramural Sports Official for Campus Recreation.
“Not only does this event help grow our partnerships with on-campus departments, it also helps build teamwork, camaraderie, and friendships among our staff members,” says Kayla Cupples, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, overseeing Marketing and Special Events. “It gives Campus Recreation the opportunity to promote who we are as a department, including increased exposure to specific programs and services we offer that may be less known on campus.”
More photos can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.