Retiree Spotlight
Sherry Bouwman
Sherry Bouwman retired in 2023 from University Communications. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Sherry Bouwman's Memories & Retirement Journey
What originally attracted you to GVSU?
I came to Grand Valley at the age of 18 after completing one year of education. I wanted to be a teacher, but the field was flooded at the time, so I began working. I enjoyed working on campus, and was the age, or younger, of many students when I started. I was also able to work part-time for ten years when my sons were young, which was an incredible blessing.
Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
Working in University Communications provided me with so many opportunities since we were involved with every department/college on campus. I was able to grow a large resource network, and in doing so, met so many amazing people. My favorite memories include the live production of the WGVU Auction 35 and the National Science Olympiad event held on campus, bringing high school students from all over the country to our University. The open carillon concerts held every December at the end of the fall semester, assisting with amazing and fun videos produced by the talented UCOMM staff, and the launch of Grand Valley Magazine are certainly great memories and ones that I take a great deal of pride in. I was excited to assist in the selection of President Mantella as part of the Presidential Search Committee representing the union groups on campus. My very favorite memory though, was the opportunity to resume classes and finish my own degree in 2012. And now I'm watching my granddaughter as she studies hard at GV. We are three Laker generations strong!
Who was a mentor or colleague who made a significant impact on your career?
Marie Noe, Executive Assistant to Vice President McLogan, was my mentor. Her steady guidance and listening ear helped shape the type of colleague I wanted to be. Chuck Furman and Stephen Ward both helped me to grow as a person, providing opportunities and encouragement to use my talents.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the university?
My advice to a new GVSU employee is to get involved. Step out of your comfort zone and experience the culture that is Grand Valley. We are a community that cares.
What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement?
In the Fall of 2024, I was able to return to GVSU for seven months assisting Dr. Robert Shorty in his development of The Division of People, Equity and Culture. It was rewarding to be part of this new division. For the past few months, I have also been assisting as a Standardized Patient, helping to give our medical students the best academic experience possible. I enjoy being out in nature, but the highlight of my week is watching my two-year-old grandson, Theo, and building memories with him. Life is good!
Esther Ricco's Memories and Retirement Journey
What originally attracted you to GVSU?
I hate to admit this but when I relocated to this side of the state 25+ years ago, I wanted to work at a job that had the holiday break! I had previously worked at the University of Michigan and that was such a perk!
Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
Oh, so many. I think my favorite memories of GV were in the Business & Finance office in the mid-early 2000's. We had such a fun group, and we were always pulling pranks and making merry with that group!
What was your proudest achievement during your time at the university?
I can't think of one specific thing... but I feel that folks came to me when they couldn't figure out how to get something accomplished or make something happen. I would dig in and do my best to help.
Who was a mentor or colleague who made a significant impact on your career?
I have to say Jim Bachmeier. Jim and I worked together for the majority of my career at GV, first in the Business and Finance office and then in the Finance and Administration office. I always felt empowered to make decisions and that enabled me to be a more effective Executive Assistant.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the university?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Attend events, join a committee or two, make sure you get out and meet people outside of your department, you never know who you might need to call to ask for help and having a large network is crucial to success!
What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement?
I'm still currently at GV, working part-time for the Business and Finance Department helping out with Workday. In my spare time, I love to garden, boat, travel, cook, bake and read. I've also gotten more active in my Rotary club.
Esther Ricco
Esther Ricco retired in 2022 from the Finance and Administration department. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Jo Ann Litton's Memories and Retirement Journey
What originally attracted you to GVSU?
I earned a master's in College Student Personnel (higher education) and worked at three other institutions of higher education but became worn out from residence hall work. I went to "minor" and worked as a manager of women's clothing store. I then realized that it really didn't matter whether you bought a yellow or green Prom dress (! :-) !) and since I was living in Grand Rapids, I looked at all the colleges here. I actually got told that my first application was received ONE day after the deadline, and I wasn't offered an interview. But then, there was another opening in the Admissions Office, and the rest is history as they say!
Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
SO many. Ken Fridsma putting cookies from recruitment receptions in his suit coat pocket to bring back to the office the next day since we'd already paid for them! Having a portion of MSU pep band play in the room next to where WE were having a recruitment event. Watching proud parents at White Coat ceremonies for our graduates and sharing in their joy. Hiring an individual who has since become one of my BEST friends. Winning national football championship(s)! Being asking by President Lubbers whether we were using cloth or disposable diapers for our firstborn. Really -- discussing this with the College's president?? and more...
What was your proudest achievement during your time at the university?
Being part of a wonderful TEAM that lead the community as we grew from under 8,000 students to over 20,000 students and the academic profile improved annually.
Who was a mentor or colleague who made a significant impact on your career?
Bob Fletcher. Ken Fridsma. President Lubbers. Provost Niemeyer.
What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement?
I've been called back at least five times to assist with advising. I have a part-time job reading medical school applications so I "flipped sides." I continue to advise one of the sororities. I babysit for local grandchildren at least once a week. And I now travel worldwide and have time to read and enjoy yard work.
Jo Ann Litton
Jo Ann Litton retired in 2018 from Academic Affairs. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.