Retiree Spotlight
Retiree Spotlights are showcased on our website and featured in our Retiree Connections Newsletter.
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Gilbert R. Davis
Gilbert R. Davis' Memories & Retirement Journey
Gilbert R. Davis retired in 1990 from the English Department.
What originally attracted you to GVSU?
That there would be an opportunity to redesign the methods with which undergraduate education was delivered.
Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
Creating, along with Dewey Hoitenga and Carl Insalaco, the faculty governance system GVSU continues to employ.
What was your proudest achievement during your time at the university?
See above, though I might add the creation of the first all-colleges Honors Program, which continues to flourish and grow.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the university?
Remember what brought you to a teaching career and concentrate on teaching!
What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement?
I have been doing what I always did: read, write, travel, and even teach as a Fulbright lecturer in Morocco, as a resident lecturer in Perugia, Italy, and here in Grand Rapids for the Aquinas senior program. And, I just finished a series here where I live on Music Theater and am preparing one on Opera. The list goes on.
Ginger Lange
Ginger's Memories & Retirement Journey
What originally attracted you to GVSU?
When I returned to West Michigan after living out-of-state for a few years, I was delighted to hear how Grand Valley had become the fastest growing campus in the state, and I wanted to be part of the excitement happening in Allendale!
Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
Some of my fondest memories center around the personal and professional growth in the graduate assistants who worked in the Career Center.
What was your proudest achievement during your time at the university?
Facilitating the employment of teachers at a time that the teaching market in Michigan was brutal. By initiating the first (and only) out-of-state teacher job fair in the country, we attracted employers to campus with job opportunities in all corners of the nation.
Who was a mentor or colleague who made a significant impact on your career?
Tom Seykora, Director of Grand Valley's Placement Office, was kind enough to double the size of his staff by hiring me in 1985. Tom was a mentor and friend who was a student advocate willing to share everything he knew about our field with me.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the university?
When starting out at GVSU, take every opportunity to meet and develop relationships with as many faculty, administrators, and staff as possible. This network will be your resources needed to get things done.
What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement?
I don't understand when I hear folks say they worry about retirement because they aren't sure what they will do with their time. Just looking around, there's so much to do. Personally, I strive to challenge myself in mind, body and spirit. I have recently joined the university's Retiree Advisor Board and a board of a facility for the unhoused. When I'm not on the pIckleball court, I've continued to pursue ballroom dance and added instruction in piano and Italian. Why Italian? I recently purchased a little place in Apricale, Liguria, with the intention of spending more time there.
Ginger Lange retired in 2018 from the Career Center. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Sherry Bouwman retired in 2023 from University Communications. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Sherry Bouwman
Sherry'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
Esther's Memories & 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 retired in 2022 from the Finance and Administration department. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Jo Ann Litton retired in 2018 from Academic Affairs. She currently serves on the Retiree Advisory Board.
Jo Ann Litton
Jo Ann's Memories & 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.