Move-In 2026: Lakers return, boost campus vibrancy

"Everyone we talked to said they loved being at Grand Valley."

Grand Valley’s living centers and residences buzzed with activity once again as first-year and returning students arrived on the Valley Campus in Allendale for the first day of Move-In 2026.

A year of opportunities and expectations awaits Lakers as the 2026-2027 academic year begins on August 31.

Riley Graham, of Coldwater, and her parents were among the first in the Lot C queue, awaiting instructions from resident advisors and Housing and Resident Life staff before moving her into her room at Hoobler Living Center. 

Riley, wedged in the back row of her family’s SUV amid bags and boxes, was eager to begin her Grand Valley journey studying education. “Everyone was so nice and welcoming during my visit,” Riley said.

Her mother, Liza Graham, said Riley knew immediately that Grand Valley was the place for her. 

“After we visited, she said, ‘That’s it. That’s the one,’” Liza Graham said. “We’re excited for her, but it’s bittersweet.”

Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, said the willingness of faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer their time is what sets the Grand Valley experience apart.

“The Grand Valley experience is different because the alumni, faculty and staff turn out to help, year after year, to do the heavy lifting and moving boxes,” Hall-Jones said. “That is really special. Colleen (Bailey) has orchestrated this machine that runs so smoothly .”

Josh Stickney, senior lab manager in the Biomedical Sciences Department, was among the volunteers helping the newest Lakers with their belongings. 

Outside the D-Wing of Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center, Stickney directed the steady flow of vehicles and corralled blue bins for anxious parents. 

“This is their first big experience at Grand Valley, so you want it to be a good one,” Stickney said. “It’s crazy for sure, but at least we can get them past that first hurdle, move in and then feel like they’re home so that they can get busy next week with classes.” 

While Stickney helped one family collect their things, Bella Springer, of Royal Oak, was moving into the room she’ll share with her best friend.

Springer said she preferred the more personal setting that Grand Valley offered. Her father, Bill Springer, said Grand Valley's reputation preceded it when it came time for his daughter to choose a college.

“I think it was the campus, the environment, and the way people speak of their experience here,” he said. “Everyone we talked to said they loved being at Grand Valley and their time here.” 

— Brian Vernellis

First-year student Aniyah Johnson and her family were unpacking in Copeland Living Center when a visitor poked his head into the doorway. It was Kevin Conn, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life.

Twenty-plus years ago, Conn lived in the same room. The 2006 Grand Valley graduate returned to the Laker community several weeks ago to lead Housing and Residence Life in a new role for the Division of Student Affairs.

Conn chatted about Grand Valley with Johnson, a political science major, and said that the nearby trees outside Copeland would keep that room cool.

"It's really surreal to walk back into Copeland," he said. 

A native of Northville, Conn said he chose Grand Valley because, "It was comfortable. I felt like myself here and wanted to be here."

It was in Copeland where Conn got his first experience in student leadership roles. "I had an active RA, who brought me into residential programs. From there, I served on the hall council and later was an RA myself in Copeland, Frey and Laker Village," he said.

Conn earned a GVSU bachelor's degree in business management and finance. He earned master's degrees from Southern Illinois and Stony Brook universities and a doctoral degree in higher education from New York University.

Conn said he hopes students who are moving in this week feel as comfortable as he did.

"I hope they feel cared for, I hope they feel seen," he said. "I hope they see people who believe in Grand Valley. Move-In is a great example. As an institution, we have made a commitment to this with faculty, staff and alumni volunteers. Not every place does that. It's special."

-- Michele Coffill

President Mantella meets the class

When first-year sonography student Kaylie-Ann Jean-Lubin asked a stranger to take a photo of her and her mom in front of the Laker Letters, she did not expect her photographer to be President Philomena V. Mantella.

The GVSU president was making the rounds of campus and just so happened to be approaching the letters when Jean-Lubin was taking her photos. Mantella channeled her inner photographer before introducing herself to the mother and daughter. After sharing a handshake and a laugh, the trio took a picture together.

During her trip around campus, Mantella introduced herself to families, asked how their move-in was going and talked all things Grand Valley. They are small moments, but they are moments that Mantella says are important.

Lakers are ready to explore Grand Rapids after City Campus move-in

Mo Earnest said they were excited to live on their own for the first time. After two years commuting from her home to Grand Rapids Community College, the social work major moved into Secchia Hall during GVSU's City Campus move-in on Friday.

Earnest said they are excited to meet their roommates and see the city.

“It would really be a cool experience to explore campus with them and make new friends with them and get outside of my comfort zone a little bit,” she said.

Nursing student Ryan Reynolds took a different approach from Earnest. Entering his final semester at GVSU, Reynolds said he chose not to have roommates this semester so he would have a space to himself.

Reynolds said most of his friends live downtown, and he plans to go to Grand Rapids' many restaurants with them when they are not studying.

While the Valley Campus gives students a traditional college campus experience, Grand Valley's City Campus provides students the chance to explore downtown Grand Rapids, which provides plenty to do for both new and returning Grand Valley students.