Grand Valley State University
Encyclopedia
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public
liberal arts
university
located in Allendale
, Michigan
, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on 1280 acres (5.2 km²) approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) west of Grand Rapids. Classes are also offered at the university's growing Pew Campus in Downtown Grand Rapids, Meijer Campus in Holland
, and through centers at Muskegon
and Traverse City
established in cooperation with local community colleges.
GVSU is a comprehensive coeducational university serving more than 24,662 students as of fall 2011, from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. It is one of America's 100 largest universities in terms of enrollment and employs more than 1,985 people with about 837 regular full-time faculty and 1,148 support staff. The university currently has alumni residing in all 50 U.S. state
s, Canada
, and many countries around the world. For the 2010-2011 academic year, GVSU was recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for Master's institutions by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
GVSU's NCAA Division II sports teams are called the Lakers
. They compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(GLIAC) in all 19 intercollegiate varsity sports and have won the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors' Cup
for NCAA Division II every year from 2004 to 2011 after finishing second in 2002 and 2003.
demonstrated a need for a four-year college in the Grand Rapids
area, Michigan's second largest metropolitan region. Local businessman Bill Seidman
created a committee to study the report and spearhead the planning and promotion to create such an institution. In the following year the Michigan Legislature established the college. A naming contest was held, and out of 2500 submissions, "Grand Valley State College" was chosen. Private donations, including $350,000 to purchase land and $1,000,000 for construction, were secured from 5,000 individuals, organizations, and business throughout West Michigan. In 1961, the Grand Valley State College Board of Control chose a 876 acres (3.5 km²) site in Ottawa County
near the Grand River
for the new campus, and construction of academic buildings began the following year.
.
In 1969, the Grand Valley Lanthorn printed an issue containing several vulgarities and obscenities. After complaints from some at Grand Valley State College and the surrounding communities, the Ottawa County, Michigan
, sheriff arrested the editor, and the prosecutor closed down the newspaper office. The university, then a co-ed college, sued the sheriff and prosecutor for closing the Lanthorn offices. Eventually, Michigan's Attorney General settled the case out of court, ruling in favor of Grand Valley State College.
During the 1970s Grand Valley used a multiple college concept: "College of Arts and Sciences", "Thomas Jefferson College", "William James College", "Seidman College of Business", and "College IV". Former Michigan Governor William Milliken
signed into law for the name to be changed to Grand Valley State Colleges in 1973. However the "s" was dropped and the name was reverted back to Grand Valley State College in 1983 when the academic programs were reorganized into divisions.
, Seidman College of Business, and Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. The fall semester of 2010 began a year-long celebration of the university's first 50 years of history and change. Grand Valley completed its first 50 years with a comprehensive campaign that raised almost $100 million from over 17,000 donors, making it the university's largest campaign to date. Money raised from the campaign has helped fund many new construction projects on campus, including the Mary Idema Pew Library and L. William Seidman Center.
The Interurban Transit Partnership
operates several The Rapid bus routes under contract with the university. The public can ride these buses by paying the fare, but rides are free to Grand Valley students, faculty and staff on all Rapid routes with a valid I.D. card.
s perched above the Grand River
next to a system of ravine
s and is divided into two areas, north and south campus, separated in the middle by West Campus Drive. State highway M-45
links the campus in suburban Allendale to US Highway 31
/Lake Michigan
to the west and Grand Rapids, Michigan
to the east. Lubbers Stadium
, the GVSU Fieldhouse
and all other athletic facilities for the school's 19 varsity sports are also located on the Allendale campus. The campus is dotted with many sculptures including Dale Eldred, Joseph Kinnebrew and James Clover
. Academic facilities on the Allendale campus include: 122 classrooms, 144 research laboratories, 20 lab prep rooms, 21 computer labs, and the Zumberge Library.
The 33 acres (133,546.4 m²) Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and is also located on the banks of the Grand River. It consists of 11 buildings and three leased spaces and includes the Richard DeVos
Center, L.V. Eberhard Center, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Beckering Family Carillon Tower
, The Depot (houses the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development headquarters), Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, Keller Engineering Laboratories, John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering, Peter F. Secchia
Hall (housing), Winter Hall (housing), and the Van Andel Global Trade Center. These facilities include 57 classrooms, 78 research laboratories, 23 lab prep rooms, 11 computer labs, and the Steelcase
library.
Medical mile
The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, which opened in 2003, is at capacity and discussions about constructing an additional health science building nearby are underway.
Family for their generous donation of land. The campus houses continuing education programs in 30693 square feet (2,851.5 m²) of building space and contains 12 classrooms, 2 conference rooms, 3 labs and 11 offices.
. The center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, social work, and liberal studies.
Sheriff
's Department. Because Allendale
doesn't have its own police department, the Grand Valley State University Police can handle cases anywhere in Ottawa County, mainly in Allendale and the area surrounding the campus. The department handles other security issues, such as parking and driving violations, community policing, and lost and found. Allendale's volunteer fire department serves the campus. The Department of Public Safety also employs several students who assist the department by performing a variety of clerical and security based duties and services.
The Pew Campus Security and Regional Centers is an entity distinct from the Department of Public safety, and handles security and public safety issues for the Grand Rapids Pew Campus and all Regional Centers including the Holland (MI) Meijer Campus, the Muskegon (MI) campus and the Traverse City (MI) campus. This department is not sworn or certified and relies on the Grand Rapids Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies for official law enforcement when necessary.
Grand Valley's student body consists of 21,236 undergraduates and 3,426 graduate students across all campuses and centers with the majority being on the Allendale campus (as of Fall 2011). The fall 2011 incoming freshman undergraduate class of 3,927 students, represented all 83 Michigan counties, 23 states, and 18 countries. 3,291 freshman chose to live on-campus in fall 2011, while 636 chose to live off-campus.
GVSU's undergraduate admissions are classified as "more selective" by US News & World Report as Grand Valley admitted 69% of applicants for the 2008–2009 school year. The fall 2011 freshman class entered Grand Valley with an average high school GPA of a 3.51 and an average ACT composite score of a 24.
US News and World Report noted in its "Best Colleges 2011" that 98 percent of Grand Valley graduates either find employment or pursue advanced degrees after graduation.
GVSU also is home to the Frederik Meijer Honors College, which is non-degree-granting, but is to provide a more challenging interdisciplinary education in a learning-living environment. The honors college is located in Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center on the south side of the Allendale campus.
. Grand Valley has more than 4,000 study abroad programs, both affiliated with and independent from GVSU, from which students can choose.
. GVSU is also ranked as one of "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes Magazine and the fourth in the state of Michigan, only behind the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan State University
, and Michigan Technological University
, in terms of quality of education and student achievement and experience. Grand Valley is ranked 10th among U.S. master's degree-granting institutions for total number of study abroad students, according to the Institute of International Education
in New York. According to U.S. News and World Report, Grand Valley is also the number one most up-and-coming masters university in the Midwest, ahead of Xavier University, Butler University
, Truman State University
and Alverno College
. As of fall 2009, GVSU had the third highest freshman to sophomore retention rate among Michigan's 15 public universities at 84 percent. For 14 consecutive years, Grand Valley has been named one of America's 100 Best College Buys by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. The university has also been ranked as one of the top 25 "cutting edge" green colleges in the United States
for 2009 by the Kaplan College Guide, the only Michigan university to receive this ranking. Upwards of 5,000 students are enrolled in health science related courses and majors, making GVSU the number one largest provider of health care professionals in Michigan. Grand Valley's Seidman College of Business is named one of "The Best 301 Business Schools" by The Princeton Review
. US News and World Report has also ranked several of GVSU's graduate programs as being some of the best in the country. These "top" programs include: Physical Therapy, Nursing, Social Work, Physicians Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Public Affairs, and Business.
million in grants. Grand Valley's Annis Water Resources Institute
conducts research on water resources, including: ecosystem structure and function, contaminants and toxicology, hydrology, land use, watershed, stream, and wetland ecology, water quality, and basic and applied limnology. GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
(MAREC) recently received funding for its $3.7 million Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Assessment Project to test wind energy on Lake Michigan
. The research should take three years as a floating buoy will be used and moved to collect data from different locations on the lake.
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
. Grand Valley also has baccalaureate program accreditation with AACSB, ABET
, APTA
, CSWE
, NASAD, NASM
, NCATE, and NLN
.
GVSU and MSU
The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
maintains the Secchia Center, a medical campus in downtown Grand Rapids. Along with GVSU and two Grand Rapids hospitals, it is a founding member of the Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners. This partnership allows "educational opportunities for residents, fellows, practicing physicians, physician's assistants, nurses and students in other health professions."
The Early Assurance Program reserves spaces in MSU's medical program for top-performing GVSU pre-medical graduates. One of the goals of the program is to select first-generation college students, students from underprivileged areas, and/or students who have expressed a desire to work in medical specialties that are in high demand. Students entering the program must agree to work in under-served areas after completion of their medical degrees. The first group of six students entered this program during the fall 2010 semester.
The two universities have announced a joint program specializing in clinical trial
management, aimed at providing the necessary foundations for carrying out clinical drug trials in West Michigan. It is an online
certificate program, and was started due to requests from local drug trial companies. The program is set to begin for the fall semester of 2011.
Grand Valley is a recipient of United States government documents and currently receives 44% of the documents distributed by the Federal Depository Library Program.
Curriculum Materials Library (CML)
The Curriculum Materials Library in the DeVos Center downtown houses instructional materials for preschool through grade twelve and provide spaces where education majors can preview resources, develop lesson plans, create media for the classroom, and try out teaching aides.
Special Collections & University Archives
Seidman House on the Allendale Campus houses the University Archives, which include extensive collections of rare books and Michigan novels, the Harvey Lemmen Collection on Abraham Lincoln
and the American Civil War
, the Dorothy A. Johnson Philanthropy Center Special Collections, and the papers of acclaimed Michigan author Jim Harrison
.
Digital Collections
The Digital Collections database contains a selection of photographs, correspondence, diaries, interviews, and publications from the holdings of the Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives, and other University entities.
(GLIAC). Grand Valley's varsity athletic teams have won nine national championships in five sports and have been national runners-up thirteen times in eight sports. GVSU has also won the prestigious National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors' Cup
for NCAA Division II schools in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 after finishing second in 2002 and 2003. The cup is awarded to the top athletic programs based on overall team national finishes. Grand Valley is the first college east of the Mississippi River to win the Director's Cup for NCAA Division II.
(NASAD) accredited art program, including emphases in illustration
, graphic design
, ceramics, printmaking
, painting
, visual studies, and sculpture
. Art students attend classes at the Calder Art Center, named for contemporary artist Alexander Calder
. The building includes exhibition space under the name of the Stuart & Barbara Padnos Art Gallery.
Admission into the GVSU art program requires an initial review of the potential student's work. Admitted students then undergo a series of foundation classes that properly introduce them to the formal basics of art. Passing the foundation review allows access to higher level art studies, and a choice of approaching an emphasis. Subsequent reviews may take place depending upon emphases, including both junior and senior level reviews.
The New Music Ensemble (NME), directed by Bill Ryan, has released two critically acclaimed CD's, the first a recording of Steve Reich
's Music for 18 Musicians
, which appeared on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart, and the second entitled In C Remixed, a remix project of Terry Riley
's In C
, which featured the work of some of the top electronic composers and DJ's in the world, including Todd Reynolds, Michael Lowenstern
, and Pulitzer prize winner David Lang
. The NME performed at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City on November 2, 2009 and previously at the 2007 Bang on a Can
festival.
Trumpet ensemble
Directed by Richard Stoelzel, Grand Valley's trumpet ensemble has been a top competitor in the National Trumpet Competition
for nearly a decade, placing 1st in the ensemble division in 2006 and 2008. The ensemble has commissioned 4 pieces by composer Erik Morales
since 2005, two of which went on to become the winning pieces, and one of which is still currently unpremiered. The trumpet ensemble has performed twice during the International Trumpet Guild
's summer conferences in 2007 and 2009.
near the center of the Allendale campus. Its offices are home to the Community Service Learning Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Laker Leadership Programs, Major Campus Events and Traditions, Student Organizations, and the Transitions Orientation Program.
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC)
(NPC)
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC)
The university is currently home to eleven Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED
) buildings or building additions. Several more buildings including the new Mary Idema Pew Library are in construction or planning stages to be LEED certified as well. All new construction and major renovations at GVSU must meet LEED standards required by the university.
The Student Environmental Coalition or SEC, is the student-run sustainability organization on campus. The mission of the group is "Helping to engage students at Grand Valley's campus to be conscious citizens by promotion of environmental awareness."
Grand Valley hosted meetings relating to sustainability, including a summit in which various sustainability issues were explored by university officials and local experts in April 2010, and a meeting of the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council in July 2010 to discuss offshore wind energy generation.
The Grand Valley Lanthorn
is the student-run newspaper, published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year. Copies of the paper are free and available at both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses in designated newsstands and online. Until the fall of 2006, the paper was only published once per week. Currently 8,000 copies of the paper are published per issue totaling 16,000 copies per week.
GVSU has several electronic media outlets including three radio stations and three television stations. The university owns and operates its own Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS) Public television station WGVU-TV
in Allendale, Michigan and WGVK-TV
, its full time satellite station in Kalamazoo, Michigan
. In addition, GVSU also operates two National Public Radio (NPR) stations in WGVU (AM) and WGVU-FM
with the same call letters, which feature a mixture of jazz
, blues
, and news
, including local and NPR programming. WCKS
"The Whale" is the student-run radio station, broadcasting over the internet and on a soon-to-be announced FM channel. GVTV is the student-run television station on channel 10 on the university cable system.
Academic communities
. Grand Valley hosted the Science Olympiad National Tournament in 1998.
Public
In public relations and communication science, publics are groups of individuals, and the public is the totality of such groupings. This is a different concept to the sociological concept of the Öffentlichkeit or public sphere. The concept of a public has also been defined in political science,...
liberal arts
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
located in Allendale
Allendale Charter Township, Michigan
Allendale Charter Township is a charter township of Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the township population was 20,708...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on 1280 acres (5.2 km²) approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) west of Grand Rapids. Classes are also offered at the university's growing Pew Campus in Downtown Grand Rapids, Meijer Campus in Holland
Holland, Michigan
Holland is a city in the western region of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa, which is fed by the Macatawa River ....
, and through centers at Muskegon
Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38,401. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County...
and Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County, although a small portion extends into Leelanau County. It is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region. The population was 14,674 at the 2010 census, with 143,372 in the Traverse...
established in cooperation with local community colleges.
GVSU is a comprehensive coeducational university serving more than 24,662 students as of fall 2011, from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. It is one of America's 100 largest universities in terms of enrollment and employs more than 1,985 people with about 837 regular full-time faculty and 1,148 support staff. The university currently has alumni residing in all 50 U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
s, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, and many countries around the world. For the 2010-2011 academic year, GVSU was recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for Master's institutions by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
GVSU's NCAA Division II sports teams are called the Lakers
Grand Valley State Lakers
The Grand Valley State Lakers are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, Michigan, United States...
. They compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a competitive intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division II. The GLIAC was founded in June 1972. Member institutions are located in the midwestern United States in the States of Michigan and Ohio, with affiliate...
(GLIAC) in all 19 intercollegiate varsity sports and have won the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors' Cup
NACDA Director's Cup
The NACDA Learfield Sports Directors' Cup is an award given annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to the colleges and universities with the most success in collegiate athletics...
for NCAA Division II every year from 2004 to 2011 after finishing second in 2002 and 2003.
History
| University presidents | |
|---|---|
| President | Years |
| James Zumberge James Zumberge James Herbert Zumberge was a professor of geology and president of Grand Valley State University from 1962 to 1969, of Southern Methodist University from 1975 to 1980, and of the University of Southern California from 1980 to 1991.-Early life and education:James Herbert Zumberge was born in... |
1962–1969 |
| Arend Lubbers Arend Lubbers Arend Donselaar Lubbers was president of Grand Valley State University from 1969 to 2001. He was the second president of Grand Valley, serving after James Zumberge and before Mark Murray. He currently holds the title of President Emeritus... |
1969–2001 |
| Mark Murray | 2001–2006 |
| Thomas J. Haas Thomas J. Haas Thomas Joseph Haas is the fourth and current president of Grand Valley State University. He also serves as a chemistry professor. Prior to coming to GVSU, Haas served as president of the State University of New York at Cobleskill from 2003 to 2006.-Education:Haas graduated with honors in 1973... |
2006–present |
Formation, planning and construction
In 1958 a study commissioned by the Michigan LegislatureMichigan Legislature
The Michigan Legislature is the legislative assembly of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is organized as a bicameral body consisting of the Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. Article IV of the state's Constitution, adopted in 1963, defines the role of the...
demonstrated a need for a four-year college in the Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
area, Michigan's second largest metropolitan region. Local businessman Bill Seidman
L. William Seidman
Lewis William "Bill" Seidman was an American economist, financial commentator, and former head of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, best known for his role in helping work to correct the Savings and Loan Crisis in the American financial sector from 1988-1991 as head of the related...
created a committee to study the report and spearhead the planning and promotion to create such an institution. In the following year the Michigan Legislature established the college. A naming contest was held, and out of 2500 submissions, "Grand Valley State College" was chosen. Private donations, including $350,000 to purchase land and $1,000,000 for construction, were secured from 5,000 individuals, organizations, and business throughout West Michigan. In 1961, the Grand Valley State College Board of Control chose a 876 acres (3.5 km²) site in Ottawa County
Ottawa County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 238,314 people, 81,662 households, and 61,328 families residing in the county. The population density was 421 people per square mile . There were 86,856 housing units at an average density of 154 per square mile...
near the Grand River
Grand River (Michigan)
The Grand River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It runs through the cities of Jackson, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Grand Haven.-Description:...
for the new campus, and construction of academic buildings began the following year.
| University Enrollment | |
|---|---|
| Year | Enrollment |
| 1963 | 225 |
| 1965 | 1,144 |
| 1970 | 3,301 |
| 1975 | 7,340 |
| 1980 | 6,984 |
| 1985 | 7,667 |
| 1990 | 11,726 |
| 1995 | 13,887 |
| 2000 | 18,579 |
| 2005 | 22,565 |
| 2010 | 24,541 |
| 2011 | 24,662 |
Early years
Grand Valley State College accepted its first class of 226 students in 1963 and held its first graduation of 138 students on June 18, 1967. The middle-late 1960s saw the addition of the first dormitories and construction of new academic buildings, including the Zumberge Library, named for the University's first President James ZumbergeJames Zumberge
James Herbert Zumberge was a professor of geology and president of Grand Valley State University from 1962 to 1969, of Southern Methodist University from 1975 to 1980, and of the University of Southern California from 1980 to 1991.-Early life and education:James Herbert Zumberge was born in...
.
In 1969, the Grand Valley Lanthorn printed an issue containing several vulgarities and obscenities. After complaints from some at Grand Valley State College and the surrounding communities, the Ottawa County, Michigan
Ottawa County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 238,314 people, 81,662 households, and 61,328 families residing in the county. The population density was 421 people per square mile . There were 86,856 housing units at an average density of 154 per square mile...
, sheriff arrested the editor, and the prosecutor closed down the newspaper office. The university, then a co-ed college, sued the sheriff and prosecutor for closing the Lanthorn offices. Eventually, Michigan's Attorney General settled the case out of court, ruling in favor of Grand Valley State College.
During the 1970s Grand Valley used a multiple college concept: "College of Arts and Sciences", "Thomas Jefferson College", "William James College", "Seidman College of Business", and "College IV". Former Michigan Governor William Milliken
William Milliken
William Grawn Milliken , is an American politician and served as the 44th Governor of Michigan from January 1969 to January 1983.-Biography:...
signed into law for the name to be changed to Grand Valley State Colleges in 1973. However the "s" was dropped and the name was reverted back to Grand Valley State College in 1983 when the academic programs were reorganized into divisions.
Continued growth
In 1987 the Michigan Legislature passed a law renaming the college to "Grand Valley State University." The 1980s and 1990s saw addition of satellite campuses or centers in downtown Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and Traverse City. In 2004, the Board of Control reorganized the University structure again into a college system consisting of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Community and Public Service, College of Education, College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of NursingKirkhof College of Nursing
The Kirkhof College of Nursing is located at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan....
, Seidman College of Business, and Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. The fall semester of 2010 began a year-long celebration of the university's first 50 years of history and change. Grand Valley completed its first 50 years with a comprehensive campaign that raised almost $100 million from over 17,000 donors, making it the university's largest campaign to date. Money raised from the campaign has helped fund many new construction projects on campus, including the Mary Idema Pew Library and L. William Seidman Center.
Campuses
Grand Valley has three campuses: the main campus in Allendale and two satellite campuses in the surrounding area. Smaller centers in Muskegon and Traverse City also exist.The Interurban Transit Partnership
Interurban Transit Partnership
The Interurban Transit Partnership operates a public transport system called The Rapid, which provides bus service to the Grand Rapids, Michigan metropolitan area and beyond...
operates several The Rapid bus routes under contract with the university. The public can ride these buses by paying the fare, but rides are free to Grand Valley students, faculty and staff on all Rapid routes with a valid I.D. card.
Allendale campus
The University's main and original campus in Allendale is the location of most of the university's programs. The Allendale campus is composed of 1,280 acreAcre
The acre is a unit of area in a number of different systems, including the imperial and U.S. customary systems. The most commonly used acres today are the international acre and, in the United States, the survey acre. The most common use of the acre is to measure tracts of land.The acre is related...
s perched above the Grand River
Grand River (Michigan)
The Grand River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It runs through the cities of Jackson, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Grand Haven.-Description:...
next to a system of ravine
Ravine
A ravine is a landform narrower than a canyon and is often the product of streamcutting erosion. Ravines are typically classified as larger in scale than gullies, although smaller than valleys. A ravine is generally a fluvial slope landform of relatively steep sides, on the order of twenty to...
s and is divided into two areas, north and south campus, separated in the middle by West Campus Drive. State highway M-45
M-45 (Michigan highway)
M-45 is a state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan that is also called Lake Michigan Drive. The highway runs from Agnew near Lake Michigan to the west side of Grand Rapids in the western Lower Peninsula. Lake Michigan Drive continues in each direction from M-45's termini, extending west...
links the campus in suburban Allendale to US Highway 31
U.S. Route 31 in Michigan
US Highway 31 is a part of the United States Numbered Highway System that runs from Alabama, to the Upper Peninsula of the US state of Michigan. In Michigan, it is a state trunkline highway that runs from the Indiana–Michigan state line at Bertrand Township to its terminus at Interstate 75 south...
/Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron...
to the west and Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
to the east. Lubbers Stadium
Lubbers Stadium
Lubbers Stadium, or Arend D. Lubbers Stadium, is a stadium on the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. The stadium was named after former university president Arend Lubbers. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the Grand Valley State Lakers...
, the GVSU Fieldhouse
GVSU Fieldhouse
GVSU Fieldhouse is a 4,100-seat indoor arena located in Allendale, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids, on the campus of Grand Valley State University. It was built in the early 1980s as the home of the Grand Valley State University Lakers basketball and volleyball teams, as it remains to this day...
and all other athletic facilities for the school's 19 varsity sports are also located on the Allendale campus. The campus is dotted with many sculptures including Dale Eldred, Joseph Kinnebrew and James Clover
James Clover
James Clover was born in Iowa in 1938. An internationally known sculptor and consummate academician, he taught drawing and sculpture for 30 years. His work is almost exclusively steel or bronze constructions with various welding, paint, and burnishing treatments. The whimsical forms are often a...
. Academic facilities on the Allendale campus include: 122 classrooms, 144 research laboratories, 20 lab prep rooms, 21 computer labs, and the Zumberge Library.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids campus
Richard DeVos
Richard DeVos, Sr. is an American businessman, co-founder of Amway along with Jay Van Andel , and owner of the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team...
Center, L.V. Eberhard Center, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Beckering Family Carillon Tower
Beckering Family Carillon Tower
The Beckering Family Carillon Tower is a carillon-clock tower located in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University. The tower and carillon was funded and built by Pioneer Construction in 2000...
, The Depot (houses the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development headquarters), Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, Keller Engineering Laboratories, John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering, Peter F. Secchia
Peter F. Secchia
Peter F. Secchia, is an Italian-American diplomat and businessman. Secchia served as the United States Ambassador to Italy from 1989 to 1993.-Career:...
Hall (housing), Winter Hall (housing), and the Van Andel Global Trade Center. These facilities include 57 classrooms, 78 research laboratories, 23 lab prep rooms, 11 computer labs, and the Steelcase
Steelcase
Steelcase is an international office furniture company founded in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan — as The Metal Office Furniture Company. The company at the time specialized in file cabinets and safes. Today, the company sells products related to interior architecture, furniture and technology...
library.
Medical mile
The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, which opened in 2003, is at capacity and discussions about constructing an additional health science building nearby are underway.
Meijer campus in Holland
The Meijer Campus, located just outside downtown Holland, was opened in 1998 and was named for the MeijerMeijer
Meijer, Inc. is a regional American hypermarket chain based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1934 as a supermarket chain, Meijer is credited with pioneering the modern supercenter concept in 1962. About half of the company's 196 stores are located in Michigan, with additional locations in...
Family for their generous donation of land. The campus houses continuing education programs in 30693 square feet (2,851.5 m²) of building space and contains 12 classrooms, 2 conference rooms, 3 labs and 11 offices.
Muskegon centers
GVSU has three locations in Muskegon:- James L. Stevenson Center for Higher Education at Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon Community CollegeMuskegon Community College is a community college in Muskegon, Michigan. Providing service to the lakeshore region of West Michigan, MCC is located near the shores of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan...
was established in the fall of 1995 as a joint venture between GVSU, Ferris State UniversityFerris State UniversityFerris State University is a public university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School by Woodbridge Nathan Ferris, an educator from New England who later served as governor of the State of Michigan and finally in the US Senate where...
, and Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
. The center offers several GVSU graduate and undergraduate programs. - Lake Michigan Center, which houses the Annis Water Resources InstituteAnnis Water Resources InstituteThe Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute , is located in Muskegon, Michigan at the Lake Michigan Center on Muskegon Lake. The mission of the Institute is to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. AWRI is a multidisciplinary research...
(AWRI). - The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy CenterMichigan Alternative and Renewable Energy CenterThe Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center is a facility located in Muskegon, Michigan that promotes research, education and business development in alternative and renewable energy technologies.-History and development:...
(MAREC), which is the first fully integrated demonstration facility for distributed generation of electricity using alternative and renewable energy technologies in the United States.
Traverse City center
The Traverse City Regional Center was established in the fall of 1995 and is located at the NMC University Center in a partnership with Northwestern Michigan CollegeNorthwestern Michigan College
Founded in 1951, Northwestern Michigan College, known as NMC to local residents, is a community college in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Its annual enrollment is around 5,100 students...
. The center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, social work, and liberal studies.
Organization and administration
Funding and financial
GVSU's general fund budget is $265.9 million, of which $198.5 million is from tuition, and $64 million is from state appropriations. As of fall 2010, Grand Valley's amount of university-based student financial aid was $23.1 million. Also, during the 2009–2010 academic year, full time dependent students received an average award of $9,050 totaling more than $200 million in total assistance including $55 million of that in scholarships, grants, and employment.Public safety
The Department of Public Safety provides law enforcement services for the Allendale Campus. While the department is self-empowered to enforce its jurisdiction, officers are also deputized by the Ottawa CountyOttawa County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 238,314 people, 81,662 households, and 61,328 families residing in the county. The population density was 421 people per square mile . There were 86,856 housing units at an average density of 154 per square mile...
Sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
's Department. Because Allendale
Allendale Charter Township, Michigan
Allendale Charter Township is a charter township of Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the township population was 20,708...
doesn't have its own police department, the Grand Valley State University Police can handle cases anywhere in Ottawa County, mainly in Allendale and the area surrounding the campus. The department handles other security issues, such as parking and driving violations, community policing, and lost and found. Allendale's volunteer fire department serves the campus. The Department of Public Safety also employs several students who assist the department by performing a variety of clerical and security based duties and services.
The Pew Campus Security and Regional Centers is an entity distinct from the Department of Public safety, and handles security and public safety issues for the Grand Rapids Pew Campus and all Regional Centers including the Holland (MI) Meijer Campus, the Muskegon (MI) campus and the Traverse City (MI) campus. This department is not sworn or certified and relies on the Grand Rapids Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies for official law enforcement when necessary.
Profile
Grand Valley State University offers over 200 areas of study, including 81 undergraduate majors and 29 graduate programs that include 74 graduate emphases and certificate programs at the certificate, bachelor's, post-bachelor's, master's, post-master's, and doctoral levels.Grand Valley's student body consists of 21,236 undergraduates and 3,426 graduate students across all campuses and centers with the majority being on the Allendale campus (as of Fall 2011). The fall 2011 incoming freshman undergraduate class of 3,927 students, represented all 83 Michigan counties, 23 states, and 18 countries. 3,291 freshman chose to live on-campus in fall 2011, while 636 chose to live off-campus.
GVSU's undergraduate admissions are classified as "more selective" by US News & World Report as Grand Valley admitted 69% of applicants for the 2008–2009 school year. The fall 2011 freshman class entered Grand Valley with an average high school GPA of a 3.51 and an average ACT composite score of a 24.
US News and World Report noted in its "Best Colleges 2011" that 98 percent of Grand Valley graduates either find employment or pursue advanced degrees after graduation.
Colleges
The university consists of eight degree-granting colleges:- F.E. Seidman College of BusinessSeidman College of BusinessThe Seidman College of Business is an American business school operated by Grand Valley State University. The college is named after Frank Edward Seidman, the father of L. William Seidman. The college is located at GVSU's Pew Grand Rapids campus in downtown Grand Rapids.It offers bachelor's and...
- College of Community and Public Services
- College of Education
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing
- College of Health Professions
- Kirkhof College of NursingKirkhof College of NursingThe Kirkhof College of Nursing is located at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan....
- Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
GVSU also is home to the Frederik Meijer Honors College, which is non-degree-granting, but is to provide a more challenging interdisciplinary education in a learning-living environment. The honors college is located in Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center on the south side of the Allendale campus.
Study abroad
The Barbara H. Padnos International Center collaborates with students who wish to study abroadStudy abroad
Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a country other than one's own. This can include primary, secondary and post-secondary students...
. Grand Valley has more than 4,000 study abroad programs, both affiliated with and independent from GVSU, from which students can choose.
Rankings
U.S. News and World Report ranked Grand Valley 7th in the “Top Public Regional Universities in the Midwest” category and 34th in the "Regional Universities (Midwest) tier 1" category for 2011. Grand Valley is also ranked a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton ReviewThe Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. The Princeton Review operates in 41 states and 22 countries across the globe. It offers test preparation for standardized aptitude tests such as the SAT and advice regarding college...
. GVSU is also ranked as one of "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes Magazine and the fourth in the state of Michigan, only behind the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
, and Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan, United States. Its main campus sits on on a bluff overlooking Portage Lake...
, in terms of quality of education and student achievement and experience. Grand Valley is ranked 10th among U.S. master's degree-granting institutions for total number of study abroad students, according to the Institute of International Education
Institute of International Education
Institute of International Education - is a non-profit organization promoting international exchange of education and training. It was established in 1919 and is based in the USA....
in New York. According to U.S. News and World Report, Grand Valley is also the number one most up-and-coming masters university in the Midwest, ahead of Xavier University, Butler University
Butler University
Butler University is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university offers 60 degree programs to 4,400 students through six colleges: business, communication, education, liberal Arts and sciences, pharmacy and health...
, Truman State University
Truman State University
Truman State University is a public liberal arts and sciences university in Missouri, United States and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. About 6,000 students attend Truman, pursuing degrees in 43 undergraduate and 9 Graduate programs. It is located in Kirksville in...
and Alverno College
Alverno College
Alverno College is a Roman Catholic, four-year, independent, liberal arts college, historically and still primarily a women's college located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin....
. As of fall 2009, GVSU had the third highest freshman to sophomore retention rate among Michigan's 15 public universities at 84 percent. For 14 consecutive years, Grand Valley has been named one of America's 100 Best College Buys by Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. The university has also been ranked as one of the top 25 "cutting edge" green colleges in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for 2009 by the Kaplan College Guide, the only Michigan university to receive this ranking. Upwards of 5,000 students are enrolled in health science related courses and majors, making GVSU the number one largest provider of health care professionals in Michigan. Grand Valley's Seidman College of Business is named one of "The Best 301 Business Schools" by The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. The Princeton Review operates in 41 states and 22 countries across the globe. It offers test preparation for standardized aptitude tests such as the SAT and advice regarding college...
. US News and World Report has also ranked several of GVSU's graduate programs as being some of the best in the country. These "top" programs include: Physical Therapy, Nursing, Social Work, Physicians Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Public Affairs, and Business.
Research
During the two years prior to October 2009 university researchers engaged in over 186 research projects funded by more than $32.7million in grants. Grand Valley's Annis Water Resources Institute
Annis Water Resources Institute
The Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute , is located in Muskegon, Michigan at the Lake Michigan Center on Muskegon Lake. The mission of the Institute is to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. AWRI is a multidisciplinary research...
conducts research on water resources, including: ecosystem structure and function, contaminants and toxicology, hydrology, land use, watershed, stream, and wetland ecology, water quality, and basic and applied limnology. GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center is a facility located in Muskegon, Michigan that promotes research, education and business development in alternative and renewable energy technologies.-History and development:...
(MAREC) recently received funding for its $3.7 million Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Assessment Project to test wind energy on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron...
. The research should take three years as a floating buoy will be used and moved to collect data from different locations on the lake.
Accreditation
Grand Valley as an institution is accredited by The Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in nineteen Midwestern and South-Central states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa,...
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
. Grand Valley also has baccalaureate program accreditation with AACSB, ABET
Abet
Abet may refer to:* Abet Guidaben , former Philippine Basketball Association basketball player* ABET, Inc., a non-profit organization that accredits higher education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology....
, APTA
American Physical Therapy Association
A Historical PerspectivePhysical therapists formed their first professional association in 1921, called the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association. Led by President Mary McMillan, an executive committee of elected officers governed the Association, which included 274 charter members...
, CSWE
Council on Social Work Education
The Council on Social Work Education is the national association for social work education in the United States of America.The CSWE sets and maintains standards of courses and accreditation of bachelor's degree's and Master's degree programs in social work.The CSWE specifies foundation social work...
, NASAD, NASM
National Association of Schools of Music
The National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music...
, NCATE, and NLN
National League for Nursing
The National League for Nursing is a national organization for faculty nurses and leaders in nurse education. It offers faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to more than 25,000 individual and 1,200 education and...
.
GVSU and MSUMichigan State UniversityMichigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
partnerships
The Michigan State University College of Human MedicineMichigan State University College of Human Medicine
The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is an academic division of Michigan State University , and grants the Doctor of Medicine degree. CHM was founded in 1964 as the first community-integrated medical school, and has a program that emphasizes patient-centered care and a...
maintains the Secchia Center, a medical campus in downtown Grand Rapids. Along with GVSU and two Grand Rapids hospitals, it is a founding member of the Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners. This partnership allows "educational opportunities for residents, fellows, practicing physicians, physician's assistants, nurses and students in other health professions."
The Early Assurance Program reserves spaces in MSU's medical program for top-performing GVSU pre-medical graduates. One of the goals of the program is to select first-generation college students, students from underprivileged areas, and/or students who have expressed a desire to work in medical specialties that are in high demand. Students entering the program must agree to work in under-served areas after completion of their medical degrees. The first group of six students entered this program during the fall 2010 semester.
The two universities have announced a joint program specializing in clinical trial
Clinical trial
Clinical trials are a set of procedures in medical research and drug development that are conducted to allow safety and efficacy data to be collected for health interventions...
management, aimed at providing the necessary foundations for carrying out clinical drug trials in West Michigan. It is an online
E-learning
E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process...
certificate program, and was started due to requests from local drug trial companies. The program is set to begin for the fall semester of 2011.
University libraries
The mission of the Grand Valley State University libraries is to "enrich the educational mission of the university by advancing intellectual growth and discovery. Through the acquisition, application, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge we strive to serve the community, the state, the nation, and the world."Library locations
Each library’s collection is tailored to its location and the programs it serves, with daily deliveries between sites.- Zumberge Library (Allendale)
- Steelcase Library (Grand Rapids)
- Frey Foundation Learning Center (Grand Rapids)
Library services
The University libraries offer opportunities for research, collaboration, and individual study. Collectively, the libraries subscribe to over 53,000 print and electronic journals. They also house more than 506,000 books in print and more than 507,000 electronic books.Collections
Government resources and mapsGrand Valley is a recipient of United States government documents and currently receives 44% of the documents distributed by the Federal Depository Library Program.
Curriculum Materials Library (CML)
The Curriculum Materials Library in the DeVos Center downtown houses instructional materials for preschool through grade twelve and provide spaces where education majors can preview resources, develop lesson plans, create media for the classroom, and try out teaching aides.
Special Collections & University Archives
Seidman House on the Allendale Campus houses the University Archives, which include extensive collections of rare books and Michigan novels, the Harvey Lemmen Collection on Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
and the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, the Dorothy A. Johnson Philanthropy Center Special Collections, and the papers of acclaimed Michigan author Jim Harrison
Jim Harrison
James "Jim" Harrison is an American author known for his poetry, fiction, essays, reviews, and writings about food. He has been called "a force of nature", and his work has been compared to that of William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway...
.
Digital Collections
The Digital Collections database contains a selection of photographs, correspondence, diaries, interviews, and publications from the holdings of the Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives, and other University entities.
New Allendale campus library
Grand Valley is moving forward with plans to build a new library on the Allendale campus. The new $70 million, 140000 square feet (13,006.4 m²) facility is planned to hold 150,000 books. It will also have an automated storage and retrieval system capable of handling 600,000 volumes. The library will be named the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, after the late Mary Idema Pew. Construction began in May 2011 and is planned to finish in the spring of 2013. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that GVSU's new library will be amongst $21 million in technical assistance projects to improve energy use in commercial buildings. The library will be one of only 24 projects in the United States receiving the assistantships that will be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.Athletics
The Grand Valley State Lakers are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Grand Valley State University. The GVSU Lakers compete at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceGreat Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a competitive intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division II. The GLIAC was founded in June 1972. Member institutions are located in the midwestern United States in the States of Michigan and Ohio, with affiliate...
(GLIAC). Grand Valley's varsity athletic teams have won nine national championships in five sports and have been national runners-up thirteen times in eight sports. GVSU has also won the prestigious National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors' Cup
NACDA Director's Cup
The NACDA Learfield Sports Directors' Cup is an award given annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to the colleges and universities with the most success in collegiate athletics...
for NCAA Division II schools in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 after finishing second in 2002 and 2003. The cup is awarded to the top athletic programs based on overall team national finishes. Grand Valley is the first college east of the Mississippi River to win the Director's Cup for NCAA Division II.
Fight song
"GVSU Victory!" which is sometimes referred to as "Grand Valley Victory" is the fight song for the Grand Valley State University Lakers.Arts
Fine arts
GVSU has a National Association of Schools of Art and DesignNational Association of Schools of Art and Design
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design , founded in 1944, is an accrediting organization of colleges, schools and universities in the United States. The organization establishes standards for graduate and undergraduate degrees. Member institutions complete periodic peer review...
(NASAD) accredited art program, including emphases in illustration
Illustration
An illustration is a displayed visualization form presented as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that is created to elucidate or dictate sensual information by providing a visual representation graphically.- Early history :The earliest forms of illustration were prehistoric...
, graphic design
Graphic design
Graphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
, ceramics, printmaking
Printmaking
Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints with an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction of a painting. Except in the case of monotyping, the process is capable...
, painting
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
, visual studies, and sculpture
Sculpture
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...
. Art students attend classes at the Calder Art Center, named for contemporary artist Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder was an American sculptor and artist most famous for inventing mobile sculptures. In addition to mobile and stable sculpture, Alexander Calder also created paintings, lithographs, toys, tapestry, jewelry and household objects.-Childhood:Alexander "Sandy" Calder was born in Lawnton,...
. The building includes exhibition space under the name of the Stuart & Barbara Padnos Art Gallery.
Admission into the GVSU art program requires an initial review of the potential student's work. Admitted students then undergo a series of foundation classes that properly introduce them to the formal basics of art. Passing the foundation review allows access to higher level art studies, and a choice of approaching an emphasis. Subsequent reviews may take place depending upon emphases, including both junior and senior level reviews.
Music
New Music EnsembleThe New Music Ensemble (NME), directed by Bill Ryan, has released two critically acclaimed CD's, the first a recording of Steve Reich
Steve Reich
Stephen Michael "Steve" Reich is an American composer who together with La Monte Young, Terry Riley, and Philip Glass is a pioneering composer of minimal music...
's Music for 18 Musicians
Music for 18 Musicians
Music for 18 Musicians is a work of musical minimalism composed by Steve Reich during 1974-1976. Its world premiere was on April 24, 1976 at Town Hall, New York. Following this, a recording of the piece was released by ECM New Series...
, which appeared on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart, and the second entitled In C Remixed, a remix project of Terry Riley
Terry Riley
Terrence Mitchell Riley, is an American composer intrinsically associated with the minimalist school of Western classical music and was a pioneer of the movement...
's In C
In C
In C is a semi-aleatoric musical piece composed by Terry Riley in 1964 for any number of people, although he suggests "a group of about 35 is desired if possible but smaller or larger groups will work"...
, which featured the work of some of the top electronic composers and DJ's in the world, including Todd Reynolds, Michael Lowenstern
Michael Lowenstern
Michael Lowenstern in the Hyde Park neighborhood, is an American bass clarinetist and composer specializing in new music....
, and Pulitzer prize winner David Lang
David Lang (composer)
David Lang is an American composer living in New York City. He was awarded the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Music for The Little Match Girl Passion.-Biography:...
. The NME performed at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City on November 2, 2009 and previously at the 2007 Bang on a Can
Bang on a Can
Bang on a Can is a multi-faceted classical music organization based in New York City. It was founded in 1987 by three American composers who remain its artistic directors: Julia Wolfe, David Lang, and Michael Gordon...
festival.
Trumpet ensemble
Directed by Richard Stoelzel, Grand Valley's trumpet ensemble has been a top competitor in the National Trumpet Competition
National Trumpet Competition
The National Trumpet Competition is an annual competition held at George Mason University. Trumpeters from all over the country come to George Mason around mid March to duke it out for the title of Best Trumpeter in their division.- The Instrument :...
for nearly a decade, placing 1st in the ensemble division in 2006 and 2008. The ensemble has commissioned 4 pieces by composer Erik Morales
Erik Morales
Érik Isaac Morales Elvira is a Mexican professional boxer. He is the first Mexican born boxer in history to win a world title in four weight classes and is the current WBC Light Welterweight Champion...
since 2005, two of which went on to become the winning pieces, and one of which is still currently unpremiered. The trumpet ensemble has performed twice during the International Trumpet Guild
International Trumpet Guild
The International Trumpet Guild is a group of about 6000 trumpet players from around the world. Four journals are sent out every year to all members along with occasional instructional and practice items . The ITG hosts many competitions and conferences for trumpet players of all levels and...
's summer conferences in 2007 and 2009.
Student life
The Office of Student Life at GVSU is located in the Kirkhof CenterKirkhof Center
The Russel H. Kirkhof Center is a student union on the main Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University located in Allendale, Michigan. The center, originally called “Campus Center”, was dedicated in 1974 and renamed to its current name in 1984....
near the center of the Allendale campus. Its offices are home to the Community Service Learning Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Laker Leadership Programs, Major Campus Events and Traditions, Student Organizations, and the Transitions Orientation Program.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
As of winter 2011 the GVSU Fraternity and Sorority Community consists of 1184 undergraduate members, representing approximately 6% of the undergraduate population.Fraternities
Interfraternity Council (IFC)- Alpha Sigma PhiAlpha Sigma PhiAlpha Sigma Phi Fraternity is a social fraternity with 71 active chapters and 9 colonies. Founded at Yale in 1845, it is the 10th oldest fraternity in the United States....
- Alpha Tau OmegaAlpha Tau OmegaAlpha Tau Omega is a secret American leadership and social fraternity.The Fraternity has more than 250 active and inactive chapters, more than 200,000 initiates, and over 7,000 active undergraduate members. The 200,000th member was initiated in early 2009...
- Delta Sigma PhiDelta Sigma PhiDelta Sigma Phi is a fraternity established at the City College of New York in 1899 and is a charter member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. The headquarters of the fraternity is the Taggart Mansion located in Indianapolis, Indiana...
- Delta Tau DeltaDelta Tau DeltaDelta Tau Delta is a U.S.-based international secret letter college fraternity. Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College, Bethany, Virginia, . It currently has around 125 student chapters nationwide, as well as more than 25 regional alumni groups. Its national community service...
- Delta UpsilonDelta UpsilonDelta Upsilon is the sixth oldest international, all-male, college Greek-letter organization, and is the oldest non-secret fraternity in North America...
- Kappa SigmaKappa SigmaKappa Sigma , commonly nicknamed Kappa Sig, is an international fraternity with currently 282 active chapters and colonies in North America. Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 240,000 men on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Today, the Fraternity has over 175,000 living...
- Sigma Phi EpsilonSigma Phi EpsilonSigma Phi Epsilon , commonly nicknamed SigEp or SPE, is a social college fraternity for male college students in the United States. It was founded on November 1, 1901, at Richmond College , and its national headquarters remains in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded on three principles: Virtue,...
- Sigma PiSigma PiSigma Pi is an international college secret and social fraternity founded in 1897 at Vincennes University. Sigma Pi International fraternity currently has 127 chapters and 4 colonies in the United States and Canada and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee...
- Theta ChiTheta ChiTheta Chi Fraternity is an international college fraternity. It was founded on April 10, 1856 as the Theta Chi Society, at Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, U.S., and was the 21st of the 71 North-American Interfraternity Conference men's fraternities.-Founding and early years at Norwich:Theta...
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
- Sigma Lambda BetaSigma Lambda BetaSigma Lambda Beta is the largest Latino-based social fraternity established on cultural understanding and wisdom. Founded on April 4, 1986 at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, the organization is committed to create and expand multicultural leadership, promote academic excellence, advance...
National Pan-Hellenic Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine"...
(NPHC)
- Alpha Phi AlphaAlpha Phi AlphaAlpha Phi Alpha is the first Inter-Collegiate Black Greek Letter fraternity. It was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Its founders are known as the "Seven Jewels". Alpha Phi Alpha developed a model that was used by the many Black Greek Letter Organizations ...
- Kappa Alpha PsiKappa Alpha PsiKappa Alpha Psi is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin...
- Phi Beta Sigma Phi Beta SigmaPhi Beta Sigma is a predominantly African-American fraternity which was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The founders A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I...
- Iota Phi Theta
- Omega Psi PhiOmega Psi PhiOmega Psi Phi is a fraternity and is the first African-American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.. The founders were three Howard University juniors, Edgar Amos...
Sororities
National Panhellenic ConferenceNational Panhellenic Conference
The National Panhellenic Conference , founded in 1902, is an umbrella organization for 26 national women's sororities.Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae...
(NPC)
- Alpha Sigma AlphaAlpha Sigma AlphaAlpha Sigma Alpha is a US national sorority founded on November 15, 1901 at the Virginia State Female Normal School in Farmville, Virginia...
- Alpha Omicron PiAlpha Omicron PiAlpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community. ΑΟΠ was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College on the campus...
- Delta ZetaDelta ZetaDelta Zeta is an international college sorority founded on October 24, 1902, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Today, Delta Zeta has 158 collegiate chapters in the United States and over 200 alumnae chapters in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada...
- Alpha Sigma TauAlpha Sigma TauAlpha Sigma Tau is a national Panhellenic sorority founded on November 4, 1899, at Michigan State Normal College...
- Sigma KappaSigma KappaSigma Kappa is a sorority founded in 1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Sigma Kappa was founded by five women: Mary Caffrey Low Carver, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Mabel Fuller Pierce, Frances Elliott Mann Hall and Louise Helen Coburn...
- Phi Sigma SigmaPhi Sigma SigmaPhi Sigma Sigma , colloquially known as "Phi Sig," was the first collegiate nonsectarian fraternity, welcoming women of all faiths and backgrounds...
- Phi MuPhi MuPhi Mu is the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States. It was founded at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. The organization was founded as the Philomathean Society on January 4, 1852, and was announced publicly on March 4 of the same year...
- Gamma Phi BetaGamma Phi BetaGamma Phi Beta is an international sorority that was founded on November 11, 1874, at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. The term "sorority," meaning sisterhood, was coined for Gamma Phi Beta by Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at Syracuse University.The four founders are Helen M. Dodge,...
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
- Delta Phi LambdaDelta Phi LambdaDelta Phi Lambda is an Asian-interest sorority that expands from the Southeast to the Midwest regions of the United States. It was founded by Anh Ngoc Nguyen and six other women at the University of Georgia on December 5, 1998....
- Sigma Lambda UpsilonSigma Lambda UpsilonSigma Lambda Upsilon or Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-based sorority founded on December 1, 1987 at Binghamton University.-History:...
National Pan-Hellenic Council
National Pan-Hellenic Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine"...
(NPHC)
- Alpha Kappa AlphaAlpha Kappa AlphaAlpha Kappa Alpha is the first Greek-lettered sorority established and incorporated by African American college women. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of nine students, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle...
- Delta Sigma ThetaDelta Sigma ThetaDelta Sigma Theta is a non-profit Greek-lettered sorority of college-educated women who perform public service and place emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University...
- Sigma Gamma RhoSigma Gamma RhoSigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on the campus of Butler University on November 12, 1922, by seven school teachers in Indianapolis, Indiana...
Honorary & professional organizations
- Delta Sigma PiDelta Sigma PiΔΣΠ ' is one of the largest co-ed professional business fraternities. Delta Sigma Pi was founded on November 7, 1907 at the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance, New York University, New York, New York and is currently headquartered in Oxford, Ohio...
- Professional Fraternity Association - Order of OmegaOrder of OmegaThe Order of Omega is an undergraduate Greek society recognizing "fraternity men and women who have attained a high standard of leadership in inter-fraternity activities." It functions as an adjunct to traditional fraternal organizations, rather than a social or professional group in se...
- National Fraternity and Sorority Life Leadership Honorary - Omicron Delta KappaOmicron Delta KappaOmicron Delta Kappa, or ΟΔΚ, also known as The Circle, or more commonly ODK, is a national leadership honor society. It was founded December 3, 1914, at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, by 15 student and faculty leaders. Chapters, known as Circles, are located on over 300...
- National Collegiate Leadership Honorary - Alpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi OmegaAlpha Phi Omega is the largest collegiate fraternity in the United States, with chapters at over 350 campuses, an active membership of approximately 17,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni members...
- National CoEd Service Fraternity - Kappa Kappa PsiKappa Kappa PsiKappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
- National Honorary Bands Fraternity - Sigma Alpha IotaSigma Alpha IotaSigma Alpha Iota , International Music Fraternity for Women. Formed to "uphold the highest standards of music" and "to further the development of music in America and throughout the world", it continues to provide musical and educational resources to its members and the general public...
- National Music Fraternity for Women - Phi Mu Alpha SinfoniaPhi Mu Alpha SinfoniaPhi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is an American collegiate social fraternity for men with a special interest in music...
- National Music Fraternity - Beta Alpha PsiBeta Alpha PsiΒΑΨ is a national honors business organization for highly successful accounting, finance and information systems students and professionals. It was founded on February 12, 1919 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently headquartered in Durham, North Carolina...
- International Honorary Organization for Finance, Accounting, and Information Systems - Phi Sigma PiPhi Sigma PiPhi Sigma Pi is a national coeducational honor fraternity based in the United States. The fraternity is a 501 not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania, with the purpose of fostering the ideals of scholarship, leadership and fellowship...
- National Honor Fraternity - Phi Chi ThetaPhi Chi ThetaΦΧΘ is a co-ed professional business and economics fraternity. Phi Chi Theta was founded as a women's business fraternity on June 16, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. Today, Phi Chi Theta comprises 37 collegiate and alumni chapters across the United States.-History:Phi Chi Theta was formed by the merger...
- Professional CoEd Business Fraternity
Sustainability
Grand Valley's Sustainable Community Development Initiative provides "Grand Valley administration, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders with the required skills and capabilities to become better stewards and responsible global citizens in the workforce, communities, and family life." Notable programs include a community garden near the GVSU Allendale campus and a campus sustainability week in October. The university has created a formal climate action plan and set a goal to reduce it's 2006 level greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020. The university's sustainability efforts were awarded a "A-" by the Sustainable Endowments Institute for 2011. Grand Valley's overall sustainability grade is the highest amongst the nine Michigan universities that were surveyed and the 28th best in the nation.The university is currently home to eleven Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
) buildings or building additions. Several more buildings including the new Mary Idema Pew Library are in construction or planning stages to be LEED certified as well. All new construction and major renovations at GVSU must meet LEED standards required by the university.
The Student Environmental Coalition or SEC, is the student-run sustainability organization on campus. The mission of the group is "Helping to engage students at Grand Valley's campus to be conscious citizens by promotion of environmental awareness."
Grand Valley hosted meetings relating to sustainability, including a summit in which various sustainability issues were explored by university officials and local experts in April 2010, and a meeting of the Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council in July 2010 to discuss offshore wind energy generation.
Media
GVSU has a variety of media outlets offered to its campuses.The Grand Valley Lanthorn
Grand Valley Lanthorn
The Grand Valley Lanthorn is the student-run newspaper for Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. The Lanthorn is printed twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year . It is not printed over academic breaks, and there are typically two issues over the summer...
is the student-run newspaper, published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year. Copies of the paper are free and available at both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses in designated newsstands and online. Until the fall of 2006, the paper was only published once per week. Currently 8,000 copies of the paper are published per issue totaling 16,000 copies per week.
GVSU has several electronic media outlets including three radio stations and three television stations. The university owns and operates its own Public Broadcasting Service
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
(PBS) Public television station WGVU-TV
WGVU-TV
WGVU-TV is the Public Broadcasting Service member public television station for West Michigan, broadcasting on channel 35 in Grand Rapids. It operates a full-time satellite, WGVK, channel 52 in Kalamazoo...
in Allendale, Michigan and WGVK-TV
WGVU-TV
WGVU-TV is the Public Broadcasting Service member public television station for West Michigan, broadcasting on channel 35 in Grand Rapids. It operates a full-time satellite, WGVK, channel 52 in Kalamazoo...
, its full time satellite station in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to...
. In addition, GVSU also operates two National Public Radio (NPR) stations in WGVU (AM) and WGVU-FM
WGVU-FM
WGVU-FM is a radio station that serves that Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area and is simulcasted throughout Western Michigan. The main broadcast frequency is 88.5 MHz, which is licensed to Allendale/Grand Rapids. It is simulcast on WGVS-FM 95.3 MHz, which is licensed to Whitehall/Muskegon. The...
with the same call letters, which feature a mixture of jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
, and news
News
News is the communication of selected information on current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or word of mouth to a third party or mass audience.- Etymology :...
, including local and NPR programming. WCKS
WCKS (college radio)
WCKS "The Whale", is a student radio station at Grand Valley State University. It is a member of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. The College radio station broadcasts in a freeform radio format on 1610 AM and on Internet radio, but in 2009 the station sought approval from the U.S. Federal...
"The Whale" is the student-run radio station, broadcasting over the internet and on a soon-to-be announced FM channel. GVTV is the student-run television station on channel 10 on the university cable system.
Student organizations
As of 2010, GVSU has over 300 student-run organizations. Student organizations include categories in, but are not limited to, Academic and Professional, Student Life Sports, Cultural, Honorary, Interfaith and Religious, Media, Performing Arts, Service and Advocacy, and Special Interests.Housing and residence life
Grand Valley State University is home to 29 living centers (residence halls) and three on-campus apartment complexes on its main Allendale campus, and two residence halls on its Pew Grand Rapids campus, totaling 6,068 beds. GVSU also has six individual dining halls on campus for students and faculty. These dining halls are housed in five facilities with five halls being on the Allendale campus and one on the Pew campus.Academic communities
- Art - Calder Residence
- Frederick Meijer Honors College - Glenn A. Niemeyer Learning and Living Center
- Healthy Choices Housing (WELL) - North Living Center C
- International House - Mark A. Murray Living Center
- Pre-Law (PERL) - Mark A. Murray Living Center
- Women in Science, Engineering, and Math (WISE) - South Living Center C
Community outreach
Special programs, centers, and smart zones at Grand Valley include:- AutismAutismAutism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
Education Center - Barbara H. Padnos International Center
- Charter schoolCharter schoolCharter schools are primary or secondary schools that receive public money but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter...
s - Center for Business EthicsBusiness ethicsBusiness ethics is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations.Business...
- Children's Enrichment Center
- Community Service Learning Center
- Cook-Devos Center for Health Services
- Dorothy A. Johnson Center for PhilanthropyPhilanthropyPhilanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...
and Non-Profit LeadershipLeadershipLeadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:... - Family Health Center
- Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors
- Frederick Meijer Honors College
- Grand Valley Business Alliance
- Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
- Jay Van AndelJay Van AndelJay Van Andel was an American businessman best known as co-founder of the Amway Corporation, along with Richard DeVos. He also served as Chairman of the U.S...
Global Trade Center - LGBTLGBTLGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
Resource Center - Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy CenterMichigan Alternative and Renewable Energy CenterThe Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center is a facility located in Muskegon, Michigan that promotes research, education and business development in alternative and renewable energy technologies.-History and development:...
- MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
Small businessSmall businessA small business is a business that is privately owned and operated, with a small number of employees and relatively low volume of sales. Small businesses are normally privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships...
and TechnologyTechnologyTechnology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
Development Center - Doctor of Physical TherapyPhysical therapyPhysical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
program - Regional Math and Science Center
- Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Learning Center
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources InstituteAnnis Water Resources InstituteThe Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute , is located in Muskegon, Michigan at the Lake Michigan Center on Muskegon Lake. The mission of the Institute is to integrate research, education, and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. AWRI is a multidisciplinary research...
- West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative
- WGVU TV (WGVU-TVWGVU-TVWGVU-TV is the Public Broadcasting Service member public television station for West Michigan, broadcasting on channel 35 in Grand Rapids. It operates a full-time satellite, WGVK, channel 52 in Kalamazoo...
) and Radio (WGVU (AM) and WGVU-FMWGVU-FMWGVU-FM is a radio station that serves that Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area and is simulcasted throughout Western Michigan. The main broadcast frequency is 88.5 MHz, which is licensed to Allendale/Grand Rapids. It is simulcast on WGVS-FM 95.3 MHz, which is licensed to Whitehall/Muskegon. The...
) - Women's Center
Regional events
The university hosts several high school level regional events throughout the year, including FIRST Robotics and Science OlympiadScience Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an American elementary, middle, or high school team competition which tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Over 6,200 teams from 49 U.S. states compete each year. Most teams compete in three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals...
. Grand Valley hosted the Science Olympiad National Tournament in 1998.
Notable people
Alumni
- Howard BaileyHoward Bailey (baseball)Howard L. Bailey is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for three seasons. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1978. He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1981 to 1983, playing in 50 career games.-External links:...
- Former Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
pitcher - Brandon BarnesBrandon Barnes (offensive lineman)Brandon Barnes is an American football offensive tackle for the Milwaukee Iron of the Arena Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Grand Valley State.Barnes has also been a member of the Green Bay Blizzard and...
- Offensive lineman for the NFL Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... - John R. Beyrle - Current United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation
- Josh BourkeJosh BourkeJoshua Nathan Bourke is a professional Canadian football player currently playing for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.- Early years :...
- Tackle for the CFL Montreal AlouettesMontreal AlouettesThe Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions... - Brian CalleyBrian CalleyBrian Calley , an American politician from the Republican Party is the 61st and current Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan...
- Michigan House of Representatives, American Banker, Republican politician, current Lieutenant Governor of MichiganLieutenant Governor of MichiganThe Lieutenant Governor of Michigan is the second-ranking official in U.S. state of Michigan, behind the governor, and one of four great offices of state... - Brandon CarrBrandon CarrBrandon Carey Carr is an American football cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League-College career:...
- Fifth round draft pick of the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... - Jeff ChadwickJeff ChadwickJeffrey Allan Chadwick , is a former professional American football player. A 6'3", 185-lb. wide receiver from Grand Valley State University, Chadwick was never drafted by a National Football League team, but did play in 10 NFL seasons from 1983 to 1992 for the Detroit Lions, the Seattle Seahawks,...
- Former NFL Wide Receiver - Greg ColtonGreg ColtonGreg Colton is an American animation director. Colton is most notably known for directing several episodes of the animated series Family Guy and Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy....
- Director and storyboard revisionist for the animated tv series Family GuyFamily GuyFamily Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian... - Mark DeweyMark DeweyMark Alan Dewey is a former Major League Baseball player. He is currently a pitching coach for the Washington Wild Things, an independent professional baseball team in the Frontier League. Born in Grand Rapids, Dewey played for the Grand Valley State University Lakers. In 1987, he struck out 87...
- Former Major League Baseball pitcher - Patrick Sheane DuncanPatrick Sheane DuncanPatrick Sheane Duncan is an American writer, film producer and director.A graduate of Grand Valley State University in Allendale Charter Township, Michigan, Duncan's career has been influenced by his Vietnam War experiences, which inspired the television mini-series Vietnam War Story and its...
- Screenwriter, director (Mr. Holland's OpusMr. Holland's OpusMr. Holland's Opus is a 1995 American drama film directed by Stephen Herek, produced by Ted Field, Robert W. Cort, and Michael Nolin, and Executive Produced by Patrick Sheane Duncan. It stars Richard Dreyfuss in the title role, and the cast includes Glenne Headly, Olympia Dukakis, William H. Macy...
, Courage Under FireCourage Under FireCourage Under Fire is a 1996 film directed by Edward Zwick, and starring Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips and Matt Damon. It is one of the first films to depict the 1991 Gulf War.-Plot:...
) - Darnell EarleyDarnell EarleyDarnell Earley is the current city manager of Saginaw, Michigan. He served as interim mayor of Flint, Michigan after the recall of Woodrow Stanley. He is also an ordained Baptist deacon.-Early life:...
- Former interim mayor of Flint, MichiganFlint, MichiganFlint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
and current city manager of Saginaw, MichiganSaginaw, MichiganSaginaw is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the seat of Saginaw County. The city of Saginaw was once a thriving lumber town and manufacturing center. Saginaw and Saginaw County lie in the Flint/Tri-Cities region of Michigan... - Ron EssinkRon EssinkRonald Arden Essink is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 10th round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played college football at Grand Valley State.-References:...
- Former NFL offensive tackle of the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... - Tony Ferguson - Winner of season 13 of The Ultimate FighterThe Ultimate FighterThe Ultimate Fighter is an American reality television series and mixed martial arts competition produced by Spike TV and the Ultimate Fighting Championship , and soon to be shown on FX. The show features unknown, professional MMA fighters living together in Las Vegas, Nevada, and follows them as...
- UFC - Cullen FinnertyCullen FinnertyCullen Finnerty is an American football quarterback whose most recent team in the National Football League was the Denver Broncos . He was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- Free agent NFL quarterback - Frank FosterFrank Foster (Michigan politician)Frank Foster is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is currently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 107th District which covers Chippewa, Emmet and Mackinac counties, as well as Koehler and Tuscarora townships in Cheboygan County...
- Current member of the Michigan House of Representatives serving the 107th District - Eric FowlerEric FowlerEric Fowler is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Detroit Lions. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Grand Valley State.Fowler has also been a member of the St...
- Current NFL wide receiver - Robert GenetskiRobert GenetskiRobert Genetski is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is currently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 88th District which covers Allegan County, including the cities of Holland, Allegan, Douglas Fennville, Plainwell, Saugatuck, South Haven,...
- Current member of the Michigan House of Representatives serving the 88th District - Thomas HookerThomas Hooker (Michigan politician)Thomas Hooker is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is currently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 77th District which covers the city of Wyoming and Byron Township. Representative Hooker was elected in 2010 and is currently serving his...
- Current member of the Michigan House of Representatives serving the 77th District - Derrick JonesDerrick JonesDerrick Brandon Jones is an American football defensive end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- NFL Defensive Tackle/End of the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... - Margo F. JonkerMargo F. JonkerMargo F. Jonker is an American softball coach and the current head coach of the Central Michigan Chippewas. During her 31 years as head coach, the Chippewas have gone to the NCAA tournament 13 times and have 11 MAC titles. Jonker was formerly an assistant softball coach at Grand Valley State...
- Assistant softball coach for the United States at the 2000 Summer OlympicsUnited States at the 2000 Summer OlympicsThe United States competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.- Gold:* Athletics** Men’s 100 metre sprint: Maurice Greene in a time of 9.87 seconds...
in Sydney Australia, Head softball coach of the Central Michigan ChippewasCentral Michigan ChippewasThe Central Michigan Chippewas are the sixteen men's and women's athletics teams of Central Michigan University. CMU was a member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1950-1970. The school's athletics programs are affiliated with the NCAA and compete in the Mid-American... - John KeatingJohn Keating (sportscaster)John Keating is a Fox Sports Detroit host and reporter. He was born in Madison Heights, Michigan. He attended Grand Valley State University. Keating has won five Michigan Emmys during his time at FOX Sports Detroit.-Radio career:...
- Fox Sports NetFox Sports NetThe Fox Sports Regional Networks, or simply Fox Sports Net , are a collection of cable TV regional sports networks in the United States owned and operated by News Corporation.- Beginnings :...
personality who used on air name of Steve Knight while in Grand Rapids. - David KircusDavid KircusDavid Kircus is a gridiron football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft after playing college football at Grand Valley State University....
- Former NFL wide receiver for the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Keyonta MarshallKeyonta MarshallKeyonta D. Marshall is an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him out of Grand Valley State University. Marshall appeared in one game for the Eagles in 2005, but the team cut him prior to the start of the 2006 season...
- Former NFL defensive tackle for the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Nick McDonaldNick McDonaldNick McDonald is an American football guard who is currently a member of the New England Patriots of the National Football League. McDonald was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2010...
- Current rookie Offensive Lineman for the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... - Rick OutmanRick OutmanRick Outman is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is currently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 70th District which covers Montcalm County and portions of the city of Ionia and Berlin Township as well as the townships of Easton, Ionia,...
- Current member of the Michigan House of Representatives serving the 70th District - Tommy RemengesauTommy RemengesauThomas Esang Remengesau, Jr. is a Palauan politician who served as president of Palau from 2001 to 2009.He became vice-president in 1992 and was elected as president in 2000; he took office on January 1, 2001. He wished to make Palau less dependent upon United States aid, and to promote limited...
- Former President of the Republic of PalauPalauPalau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a... - Brian RiderBrian RiderBrian Rider is an American computer scientist, information architect and businessman. He is the founder of Digital Wingman located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rider started Digital Wingman from his freshman dorm room at Grand Valley State University in 2006....
- Computer ScientistComputer scientistA computer scientist is a scientist who has acquired knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application in computer systems....
and Information Architect, best known as the Founder of Digital Wingman which begun in his freshman dorm room at Grand Valley. - Rob RubickRob RubickRobin James Rubick is a former NFL Tight End for the Detroit Lions. He attended Grand Valley State. He was drafted in the 1982 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions in the twelfth round....
- Former NFL tight end of the Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... - Michael SakMichael SakMichael G. Sak was a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He was a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives, representing the 76th district, located in urban Grand Rapids...
- Former member of the Michigan House of Representatives - Virgil L. SharptonVirgil L. SharptonVirgil L. Sharpton was named Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in May 2006. He joined the faculty at the UAF in 1998 with a joint appointment between the Geophysical Institute and the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the and was awarded tenure in 2000...
- Administrator at University of Alaska FairbanksUniversity of Alaska FairbanksThe University of Alaska Fairbanks, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska System, and is abbreviated as Alaska or UAF....
and member of the US Arctic Research Commission - Bill SheridanBill SheridanBill Sheridan is an American football coach who is currently the inside linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was a coach for a number of college teams, including Notre Dame and Michigan State. From 2005 to 2008 he was the linebackers coach for the New York...
- Linebackers coach for the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Dan SkutaDan SkutaDan Skuta is an American football linebacker and fullback who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He played his college football at Grand Valley State University.-References:...
- Linebacker who plays for the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... - Jon SwitalskiJon SwitalskiJon Switalski is a Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. He is a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives, representing the 25th District which covers parts of Warren and Sterling Heights....
- Member of the Michigan House of Representatives serving the 25th District. Former Macomb County Commissioner - Matt ThorntonMatt ThorntonMatthew J. Thornton , is a left-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Before the season, Thornton was with the Seattle Mariners.-College and minor league baseball:...
- Pitcher for the Chicago White SoxChicago White SoxThe Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans... - Frosty WooldridgeFrosty WooldridgeFrosty Wooldridge is an American journalist, writer, environmentalist, traveler, and figure in the anti-illegal immigration movement in the United States....
- Journalist and writer
Faculty and staff
- Tom BeckTom BeckTom Beck is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Illinois Benedictine College, now Benedictine University, from 1970 to 1974, Elmhurst College from 1976 to 1983, and Grand Valley State University from 1985 to 1990...
- Football head coach, 1985–1990 - Mary de YoungMary de YoungMary de Young is a professor of sociology at Grand Valley State University, where from 2000-2003 she served as the head of the sociology department...
- Sociology professor and author - Don Dufek, Sr.Don Dufek, Sr.Don Dufek, Sr. is a former American football player and athletic director at Grand Valley State University and Kent State University. He is the father of All-American football players Don, and Bill as well as Joe who all played in the National Football League....
- Athletic director, 1972–1976 - Brady HokeBrady HokeBrady Hoke is the head football coach at the University of Michigan. He is in his first season. He grew up in Ohio and attended Ball State University where he played linebacker from 1977 to 1980...
- Defensive line coach, 1983 and current Michigan Wolverines head football coach - Brian KellyBrian Kelly (coach)Brian Keith Kelly is an American football coach and former player in the United States. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, a position he has held since the 2010 season...
- Football head coach, 1991–2003 and current Notre Dame football coach - Chuck Martin - Football head coach, 2005–2009
- David PlowdenDavid PlowdenDavid Plowden , is an American photographer known for his historical documentary photography of urban cities, steam trains, American farmlands, and small towns....
- Photographer and lecturer - Jay Smith - Basketball head coach, 1996-97
- Gleaves WhitneyGleaves WhitneyGleaves Whitney is the director of Grand Valley State University's Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. He has authored or edited 14 books. Whitney is also a senior scholar at the Center for the American Idea in Houston, Texas, and he is the first senior fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for...
- Author and director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
In popular culture
- Tony DanzaTony DanzaTony Danza is an American actor best known for starring on the TV series Taxi and Who's the Boss?, for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award and four Golden Globe Awards...
visited an ItalianItalian languageItalian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
class in 2005, and the appearance was featured on The Tony Danza ShowThe Tony Danza ShowThe Tony Danza Show was a daytime talk show hosted by Tony Danza, but was also a sitcom featuring the same actor ....
on May 4, 2005. Danza gave the class a free 5-day trip to RomeRomeRome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.