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CAMPUS NEWS

New Provost Named

President Thomas J. Haas announced his selection of Maria Cimitile to become provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Grand Valley State University. Her three-year term of service in the position will begin on July 1 with the opportunity for an extension. Cimitile is currently Grand Valley's associate vice president for Academic Affairs. She will succeed Gayle Davis who is retiring after 15 years in the position.

Cimitile joined Grand Valley as an assistant professor in philosophy in 1999. She became an associate dean for Students and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2005, returning to her faculty position three years later. She began working in various positions within the provost's office in 2009 and rose to her current position as associate vice president in 2015. Cimitile earned a Ph.D. from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree from Villanova and a bachelor’s degree from College of the Holy Cross, all in philosophy. Read more...

Women's Center Named for Davis

Provost Gayle R. Davis received surprise announcements during two retirement celebrations held April 18 and April 20. On April 18 she learned that a scholarship for first generation students has been established in her name; and during the April 20 reception at the Kirkhof Center, it was announced that the Women's Center at Grand Valley will be named in her honor. President Thomas J. Haas said the naming of the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity aligns with Davis' commitment and passion for inclusion and equity.

Donations to the scholarship fund can be made here.

April Commencement

This year's commencement on April 28 and 29 in Grand Rapids marked the 50th anniversary of Grand Valley's first ceremony that took place on June 18, 1967 in Allendale. This year more than 3,200 students walked across the stage.

Students heard addresses from Shelley Padnos, chair of the executive committee of the board of Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company; Sean Patrick Welsh, executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank; and Erion Veliaj, Grand Valley alumnus and mayor of Tirana, Albania.

The Grand Valley Alumni Association presented its Distinguished Alumni Award to Eglantina Gjermeni, '98, minister of urban development for the Republic of Albania. The Outstanding Educator Award was presented to Sheryl Vlietstra, affiliate professor of elementary teacher education. Gary Verplank, Ellen Thompson and Nancy Mulnix Tweddale received honorary degrees.

Interested? You can learn more about commencement at www.gvsu.edu/commencement.

RETIREE NEWS

Retiree Reception

The Annual Retiree Reception is June 19 at 3:00 p.m in the Eberhard Center. As many have noticed, we have outgrown the Alumni House, and will move the reception to the Eberhard Center. We will continue to have valet parking and we will have other assistance available to make sure everyone gets to the 2nd floor.

President Emeritus Lubbers and President Haas are excited for the opportunity to see everyone; invitations to follow! If you have any questions, contact Jarrett Martus in University Development at 331-5578 or martusja@gvsu.edu.

GVSU YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel offers numerous videos that are informational and entertaining. The #GVLakerEffect playlist features a 1-minute synopsis of students and alumni sharing their Laker Effect stories. Take a look at Autumn Modena as just one of the many examples of how members of the GVSU community are changing the world.

Will Power Summer Camp
Do you have grandchildren who are interested in theater? Register them here for GVSU's Shakespeare Festival Will Power Summer Camp! Professional actors from Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company will lead campers through a variety of workshops and activities where they will learn about one of Shakespeare's plays and experience the process of drama. More information can be found at the Will Power Summer Camp website.

Contribute to Grand Valley's History
GVSU Archives is looking for Grand Valley memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs to add to its collections. GVSU Archives preserves Grand Valley’s history and makes it available to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public for education and research use. Looking for: Photos of campus/events, posters, yearbooks, etc. Not looking for: Issues of the Lanthorn, personal photos, course catalogs, course textbooks, course schedules, or class materials. Contact Archivist Annie Benefiel at (616) 331-8727 or benefiea@gvsu.edu about anything you may want to give.

In addition, GVSU's official history is updated on the 50th anniversary site, and the historical timeline is updated bi-annually. Take a walk down memory lane and learn more about the history of Grand Valley!

Photo: President's Ball circa 1990.

Retiree Connection: Stay Informed
Retiree Connection is dedicated to providing you with the resources you need in any situation. Take a look at the newest information available on our Stay Informed page, where updated information is provided in three different categories:

Enewsletter: view the latest edition of the Retiree Newsletter or any in the archive.
In the Know: various articles, links, and newsletters provided for your information.
Events: stay up-to-date on retiree and campus happenings.

ATHLETICS

Men's Golf Finishes 5th at NCAA Super Regional Tournament

AXTELL, Neb. -- The Grand Valley State men's golf team was nothing if not consistent in the third and final round of play at the NCAA Midwest/Central Regional tournament on Wednesday, carding a 281 for the third round in a row and finishing fifth among the 20-team field at 843 (-21). After being solidly entrenched in fourth place for the opening two rounds of play, the last qualifying position for the national championship, the Lakers were bumped out of the qualifying quartet due to a final round surge by Arkansas Tech.

Domenic Mancinelli was the top finisher for the Lakers at 205 (-11), which was good for a sixth place finish amongst individuals. He carded a 70 in the final round with three birdies, and finished with 39 pars in the three-day event. Alex Scott finished the event at 213 (-3) after shooting a final round of 71, followed by Owen Rush at 214 (-2). Rush shot a 73 in the final round with two birdies.

Alex Nannetti capped off the tournament with an impressive final round of 67, in which he converted four birdies and an eagle to finish five under and bring him to 215 (-1) overall. Rounding out the scoring was Bryce Messner, who finished at 221 (+5) after carding a round of 77.

Central Missouri won the event with a combined total of 831 (-33), followed by Ferris State (836), Lindenwood (838), and Arkansas Tech (840) to round out the top four. McKendree University's Keenai Sampson was the top individual finisher, tabbing three rounds under 70 to finish at 199 (-17).

GVSU Irwin Club

As Laker Athletics continues its growth and success it is important to keep our eyes on the future. We have introduced a NEW comprehensive benefits level chart with focus on our future. These benefits provide you with a great opportunity to support our student athletes as well by being engaged and involved in our activities throughout the year. Please take some time to explore our site and our new benefits level chart. If you have questions please contact Janine Warfield at warfielj@gvsu.edu or call 616-331-2330.

EVENT CALENDARS

University Calendar

Alumni Calendar

In Memoriam

We honor and remember Laker faculty and staff who have passed away.

1 Campus Drive
1090 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, MI 49401

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