In This Issue

“Perhaps the question to be asked is not “what is a University?” but “Why is a University?” A University exists to meet the needs, demands, and desires of a large constituency. It exists because it is flexible, forward-looking and yes, visionary….It exists not merely to instruct its students in how to make a living, but in how to live fuller, richer lives, how to enrich their communities, and those about them through their talents, knowledge, and vision.”  

-Arend D. Lubbers

As I finish my first semester at Brooks College, filled with student showcases, awards ceremonies, and commencement, I've witnessed firsthand the extraordinary talent of our students and the support and dedication of our staff and faculty. From my very first day, I heard countless people, both within and beyond our college, describe Brooks as something truly special. Now, I can wholeheartedly affirm this sentiment. As I reflect on the quote from President Emeritus Lubbers from 1976, which continues to resonate today, I think this in many ways, captures the essence of Brooks College: a community of forward-thinkers committed to empowering students to make meaningful differences in their worlds. Thank you all for your warm welcome into this remarkable community.

Though campus quiets during summer, the important work of Brooks College continues. Some of you are immersed in research and reading, others are growing things at the SAP and distributing CSA shares, while many others continue teaching throughout these months. Our dedicated advising center and the Frederick Meijer Honors College are actively working with students at First Year Orientation, ensuring new GVSU students receive exceptional support and guidance. Your ongoing commitment and contributions are deeply appreciated.

However you choose to spend your summer, I sincerely hope you find opportunities for rest, relaxation, and renewal, preparing yourself for all that lies ahead in our shared journey at Brooks College.

Thank you to all the faculty and staff that came out to support the graduating students. Read the commencement profile of Natalie Thang, Integrative Studies Major. “Working in housing, I know that I’m going to be working in teams. To get things done, you need to be able to communicate with other people and work with each other efficiently,” Thang said. “That’s what integrative studies offers.”

The Women, Gender, and Sustainability Studies ended their series called “Feminism in the Backlash” with an induction of students into the Triota Honors Society and an Alumni panel. Inspired by Susan Faludi’s classic Backlash: The Undeclared War Against Women,  this series is generously sponsored by a Mellon Foundation Affirming Multivocal Humanities grant.

Alumni panel below featured:

Area and Global Studies faculty, staff, and students gathered for an event celebrating our Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 graduating students. AGS had 19 graduating students during the 2024-25 academic year, with three graduating in the fall and 16 graduating in the winter across our bachelor's degree program and six minor degree programs.

Environmental and Sustainability Studies planned a robust showcase with oral presentations, an interactive poster session, and social media-geared video shorts. Thanks to all the students from ENS 242, ENS 305, ENS 201, ENS 347, and ENS 305, and ENS 401 who participated. 

Many students were nominated for outstanding Practicum, Thesis, and projects and at the showcase, two students presented their final projects. Brooklyn Bonnie presented "Reading the Aire" The importance of Nonverbal Communications" and Susie Dennis presented "PLAY: A Teachers Capacity to Implement a Play-Based Pedagogy and its Ability to Produce Successful Kindergarten Students. Congratulations to the following student award winners:

Updates to Program Coordinators for minor programs, housed in the GSI cluster:

Thank you to everyone who is stepping into these leadership positions to support both the university and Brooks College.

The Brooks College start up meeting with be on August 15th, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in 2204 Kirkhof. Save the date and more information to follow. 

Join the 5th annual GVSU cornhole tournament on May 22nd from 11:00-1:00 in Allendale on the lawn by the clocktower. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate or just come and watch. Information can be found here. 

Insights and Ideas is a series of informal gatherings in both Allendale and Grand Rapids throughout the semester. President Mantella will be joined by Vice President Robert Shorty and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. Each discussion will provide space for open dialogue to discuss topics important to you and for leadership to provide deeper insight into our priorities and key initiatives. The goal is to keep these sessions small to maximize the conversation. Space is limited - RSVP today! 

May 15th, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m - Mary Idema Pew Library, Allendale

May 14 - Groundswell Student Project Showcase 2025

May 22 - GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2025

June 3 - Virtual Fellowship Office Hours

*New events are posted regularly. Stay up to date on Brooks College events by checking the events calendar on our website.

May 5 - Classes begin - 1st 6 week/12 week clases

May 9 - 100% refund/registration deadline for 1st 6 week/12 week classes

May 16 - 75% refund deadline 1st 6 week classes by 5:00 p.m.

May 30 - 75% refund deadline 12 week classes by 5:00 p.m.

June 6 - "W" Deadline 1st 6 week classes by 5:00 p.m.

June 16 - Classes end 1st 6 week classes

Jun 17-18 - Final Exams 1st 6 week classes

June 23 - Final Grades Due for 1st 6 week classes

June 23 - Classes begin 2nd 6 weeks

Fill out the form below to submit an event or announcement for the Brooks College Newsletter or email Kate VanDerKolk - vandkat@gvsu.edu

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