Leaders at Grand Valley and in West Michigan are celebrating the life of David “Dave” P. Mehney, who died on November 21, 2025, at the age of 86. 

Mehney served as a member of the Grand Valley University Foundation, leaving a lasting and positive impact on students, athletics and the campus community.

Grand Valley’s Fall Class of 2025 took the stage at Van Andel Arena on Dec. 6. President Philomena V. Mantella welcomed graduates, offering words of encouragement as she reminded them that they are prepared for whatever comes their way. 

Grand Valley leaders join the West Michigan community to celebrate the life of Steven A. Workman, who died on December 5, 2025, at age 71. Workman was dedicated to Laker athletics and to the Grand Valley University Foundation, where he served as ambassador.

Sharon Whitehill joined Grand Valley's faculty as an English professor in 1971 and retired in 2002. After retirement, she began writing poetry, publishing nearly 150 poems in literary journals and four chapbooks. Read more.

Patricia Styburski joined Grand Valley's staff in 1970 and retired in 1992. She served as an administrative assistant for the College of Education and died on March 24, 2025. Read more.

Friday, February 6, 11 a.m.–Noon, DCIH 102/104

Join the Board of Trustees at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health (DCIH) Room 102/104 for the first Board of Trustees Meeting of 2026.

Share a little gratitude by sending a Lakergram! From February 2-17, a gift of $15 or more to any GVSU emergency fund will let you send a handwritten thank-you note delivered with GVSU-themed M&Ms. Because kind words are even better with chocolate.

Learn more or make your gift. 

Tuesday, February 24, 7-8 p.m., Zoom

Thinking about your next adventure? Join us for an inside look at the Alumni Travel Program and our upcoming trip to Iceland in September 2026!

Our partners from Premier World Discovery will walk you through the itinerary, highlight unforgettable experiences, and answer any questions you may have.

Friday, March 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., DeVos Center

The Art & Science of Aging Conference provides a one-day educational event that focuses on the experiences and realities of aging, and the opportunities and alternatives available to individuals as we age. The 2026 Aging Conference will be hosted by GVSU and co-sponsored by many community and university collaborators. Register Online.

Mark your calendar for Day of Giving on March 26 — GVSU’s biggest fundraising day of the year! Join Lakers everywhere in supporting the campus community. As a thank-you, donors who give $30 or more will receive a pair of exclusive GVSU socks.

More details coming soon! 

Since retirement, Ginger has joined the university's Retiree Advisor Board and a board of a facility for the unhoused. When she's not on the pIckleball court, she's continued to pursue ballroom dance and added instruction in piano and Italian. Why Italian? She recently purchased a little place in Apricale, Liguria, with the intention of spending more time there. Read more of Ginger's story here.

If you would like to be featured next, tell us about your post-GVSU adventures by completing the Retiree Reflections Information Form.

Thursday, February 26, Noon–1 p.m.

We know navigating government programs can feel overwhelming, but Social Security offers resources, online tools, and personal guidance that make the process easier than you might expect. Join us to get your questions answered and walk away with the confidence to make informed decisions about your benefits. RSVP for Maximizing Social Security.

This event was rescheduled from Fall 2025. If you registered previously, your RSVP is still valid and the Zoom link you received will work for this event.

Tuesday, March 31, Noon–1 p.m.

This session will provide research and perspectives on the costs associated with age-related care and housing, and offer practical guidance on how those expenses can impact your financial plan for retirement. RSVP for Hidden Costs of Aging.

All GVSU faculty and staff members are assigned to an HR Business Partner to be their one-stop-shop for all employment needs, and that includes you! Jaime Guzior is your assigned point of contact for any HR related questions or inquiries you have regarding retirement, benefits, and more. In addition to retirees, Jaime supports several academic and non-academic areas throughout the university.

Contact Jaime: GVRetiree@gvsu.edu.

*If an inquiry is related to retiree benefits, a member of our benefits team will be included to assist.