“Hope” is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops - at all -

-- Emily Dickinson

One of the reliably wonderful things I’ve come to rely on for decades as a Grand Rapidian is the annual return of the huge flock of Starlings to their Winter roost under the I-196 bridge that spans the Grand River. Every December distracted drivers like me thrill at the flock’s murmurations—especially around nightfall.

As 2024 closes out, we approach a new year with anticipation and maybe more than the usual trepidation. Who knows what the future will bring? For sure, much of it will be good, if also unpredictable. Our newest graduates—soaring across the stage this Saturday afternoon—have unknown futures, with hopes and dreams we trust we’re helping them realize. Like you, I have faith in them. And faith in their futures.

Amidst the thousands of graduates, please keep special focus on some key individuals, among them our very first alumni with our two newest degrees: the BAS in Professional Innovation and the BAS in Leadership & Business Fundamentals. They, and the rest of our inspiring graduates will individually and collectively wow us as they lead us to our future. Yay.

On the evening  of November 21,  The L. William Seidman Center was bustling with over 200 GVSU students, staff and faculty, and community members as they gathered for the 11th annual Civil Discourse Symposium. This year's topic, “Gen Z: If We Were President”, prompted an intergenerational dialogue about what our next generation of leaders value, and what is to be learned from open discussions that come from a diverse range of schools of thought, identity, and lived experiences.   

As Lisa Perhamus, director of the Center for Civil Discourse stated for WZZM 13 on the event, "My biggest hope is that people feel inspired to listen to each other's stories, to understand why they think what they think, so that when we leave here, we remember everyone has a story, and we stop characterizing everyone with stereotypes (...)" 

Click here to read more about the symposium!      

I am thrilled to introduce myself as I join Brooks College! The college’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and diverse programming is what I find truly exciting. Across all of majors, minors, centers, and initiatives, it’s clear that everyone is doing incredibly meaningful work, and I’m so excited to contribute to these efforts.

For the past 16 years, I’ve been working at GVSU in the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with adult learners, helping them navigate their educational journeys and achieve their professional and personal goals. It’s been so rewarding to work with students as they are at the intersection of education, family, and career—a focus I know is shared by Brooks College. I look forward to learning from all of you and supporting the impactful work you’re doing

When I’m not at work, my husband and I love spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking, or relaxing at home with our chocolate lab while catching up on shows like Yellowstone and Below Deck.

I’m eager to meet everyone and get started. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to hear more about what everyone is working on and how I can support you.

Looking forward to this new chapter!

- Kate VanDerKolk 

In some exciting news, GVSU has been awarded $347,070 from the State of Michigan to be given to students facing financial hardship. 

These funds wills contribute to Grand Valley's pre-existing Special Circumstances Financial Hardship Requests program. After applying and upon receiving approval, funds will be allocated to students who need help with basic needs including  but not limited to; housing, food, course materials, and technology. This program exists in effort to ensure academic success and wellness throughout the year, and with the additional funds even more student have the opportunity to receive aid.

If you know a student in need, or would like to find out more click this link to find out about the application process.

This Saturday, December 7th, Fall Commencement will take place at 4 PM at Van Andel Arena. For more information click this link to see how you can celebrate our Brooks graduates! 

There is still time to stop by the Dean's Office (Lake Ontario Hall 224) to donate non-perishable food items which will be sent to GVSU's Replenish Basic Needs Center to help Lakers in need. We implore you to do your part in stopping hunger amongst our students and let's try to beat last years donation!

Be sure to join us the morning of January 17th at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health in Grand Rapids for our college's annual winter (Re) Start meeting! This meeting will serve as an opportunity to connect with fellow Brooks colleagues and ring in the new year and semester!

November Snapshots

Here's a quick collage of this past months events and happenings from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies!

Picture 1: Students mingle with community partners at the semi-annual ENS Showcase. 

Picture 2:  Professor of Integrative Studies, Dan Cope, gives opening remarks at Backlash and the Spectacle of Gender, the November installment in the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program's Backlash Series. 

Picture 3:  Assistant Director of School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Justin Pettibone, stops by the Digital Studies table lead by DS faculty Janelle Malagon and Krista Benson at the Minors Fair in Kirkhof

Picture 4:  Students, staff, and faculty interested in global cultures and what the Area and Global Studies programs have to offer. A great meal was provided by Mediterranean Island in Grand Rapids.

December 2 - Toast to the Class 2024

December 6 - Fall 2024 Academic and Service Awards

December 6 - Digital Studies Presents: Wii-Treats

January 14 - Sacred Site Visit - Masjid Al-Tawheed

January 17 - Brooks College (Re)Start

January 21 - Know Your Neighbor: A Multifaith Dinner and Table Talk

January 25 - MLK Day of Service and Solidarity

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

December 7 - Classes End & Commencement 

 December 7 - 14 - Examinations 

December 14 - Semester Ends

December 17 - Grades Due 

January 6 - Classes Begin

January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr Day Recess

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