In This Issue

As I look back on the month of April, while it was one of the busiest months, it was also one of the most joy filled. Filled with end of semester awards ceremonies, showcases, and student celebrations, and of course the graduating class of 2026. This time at the end of the semester gives us a time to reflect on the year, the work we’ve done, and see the student accomplishments. If you haven’t had a chance, check out our year in review, there are some great student quotes that reflect the impact that the Brooks college faculty and staff make on students lives.

Because of the nature of Brooks College programs and faculty expertise, many of you have spent the year leading difficult classroom discussions, supporting colleagues and students in need, and helping students do their own deep dives into big questions of environmental concerns, women’s empowerment and gender disparities, global human rights, and so much more. Some of this work was highlighted through news stories, but so much of it wasn’t, and it’s often in that quiet space where so much of the work is done. Some of the work that was highlighted included: Celebrating Sustainability and Groundhog Day, Kutsche Office of Local History supporting Paid Internships for students in key West Michigan heritage projects, Students from Semester in Detroit presented on their experiences, Supporting students with experiential experiences and creating belonging, and celebrating award winning faculty.

As we step into the summer, I’m excited for opportunities ahead for Brooks College, I know this summer will bring new research, student internships, the inaugural year of Summer in West Michigan, and of course rest that will allow us to move into the year with new students, new partnerships, and new ideas. I hope this summer brings each of you time and space for your own growth and thank you for the expertise you bring to Brooks College.

Brooks College proudly celebrated its graduates during the May 1 Commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena, honoring the achievements of students from Grand Valley State University.

From left, Brooks College students Camille Lafluer, Abagail (Bee) Scannel, and Katelyn Schuler celebrate with confetti following the ceremony. 

Brooks College graduate and student speaker Dallas Matthews is pictured speaking with Mark Schaub, Dean of Brooks College, inside the robing room before Commencement. Also pictured is B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures. Dallas’s role as a commencement speaker highlights the impact and excellence of Brooks College students.

We are proud to celebrate these accomplishments and the continued success of our Brooks College graduates.

To view more moments from Commencement, read the full article:

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Brooks College CMS5 website. This redesigned site allows for a better user experience with updated content and a modern look to showcase who we are and what we offer. The new design reflects our commitment to enhancing how students, faculty, and visitors engage with Brooks College online. 

Donna and Jim Brooks were recently honored with the Grand Stewards Award which recognized their leadership and dedication to both Grand Valley State University and the West Michigan community. Through their lifelong commitment to education, environmental sustainability, economic development, family services and the arts, Donna and Jim have made a lasting impact on generations of Lakers. Their legacy is reflected in the naming of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Read more HERE:

The GVSU Inclusion and Equity Institute is committed to providing learning and development for faculty and staff to further knowledge, skills, and abilities related to these core values. Each week, the I&E Institute offers FREE, dynamic, and helpful workshops on a variety of topics. 

You can review the list of workshops HERE

SAVE THE DATE! 

Our Annual Brooks College Start-up Meeting is happening on the Health campus (DCIH 102 & 104) on Friday, August 14th from 9:00am-1:30pm. 

Father-son team Xavier Golden, a former Meijer Honors College student, and John Golden, a mathematics professor, have published a math fantasy graphic novel titled “AL, Logical,” which follows a young student discovering her ability to succeed in challenging situations. 

Read more about it HERE

GVSU celebrated Earth Month throughout April with events, programs, and volunteer opportunities that encouraged students to connect with nature, sustainability, and the changing spring season on campus. 

Read more about it HERE

Dr. Kimberly McKee of Grand Valley State University was recently featured in a WOOD TV8 news story. She continues to make an impact through her research on Korean adoptee identity and transnational adoption. As a Korean adoptee herself, her work helps create meaningful conversations around identity, community, and belonging.

Read more about it HERE

Meijer Honors College students in 'Dangerous Ideas' course was surprised during finals week when author Emily St. John Mandel joined the class via Zoom to talk about her novel, Station Eleven. This gave students a chance to ask questions about the inspiration behind the book, her writing process, and how storytelling can help people make sense of change.

Read more about it HERE

GVSU Libraries has created an informational video highlighting the virtual and in-person resources GVSU students have in regards to research help while at the library.

Learn more about it HERE

Dr Jack Mangala has been awarded the Louvain Global College of Law and Criminology Summer Fellowship at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. He'll work with doctorate students on international law and transatlantic relations. He'll also give a series of seminars and public talks on US migration law and policy under Trump 2.0. Other commitments and recognitions include invited professor, Belgian Inter-university and Inter-disciplinary Program in Transitional Justice, Brussels. Dr. Mangala will teach a class on diasporas’ role in transitional justice.

Pictured is Jada Dobbins the GSI Excellence in a Discipline award winner. 

Outstanding Achievement 

The Winter 2026 Sustainability Showcase brought together students, faculty, and the campus community to showcase student research projects, innovative designs, and environmental problem solving presentations through both online and in-person events.

Brooks College was able to give recognition to students in the Area and Global Studies (AGS) programs for their academic excellence and commitment to global learning. This year’s award winners reflect exceptional achievement across multiple disciplines. We celebrate these students for their contributions and dedication to advancing global understanding across disciplines.

Distinguished Achievement 

Outstanding Achievement 

This year, INT was was proud to recognize three outstanding students whose work truly reflects the spirit, dedication, and impact these awards represent.

Wendy Wenner Outstanding Thesis Award 

Joel Reyes Hernandez “The Odyssey of Access: Exploring Barriers Faced by First Generation Undocumented Latino Students in Pursuit of Higher Education in Kent County, Michigan” 

Stanley Krohmer Outstanding Project Award

Sarah Johnsen “Unheard Voices: Designing Equity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Students” 

Judy Whipps Outstanding Practicum Award

Kiana Armstead 

Triota inductees and recent women, gender, and sexualities grads come together to celebrate for the triota ceremony. Pictured in the first picture is WGS student Jacob Blackmore receiving Triota Honor Cord and Pin at Induction Ceremony.

The Frederik Meijer Honors College honored their graduating seniors at their annual Senior Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 1. Along with several Senior Project Awards, Haley Powers spoke and was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership & Service Award. Anna Whipple spoke as well and was awarded the Outstanding Senior Award. The almost 100 graduating students in attendance were then bestowed with a stole and medallion. 

When our students graduate, they don’t just leave with a diploma, they leave with direction.

We are continuing to highlight all of the programs and centers across Brooks College and are excited to share more about the Bachelors of Applied Science in Leadership and Business Fundaments.

This degree recognizes the value of technical skills earned at the associates degree level while guiding students to build interdisciplinary knowledge. Students also earn two certificates as part of their degree, a certificate in Leadership and a certificate in Business Fundamentals. Students in this degree consistently talk about value of the skills they gain in critical thinking, creative and complex problem solving, and oral and written communication. Most students are completing this degree fully online in accelerated 6-week (LEADS) formats, however students wishing to take in person classes can do so in Allendale and Grand Rapids, with some courses also offered in Traverse City.

Investing in interdisciplinary education isn’t just good for students, it’s good for the future.

May 11 - Classes begin  (1st 6 weeks & 12 weeks) 

May 15 - Last Day to Add or Register and 100% Tuition Refund Deadline 

May 22 - 75% Tuition Refund Deadline (1st 6 weeks) 

May 25- Memorial Day Recess 

June 5 - 75% Tuition Refund Deadline (1st 12 weeks)

June 12 - Withdraw with a "W" grade deadline (1st 6 weeks) 

June 22 - Classes End (1st 6 weeks) 

June 23-24 - Examinations (1st 6 weeks) 

June 29 - Classes begin (2nd 6 weeks) & Grades due from faculty (1st 6 weeks) 

July 1 - Grades available to students (1st 6 weeks) 

July 3 - Independence Day Recess 

Note: partial term courses have different tuition and refund deadlines. View additional deadlines in the course index. 

View the rest of the Summer 2026 Academic Calendar HERE 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Fill out the form below to submit an event or announcement (with photos!) for the Brooks College Newsletter or email brookscollege@gvsu.edu