A Message from VP Shorty

As we move through November, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude. For me, gratitude is more than a feeling––it is a practice that brings us together. It reminds us that even in a busy season, we are part of something larger, something made stronger by each person. When we take time to reflect on this, we can create a sense of belonging that brings our community close together.

This spirit has been seen in many ways this fall. Whether we’re gathering to learn, celebrate, or support one another, these moments remind us of who we are as a community.

In recent weeks, we’ve gathered for events that reflect our togetherness—from the inspiring words of Dr. Anton Treuer, to the spirit of GV Homecoming, the vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos, the important conversations had at the Mental Health Summit, and to the collaborative spirit of our Teach-In.

On Tuesday, November 11, our community came together to honor veteran's at the Veteran's Day Luncheon. In a recent LinkedIn post, I shared how incredibly grateful I am to our veteran faculty, staff, and students for their profound sacrifice, and the unique perspectives you bring to our classrooms, labs, and offices to enrich GVSU every single day.

Each of these moments, in its own way, demonstrates what’s possible when we show up with open minds and grateful hearts.

In the final few weeks of the semester, we have many more opportunities to come together, two of which I'd like to highlight: Giving Tuesday and Commencement. As we prepare for Giving Tuesday on December 2, Lakers campus-wide are working together to stock the shelves at the Replenish Basic Needs Center. There are more than 20 donation boxes across our campuses, with donations being accepted through December 4. You can participate by donating non-perishable items, or by making a gift to the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund. Those who make a gift will receive a digital GVSU recipe book as a token of thanks.

Additionally, our Winter 2025 graduates will be crossing the stage on Saturday, December 6, and we have the opportunity to celebrate and support them through this major achievement. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, greeting guests and grads, and more. Sign up to support our graduates by November 21!

As we approach the season of thanks, I want to express my deep appreciation for the work you do each day. Thank you for your care for our students, your dedication to your colleagues, and your commitment to Grand Valley’s mission. Gratitude connects us, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of you.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer

Thank you to everyone who entered into the GV Homecoming Office Decorating Competition! Your collective Laker spirit was felt across all campuses.

Of nearly 500 votes, Laker Food Co., CECI Dean's Office, and the Detroit Center were voted best decorated by their colleagues. Congratulations to all!

Laker Food Co. "Homecoming End Zone Eats" decor.

College of Education and Community Innovation's (CECI) Dean's Office "True Blue Lakers" decor.

Detroit Center team members with their "GV in the 313" decor.

Creative Wellness: Mindful Making
November 17, Noon–1:30 p.m., Valley Campus

The contemporary world is a stressful place to live, particularly for those of us with one or more marginalized identities and/or involved in advocacy and activism work. Taking time to create can have rejuvenating impacts on individuals and our communities. Join us for this session to explore the art of wood burning.

Understanding Trauma and Promoting Wellness
November 18, 3-5 p.m., Valley Campus

In three parts, this training will discuss the biological mechanisms by which experiences affect human development, the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and evidence-based perspectives on promoting well-being.

Conscious Uncovering
January 7, Noon–2 p.m., Zoom

Covering, often used as a mechanism of protection, can take many forms as individuals cover stigmatized and/or marginalized personal identities. Learn and explore tools to create brave spaces, spaces to empower the authentic self, uncovered.

Wear the Rainbow provides a space for the trans and queer community to access clothing items and skills that celebrate and affirm their authentic selves. Participants are are invited to shop (for free!) and attend free workshops throughout the afternoon.

In the Iranian ghost town of Bad City, a lonely vampire drifts through the night, delivering her own kind of justice. Filmed in striking black and white, Ana Lily Amirpour's A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a haunting blend of horror, romance, and quiet rebellion. 

Join the Center for Women & Gender Equity on November 18 from 5-7:30 p.m. to watch the film. A Q&A with the Assistant Professor of Film Studies, Dr. Navid Daevishzadeh, will follow.

Sponsored by the Center for Women and Gender Equity, The Stitch Sesh welcomes seasoned and beginner stitchers to bring your own project, share some laughs, and connect with fellow makers!

Join the LGBT Resource Center for a vigil in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance, in partnership with the GR Pride Center and GR Trans Foundation. There will be a program, free food, and community connection and support. 

The LGBT Resource Center is getting a new name! Join them to celebrate the collective legacy of the Milt Ford LGBT Resource Center, and experience a powerful new art installation by Dave Ford, Milt’s son. All are welcome to enjoy free food and community.

Last month, the Employee Accessibility Resources (EAR) Office released a new training module to help you understand disability accommodations at GVSU. The module reviews legislation, the interactive process to determine accommodations, relevant case studies, and inclusive communication techniques. Take a few minutes to check it out if you have not already.

Colleagues from Employee Accessibility Resources will host an in-depth live training session on this topic in the Winter 2026 semester. The session will include a step-by-step walkthrough of the interactive process to determine accommodations, a facilitated discussion of the case studies in the training module, and live Q&A about all things related to disability and employment. Click the button below to pre-register for the training session and be notified as soon as it’s scheduled.

Earlier this year, Elisa Ortega-Schultz (Employee Ombuds) partnered with Joseph VanArendonk and Kristen Evans in Human Resources on the creation of The Art of Restorative Conversations, a 3-episode podcast. The podcast explores the practice of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Listen in to learn and experience a relatively unscripted, full-length restorative dialogue, from intake to resolution.

"Beautiful fall peak colors at the Boyne Mountain Skywalk - excellent hiking to get those steps in! Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds - well worth the drive!"

Photo/Caption Credit: Laura Marsh (Academic Affairs)

"The best motivation is having the cutest walking buddy and the chance to find new and unique things you didn't know existed!"

Photo/Caption Credit: Maggie Ouellette (People, Equity, and Culture)