Become More Guide

Finding fun
on
Nervous about living on campus, joining a new
community, blending with a group of peers? It’s daunting
now, but the good news is that by the end of your
college experience, many of the people you are yet to
meet will be your friends for life and share some of
your most cherished memories.
The goal of campus programming is to fill up the
other 70% of time you’re not in class, and help you
meet others who share your interests, or at the very
least share your Laker Pride. Students can choose
from over 450 student led organizations, get involved
with leadership programs, or attend the variety of
campus events and performances put on by the Laker
Traditions Team or Spotlight.
PRESIDENTS’ BALL!
Leadership • Campus Life
Night • Family Weekend •
Homecoming • Founder’s
Day • Make a Difference
mpus
Day • Battle of the Valleys
• Sibs & Kids • President’s
Ball • Leadership Summit
• Intercultural Festival
Transitions • Campus Life
Night • Family Weekend •
Homecoming • Founder’s
Day • Make a Difference
Day • Battle of the Valleys
I've met some of my closest friends through the Laker Kickoff
Party and we've been attending every tradition since.
Overall, Laker Traditions Team has impacted my first year
here at GVSU in every positive way possible.
• Sibs & Kids • President’s
Ball • Leadership Summit
• Intercultural Festival
—Hailey Merritt, public and nonprofit
administration, sophomore
Traditions
Laker Kick-off: Held in conjunction with the first night of Transitions,
this huge street party is in the circle drive in front of the
Fieldhouse Arena. It’s a great way to meet fellow Lakers and enjoy
dancing or outdoor games.
Campus Life Night: This outdoor fair, held the Tuesday after
Labor Day, hosts student organizations, campus departments, area
businesses, and non-profits. Not only do you get to connect with a
variety of new people, but you have the chance to take home a lot of
free stuff.
Family Weekend: This is an opportunity to invite your parents,
siblings, and any other important family member back to campus.
Show them all your favorite spots on campus and enjoy a wide range of
family-oriented activities.
Homecoming: A time to really celebrate your Laker Pride. The
week is filled with themed activities, games, and competitions and
includes the annual Lip Sync battle. All of this is to get you ready for
the big Homecoming game on the weekend. Go Lakers!
Founders Day: This day is celebrated each year to honor the
individuals who came together with a vision to found Grand Valley. Grab
a cupcake at whichever campus you’re on, and possibly a selfie with
the president, T-Haas, who will be around campus to help celebrate.
Battle of the Valleys: We take Laker Pride seriously. All week
long participate in fundraising efforts for the Laker Children’s Fund,
and help us raise more money than our rival: Saginaw Valley. Then,
come out on the weekend to watch our football team do the same!
Sibs & Kids Weekend: Invite any special youngster—sibling,
cousin, niece, nephew, or family friend—to spend a weekend as a
Laker. The whole campus is dedicated to providing an assortment of
events and activities like photo booths, exotic animals, inflatables,
movies, and much more.
Presidents’ Ball: Get dressed up to the nines as you and your
friends enjoy an evening downtown for dinner and dancing. One of the
favorite traditions, each year has a new theme and a new reason to
celebrate in style!
Intercultural Festival: A tradition for over 50 years, this
festival recognizes that culture is not solely confined to ethnic traits.
We recognize and celebrate all the diversity Grand Valley has to offer in
the way of food, music, dance, displays, and more.
“These traditions build a sense of community and
provide activities for students on campus. Most
importantly, it helps students make connections
and make Grand Valley their home.”
—LeaAnn Tibbe, Associate Director of Student Life
Spotlight
Students are usually pretty strapped for cash, so Spotlight provides a solution to
the resulting entertainment shortage. Spotlight is a group of students who plan
events on campus that are as simple as movie nights to elaborate scenes like
concerts and bringing in comedians. Grand Valley has hosted such well known
names as Sheryl Crow, Adam Sandler and the The Black Eyed Peas in the past!
“To be in a leadership role on a team that positively
impacts both individuals and the campus community
has provided lessons and facilitated personal growth
that I will build upon for years to come. My advice to
incoming students? Get involved in student life!
It will transform your university experience.”
—Katie Mulcahy, supply chain management, junior
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BECOME MORE ENGAGED