Grand Valley State University - Traverse City

08/31/2026

Welcome back, Lakers! Our friend, Ava the Therapy Dog, was onsite to greet students as we begin the school year. She’s as excited for classes as we are! 💙

08/13/2026

Patrick Smith, Assistant Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies at GVSU, will also be a student this fall at ACHE Doctor of Medical Science! We're so proud to have faculty in Northern MI who continue to grow in their field and gain new knowledge, skills, and experiences to pass on to students and colleagues. Cheering you on, Pat!

Student Spotlight l ACHE Doctor of Medical Science

We’re proud to spotlight our incoming August DMSc students; leaders who are choosing to grow, innovate, and make a difference in healthcare!

Welcome Patrick Smith to the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education community!

ACHE

08/10/2026

What a great night to be a Laker in Northern Michigan! 💙⚾

Thanks to the GVSU Alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and families who joined us Friday for GVSU Night at the Traverse City Pit Spitters. We couldn’t have asked for a better night with a great win for the home team, plenty of good food and conversation, and an incredible fireworks show to finish it off!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Meyer-Looze for completing the "Speak with Courage" leadership program and taking the stage at the City Opera House to inspire us all with the power of authentic storytelling! 💙

This spring, Dr. Catherine L. Meyer-Looze, professor and unit head of the Educational Leadership and Counseling department, stepped into a powerful leadership experience through Speak with Courage an immersive public speaking course designed to help women leaders communicate with confidence, authenticity and purpose. The program was led by Dana Black, a TEDx Chicago coach and actress who guided participants through the process of becoming more impactful and intentional storytellers.

The program brought together 11 women from the Grand Traverse community for a series of in-person sessions held every other week from April through June. Throughout the experience, participants explored the art of storytelling, strengthened their stage presence and learned how sharing personal experiences can create connection, inspiration and impact. 💬✨

The journey culminated on June 30 at the City Opera House in Traverse City, where each participant delivered a six- to eight-minute speech to a live audience sharing stories that reflected their experiences, values and leadership journeys. 🎭👏

For Dr. Meyer-Looze, the experience was about more than becoming a stronger public speaker. It was about finding the courage to share a story she had carried for years and using that story to inspire others.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Meyer-Looze, for embracing the power of authentic leadership and reminding us that some of the most impactful lessons begin with the courage to tell our stories.

For more information: https://www.gvsu.edu/education/module-news-view.htm?storyId=D8A5288B-CD7E-B561-CB47BA28F9025B8D&siteModuleId=AFDE9DB5-BBE4-464A-06FD2F13AD4B02C3

08/06/2026

Looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend? Join your fellow Lakers TOMORROW night at the Traverse City Pit Spitters game!

It's shaping up to be a beautiful summer evening at the ballpark, with great company, exciting baseball, and an incredible fireworks show to cap off the night! ⚾️

We'll see you at the ballpark! 💙 Click this link to sign up!: https://www.gvsu.edu/alumni/module-events-view.htm?siteModuleId=852D66E8-B2FF-8449-BA725F53CEBF2D73&eventId=F9789415-F6AE-73CE-076BAF2905FF3CB1

07/22/2026

A week ago on June 15, veteran entrepreneurs took the stage at the Traverse City Opera House for the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) pitch night, capping off an intensive 10-week accelerator.

Judges awarded $15,000 in prizes, with Kasey Torres taking first place for her business, Georgette’s Mastectomy Boutique!

"The MVE-Lab cohort changed my business direction from vision to reality, and the funding to put boots on the ground,” she said. "It provided real-life scenarios and provoked conversations with real clients. It was invaluable. Listening to the responses from the other attendees also provided unique insights for positive additions to my business." - Kasey Torres

Read the story: https://www.gvsu.edu/forum/view.htm?articleId=D1D207AD-CBF7-8073-6DF7DC1CA6AAD1F9

07/21/2026

Will we see you at the ballpark?

Just a few more days to purchase your tickets and join fellow GVSU Lakers, alumni, students, and community members as we cheer on the Pit Spitters on Friday, August 7!

Learn more and get tickets here: https://www.gvsu.edu/alumni/module-events-view.htm?siteModuleId=852D66E8-B2FF-8449-BA725F53CEBF2D73&eventId=F9789415-F6AE-73CE-076BAF2905FF3CB1&fbclid=IwY2xjawTMV4JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETIyRGdGTXRRV3RJbm9CR2Z1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHou5LRJkZuDVfwkOQpIiNop3AilS82X_Cojmsdvo47e3mwu6Kp-yJBtSWlbG_aem_gSj0cNTmsmDigxCCpelS1Q

07/16/2026

Join fellow Lakers for a Pit-Spittin' good time on August 7!
Tickets are still available--grab yours before July 24.

Event details for GVSU Night at the Pit Spitters on 8/7/2026 at 7:00 PM - Events

07/13/2026

Monty fits right in with our Laker Blue! 💙

Join GVSU alumni, staff, faculty, students and community members at the Traverse City Pit Spitters on August 7! Your ticket will include seats in the popular Oberon Deck section, a full buffet meal, and the chance to connect with peers and fellow Lakers. Stick around at the end of the game for some fireworks to cap off a true Traverse City summer tradition at the ballpark.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here: https://www.gvsu.edu/alumni/module-events-view.htm?siteModuleId=852D66E8-B2FF-8449-BA725F53CEBF2D73&eventId=F9789415-F6AE-73CE-076BAF2905FF3CB1

Make sure to grab yours by July 24!

06/25/2026

A big thank you to The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer for supporting our Physician Assistant students! Their generous donation of pigs' feet allows students to get hands-on practice in proper suturing techniques.