GV awards historic women’s sports scholarship in 1978

Through a post to Instagram on March 21, Grand Valley State University commemorates a scholarship award recipient that made history in women’s collegiate athletics.

Donna Eaton, GVSU alumna from the class of 1978, was one of the first women ever recruited to participate in athletics at the University. According the GVSU’s post to Facebook, Eaton was also the “first women athlete to receive a sports scholarship from a Michigan college.”

According to the Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame, of which Eaton was inducted into in 1993, she played on 10 Great Lakes Conference championship teams.

During her time at GVSU, Eaton participated in Volleyball, Softball and Women’s Basketball on campus. Eaton’s legacy was an important moment of recognition and achievement for women’s sports in Michigan.

The Facebook post highlighted a recent article from the 2024 edition of Grand Valley Magazine (GVM). According to GVM, Eaton played sports at the University on 10 years after athletics began on campus. Eaton earned 11 varsity letters during her time in college at GVSU.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Eaton’s hard work and determination demonstrates her legacy in women’s sports at the collegiate level and supported 50 years of women athletes at the university, following in her footsteps.

Grand opening in Grand Rapids: GV community celebrates new Laker Store downtown

The Laker Store is a campus staple at Grand Valley State University for merchandise.

On March 22, a brand new Laker Store location opened in the retail space in Monroe Center, downtown Grand Rapids. The grand opening of the new store is meant to “expand GVSU’s presence in Grand Rapids.”

Louie the Laker, the campus mascot, as well as the Laker Dance Team brought school spirit and cheer to the grand opening festivities.

The new store is located in the Grand Rapids Art Museum, overlooking Rosa Parks Circle.

Currently, the new location of the Laker Store is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. Operational hours are:

• Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p. m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.