Indian Association welcomes spring with Holi festival
On Saturday, March 15, Grand Valley State University’s Indian Association celebrated Holi with an evening of music, dance and rejuvenation. The free event, which was supported by the Asian Student Appreciation Program (ASAP) and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute, was open to all
students and their families, and encouraged participants to increase their awareness of the traditional festival.
Holi, which has roots in Indian culture, was first mentioned in historical texts that date as far back as the seventh century. The holiday primarily signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, which has associations with renewal and the end of conflict. Joy and love are the central themes of this celebration. Another important aspect of Holi is the idea of play. Colored water and powder are thrown by those who engage in the holiday, which puts a focus on happiness within the community. Holi is a time of carefree togetherness.
Read more of Christina Bilko’s coverage of the GVSU Holi celebration here.
GV Camp Kesem chapter supports families with cancer
Kesem is an organization that aims to provide support for over 9,000 children age six-18 that have parents diagnosed with cancer. Through their primary service, Camp Kesem, counselors and campers take part in a summertime experience that gives children the tools they need to successfully navigate difficult times. Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Camp Kesem fundraises, provides resources to families and hosts a camp for children living in the Grand Rapids area.
Camp Kesem provides a summer camp experience for children, and includes many classic activities, such as arts and crafts, archery, swimming and other games. The interpersonal and practical skills children learn during their time at camp help them both during and after the processing of their parents’ illnesses. However, it’s different from a traditional summer camp, as time is cultivated for campers and counselors to bond through nightly cabin chats. By centering mental health, counselors aim to support the children of cancer patients. The bonds that children form with each other through living and learning together expands Kesem’s community, which results in a continuous stream of relationships.
Read more of Christina Bilko’s club spotlight on Camp Kesem here.
Students traverse Global Language and Culture Festival
On Thursday, March 20, the Modern Languages and Literatures Department at Grand Valley State University held its annual Global Language and Culture
Festival. The event, which celebrates international diversity through music, food and educational booths, served as a chance for students and faculty to learn about global cultures and experiences that are available to them through the University’s Study Abroad program.
Students who attended the event had the opportunity to check in at the entrance, and were given a small “passport” booklet. As they visited different booths and learned about unique cultural elements, they were able to collect stamps. One way to earn a stamp, for example, was to say a tongue twister in Chinese. The festival’s cultural immersion experiences highlighted how international experiences can shape personal and professional growth, and leave lasting impressions for years to come.
Read more of Abbie Suarez’s coverage of the Global Language and Culture Festival here.
President’s Forum highlights evolving education, industry dynamics
Kristen Fox, the managing director of the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) addressed a packed Loosemore Auditorium during Grand Valley State University’s annual President’s Forum. On Tuesday, March 25, GVSU President Philomena Mantella introduced Fox and later joined her on stage for a wide-ranging dialogue about the future of higher education, partnerships with business and shifting workforce dynamics.
BHEF is a national nonprofit that unites corporate and higher education leaders to address skills gaps and workforce readiness. Fox’s presentation, which was grounded in national data and years of BHEF research, examined how colleges and universities can better serve students and regional economies by embedding real-world skills, building partnerships and embracing flexible, lifelong learning pathways.
Read more of Abbie Suarez’s coverage of the 2025 President’s Forum here.
