GVSU receives $1 million STEM grant

Grand Valley State University received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program.

The grant allows GVSU’s Retaining and Inspiring students in Science and Engineering (RISE) to create a system of at least 50 progressively increasing scholarships for students who would not be able to afford a college education otherwise. The grant also creates a cohort between the prospective students and GVSU faculty members, as well as opportunities for summer internships and other career-focused training.

The RISE project will be overseen by Deborah Herrington, chemistry department associate chair; Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing; Charlie Standridge, associate dean of Padnos College; and Jerry Johnson, associate professor of social work.

GVSU names new director of civic engagement

Grand Valley State University named a new director of civic learning and community engagement on Monday, Dec. 4.

Travus Burton, who currently works as the experiential learning coordinator at Oakland University, will assume his role as director on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Burton is replacing former Director Ruth Stegeman, who retired in August.  

Burton also has experience as the service learning coordinator for Central Michigan University and as the president of the Isabella County Restoration House Board of Directors. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and communication from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from CMU.

GVSU will hold a reception to welcome Burton to campus on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 4:30 p.m. at the L.V. Eberhard Center. 

Office of Multicultural Affairs holding finals week relaxation 

Grand Valley State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is holding finals week relaxation throughout the week to combat stress.  

Students can visit the OMA to do relaxing activities such as coloring, crafts, movies and board games from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 11, to Friday, Dec. 15. Students are encouraged to stop by the OMA located at 1240 Kirkhof Center next to the Women and Gender Equity Center.

GVSU receives nearly $40K in sexual assault prevention funding

The state of Michigan awarded nearly $40,000 to Grand Valley State University as part of its Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program. 

A grand total of $381,929 in state funding was awarded to Michigan public institutions, Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder said in an announcement on Monday, Dec. 4. GVSU received $39,472 for its Peer Education Through Green Dot Bystander Intervention project.  

UberEATS is now in Grand Rapids

The popular food delivery app UberEATS recently launched in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Dec. 7. The app allows users to order food to be delivered by their Uber drivers. Users can use the code “MICHIGANEATS” to receive their first two deliveries free until Thursday, Dec. 21.