As part of welcome week, Grand Valley State University held a formal speaking address Aug. 22 at the Allendale Campus’ Louis Armstrong Theatre.
Hosted by President Philomena Mantella and Provost Jennifer Drake, the event discussed what the pair deemed turbulent times in higher education, while highlighting University successes and goals. The address welcomed both incoming and returning students, and praised GVSU in the broader pool of Michigan’s universities.
Board of Trustees Chair Susan Jandernoa began the event with an introduction and a few short words of reflection.
“In this moment, higher education faces many challenges, yet GVSU continues to meet the moment with resilience, vision and an unwavering focus on learners and community,” said Jandernoa. “This morning, as we pause to reflect together, you will hear more about the priority of the opportunities that will shape our work ahead.”
Immediately after taking the stage, Mantella addressed the current political climate that has drawn concern to education systems nationwide.
“Some of the structures that we’ve held onto for our lifetime around academic freedom and work around equity and inclusion are being challenged and questioned,” Mantella said. “We are standing together in these disruptions, being (as) precise as we can with our language and our work to express the importance of learning, not only in this generation but in generations to come.”
The address mainly focused on the University’s academic strategy. Mantella highlighted the revamped City Campus in downtown Grand Rapids and the Valley Campus in Allendale. She proudly reminded attendees that GVSU is the number one university in Michigan for in-state talent retention.
The economic impact of this ranking was strongly emphasized. GVSU was described in the address by Mantella and Drake as “an economic engine,” generating over $3 billion annually.
“Every state dollar invested in GVSU multiplies by 30, returning $30.14 back to Michigan’s economy,” Mantella said. “In addition, graduates from GVSU are driving the Michigan economy with medium alumni earnings of $68,00, which is about twice the amount of those without degrees. 87% of our students graduate and build their careers, families and are taxpayers in the state of Michigan.”
Mantella also highlighted various strides made by the University following the COVID-19 pandemic. The University has projected first-time college student enrollment has gone up by 3.2%, and graduate student enrollment has increased by 1.4%. The retention of all students has risen to 77.7%, which is a 1.4% improvement from last fall.
“I want you to know that I know people are the heart of our university,” Mantella said. “Your talents, collaboration (and) enjoyment (are important). That’s what’s going to help us have confidence in the shifting context (of higher education), drive our respect for one another (and) drive our mission forward.”
Among attendees, the response to the address was strongly positive.
“I really believe this particular address was very powerful (and) timely in terms of continuing the value of GVSU as a thriving institution that partners well with community,” said Nancy Giardina, a movement science professor. “President Mantella’s address this year was spot on, and I couldn’t agree more.”
