Move-In 2026: Lakers return and so does the campus vibrancy

Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, said the willingness of faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer their time is what sets the Grand Valley experience apart.

"The Grand Valley experience is different because the alumni, faculty and staff turn out to help, year after year, to do the heavy lifting and moving boxes," Hall-Jones said. "That is really special. Colleen (Bailey) has orchestrated this machine that runs so smoothly ."

Josh Stickney, senior lab manager in the Biomedical Sciences Department, was among the volunteers helping the newest Lakers with their belongings.

Outside the D-Wing of Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center, Stickney directed the steady flow of vehicles and corralled blue bins for anxious parents.

"This is their first big experience at Grand Valley, so you want it to be a good one," Stickney said. "It's crazy for sure, but at least we can get them past that first hurdle, move in and then feel like they're home so that they can get busy next week with classes."

While Stickney helped one family collect their things, Bella Springer, of Royal Oak, was moving into the room she'll share with her best friend.

Springer said she preferred the more personal setting that Grand Valley offered. Her father, Bill Springer, said Grand Valley's reputation preceded it when it came time for his daughter to choose a college.

"I think it was the campus, the environment, and the way people speak of their experience here," he said. "Everyone we talked to said they loved being at Grand Valley and their time here."

- Brian Vernellis