Reach Higher Celebration spotlights GVSU's innovation in Michigan

Community and industry leaders from across Michigan gathered at the DeVos Center on Grand Valley's Pew City Campus on April 17 for the university's Reach Higher Celebration.

The celebration was a culmination of GVSU's Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan, showcasing the continued progress toward helping improve the communities the university serves, breaking down barriers in education and empowering learners' educational experiences.

"GVSU's blueprint for tomorrow's education is one that revolutionizes learning and creates barrier-free opportunities," said President Philomena V. Mantella during the celebration's opening remarks.

The event included GVx talks and project showcases exemplifying Grand Valley's Reach Higher commitments : Providing an empowered educational experience, fostering a lifetime of learning and cultivating a culture of educational equity.

Among the featured showcases were the latest updates and insights on GVSU's Blue Dot Ecosystem. The project, aiming to transform Grand Rapids into a tech industry hub in the Midwest, featured a dedicated GVx talk from Laura Aikens, vice president for University Development, and Marouane Kessentini, the new dean of the College of Computing.