Przydzial creates full-circle moment as new director of Alumni Relations

Przydzial has spent his first few weeks settling in, learning and connecting with the Alumni Relations team.

"I just want to keep an open mind," Przydzial said. "I know I have so much to learn. My goal is to take in as much as I can to understand this new industry, this new world that I'm stepping into."

Though still new to the position, Przydzial already has plans for the department, including re-envisioning the Alumni Board of Directors, GVSU's alumni representatives who work alongside Alumni Relations to connect and engage alumni with GVSU and each other, encouraging alumni to be lifelong learners and helping them to achieve their professional goals.

"The goal is for the alumni board to have a clear purpose: being very intentional with their roles and the impact that they have on the university," he said.

Przydzial said he wants to collaborate with academic and campus partners to be more engaged with their alumni, explore mentorships between students and alumni, define what it means to be a "Laker for a Lifetime," and ensure Alumni Relations and all its resources are known to current students and alumni.

He said he believes even after commencement, alumni always have a place at GVSU.

"Support and services from Alumni Relations are always here for you," Przydzial said. "Whether you are seeking career support or networking, looking for mentorship, discounts or getting connected with alumni-owned businesses, there are so many ways to give back and stay engaged with Grand Valley."

- Cass Wainwright, a senior writing major, is a student writer for University Communications.