2023 President's Report

2023 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

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University Communications

Saginaw Valley State University

7400 Bay Road

University Center, MI 48710 email: ucomm@svsu.edu

BOARD OF CONTROL

Rajkumari (Raj) M Wiener, Chair, Williamston

Lindsay S. Eggers, Vice Chair, Linwood

John D. Cherry Jr., Secretary, Clio Vanessa Guerra, Treasurer, Saginaw Ron Bacon, East Lansing

JoAnn T. Crary, Frankenmuth

Heather Gallegos, Essexville

Carl M. Williams, Saginaw George Grant Jr, President (Ex-officio)

CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY

ADMISSIONS admissions@svsu.edu (989) 964-4200

ALUMNI RELATIONS alumni@svsu.edu (989) 964-4196

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE CENTERS AT SVSU web: svsu.edu/brdc (989) 964-4904

FOUNDATION foundation@svsu.edu (989) 964-4052

CAREER SERVICES careers@svsu.edu (989) 964-4954

CONFERENCE CENTER AT SVSU (Box Office) web: svsu.edu/boxoffice (989) 964-4261

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS diversity@svsu.edu (989) 964-4068

GOVERNMENTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS publicaffairs@svsu.edu (989) 964-2168

GRADUATE PROGRAMS gradadm@svsu.edu (989) 964-6096

MARSHALL M. FREDERICKS SCULPTURE MUSEUM mfsm@svsu.edu (989) 964-7125

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING olli@svsu.edu (989) 964-4475

JoAnn T. Crary, Frankenmuth

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Cardinal Community,

I offer warm greetings to each of you, our students and parents, administrative and support staff, faculty, school leaders, donors, volunteers, community partners and business leaders — all of whom make up our Cardinal community.

In 2023, Saginaw Valley State University proudly celebrated our 60th anniversary, a significant milestone in our cherished history and for over 53,000 alumni! As a reflection of our accomplishments, I offer this report highlighting how Cardinals stand out and demonstrate Red Pride!

Reflecting on the past year, it’s important to recognize the invaluable contributions of every member of our Cardinal community. Together, we foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where our students thrive. Our efforts and our partnerships, both near and far, have provided unparalleled opportunities for our students and communities, paving the way for career success and economic growth.

Our future is filled with promise, we remain committed to advancing SVSU’s strategic priorities of delivering the highest quality academic programs, growing retention, and continuing to strengthen our enrollments.

In 2024, we continue to invest in our people, climate and culture. Our efforts will include renewing our accreditation status with the Higher Learning Commission, launching an innovative marketing campaign and remaining committed to supporting a friendly and safe campus environment, which will always be our priority, ensuring every member feels welcome and secure at SVSU.

We stand ready and eager to embrace the future with passion, determination and the spirit that defines SVSU!

Sincerely,

George Grant Jr President

PRIDE POINTS

Mission

We transform lives through educational excellence and dynamic partnerships, unleashing possibilities for impact in our community and worldwide.

Vision

We will be renowned for our innovative teaching, experiential learning and state-of-the-art facilities and be the first choice for those striving for personal and professional success.

Values

• Passion for academic exploration and achievement.

• Supportive environments focused on student success.

• Diversity and inclusivity.

• High standards for ethical behavior and financial stewardship.

• A safe, friendly and respectful campus climate.

• Community engagement.

96%

job and grad school placement for SVSU grads

100% pre-med placement and early assurance

2023 Reaccreditations

• AACSB Accreditation

• The National Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP)

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Worldwide, only six percent of universities offering business programs receive this accreditation (AACSB). I am very proud that our students receive an education that meets the highest professional standards in the world. I would like to recognize the dedication of all those associated with the Scott L. Carmona College of Business, especially Jayati Ghosh for her outstanding leadership as dean.”

— PRESIDENT GEORGE GRANT JR

#1 VOTED

CAMPUS & HOUSING IN MICHIGAN

AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

BY STUDENTS ON NICHE

Safety is our #1 priority

A supportive community

• National award for community engagement

• Academic pathways to a majority of Michigan’s most in-demand and high-wage careers

• Over 100 academic programs

• Voted a Great College to Work For

• INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipient

• 84% of students engaged in internships and field-based learning

• 92% licensing pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam for SVSU nursing students

• Top 20% pass rate state-wide on the Mich. Teacher Certification Test

Designated as a Michigan Veteran Connector School by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency

Received Gold-level “Veteran Friendly” status by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency for nine consecutive years

Designated “Best for Vets” by Military Times for 10 consecutive years

Brianna DeMeyers, U.S. Army Specialist, was the featured speaker at SVSU’s Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 9. DeMeyers, an SVSU alumna, credited the SVSU Office of Military Student Affairs for helping her engage with the campus, connect to military-connected students and find her identity as a woman student veteran.

FACULTY

Michigan Professor of the Year at SVSU

Arthur Martin, SVSU professor of biology, has earned statewide acclaim for his exemplary teaching and research. Professor Martin has received the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award from the Michigan Association of State Universities. Recognizing the outstanding contributions and dedication exhibited by faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities to the education of undergraduate students, the award places Professor Martin among three professors in the state to receive this honor.

Arthur Martin, Ph.D.

SVSU Professors

Earn National Recognition

Anne Tapp, SVSU professor of teacher education, has gained national recognition for her commitment to educating future teachers throughout the U.S. She was selected as the 2023 recipient of the David G. Imig Award for Distinguished Achievement in Teacher Education by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

Andrea Frederick, SVSU professor of nursing, and Natalia Knoblock, associate professor of English, were named Fulbright award winners for the academic year 2022-2023.

SVSU is recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Scholars. Fulbright, the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, acknowledges SVSU as the sole institution among Michigan colleges and universities without doctoral degrees to produce more than one Fulbright U.S. Scholar.

J. Blake Johnson, SVSU professor of art, was recognized for his leadership and excellence in the classroom. Johnson joins 42 other educators nationwide who will be honored with the prestigious 2024 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Nominated by the Michigan Education Association, Johnson earlier this year received the 2023 Distinguished Servant of Public Education Award. As a faculty mentor for Cardinal Solutions, Johnson provides SVSU students with opportunities to work directly with external clients.

Natalia Knoblock, Ph.D.

Andrea Frederick, D.H.A.

Anne Tapp, Ed.D.

J. Blake Johnson, M.F.A.

STUDENTS

“

Theatre Students Shine

Four passionate and creative SVSU students competed at the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in January. Continuing a proud tradition of excellence at the festival, four students earned recognition for their talents, with three Cardinals nominated for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. Abbey Kuhns, a theatre major from St. Clair County, was named a national finalist in the Projection Design category.

This is a huge accomplishment as Abbey’s design was recognized as one of the top collegiate-level projection designs in the country. She has had excellent guidance by her technical mentors, and I was very impressed by her drive and self-improvement.”

— DAVE RZESZUTEK, PROFESSOR OF THEATRE

Abbey Kuhns

Students Qualify for National Speaking Competition

Two disciplined students qualified to compete at the National Forensic Association National Championship in Peoria, Illinois. Evangeline Cruz, a communication major from Detroit, presented in Poetry, Prose and Persuasive Speaking. Nimnan Wuyep, an international studies and communication major from Nigeria, competed in Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation and Persuasive Speaking.

Graphic Design Majors & Creative Professionals Earn Regional Awards

University communications staff and students were honored for their creative work in marketing and advertising. The talented Cardinals won 14 ADDY® Awards in the American Advertising Federation’s Great Lakes Bay’s annual ADDY® Award competition. Successful participants advance to the districts, while those receiving Gold awards proceed to the national competition.

Evangeline Cruz and Nimnan Wuyep

SVSU’s creative faculty, staff and students were recognized at the Great Lakes Bay Region American Advertising Federation’s American Advertising Awards, hosted at the Temple Theatre.

COMPETITORS

We have had alums succeed as engineers on the NASCAR circuit and other competitive industries, and that determined spirit was on full display this year. The team overcame header leaks and other challenges by managing their time, delegating tasks, making quick but effective decisions and exhibiting phenomenal teamwork.”

— BROOKS BYAM, PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Cardinal Race Team Delivers “Most Satisfying Result” Yet

Brooks Byam, professor of mechanical engineering, views the 2023 results of the Cardinal Formula Racing Team as the “most satisfying results” in his 25 years serving as the team’s faculty advisor. With grit and tenacity, the team overcame tremendous challenges to finish 31st overall among the top 120 colleges and universities from around the globe who competed at the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers Collegiate Design Series. By exhibiting remarkable troubleshooting ingenuity and persistence, SVSU placed ahead of schools such as the University of WisconsinMadison (No. 55), Duke (No. 58) and Michigan Tech (No. 62).

SVSU Hosts New Regional Sales Competition

The Scott L. Carmona College of Business hosted a two-day competition for SVSU and regional university students to test their skills in a supportive environment while receiving guidance from sales professionals. On the first day, participating students received personalized training from the NBA Milwaukee Bucks inside sales team. They then competed in a tournamentstyle role play and elevator pitch competition, with four SVSU students taking home cash prizes for their achievements — totaling nearly $2,000.

Moot Court Accolades

In January, eight Cardinals competed in pairs at the highly competitive Moot Court national tournament. Out of 500 teams nationwide, only 80 qualified for the national competition, with SVSU fielding four of those teams. With consistent hard work and discipline, SVSU’s moot court program has qualified for nationals nearly every year it has competed since the program’s inception in 2010.

SVSU kicked off a new cycle of competition in November with a Cardinal pair winning the regional moot court competition held in Ohio. Another SVSU duo qualified for the “Elite 8,” and every Cardinal student that competed made it to the second day of competition.

Undergraduate Students Excel in Research

More than 150 students from SVSU presented research findings during both the annual Science, Engineering & Technology Symposium and the Undergraduate Research Program Student Showcase.

“Working on this project has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to explore the many facets of engineering. Not only were we able to increase our knowledge in the electrical engineering field but we were able to dip our toes into the mechanical and biomechanical aspects of engineering. We worked on providing a low-cost alternative for young patients in need of a prosthetic arm.’’

— BRADLEY ROWLOFF, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING MAJOR

2022-2023 Season

ATHLETICS NATIONAL CHAMPION CHEYENNE WILLIAMSON

Cheyenne Williamson, a 16-time All-American, was crowned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA DII Field Athlete of the Year and Midwest Field Athlete of the Year. She became the first athlete to win three straight National Championships in the Heptathlon at the Outdoor Championships with a program-record final score of 5,861 — more than 300 points ahead of second place. Williamson added a second National Title in the high jump on day two of the meet, bringing her career total to nine. She cleared the bar at 1.77m and was an All-American in the long jump and 100m hurdles. In the 2022–23 season, she became the first Outdoor Champion with 5,757 points, the seventh-highest score in NCAA DII history.

LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup Standings

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Individual National Champions

GLIAC Presidents’ Trophy Standings

Seven Swim and Dive athletes qualified for NCAA Division II Championships in Indianapolis

Women’s Golf Team qualified for the NCAA Division II East Regional Championships for the second straight season

Women’s Basketball senior guard Kaitlyn Zarycki ends career on a high note:

• GLIAC Player of the Year

• D2CCA Midwest Region Women’s Basketball Player of the Year

• First-Team All-Midwest Region

Softball won the GLIAC Tournament for the second straight year and reached the NCAA Midwest Regional Finals

Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country teams qualified for NCAA DII Championships in the same season

Men’s Soccer collects impressive accolades:

• Coaching Staff of the Year

• Regional Player of the Year

• GLIAC Champions

• Finished season ranked 1st in Super-Region and 16th in United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SVSU faculty, staff and students joined the community for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March in downtown Saginaw on January 10.

President Grant with professional golfer Megan Khang. SVSU was a proud sponsor of the LPGA Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Midland on July 17–22.

SVSU Cardinals in the Community volunteered in spring cleanings across the region: United Way of Bay County Day of Caring on April 21 at Veterans Memorial Park; Saginaw Community Cleanup on May 13 at Ojibway Island; Midland Blooms on May 20.

The Saginaw Intermediate Entrepreneurship Institute visited SVSU’s Riverfront Saginaw Center location.

Over the course of one week, the 2023 Battle of the Valley student-led fundraising event successfully raised $23,253. The event was a friendly competition among registered student organizations at SVSU aimed at raising funds for Camp Fish Tales. This camp is a yearround facility that provides conference and retreat services for individuals of all ages, including those with disabilities, without any barriers. SVSU students take pride in positively impacting their communities.

On November 13, SVSU hosted a Founders’ Day celebration, a tribute to those who played a vital role in the university’s growth. Charley Curtiss, shown here shaking hands with President Grant, was a founding board member in 1963 and served an impressive 32 years of consecutive service on the Board of Control. His enduring commitment stands as a testament to the legacy of those who shaped SVSU’s journey.

SVSU hosted an event, SVSU Day in Detroit, for Cardinal alumni and friends to cheer on the Detroit Pistons on January 28.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SVSU hosted multiple events as part of Native American Heritage Month. On November 1, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum hosted a reception where attendees could view the exhibition “Vitality and Continuity: Art in the Experiences of Anishinaabe, Inuit, and Pueblo Women” and enjoy a selection of Native American-inspired fare. Two special presentations also took place in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall: a Native American graves protection and reparation presentation by the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinaabe Culture & Lifeways and a special screening of the documentary film “Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice.” The film’s director, Audrey Geyer, was in attendance.

These events provided an opportunity to learn more about the land acknowledgment statement recently approved by the SVSU Board of Control.

University police attended a night of fun with the registered student organization Men of Distinction — one of many events coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

SVSU Latino Alumni Chapter Alumni Meet & Greet was held in October as part of various celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month.

SVSU partnered with Dow Diamond to offer nearly 500 members of the Cardinal family an excellent opportunity to see the SVSU baseball team defeat Grand Valley in an exhibition baseball game.

The 19th Annual Saints & Sinners Masquerade Gala was held on October 6, 2023. All proceeds from the Gala support the many online and in-person education and exhibition programs that take place at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

Cathy and Gabe Soto were this year’s homecoming parade marshals. They have an incredible 74 years of combined experience as members of the support staff at SVSU. Cathy devoted her 39-year career to the Campus Facilities department, and Gabe spent most of his 35 years as a duplicator operator at the Graphic Center.

The SVSU Board of Control Was Honored to Bring the Community Together for President Grant’s Investiture

Ceremony

Amid an outpouring of community support, George Grant Jr was formally installed as the fifth president of Saginaw Valley State University during an investiture ceremony on September 26. He began his tenure on January 1, with the investiture serving as a traditional ceremony to confer the authority of high office. The on-campus event was attended by many supportive members of the SVSU community and beyond — including presidents and staff from peer higher education institutions, local mayors and school board executives and a number of business and community leaders from the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. We are so grateful for the generous support SVSU received during this exciting time.

Board

SVSU

Chair, Rajkumari (Raj) M Wiener, formally introduces the newly installed president, George Grant Jr.

ALUMNI

Commencement Is a Milestone for Our 2023

Graduates

May 2023 commencement highlights:

• 762 total SVSU graduates

• 117 earned their graduate degrees

• 645 earned their undergraduate degrees

After the May 2023 graduation, SVSU has 53,768 alumni!

Inspiring Commencement Speakers

The commencement speaker for the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, College of Science, Engineering & Technology and the Scott L. Carmona College of Business was Patrick Miles Jr. He is a Grand Rapids-based attorney and partner in the law firm Barnes & Thornburg. Miles received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from SVSU.

Beth Charlton was the commencement speaker for the College of Health & Human Services and College of Education ceremony, where she received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree. Charlton is an SVSU alumna who has served as president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare since 2021, leading an organization with over 4,000 employees.

Patrick Miles Jr.

Beth Charlton

Alumni Celebration

The Alumni Celebration recognized SVSU Alumni whose personal and professional achievements have positively affected their community and strongly reflect the values of Saginaw Valley State University.

Alumni Tailgate

President Grant and Vicki Rupp, former board chair and SVSU Distinguished Alumna ’08, at the Alumni Golf Outing

Senior Toast

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

SVSU is unwavering in its commitment to providing a wide array of intellectual and cultural opportunities that enhance the lives of both our campus community and the residents of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

The Office of Diversity Programs hosts events and programs to support our inclusive campus culture including The Taste of Soul, a luncheon featuring African American cuisine.

In 2023, SVSU adoped a land acknowledgement for the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe, Wyandot, and Sauk, particularly acknowledging the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe and the land ceded in the Saginaw Treaty of 1819. SVSU is commited to preserving Indigenous traditions and serving as responsible stewards.

Political analyst, activist and former South Carolina representative Bakari Sellers delivered the keynote address at the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Celebration at SVSU.

Dr. Mamie Thorns leads Courageous Conversations workshops for faculty and staff to support an inclusive campus community at SVSU.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

President Grant met with high school students from Saginaw’s sister city of Tokushima, Japan, who visited SVSU and met the mayor of Saginaw. The students studied English on campus and held a Michigan Travel Fair to share their cultural exchange experiences. This was the first international visit to campus since the start of COVID-19!

President Grant talks with Rose Chiu, an internationally celebrated artist from Taiwan, who was featured in a recent exhibition at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. Special thanks to Ming Chuan University in Taiwan for generously sponsoring this exhibition in recognition of SVSU’s 60th anniversary.

the city of

Ontario,

visit SVSU and discuss partnership opportunities. Shown here, left to right: President Grant, Nora Gavarre, Stephannie Schlichter and John Kaczynski.

Three SVSU students and two staff members actively engaged in a study abroad program in Ghana. This enriching experience was made possible through the efforts of SVSU’s School/ University Partnership Office and generous sponsorship from First Ward Community Center in collaboration with the City of Saginaw. The SVSU contingent included: Dr. Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, Dr. Dawn Hinton, Dr. Christina Dillard, George Copeland, Amber Tolson, Wynter McClain and Matthew Parasick.

Karorun

an international guest scholar from Shikoku University, joins SVSU in the department of modern foreign languages within the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences. Notably, Dr. Taniguchi marks SVSU’s first international guest scholar post-COVID-19. Shown here, left to right: Dr. Brian J. Thomas, Dr. Deborah R. Huntley, Dr. Karorun Taniguchi and Adem Althor.

President Grant met with students from Ming Chuan University (MCU) in the Learning Away From Home program under the leadership of Dr. Robert Yien and Jubi Huang.

Ontario Agent General Earl Provost arranged for his team, from

Barrie,

to

Dr.

Taniguchi,

SPEAKERS

Renowned Visiting Scholars

With the 60th anniversary, SVSU is hosting the 2023-2024 “University Lecture Season: A Vision for the Future.”

Distinguished speakers will address five principal topics during the year, including the need for continuous improvement in math education, the ethics of equality and the challenges of artificial intelligence — all part of SVSU’s goal of providing fresh perspectives on the issues of the day. Two distinguished lectures were hosted in 2023, with the remainder expected in 2024.

SVSU will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Individuals who wish to make accommodations should contact the Conference Center at SVSU at (989) 964-4348 at least three days before an event.

SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical impairment, disability or veteran status in the provision of education, employment and other services.

Religious Identity & University Discourse

Najeeba Syeed, J.D.

The 2023 speaker, Najeeba Syeed, J.D., is the El-Hibri Endowed Chair at Augsburg University and executive director of Interfaith Augsburg. She has been a professor, expert practitioner and public speaker for the past two decades in conflict resolution, interfaith studies, mediation, education, deliberative democracy, and social, gender and racial equity. Professor Najeeba Syeed delivered a captivating lecture on the role of academic institutions in creating an environment conducive to religious inclusion, interfaith dialogue and religious literacy within campus communities. (The Raana Akbar Memorial Lecture on Islam & Culture was established in 2011 by Dr. Waheed Akbar in memory of his wife Raana, a former SVSU Board of Control member, physician and community leader).

David Nichols, President Grant, Waheed Akbar with Najeeba Syeed in front.

Innovation: The What, Where and When

Eric Weiner

Eric Weiner is an author, journalist and speaker. His books include The New York Times bestsellers The Geography of Genius and The Geography of Bliss (now a TV series airing on NBC Peacock) as well as the critically acclaimed Man Seeks God. His books have been translated into over 20 languages, and his many journalism and writing awards include the Towson University Prize for Literature. Guest speaker Weiner delivered a fascinating talk on innovation and creativity not based on lone geniuses but a combination of person, place and timing. (The WicksonNickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business provides forums to study and debate contemporary events and issues that influence business policies and behavior. The Lectureship was established and is supported by the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and the Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation in honor of the late James E. Wickson and Allen E. Nickless, prominent business and community leaders of Frankenmuth).

Roethke Poetry Award Guest Speaker

Patricia Jabbeh Wesley

Literary scholar Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, a professor of English, creative writing and African literature at Penn State University-Altoona, was selected as the winner of the 2023 Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize from SVSU for her collection “Praise Song for My Children: New and Selected Poems.” Wesley came to campus in March to accept the award and present her poetry to campus during the triennial Theodore Roethke Poetry & Arts Festival.

Women’s History Month Guest Speaker

Stacy Cordery, Ph.D.

Best-selling author Stacy Cordery was invited to campus through a Foundation Resource Grant to give lectures at SVSU and in the community. Cordery is a professor of history at Iowa State University, the author of The New York Times bestseller Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker; the biography of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low; two books about Theodore Roosevelt; and her most recent book, a biography of Elizabeth Arden.

Eric Weiner

Patricia Jabbeh Wesley

Stacy Cordery

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships with Community Colleges to Advance Health Care

Five colleges in Michigan have selected SVSU as a partner to streamline the pathway to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Under the agreement, students who complete an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) at a partnering community college can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from SVSU’s fully accredited program.

College Partnerships

• Alpena Community College

• Delta College

• Bay College

• Kirtland Community College

• Montcalm Community College

A $2,000,000 enhancement to each community college to partner with a university is helping SVSU’s nursing program expand to meet the needs of Michigan’s modern economy and improve patient care.

Representatives from SVSU and Alpena Community College sign an agreement for nursing students to pursue bachelor’s degrees at SVSU. Kirtland Community College President Dr. Thomas Quinn with President Grant

President Grant with Delta College President Dr. Michael Gavin.

Healthcare Employees Get Tuition Discounts at SVSU

SVSU partners with healthcare providers in Michigan to enhance higher education opportunities and improve the talent pipeline throughout our communities. The partnerships include a tuition reimbursement program and a 30 percent discount on tuition with all associated fees for in-person and online courses for employees pursuing relevant degrees and coursework at SVSU. Healthcare partnerships: Ascension, Covenant HealthCare, McLaren Health Care and MyMichigan Health.

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II, Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, Rep. Amos O’Neal , and Rep. Matthew Bierlein visited campus. They met with President Grant, students and faculty during his “Made it in Michigan” tour. The trip highlighted efforts to lower education costs and increase the number of Michigan nurses. The Lt. Gov. toured SVSU’s Nursing Simulation Labs and learned more about SVSU’s community partnerships and program strengths.

SVSU nursing students pass the national licensing examination at a 92% rate, well above the national average of 80% and the state average of 79%.

President Grant and Dr. Stephanie Duggan, president and CEO of Ascension St. Mary’s, celebrate the tuition discount agreement for Ascension employees.

Covenant employee and SVSU student Jill Jarvis, left, discusses the tuition discount with Beth Charlton, Covenant president and CEO and President Grant.

McLaren Health Care and SVSU announced their tuition discount partnership. From left, Carolyn Potter, regional vice president of human resources, McLaren; Darrell Lentz, CEO, McLaren Bay Region; President Grant; and Stacey Klump, chief nursing officer, McLaren Bay Region.

GRANTS

SVSU Receives

$2.6

Million Grant To Address Behavioral Health Care Needs in Rural Michigan

With a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration, SVSU will collaborate with Northern Michigan University to enhance behavioral health care in rural northern Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula. Through the program, called BRIDGE UP, SVSU will offer its psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program in collaboration with NMU. Over a four-year period, nearly 200 nurse practitioner students will complete the program. The project signifies a significant step toward improving behavioral health care access in rural Michigan. By equipping nurse practitioners with specialized training and fostering interprofessional collaboration, SVSU and NMU intend to reduce health disparities and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan. Kathleen Schachman, Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Professor of Nursing at SVSU, applied for the grant and will serve as project director.

We expect to increase the number, diversity and geographic distribution of nurse practitioners with specialized psychiatric mental health preparation. The impact will be farreaching, transforming lives and creating a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system for all.”

— KATHLEEN SCHACHMAN, WICKES ENDOWED PROFESSOR OF NURSING

SVSU Professor Awarded $1.06 Million Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Workforce Grant

With support from a two-year, $1.06 million federal grant, SVSU will expand access to mental health care for our campus community and beyond. The grant will allow for more on-campus resources, including a dedicated TRIO-SSS Program that provides academic support and services to admitted and enrolled students at Saginaw Valley State University with varying needs. The grant will also help provide more master’s level social workers to treat children, adolescents and young adults in rural communities in Michigan. The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded the grant under the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Children, Adolescents and Young Adult Program for Professionals (BHWET-CAY).

Catherine Macomber, SVSU professor of social work, applied for the grant and will serve as the project director. SVSU will use the grant funds to support a new project, “YouthWISE: Youth Work in Social Work Education — Growing Behavioral Health in Rural Michigan for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults.”

SVSU Receives Grant to Help

SVSU Midland County Students Launch Businesses

With a generous grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation, Saginaw Valley State University is positioned to help four Midland County SVSU students launch businesses in the next year. The SVSU Student Entrepreneurs project will provide vital resources and tailored support to help students successfully establish their startups. “Thanks to the $40,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation, we will provide seed funding, tailored support and infrastructure to help four SVSU student entrepreneurs launch their businesses in Midland County. This support enables our student entrepreneurs to navigate Michigan’s diverse business environment, foster innovation and shape a brighter future for all,” — Mohamed Adel, associate director of the Dow Entrepreneurship Institute at SVSU.

SVSU Receives Grant for Summer Institute for K-12 Educators

Natalia Knoblock and Veronika Drake, professors of English, were awarded a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to develop a two-week residential summer institute for K-12 educators. The institute will emphasize how many commonly held beliefs about language are discriminatory, and it will suggest more inclusive approaches to language in the classroom. “We are honored to have received this funding and are beyond excited to bring K-12 educators to the Great Lakes Bay Region,” said Drake. “Negative assumptions about people who speak anything other than what is considered ‘standard English’ are so widespread and so entrenched,” Knoblock said. “Such negative views feed into linguistic prejudice and linguistic discrimination and can lead to disparate achievements and learning outcomes for K-12 students.”

$2 Million Grant Increases Number of Certified Teachers in Local Classrooms

SVSU is partnering with Saginaw Public Schools to elevate our Accelerated Certification with Residency program. Now, with academic coursework and classroom teaching experience, Saginaw Public Schools employees who have completed bachelor’s degrees can satisfy the requirements to become a certified teacher in about a year. Through a $2 million grant from the State of Michigan’s “Grow Your Own Teacher” funding initiative, their education expenses will be covered. “Schools and students need good teachers now more than ever,” said Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet. “The $2 million we secured for this partnership will go a long way to help Saginaw Public Schools fill vital classroom positions.”

COMMUNITY EVENTS ON CAMPUS

FIRST® Robotics State Championship

SVSU hosted the FIRST® Robotics state championship for the 5th year on April 6-8. The competition brings in over 5,000 students from 160 high schools statewide — plus an additional 4,000 visitors, including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.

The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills.

Special Olympics at SVSU

SVSU hosted hundreds of athletes from Saginaw and Shiawassee counties at the Area 22 Special Olympics Spring Games.

President Grant and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilcrist II

Stevens Center for Family Business at SVSU

On October 11, Denise Ilitch gave a keynote presentation on the Ilitch Family Enterprises at the Stevens Center for Family Business (SCFB), a part of the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at SVSU. The SCFB provides family business owners with a wealth of opportunities and resources to assist members in learning about family business best practices and applying them to their own companies.

SVSU Hosted Hundreds of K-12 Students in 2023 who Competed in Marketing, Business, STEM and Creativity

• Students from the Great Lakes Bay and Thumb areas presented engineering and creative solutions at the Michigan Destination Imagination competition held at SVSU on May 9.

• Students dedicated to the future in the health professions competed at SVSU on December 8 for the HOSA – Future Health Professionals competition.

• Business and marketing students came to SVSU to compete on December 14 for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) competition.

• Students competed at SVSU in the Business Professionals of American (BPA) competition on December 19.

Michigan’s Education Association (MEA) Annual Conference at SVSU

Hundreds of educators from across Michigan gathered at SVSU on July 20 for MEA’s annual Summer Conference to strategize ideas for strengthening schools and the teaching profession.

Michigan Works! MiCareerQuest

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! hosted the 2023 MiCareerQuest at SVSU on September 29. This event is designed to help families make informed choices about education and career pathways.

Veterans History Project

In June, SVSU’s history department and Office of Military Student Affairs collaborated with Senator Gary Peters’ office to host an event welcoming veterans to campus and documenting their accounts of their time in the military. The stories, documents and photos collected will be sent to the Library of Congress Archives for current and future historians to access the real, lived experiences of military members.

Great Lakes Bay Regional Leadership Institute

High school students from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region are paired with SVSU student mentors and corporate and community volunteers to participate in training sessions led by nationally trained facilitators and presenters.

SUPPORTERS

Thompson Scholarship Program

Robert and Ellen Thompson have generously established the Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarship for Working Families Scholarship Program. The Thompsons understand the power of education to change lives, and their scholarships are focused on students from working-class families who exhibit hard work, determination and grit.

SVSU matches dollar-for-dollar the amount awarded to a Thompson scholar; the typical four-year award total for an incoming first-time-in-college scholar is $44,000. The Thompson’s also fund the Working Families Achiever (for second-year students) and Transfer Scholarships.

Field/Spicer Fellowship in Science and Engineering

This fellowship program, established at SVSU through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. E. Malcolm Field, will promote interdisciplinary work that bridges health sciences, biology, engineering and technology and support a visiting research scientist, fellowships for faculty and staff, development of academic and research programs such as neuro nursing, neuropsychology and guest lectures and symposia.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to community supporters for their invaluable contributions to SVSU. Their unwavering generosity and dedicated commitment have helped empower the Cardinal community to reach their academic and career aspirations. Below is a sampling of named programs, awards and scholarships.

Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship Program

With a generous gift from Dr. E. Malcolm Field, a longtime supporter of SVSU, the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship program will help prepare SVSU students with a strong focus on leadership from a global perspective. Students explore diverse cultures through a community service project and an international travel experience.

Gerstacker Fellowship Program

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation generously established this program so K-12 educators may participate in concentrated leadership training and faculty-led international travel to learn about global education systems. Approximately 200 community educators have graduated from this program.

Garber Cardinal Business Edge

With a generous gift from Dick Garber, this SVSU Program of Distinction offers students the opportunity to grow professionally and gain leadership skills as they complete amazing in-class and field-based activities with peers under the mentorship of senior leaders in the Scott L. Carmona College of Business.

Robert and Ellen Thompson with SVSU student Joseph Cummings.

Vitito Global Leadership Institute

With a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Vitito, SVSU students in the Scott L. Carmona College of Business may build leadership skills in field experiences with regional business and community leaders and participate in faculty-led international travel.

The Carleen K. Moore, RN Nursing Excellence Award

Established through the generous support of Terry and his wife, Carleen Moore, R.N., the nursing awards recognize the outstanding achievements of nurses across specialties, including critical care, pediatrics, mental health, education, long-term care and more.

Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship

Jan Botz, a distinguished alumna of SVSU, established this fellowship to prepare students for business success. The Botz Liberal Arts Fellowship is a multi-semester career readiness program that includes a scholarship the first academic year and culminates in a paid internship.

Richard V. Wolohan Fellowship in Leadership and Service

The Wolohan Family Foundation generously developed the Richard V. Wolohan Fellowship in Leadership and Service to encourage students to demonstrate the kind of community leadership that characterized Mr. Wolohan’s life

Leopold J. Kantzler Fellowship

The Kantzler Foundation generously established the Kantzler Fellows Scholarship Program at SVSU. The program’s objective is to encourage and support Bay County high school graduates who have been active in our community, have been accepted at SVSU and hope to remain in the Bay Area after graduation from college with the expectation of becoming community leaders.

The Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy

This institute was named after Saginaw mayor and civil rights proponent Henry Marsh and was established so that community members may become effective advocates and change agents in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The program incorporates an understanding of local political institutions, public policy analysis, campaigning and effective governance. Approximately 150 people have completed this program since its 2011 inception.

The Gloria J. and Douglas E. Wagener Support Staff Association Endowed Scholarship

In 2016, SVSU mourned the loss of Gloria Wagener, a dedicated employee of 42 years and a passionate advocate for workers’ rights. In 1985, she founded the SVSU Support Staff Association (SSA). In 2012, SSA established a $10,000 endowment for a scholarship benefiting support staff families, later renamed “The Gloria J. Wagener Support Staff Association Endowed Scholarship” in her honor in 2016.

Bob and Bobbi Vitito meet with students in the Global Leadership Institute.

On November 21, SVSU hosted a reception for the Wagener family. The family recently gifted $650,000 to the scholarship fund.

OPPORTUNITIES

Nearly half of SVSU freshmen had their entire tuition paid for by scholarships and grants.

Increased SVSU Academic Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen in Fall 2024

In 2023, SVSU made getting a bachelor’s degree even more affordable by increasing every academic scholarship by $1,000 or more. SVSU prides itself on being a best-value institution. All incoming freshmen with a 3.0 GPA or higher are automatically guaranteed a scholarship at SVSU.

SVSU’s Cardinal Commitment: Guaranteed Full Tuition for Eligible Students

At SVSU, we believe in making a first-class college education accessible to all, regardless of income. The Cardinal Commitment at SVSU has expanded its eligibility for fall 2023. It’s available to qualifying first-time-in-college students with a combined student and family-adjusted gross annual income of $70,000 or less. The Cardinal Commitment pledges additional funding if a student’s basic tuition costs exceed grants and scholarships.

New Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The State of Michigan introduced the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship for freshmen entering SVSU in the fall of 2023. High school graduates who complete the FAFSA are eligible for up to $5,500. It is renewable for a total of five years.

President Grant attended the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Roundtable at the Bay-Arenac Career Center. Gov. Whitmer and a panel of students from various high schools in Bay County spoke about how the Michigan Achievement Scholarship will make college access incredibly affordable. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship awards $5,500 per student and allows a majority of incoming freshmen at SVSU to receive a tuition-free path.

I applaud the governor for working to try and increase affordability for college, as well as to encourage all graduating high school seniors and their parents to complete the FAFSA application. ”

— PRESIDENT GEORGE GRANT JR

Gov. Whitmer and President Grant

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Campus Updates To Help Drive Student Success

• In July 2022, the State of Michigan approved the University’s request for the $28.845 million Brown Hall renovation project, of which $21.8 million will be funded by the State. SVSU is currently in the construction document phase, with anticipated renovations to start in May 2024 and be completed for the fall semester of 2025. The renovation will include active learning classrooms and labs with a new corridor providing a state-of-the-art learning space for our campus community.

• SVSU received a Michigan Enhancement Grant of approximately $1.5 million to expand Pioneer and Bachand Hall labs.

• SVSU completed the following projects as part of an ongoing housing renovations plan to support the student resident experience: approximately $3.5 million University Village Phase I and $3.1 million Living Center South renovations completed in August 2022; $1.8 million Tranquil Hall and $3.3 million Pine Grove Central renovations completed in August 2023. SVSU is ranked #1 in the nation for the best college dorms and #1 in Michigan for the best campus.

• SVSU invested $2.2 million to replace the turf in the Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium football field and add turf to the Robert C. Braddock Soccer/ Lacrosse field. The university is in the process of forming an inaugural intercollegiate women’s lacrosse team.

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.

Institutional Expenditures