2021 - All News/Archive
January 4, 2021
SVSU Board grants degrees to 550 students who persevered to complete their studies
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control granted graduate and undergraduate degrees during the Board’s regular meeting Friday, Dec. 18. Around 550 students have completed degree requirements despite disruptions arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
January 9, 2021
Dedicated SVSU Theatre Professor Earns Prestigious National Honor for Teaching
Peggy Mead-Finizio, assistant professor of theatre at Saginaw Valley State University, is this year's recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Innovative Teacher award.
January 11, 2021
Dedicated SVSU Theatre Professor Earns Prestigious National Honor for Teaching
Peggy Mead-Finizio, assistant professor of theatre at Saginaw Valley State University, is this year's recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Innovative Teacher award.
January 15, 2021
Regional leaders to be honored as Drum Major Award recipients at MLK Celebration
A former mayor/state legislator, a public servant and an educator will be honored by Saginaw Valley State University this month for community work that exemplifies the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision.
January 21, 2021
SVSU sponsors 2021 First Ward Leadership Fellowship Program
Eleven Saginaw County residents between the ages of 18 and 30 have been selected as 2021 First Ward Leadership Fellows and will participate in a 14-week leadership training program hosted by Saginaw Valley State University.
January 29, 2021
Passionate SVSU Professor Receives National Board Appointment
Dedicated professor of teacher education at Saginaw Valley State University, Anne Tapp, was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).
February 17, 2021
SVSU establishes, hires director for new on-campus mental health & wellness center
Saginaw Valley State University is responding to the growing demand for mental health services by building a new model to serve its campus community.
February 23, 2021
SVSU Honored with Military Friendly Designation for Commitment to Student Veteran Support
Saginaw Valley State University was honored as a 2020-2021 Military Friendly School for its dedication to military student support services. SVSU was awarded with a Military Friendly Silver Designation by the company VIQTORY.
February 23, 2021
The SVSU Theatre department presents Joan: The Girl of Arc.
It has been nearly a year since the COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure of theaters throughout the country; yet, for SVSU students, the show goes on.
March 9, 2021
SVSU to Offer Free Tuition to Qualifying Students in Michigan
Saginaw Valley State University is expanding its longstanding dedication to making a first-class college education accessible to Michigan families by offering free tuition to qualified students throughout Michigan. A new initiative known as the SVSU Cardinal Commitment will remove barriers to higher education for many students, starting with the fall 2021 semester.
March 12, 2021
SVSU Designated a “Voter Friendly Campus”
Saginaw Valley State University has been designated a “Voter Friendly Campus” in a program led by national nonpartisan organizations Fair Elections Center’s Campus Voter Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. SVSU is one of more than 200 campuses in 37 states and the District of Columbia to be granted this designation, which is valid through December 2022.
March 18, 2021
SVSU set to host in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies for May 2021 graduates
Saginaw Valley State University will provide an opportunity for its May 2021 graduates to participate in commencement exercises and celebrate their achievements in three outdoor ceremonies planned for Friday, May 7, in the university’s Wickes Memorial Stadium.
March 13, 2021
SVSU Recognizes Women’s History Month
In observance of Women’s History Month, several SVSU faculty and staff members have shared their experiences as women, what Women’s History Month means to them, and what advice they would share with young women.
April 26, 2021
SVSU receives largest single gift – $6 million – to support Thompson Working Families scholarships
SVSU is receiving an additional gift of $6 million to support Robert & Ellen Thompson Working Families Scholarships. This generous gift from Bob and Ellen Thompson is intended for immediate use and is the largest single gift in university history.
April 15, 2021
Henrik Ibsen’s landmark drama “A Doll House” stirred significant controversy when it was introduced in 1879. SVSU’s adaptation of Ibsen’s classic offers a look into enduring social constructs through the lens of a 1950s television show, complete with commercials.
April 16, 2021
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Townhall set for April 23
A virtual townhall featuring the “Diversity, Inclusion & Equity at SVSU Annual Report and Celebration” will take place Friday, April 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to showcase each DE&I committee and the work that has been accomplished since September.
April 28, 2021
SVSU Student Presents at International Competition, Wins Peer Competition
SVSU student Joanna Cooley knows what it is like to go to bed hungry. And she knows the lasting toll childhood hunger can take. Her research into childhood food insecurity — and her plan to combat hunger in her community — took Cooley, virtually, to the Global Student Leadership Conference in London and earned her the top prize in the “BIG IDEAS” pitch competition at the conference. The conference, presented by FIE, the Foundation for International Education, was held in London April 10 and 11.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors: Kathy Perez
As a student, Kathy Perez challenged herself to help people see beyond negative stereotypes too often associated with too many populations in the United States. As a student program coordinator in SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Kathy took on this challenge when she organized a Lowrider Display event as part of SVSU’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in 2019.
May 6, 2021
SVSU Department of Nursing recognizes excellence in nursing
The SVSU Department of Nursing has recognized several area registered nurses and three nursing units for their contributions to the regional community and extraordinary dedication to public health over the past year. Recipients of the 2021 Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award are:
May 6, 2021
More than 700 SVSU graduates have registered to participate in Saginaw Valley State University’s three outdoor commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 7. The ceremonies, SVSU’s first-ever outdoor commencement celebrations, will be held in the Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium. Relocating the ceremonies outdoors provide a safer venue and allows more people to participate in person.
May 10, 2021
SVSU Board approves granting degrees in advance of outdoor Commencement ceremonies
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved granting undergraduate and graduate degrees during the Board’s regular meeting Thursday, May 6. More than 1,000 students are expected to complete degree requirements.
May 14, 2021
SVSU hires new dean for business school
Saginaw Valley State University has hired an experienced leader in business education to serve as the new dean of the institution’s Scott L. Carmona College of Business. Jayati Ghosh will head SVSU’s business school after devoting more than two decades to a career in higher education, most recently at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ghosh said she was excited for the opportunity to join an institution with SVSU’s strong ranking among top business schools worldwide.
May 20, 2021
Ten SVSU students, members of the university’s Richard V. Wolohan Fellowship in Service and Leadership, are leading an effort to rehabilitate the exterior of a 127-year-old home in Saginaw as part of a neighborhood revitalization effort in the area surrounding the Mustard Seed Shelter.
May 27, 2021
SVSU students win Tyner Prizes for writing excellence
Three SVSU students have been awarded Tyner Prizes for excellence in writing. Tyner Prizes are presented annually in three categories ― fiction, poetry and nonfiction ― with a fourth prize, for creative nonfiction, awarded when appropriate. Each of the 2021 Tyner Prize winners won a monetary award of $200 and a plaque. Their names will also be added to a plaque listing past winners, which is located on the third floor of Science West.
May 27, 2021
Four members of SVSU’s Roberts Fellowship Program responded to the educational and emotional needs of the Saginaw community’s school-age children and their families by providing materials and resources to help them manage at-home learning and other challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors 2021: Justin Weller
Justin Weller started off as a shy student who never read a Supreme Court case … to being only the second student in Saginaw Valley State University history to qualify for three consecutive Moot Court National Championships.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors 2021: Morgan Esch
Morgan Esch was certain that she wanted her future career to involve children and assisting others. Her determination to combine the two passions has landed her tremendous success — already, in advance of her graduating from SVSU — working her dream job as an educator in her hometown.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors 2021: Saadman Bin Abdullah
Saadman Bin Abdullah, an international student from Bangladesh, has gained incredible knowledge from being a mechanical engineering student at SVSU. As a result, he wants to return home to help people gain access to clean energy and water.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors 2021: Sabrina Coffman
Mechanical engineering fields remain primarily dominated by men, but Sabrina Coffman is breaking the stigma as a woman who excels in the program at Saginaw Valley State University.
May 3, 2021
SVSU graduating seniors: Kyndall LoVette
With a passion and penchant for engaging with people, Kyndall LoVette will be ready to launch soon from her status as a graduating senior at Saginaw Valley State University to the professional career that will soon follow.
June 4, 2021
SVSU students honored for foreign language achievements
Saginaw Valley State University celebrated the achievements of several students by inducting them into two foreign language honor societies. The virtual induction ceremonies were held April 23.
June 7, 2021
SVSU’s Student Association invites Great Lakes Bay Region nonprofits to apply for support
One nonprofit organization from the Great Lakes Bay Region stands to benefit from the fundraising efforts of Saginaw Valley State University’s Student Association. The student government is now accepting applications for beneficiaries of Battle of the Valleys, one of SVSU’s proudest and most meaningful traditions. Applications will be accepted through June 11 and can be found at svsubattle.com/benefactor-applications.
June 10, 2021
SVSU celebrates writing excellence
The University Writing Program at SVSU celebrated the writing achievements of student writers with 2021 University Writing awards.
June 16, 2021
SVSU chemistry professor named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
Saginaw Valley State University’s Tami Sivy, professor of chemistry, has received the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award from the Michigan Association of State Universities.
June 24, 2021
SVSU students create memorial garden for grieving children
Five members of SVSU’s Roberts Fellowship Program have created a place for children from the Great Lakes Bay Region to memorialize their loved ones.
June 28, 2021
SVSU geography professor to study invasive species treatment
An SVSU geography professor is conducting a study on the effectiveness of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s treatment of invasive species at the Frankenlust Township Nature Park in Bay City with support of a grant from the Environmental Endowment Fund of the Bay Area Community Foundation.
June 30, 2021
Recognizing the tremendous support the Children’s Grief Center offers grieving children and families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU’s Student Association has selected the organization as its charitable partner for the 2021 Battle of the Valleys.
June 30, 2021
SVSU selects 23rd class of student leaders for Roberts Fellowship
A group of Saginaw Valley State University students will fuel their passion for leadership and service through their participation in the Roberts Fellowship program.
June 30, 2021
SVSU ranks as a "Best for Vets" college
Saginaw Valley State University’s commitment to serving military veterans has been recognized with a place in the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings. SVSU ranks 15th among four-year public institutions in the Midwest and is among only 189 four-year public institutions nationwide to achieve this distinction.
July 16, 2021
SVSU’s Cardinal Formula Racing Team among top 20 in the world
Racing through a narrow figure-eight course at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Ben Stull had a few thoughts going through his mind: Don’t hit cones, hit my apex points, slow down my movements, be smooth.
July 30, 2021
SVSU hires new dean of College of Health & Human Services
Saginaw Valley State University has hired a leader with experience as an epidemiologist, researcher and community health specialist to serve as the new dean of the institution’s Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services.
August 9, 2021
SVSU offers incentives for students vaccinated against COVID-19
Saginaw Valley State University students who submit their proof of vaccination against COVID-19 can win $1,000 scholarships and other incentives.
August 20, 2021
Students’ work contributes to success of Roethke House
A research project by three Saginaw Valley State University students is helping bring to light the history of Theodore Roethke, a Saginaw native and one of the greatest American poets of the 20th century.
August 26, 2021
SVSU earns "best dorms" ranking again
Saginaw Valley State University has once again earned the title of "best dorms" in the nation among public universities.
September 3, 2021
Scholar to discuss Muslim ways of understanding women during Akbar Lecture
Saginaw Valley State University will host a virtual presentation by a scholar of religion, gender and ethics.
September 7, 2021
SVSU to host 9/11 Heroes Run to benefit national foundation
Saginaw Valley State University is hosting its annual 9/11 Heroes Run on Saturday, Sept. 11, to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation.
September 8, 2021
SVSU cheer team on top at NCA camp competition
One of Saginaw Valley State University’s club sports teams has something to cheer about.
September 10, 2021
SVSU “Post(al) Pandemic” art exhibition delivers glimpses into life under the shadow of COVID-19
Artists from across the nation and around the world are displaying their works at Saginaw Valley State University’s Art Department Gallery.
September 17, 2021
SVSU named Great College to Work For, 6th consecutive year for workplace recognition
Through a collective commitment to supporting one another and overcoming challenging circumstances, Saginaw Valley State University earned designation as one of the 2021 Great Colleges to Work For®. It is the sixth consecutive year the university has received this recognition.
September 21, 2021
SVSU celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Saginaw Valley State University kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with an event at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, on SVSU’s campus, on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 1-4 p.m.
September 21, 2021
Veterans agency recognizes SVSU
For the seventh consecutive year, the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency (MVAA) has recognized Saginaw Valley State University as a Veteran-Friendly School for the 2021-2022 academic year.
September 24, 2021
SVSU annual student-run fundraiser begins
Saginaw Valley State University students are back on campus in full force, and one of the student body’s most meaningful traditions is gearing up to be stronger than ever, with Grand Valley State University back in the competition.
October 7, 2021
SVSU students score decisive victory in fundraising competition
While Saginaw Valley State University came out on top of Battle of the Valleys, nonprofit organizations in Midland and Grand Rapids were the big winners of the yearly fundraising competition.
October 8, 2021
SVSU graduates earn competitive scholarship while attending PA, dentistry school
Two recent Saginaw Valley State University graduates were rewarded for their commitment to underserved populations in healthcare.
October 5, 2021
SVSU student-led production opens theatre season
An SVSU student’s passion project will mark the first in-person theatre production of the 2021-22 academic year.
October 14, 2021
SVSU students elect 2021 Homecoming royalty
Students at Saginaw Valley State University have selected three of their peers to reign as the 2021 Homecoming royalty.
October 21, 2021
SVSU to host central figure in Flint water crisis
Saginaw Valley State University will host Mona Hanna-Attisha, M.D., the Flint pediatrician whose research proved that children were exposed to lead from the Flint water supply.
October 22, 2021
JuJuan Cook: SVSU Nursing Student Determined to Make a Difference
With health care careers receiving more attention than ever, society sees the critical role of nurses, especially hardworking and compassionate nurses like JaJuan Cook.
October 25, 2021
Saginaw Valley State University Professor Receives Distinguished Professor of the Year Award
Saginaw Valley State University Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa was recognized as one of the state’s three recipients of the 2020 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award by the Michigan Association of State Universities.
October 29, 2021
Michigan Author wins SVSU literature award
Saginaw Valley State University has awarded the 2021-2022 Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature to author T. Marie Bertineau for her debut memoir, “The Mason House.” The award is part of SVSU’s community-minded commitment to recognize exceptional writing within Michigan.
November 5, 2021
SVSU faculty presented with Distinguished Professor of the Year Awards
The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) honored two Saginaw Valley State University faculty members with the Distinguished Professor of the Year Award during the Oct. 25 meeting of the SVSU Board of Control.
November 8, 2021
SVSU selects K-12 educators for Gerstacker leadership program
With a keen awareness of the academic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new group of K-12 education leaders will focus on professional growth as part of Saginaw Valley State University’s Gerstacker Fellowship Program.
November 8, 2021
SVSU brings cultures together for 23rd International Food Festival
Saginaw Valley State University’s dining hall will turn into a melting pot of delicious dishes from various countries during the 23rd annual International Food Festival.
November 10, 2021
SVSU to host Veterans Day celebration
Saginaw Valley State University will host its Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the SVSU Thompson Student Activity Room.
November 18, 2021
President Bachand announces plan to retire from SVSU
Saginaw Valley State University President Don Bachand announced his intent to retire from SVSU in December of 2022, concluding more than 40 years of service to the university.
November 18, 2021
SVSU theatre production to feature seasoned actors and newcomers
Theatre production will showcase students who are new to acting in SVSU productions as well as seasoned performers.
November 19, 2021
SVSU to host saxophonist Derek Brown in concert
Saginaw Valley State University and the Rhea Miller Concert Series will host saxophonist Derek Brown on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall.
November 29, 2021
Runner-up in 2020 displays determination to win SVSU public speaking contest
Saginaw Valley State University student Evangeline Cruz placed second in the 2020 Sims Public Speaking Contest. She learned from experience and returned to win the 2021 competition with a presentation about discrimination against transgender athletes.
November 29, 2021
SVSU students step toward nursing careers in White Coat Ceremony
Saginaw Valley State University saw 78 nursing students pledge to serve others as they recited an oath to patient care and accepted a white coat as a symbol of their professional status.
December 7, 2021
66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to give virtual talk at SVSU in January
The country’s former top foreign affairs adviser to the president of the United States, Condoleezza Rice, will be the keynote speaker for the 13th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Celebration.
December 16, 2021
SVSU graduates to cap off fall semester with in-person commencement on Friday
More than 400 graduates of Saginaw Valley State University will celebrate their determination to complete their academic degrees during Commencement exercises Friday, Dec. 17.
December 28, 2021
Graphic design grad brings characters to life
Kyle Sarafolean ('14), graphic design grad, brings characters to life finding success in “dream job.”
December 30, 2021
Alumni Spotlight - Kyle Sproull
Kyle Sproull, B.S. 2015, 2nd Year Resident at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids