2023 - All News/Archive
January 9, 2023
Political analyst, activist and former South Carolina representative Bakari Sellers will deliver the keynote address for the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Celebration at Saginaw Valley State University on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.
January 12, 2023
Celebrated gospel artist Marvin Winans to perform at SVSU for MLK Regional Celebration
Well-known Detroit pastor and gospel artist Marvin L. Winans will perform at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Celebration at Saginaw Valley State University on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The event begins at 7 p.m.
January 18, 2023
SVSU students prep tirelessly for arguments at highly competitive moot court event
Eight Saginaw Valley State University students capped off a highly competitive moot court season by competing in the American Moot Court National Tournament hosted by Louisiana State University January 14-15.
January 26, 2023
SVSU students make a splash at regional theatre festival
Saginaw Valley State University students took their talents on the road to compete at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), hosted by the University of Michigan-Flint, Jan. 11-15.
January 25, 2023
Graduating Senior: Madison Thomas
The green bicycle Madison Thomas rides might be as well known around Saginaw Valley State University as she is. As a busy student and photographer, Madison seemed to be every place on campus. And her bicycle was usually nearby.
February 2, 2023
SVSU to present first full-length production of ‘Very Berry Dead’
Jose Perez IV, the author and director of Saginaw Valley State University’s next theatre performance, “Very Berry Dead,” is no stranger to the Great Lakes Bay Region. The multifaceted talent grew up in Saginaw, graduating from Nouvel Catholic Central before completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in drama.
February 7, 2023
SVSU art professor receives ‘Distinguished Servant of Public Education award from MEA
Saginaw Valley State University professor of art J. Blake Johnson was selected for the 2023 MEA Distinguished Servant of Public Education Award. The award honors an individual who positively promotes public education – at any level – through union activity, political action and/or community advocacy. Blake received the award at the Human Rights and Excellence Awards Luncheon at the MEA Winter Conference on Feb. 2.
February 8, 2023
SVSU nursing students excel on national licensing exam
Nursing students at Saginaw Valley State University persevered through numerous COVID disruptions in recent years as part of their desire to care for others. That determination resulted in extraordinary performance on the national licensing exam (NCLEX) nurses must pass to enter the nursing profession.
February 8, 2023
SVSU launches part-time nursing program to add pathway to nursing degree
Saginaw Valley State University is responding to regional workforce needs by creating another method to grow the nursing talent pipeline. Beginning with the spring semester, which starts Monday, May 9, SVSU will offer a new part-time nursing program designed to allow students to balance life, career and education demands.
February 8, 2023
SVSU physics department receives donation of optical equipment
Saginaw Valley State University was recently awarded a donation of optical equipment from Gentec-EO through the company’s Laser Lab Awards program. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Gentec-EO is a worldwide supplier of instruments for the measurement of laser and terahertz equipment.
February 14, 2023
SVSU Board approves naming rights deal with Covenant for Athletic Training rooms
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control has approved a sponsorship agreement with Covenant HealthCare to name the university’s athletic training rooms for student-athletes in the Ryder Center as the Covenant HealthCare Cardinal Care Center. The Board took action during its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 13.
February 15, 2023
SVSU recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, enriching student learning
Saginaw Valley State University has earned national recognition for its leadership in international and intercultural education. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs named has named SVSU a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Scholars. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2022-23 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
February 16, 2023
SVSU professor receives national recognition for contributions to teacher education
A Saginaw Valley State University professor has gained national recognition for her commitment to educating future teachers.
February 20, 2023
Event postponed until Thursday, March 2
Saginaw Valley State University will celebrate Black History Month with “A Taste of Soul,” a culinary celebration for the Great Lakes Bay Region.
February 21, 2023
SVSU STEMapalooza brings together Girl Scouts for a fun day of STEM
In a day designed to energize interest in STEM, approximately 90 youngsters — students from kindergarten to fifth grade — will participate in the Girl Scout STEMapalooza hosted by Saginaw Valley State University. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the campus of SVSU.
February 23, 2023
Area educators honored as ‘STEM Stars’
Saginaw Valley State University and the MiSTEM Network – East Central Michigan Region have recognized 20 educators for their contributions to STEM education.
February 28, 2023
SVSU faculty receive prestigious grant to host summer institute for K-12 educators
Saginaw Valley State University English professors Natalia Knoblock and Veronika Drake have been awarded a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to develop and implement a two-week, residential summer institute for K-12 educators.
March 1, 2023
SVSU to host best-selling author for women’s history lecture
In recognition of Women’s History month, Saginaw Valley State University will host best-selling author Stacy Cordery for a lecture on campus and a community talk in Midland. Cordery’s appearances are supported by the Dow Visiting Scholars and Artists series at SVSU.
March 2, 2023
SVSU professionals and students honored for creativity
Saginaw Valley State University staff and students were recently honored for their creative work in the marketing and advertising arena, winning 14 ADDY Awards in the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Great Lakes Bay’s annual American Advertising Award competition.
March 6, 2023
Legacy of Theodore Roethke to be celebrated throughout region
Saginaw native and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Theodore Roethke will be celebrated during the Theodore Roethke Poetry and Arts Festival, a triennial celebration of one of the 20th century’s most influential poets.
March 8, 2023
SVSU earns Silver status as a 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School
Thanks to its commitment to and support of military-affiliated students, Saginaw Valley State University has earned Silver status as a Military Friendly® School for the 2023-2024 cycle.
March 14, 2023
SVSU students shine in novice speaking competition
Seven members of Saginaw Valley State University’s Competitive Speech team made a strong showing at the Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League (MISL) Novice State Championship at Northwood University in February.
March 14, 2023
Thorough preparation pays off for SVSU orators
The eight members of Saginaw Valley State University’s Competitive Speech team have talked their way to success at competitions this year. Most recently, the team placed 3rd in the Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League’s (MISL) State Championship, which was held on March 4 at Eastern Michigan University.
March 17, 2023
SVSU students qualify for national competitive speaking competition
Two Saginaw Valley State University students have qualified to compete at the National Forensic Association National Championship in April.
March 18, 2023
Student wins scholarship for Roethke-inspired beer label
Saginaw Valley State University graphic design major Austin Hlinka can add another accomplishment to his resume: beer label designer. Hlinka, a graphic design major from Sterling, was named winner of a contest to design labels for three beers specially created for the Theodore Roethke Poetry & Arts Festival. In recognition of his achievement, he has earned a $300 scholarship.
March 23, 2023
SVSU brings Michigan memoirist to region
Saginaw Valley State University will host author and memoirist Anne-Marie Oomen for a public lecture on Thursday, April 6. “An Evening with Anne-Marie Oomen” will be begin at 7 p.m. at the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, 500 Center Ave., Bay City. The event is free and open to the public.
March 29, 2023
SVSU Dance Team reigns in virtual championship, heads to national championship
Saginaw Valley State University’s Dance Team had all the right moves to capture a top spot at the recent Dance Team Union 2023 College Classic virtual competition. The team was named Division II champions in the jazz category. They also claimed 2nd place in hip hop and 4th in the team performance.
March 30, 2023
SVSU to host climate change and civic engagement experts for lecture and fireside chat
Saginaw Valley State University will host climate control advocates Bill McKibben and Angela Ardis for an informative presentation on the impact of climate change and the steps ordinary people can take to alleviate it.
April 5, 2023
SVSU to host FIRST® Robotics state championship; over $4 million in economic impact expected
For the fifth year, SVSU will welcome more than 5,000 high school students piloting robots in the FIRST in Michigan state championship.
April 11, 2023
SVSU Theatre presents ‘Urinetown, The Musical’
Described as musical satire, “Urinetown” tells the story of a Gotham-like city that suffers a water shortage, leading to a government-enforced ban on private toilets.
April 12, 2023
SVSU student receives national award for proficiency in French
Samantha Chew, of Midland, was named an Outstanding Senior in French by the American Association of Teachers of French.
April 13, 2023
SVSU biology professor named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
Art Martin, professor of biology, has received the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award from the Michigan Association of State Universities.
April 14, 2023
Saginaw Valley State University and Kirtland Community College in Grayling continue to build on their partnership to increase the talent pool of nurses in northern Michigan.
April 18, 2023
SVSU renews elite accreditation for business programs
Saginaw Valley State University has earned an extension of its accreditation by AACSB International, the leading accrediting body for collegiate schools of business.
April 26, 2023
SVSU student recognized on 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll
Thanks to his efforts to encourage fellow students to participate in the democratic process, Saginaw Valley State University student Nikolas Baker has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as part of the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll.
April 26, 2023
SVSU honors community supporters, outstanding faculty and staff
Saginaw Valley State University honored two longtime supporters as well as outstanding faculty and staff during the university’s 32nd All-University Awards Banquet Friday, April 21.
May 3, 2023
SVSU President George Grant Jr. to preside over his first commencement
Saginaw Valley State University’s May commencement exercises will feature a new president and the return of invited commencement speakers. SVSU President George Grant Jr., who took office Jan. 1, will preside over his first graduation ceremonies. In addition, the two ceremonies on Friday, May 5 will feature commencement speakers for the first time since December 2019.
May 5, 2023
Walking Miracle: SVSU student’s grit takes him from harrowing accident to promising future
Jake Kokowicz has no memory of the night that changed his life. His story of extraordinary perseverance as a “walking miracle” is impossible to forget.
May 8, 2023
Two SVSU events showcase academic endeavors of SVSU students
At Saginaw Valley State University, undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage in research activities that other colleges and universities reserve for graduate students. On Friday, April 21, more than 150 SVSU students presented research findings and the results of other academic endeavors at two events.
May 24, 2023
SVSU celebrates excellence in student writing
In a celebration of excellence in writing, 20 Saginaw Valley State University students and one faculty member were recognized for their writing achievements during the 2023 University Writing Awards ceremony in April.
May 31, 2023
SVSU partners with U.P. College to address critical nursing workforce issue
Bay College, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Saginaw Valley State University have established a new partnership to expand nursing education opportunities and grow the talent pool of nurses in the U.P. and northern Michigan through a collaboration supported by a grant from the State of Michigan.
June 1, 2023
SVSU race team delivers “most satisfying result” at Society of Automotive Engineers competition
The Cardinal Formula Racing Team at Saginaw Valley State University has built the fastest college race car in the world twice (2008, 2014) and has placed among the top 20 teams several times at the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers Collegiate Design Series. Still, Brooks Byam, SVSU professor of mechanical engineering, described this year’s finish as the “most satisfying result” in his 25 years of serving as the team’s faculty advisor.
June 13, 2023
SVSU Department of Nursing celebrates contributions of nursing professionals
In a tribute to the dedication, compassion and expertise of nurses, Saginaw Valley State University’s Department of Nursing hosted the Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Awards at SVSU.
June 19, 2023
SVSU Board approves tuition increase
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved increasing tuition to $408 per credit hour during the Board’s regular meeting Monday, June 19.
June 20, 2023
SVSU grants early acceptance to Cesar Chavez Academy 8th grade graduates
When the 8th grade class of Cesar Chavez Academy in Detroit graduates today, they will receive a gift designed to put them farther along the path for success: early admission to Saginaw Valley State University.
June 21, 2023
SVSU-Covenant tuition agreement aims to boost educational opportunities for Covenant employees
In a move that builds on their longstanding collaboration, Saginaw Valley State University and Covenant HealthCare have forged a partnership aimed at providing higher education opportunities for the employees of Covenant HealthCare and bolstering the talent pool in the Great Lakes Bay Region and other communities Covenant serves.
July 10, 2023
SVSU Receives $2.6 million 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, Saginaw Valley State University will collaborate with Northern Michigan University to enhance behavioral health care in rural northern Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula.
July 19, 2023
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.
August 31, 2023
SVSU exhibition explores artists’ ideas about African experience
Saginaw Valley State University's University Art Gallery is showcasing two artists whose works explore the African diaspora. An opening reception will be held Thursday, September 7, and the exhibit will remain on display through Saturday, September 16.
August 31, 2023
SVSU lecturer will discuss how public academic institutions can foster interfaith dialogue
As part of its longstanding Dr. Raana Akbar Memorial Lecture Series, Saginaw Valley State University will host speaker Najeeba Syeed, J.D., on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the lecture.
September 7, 2023
For the 10th year, runners will loop through and around the campus of Saginaw Valley State University in a race to honor first responder and military heroes. The 9/11 Heroes Run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation and the Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition.
September 20, 2023
McLaren Health Care, the three-state, fully integrated health care system, has announced a partnership with Saginaw Valley State University that will provide all qualified employees wishing to further their education with a 30 percent discount on tuition and all associated fees for in-person and online courses through the university, located less than 10 miles from McLaren Bay Region hospital in Bay City.
September 22, 2023
SVSU student groups to battle for the good of area nonprofit
Saginaw Valley State University students are hooked on doing good for others, so they’re continuing a 20-year fundraising contest without their traditional competitor.
September 25, 2023
SVSU Board approves seeking liquor license for athletic venues
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved granting the university the ability to seek a license to sell alcohol at SVSU athletic venues, during a special meeting of the Board on Monday, September 25.
September 26, 2023
SVSU installs President George Grant Jr in iconic ceremony
George Grant Jr. was formally installed as the fifth president of Saginaw Valley State University during an investiture ceremony today, Tuesday, September 26, at 10:30 a.m. in the Malcom Field Theatre for Performing Arts. Grant assumed the office of president on Jan. 1.
September 27, 2023
Join SVSU for a grand slam evening at Dow Diamond
Saginaw Valley State University wants to take you out to the ball game . . . and a movie. As a farewell to summer, the university invites the community to a night of entertainment at Dow Diamond on Thursday, September 28. Featuring an exciting exhibition ball game and a movie, the event is free and open to the public.
September 29, 2023
SVSU advanced-degree nursing students don white coats in iconic ceremony
Saginaw Valley State University recently celebrated the advancement of nurses taking their final steps to becoming primary care family nurse practitioners. On August 28, 27 SVSU Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students received white coats and recited the white coat pledge, signifying their advancement into clinical work.
September 19, 2024
SVSU continues streak as Great College to Work For
Saginaw Valley State University has been named a Great Colleges to Work For® for 2023, one of 72 institutions across the United States to earn this recognition. It is the eighth consecutive year the university has received this distinction.
October 3, 2023
SVSU captures top spot among for dorms for 5th time
The nation’s best public college dorms are at Saginaw Valley State University. For the fifth straight year, SVSU residence halls have been named No. 1 among the nation’s four-year public universities on the Niche list of best dorms in America for 2024. The university’s dorms are ranked No. 3 in the nation among all colleges and universities, public and private.
October 4, 2023
SVSU community celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Saginaw Valley State University students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of events and activities. Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15-October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
October 4, 2023
SVSU hires John Lewandowski to serve as AD
Saginaw Valley State University has selected John Lewandowski to join the university as its next director of athletics, following a national search.
October 4, 2023
Cultural and media historian to visit SVSU classrooms, speak at Roethke House
A respected cultural and media historian will step into a symbol of Saginaw’s past as she explores the relationship between writing and the future of culture in a talk at the childhood home of acclaimed Saginaw poet Theodore Roethke.
October 6, 2023
Federal grant will enable SVSU to train more social workers for rural and underserved communities
With support from a two-year, $1.06 million federal grant, Saginaw Valley State University will prepare more master’s-level social workers to treat children, adolescents and young adults in rural communities in Michigan.
October 12, 2023
Enrollment leader Ken Fettig joins SVSU as new vice president
Saginaw Valley State University has concluded a national search for vice president of enrollment management by selecting Ken Fetting to serve in the role.
October 18, 2023
Saginaw Valley State University will host a fall open house on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 19, 2023
Michigan author, photographer wins SVSU literature award
Detroit photographer and architectural historian Jeff Morrison has been awarded Saginaw Valley State University’s 2023-2024 Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature for his book “Guardians of Michigan: Architectural Sculpture of the Pleasant Peninsulas.”
October 19, 2023
SVSU to present university premiere of ‘Burning Bluebeard,’ popular holiday show in Chicago
It is often said that tragedy and comedy are closely linked. Saginaw Valley State University’s theatre department will demonstrate just that with the production of “Burning Bluebeard” by Jay Torrence. The play will run from Wednesday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 29.
October 31, 2023
Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital and Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) are working together to strengthen the region’s workforce and improve quality of patient care by increasing access to educational opportunities.
October 5, 2023
SVSU lecture to discuss innovation
For all who despair that isolation is required for creativity and innovation, Eric Weiner has good news. The award-winning journalist and best-selling author will debunk the myth of the lone genius during his lecture, “Innovation: They What, Where and When” on Tuesday, October 24 at Saginaw Valley State University.
November 1, 2023
SVSU professor earns national award for teaching excellence
Saginaw Valley State University professor J. Blake Johnson has been recognized for his leadership and excellence in the classroom. Johnson, SVSU professor of art, joins 42 other educators across the country who will be honored with the prestigious 2024 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
November 1, 2023
Dedicated education leaders selected for Gerstacker leadership program at SVSU
The 17th cohort of pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education leaders committed to professional growth will join the Saginaw Valley State University Gerstacker Fellowship program in 2023-24.
November 1, 2023
Past Winners Repeat Success in SVSU Public Speaking Contest
Preparation and passion propelled veteran competitors to the top spots in the 34th Sims Public Speaking Contest on Oct. 27.Evangeline Cruz, a communication and Spanish major from Detroit, and Nimnan Wuyep, an international studies and communication major from Nigeria took first and second place, respectively. For Cruz, this was the second time claiming victory in the competition, which she also won in 2021. Wuyep won the competition in 2022.
November 7, 2023
Saginaw Valley State University and Saginaw Public Schools are collaborating to increase the number of certified teachers in local classrooms, thanks to a $2 million grant from the State of Michigan.
November 14, 2023
College students honed skills at SVSU regional sales competition
Promising future sales professionals had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and receive personalized training during a groundbreaking regional sales competition hosted by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University in October.
November 14, 2023
No argument: SVSU moot court members excel
Two Saginaw Valley State University students combined hard work with experience to argue their way to the top spot at a regional moot court competition on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12.
November 16, 2023
SVSU ranks as a “Best for Vets” college for 10th consecutive year
Military-affiliated students find a helpful and welcoming environment at Saginaw Valley State University, and that has led to the university being recognized on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list for the 10th consecutive year.
November 29, 2023
SVSU receives six-figure gift to boost scholarship support
A six-figure gift from the estate of a former Saginaw Valley State University employee will benefit SVSU students who are current or past members of SVSU’s Support Staff Association or their children or grandchildren.
November 29, 2023
SVSU Moot Court Students Continue to Argue and Advance; 3rd Team Qualifies for National Tournament
The hard-working students in Saginaw Valley State University’s undergraduate moot court program continue to stand out and earn their way to national competition as they impress others with their legal arguments.
December 4, 2023
Karen S. Carter, president of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP) business operating segment, has been selected to address Saginaw Valley State University’s graduating class during two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16.
December 14, 2023
SVSU theatre selected to present at regional theatre festival
In January, 19 Saginaw Valley State University theatre students will reprise their roles as theater designers, performers and technicians when they present their production of “Burning Bluebeard” during the closing ceremony of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 3.
December 15, 2023
Season's Greetings From President and Mrs. Grant
As we prepare for our winter break, President and Mrs. Grant wish everyone a joyous holiday season.
December 19, 2023
Saginaw Valley State University has announced the speaker for the 15th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Celebration, which will be held at SVSU on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. Award-winning author, sought-after public speaker and accomplished media professional Melissa Harris-Perry will join retired Saginaw Public Schools educator and active community volunteer Kermit Anderson Diggs for a fireside chat in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing arts in SVSU’s Curtiss Hall.
December 28, 2023
SVSU graduating seniors: Alexis Madak
Thanks to the encouragement and opportunities she found at SVSU, nursing major Alexis Madak was able to prove herself and become the nurse she always wanted to be. The constant support from her professors and community helped Alexis to persevere when she was struggling, allowing her to eventually graduate with honors.
December 28, 2023
SVSU graduating seniors: Rachael Miller
In her time at SVSU, Rachael Miller felt empowered to overcome her struggles with anxiety that at one time threatened her progress to graduation. Thanks to the support and skills she found at SVSU, especially in the art department, she has become a confident and passionate graphic design major.
December 28, 2023
Saginaw Valley State University will build a $10 million environmental science research station along the Saginaw River, near the river mouth with Saginaw Bay, following approval of $7.5 million in capital outlay funding approved by the State of Michigan and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer on Monday, Dec. 18.