Looking to get involved?

The U-M Club of Grand Rapids has 9 committees that develop and run events and programs for the club.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about any of these committees, send an email to [email protected] and we will get you in contact with the committee chairs.

Sports/Athletic Events

This committee plans club events that pertain to U-M sports and local sporting events. Past examples include Fall Game Watch Tailgate, game watch parties, basketball and hockey bus trips, the Hall of Fame volleyball showcase, and Whitecaps and Griffins Outings. The committee chair is currently open.

Educational and Cultural Events

This committee plans club events related to growth and personal development in education and the arts. Example include a diversity book series, cooking class, museum tours, and painting classes. The committee chairs are Julie Blaszak and Gloria Pitsch.

Community Outreach

This committee plans club events that focus on volunteering and community outreach. Past examples include volunteering with the Hope Lodge Dinner, Feeding America, and Community Service Day. The committee chair is Jen Moore.

Social Connections and Family Events

This committee plans club events that pertain to social or family focused events. Past examples include trivia, wine tasting, progressive dinner, Fall Family Outing, and John Ball Zoo outings. The committee chairs are Sue Harvey Brown, Sarah Nelson, and Elise Boncher.

Professional Development and Networking Events

This committee plans club events that focus on professional development and Networking. Past examples include professional speaker series and monthly Happy Hours. The committee chairs are Rob Geer and Sarah Nelson.

Education Empowerment Program

This committee works with local middle and high schools to teach kids about post-high school education opportunities and encourages them to apply to colleges and universities. The committee chairs are Ethan Anderson and Kathy Stahl.

Student Relations Events

This committee plans club events that are specifically student focused. Past example is the annual Student Send Off Picnic. The committee chair is Sarah Nelson.

Scholarship

There are two committees within the Scholarship area: Annual Program & Event and Fundraising.

The Annual Program & Event committee runs the club’s scholarship program. Our club offers 15-17 new 4 year scholarships to high school seniors in the club’s footprint. The committee chair is Kathy Stahl. The club scholarship’s e-mail is [email protected].

This Fundraising committee raises money for the club’s scholarship fund. Past fundraising events include the Golf Outing, Giving Blueday Campaign, and the Virtual Pep Rally with John U Bacon. The contact for this committee is Julie Blaszak (Golf Outing Chair) and Michael Fee.

Social Media

This committee engages with local alumni through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The committee chair is Sue Harvey Brown.