Graduates return to campus as CLAS Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence
Grand Valley welcomed 17 successful graduates back to campus in early October as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence program.
These alumni returned to share their experiences and career paths with current students. Several graduates are highlighted below, followed by a full list of names.
In front, CLAS Dean Christopher Jones, President Philomena V. Mantella and Provost Jennifer Drake are pictured with the 2026 CLAS Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence during a luncheon in early October at the Alumni House. (Cory Morse)
Autumn Hunter, who graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in political science, works for Bank of America as managing director leading regulatory advocacy. She is also involved with several nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., that help mothers and families in need.
Jared Homola earned a master’s degree in biology in 2013. He is an assistant professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University. While at Grand Valley, Homola conducted research at the Annis Water Resources Institute and later earned a National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellowship at MSU.
Lisa Mondie earned a chemistry degree from GVSU in 1998, then a doctor of pharmacy degree from Midwestern University. Mondie is now the associate director of operations in medical communications for Thermo Fisher Scientific.
CLAS Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence
- Tabitha Bennett: 2019, bachelor's degree in Classics; 2022, doctor of physical therapy
- Zachary C. Carson: 2016, bachelor's degree in exercise science
- Hollin De La Cruz: 2017, bachelor's degree in French, minor in applied linguistics
- Hannah Elisabeth Gaff: 2008, bachelor's degree in theatre and classical traditions
- Jared J. Homola: 2013, master's degree in biology
- Autumn Hunter: 2002, bachelor's degree in political science
- Razel Omar Jones: 2007, bachelor's degree in English language and literature
- Beth A. Lubeck: 2009, bachelor's degree in biology
- Matthew Mansfield: 1999, bachelor's degree in philosophy, minor in east Asian studies
- Lisa Mondie: 1998, bachelor's degree in chemistry
- Joshua Munk: 1999, bachelor's degree in physical education, minor in psychology
- Jessi Parker: 2011, bachelor's degree in statistics; 2013, master's degree in biostatistics
- Esther Posner: 2010, bachelor's degree in geology
- Benjamin J. Sparks: 2008, bachelor's degree in Classics; 2019, master's degree in applied linguistics
- Christina J. Stuive: 2000, bachelor's degree in history
- Jeffrey Trost III: 2022, bachelor's degree in statistics; 2024, master's degree in applied statistics
- Tyler Whittemore: 2013, bachelor's degree in health and physical education, minor in biology
— Erin Jackson is a student writer for University Communications.