There are ten large events called Laker Traditions that are put on by the team each year. Quite a few people attend them but don't know the meaning behind each event.
1. Laker Kickoff Party
The first tradition is the Laker Kickoff Party. This is during the week before school starts and usually takes place in the parking lot next to the Fieldhouse. There is music, lights, dancing, and food. The purpose of it is to welcome our newer students to campus as well as celebrate the return of our current ones. The party traditionally is in the middle of the week but this coming year it will be on Friday.
2. Family Day
Family Day is planned close to the beginning of the school year because this is when families would like to visit their students and check to see how they're doing. First time students have been on campus for a couple weeks and may be feeling homesick and this event is to encourage students' families to visit and enjoy events around campus. There is a home football game that everyone can attend, a tailgate, and other events that the coordinators plan.
3. Homecoming
Homecoming takes place in October and includes a host of events that allows teams of students to compete in. Events vary depending on the theme and what the coordinators wish to plan. There is also a homecoming football game.
4. Founder's Day
This tradition celebrates the founding of Grand Valley State University. The Traditions Team goes around campus to hand out cupcakes and there are a couple other events depending on who coordinates this tradition. For example, this year we have a Founder's Day Festival.
5. Battle of the Valleys
Every year, Grand Valley and Saginaw Valley have a week-long charity competition. Events go on the whole week and all donations to Grand Valley will go to the Laker Children's Fund. The week ends with a football game between the two rival schools and the winner of the charity competition will be announced then.
The Laker Children's Fund provides grants to local organizations and the money is used to benefit children in different ways.
6. Sibs and Kids
The first tradition in the winter semester is Sibs and Kids. Students bring in family members (usually younger, but any sibling/cousin/family member is welcome) and there are events for the weekend. Just like the other traditions, the events depend on who the coordinator is, although there is usually arts and crafts and food.
7. Presidents' Ball
Every year Laker Traditions puts on a large dance in DeVos Place downtown. People are welcome to participate in the dinner or dance or both. The university president as well as the president of the Student Senate will speak and the recipients of the Laker of the Year and Student Award for Faculty Excellence will be announced. The event is downtown but there will be shuttle buses running from Kirkhof to DeVos Place. There is also a theme and it varies from year to year.
8. Intercultural Festival
The Intercultural Festival is a week's worth of events that are put on by cultural organizations on campus. There is usually a drag show and Sexy Accent Night every year and other events depending on which organizations wish to participate.
9. Laker Remembrance Day
Laker Remembrance Day is a day where everyone comes together to honor Lakers who have passed away the past year. There is a candlelight as well as a reception with food.
10. ExtravaGRANDza
This is a week's worth of events during the week before finals. It's to celebrate the end of the year and to have some fun before exams. Every year, you can expect Pancakes With the President, an outdoor movie, as well as LakerFest (large event outside of Kirkhof and the library).
I gave a very general overview of the Traditions. If you want more information about the specific events going on that year, Laker Traditions tables in Kirkhof and you can get more info there!
