News
News items about Community Engagement at SVSU, which can include service learning, internships, community-based research, community service, global collaboration and distinctive programs. For a complete list of News, please go to the Newsroom. To submit an item, please contact JJ Boehm, director of media and community relations, at ext. 4055
November 18, 2025
Renowned pianist Kathryn Brown to perform at SVSU, lead Piano Day
Internationally acclaimed pianist Kathryn Brown, Head of the Keyboard Division at the Cleveland Institute of Music, will feature the Rhea Miller Concert Series at Saginaw Valley State University on Friday, Nov. 21. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.
November 11, 2025
Michigan journalist wins SVSU literature award
Author John Gallagher, a veteran journalist who spent 32 years with the Detroit Free Press, has been awarded Saginaw Valley State University’s 2025-2026 Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature for his memoir “Rust Belt Reporter.” The award is part of SVSU’s community-minded commitment to recognize exceptional publications within Michigan.
November 10, 2025
SVSU celebrates International Education Week
Saginaw Valley State University has long fostered global connections, establishing partnerships with universities around the world, engaging in faculty exchanges, and promoting and facilitating study-abroad opportunities for domestic and international students.
November 3, 2025
Bug out with SVSU’s Insect-A-Palooza
Bugs take center stage at Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, Nov. 8, when visitors can get a close-up look at the tiny creatures that make a big impact on our world.
November 3, 2025
SVSU professor to speak on consequential figure in poetry, abolitionist movement
Saginaw Valley State University English professor and Midland resident Eric Gardner will speak about his latest book, “Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Civil War and Reconstruction,” during two events this month.
October 23, 2025
SVSU to host local author for ‘haunting’ book talk
Just in time for Halloween, local author Nicole Beauchamp will present a talk about her path to becoming a successful author of “haunting” books.
October 23, 2025
SVSU students benefit from donor support
Saginaw Valley State University closed out a strong 2025 fiscal year by raising more than $6 million. Donors to SVSU gave $6,758,247 which represents a 96% increase in giving from fiscal year 2024. The university’s fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30.
October 22, 2025
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at center of exhibit, lecture at SVSU
After leaving the White House, President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people throughout the world. Deborah Hakes, a former Carter Center communications professional who traveled extensively with the Carters, will offer a glimpse into the couple’s work as global ambassadors for peace through a photographic exhibit and lecture at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University.
October 9, 2025
SVSU Theatre reboots a robot revolution with “R.U.R.: An AI Musical Melodrama”
Saginaw Valley State University’s Department of Theatre will bring together human creativity and artificial intelligence with “R.U.R.: An AI Musical Melodrama,” running Wednesday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 19, in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts.
October 7, 2025
Economist to provide glimpse of what big data can tell us
What can Google searches, social media posts, and online data reveal about human behavior? A lot, says Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a New York Times best-selling author, data scientist and former Google data analyst, who will share his insights during the Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business presented by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University.
September 29, 2025
Dow Visting Scholar explores science behind art conservation in SVSU lecture
Erich Uffelman, Ph.D., a forensic chemist will present a public lecture on the topic of cultural heritage science. In his talk, “Scientific Adventures with Art History and Cultural Heritage,” Uffelman will discuss how the use of noninvasive scientific techniques has transformed art history and art conservation.
September 22, 2025
Join SVSU at Dow Diamond for a night of cardinal spirit
Saginaw Valley State University will bring Cardinal spirit to the ballpark this fall with a community event at Dow Diamond. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the SVSU Cardinals varsity baseball team will face Northwood University in an exhibition game at the Midland stadium.
August 28, 2025
SVSU dean to receive YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award
Marcia Ditmyer, dean of Saginaw Valley State University’s College of Health and Human Services, has been named the recipient of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025.
August 19, 2025
SVSU, STARS offer free rides to students, faculty, staff
Saginaw Valley State University and STARS, Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services, are partnering to improve transportation access for SVSU students, faculty and staff. Beginning October 1, passengers holding an SVSU ID card can access STARS fixed route services at no charge.
July 2, 2025
Students take service on the road
Carrying on the Cardinal tradition of service, two groups of Saginaw Valley State University students participated in Alternative Breaks, a student-led, student-run program that offers opportunities for students to learn about an important social issue and then travel to another state or country to provide service relating to that particular issue.