Saginaw Valley State University has been recognized by the Michigan Promise Zones Association (MPZA) and Michigan College Access Network for its commitment to the success of first-generation, first-experience Promise Scholars. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, SVSU President George Grant Jr accepted the Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award during the College Access Impact Awards Dinner, held in conjunction with MCAN’s 14th annual conference.
In addition to nominating SVSU for the Promise Keeper Award, the Pontiac Promise Zone recognized Michelle Stanley, associate director of undergraduate admissions at SVSU, with its Champion Award in October.
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Ron Portwine Honored By National Trade Association
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Ronald Portwine, SVSU associate vice president for administration and business affairs and chief business officer, is helps guide those efforts every day.
Earlier this month, Portwine’s commitment was recognized when he was selected for the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) Presidential Service Award by current NACAS president LaNiece R. Tyree, who serves as assistant vice president, Auxiliary Enterprises at Howard University.
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Detroit Journalist Wins Literature Award
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Journalist John Gallagher, whose long career included 32 years with the Detroit Free Press, has been awarded the 2025-2026 Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature for his memoir, “Rust Belt Reporter.”
The award was established by the late Stuart D. Gross, an early member of SVSU's staff, and his wife, Vernice, and is administered by SVSU. Gallagher will visit campus in the winter 2026 term to accept his award, which comes with a $1,000 prize, and to visit classes and student groups on campus.
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Dr. E. Malcolm Field, Longtime Friend of SVSU, Passes Away
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SVSU mourns the loss of Dr. E. Malcolm Field, who passed away November 3, at age 95. A renowned neurosurgeon, he also was among SVSU’s most generous benefactors. The Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts is named in his honor to recognize his contributions and his love for music; he often played the piano at public events and served as the organist at his church for many years.
Dr. Field and his wife, Lois, established the Field/Spicer Endowment in Science and Engineering at SVSU to promote interdisciplinary work that bridges health sciences, biology, engineering and technology, with an emphasis on neuroscience. The endowment supports research, fellowships and programming to promote research and education on the SVSU campus and in the community.
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Moot Court Launches Competition Season
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SVSU's moot court team — ranked 4th overall in the U.S. — launched the competition season by hosting the Great Lakes Moot Court Regional Friday, Nov. 7-Saturday, Nov. 8. Thirty-two teams from across the nation competed, including five SVSU teams.
Representing SVSU were:
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- Olivia Brown, a political science major from South Lyon, and Keaton Henning, a political science major from Bay City
- Piper Luke, a political science major from Howell, and Eric Durette, a theatre major from China, Michigan
- McKenzie Shagena, a political science major from Fort Gratiot, and Carter Poniatowski, an economics major from Attica
- Ethan Bebow, a political science major from Saginaw, and James Mowry, a psychology major from Midland
- McKenzie Storch, a political science major from Midland, and Aneesh Sunil, a supply chain management major from Toledo
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The teams of Brown/Henning and Luke/Durette finished in the top 16 to advance to the second day of competition. Despite strong showings from both teams, neither advanced to the quarterfinals.
Based on the preliminary rounds, three SVSU students finished in the top 25 for individual orator rankings: Durette (22), Henning (25), and Luke (22).
The team next travels to the Midwest Regional at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, November 22-23. All teams are also working on their written appellate briefs for the American Moot Court Association's Brief Writing Competition, which are due in December.
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- An Evening of One Act Plays — the SVSU Theatre Department presents two one-act plays, designed and directed by SVSU students: "Soundscapes," written by Claudia Haas and Sarah Kraning and directed by communication and theatre education major Dana Samalik, and "Mountain Language," written by Harold Pinter and directed by SVSU theatre major Eric Durette; Wednesday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m., Black Box Theatre (Curtiss 180)
- SVSU Marching Band Performance — Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., Ryder Center Field House
- Engineering & IT Employment Fair — Thursday, Nov. 20, 3-5 p.m., Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms
- Rhea Miller Concert Series — Kathryn Brown, piano; Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., Rhea Miller Recital Hall
- SVSU Wind Ensemble — Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., Rhea Miller Recital Hall
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Campus Updates Coming Soon
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Campus Branding Initiative Phase 1: Preparation
You may have noticed the removal of signage, banners and graphic and photo displays around campus. This is part of an initiative to update and unify our visual identity, while removing signs and banners that have become worn.
Priority 1: Replace outdated branding, signage and images in high-traffic areas, including:
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- Pierce and Davis roads
- Student Center
- Science East
- Ryder Center
- Wickes Hall
- Groening Commons area
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We hope to begin the installation of new signs, banners and graphics this month! More updates will follow.
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The SVSU men’s and women’s basketball teams host a doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 14, as the women host Northwood at 5 p.m., and the men host Hillsdale at 7 p.m.
The SVSU women’s soccer team won its opening game of the GLIAC tournament on Tuesday, defeating Davenport 1-0 in double overtime. They advance to play UW-Parkside in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 14.
The SVSU men’s soccer team won the GLIAC regular season title and is hosting the semifinal and final rounds of the GLIAC tournament. They face Davenport at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Braddock Field.
The men’s cross country team finished 2nd and the women finished 6th at the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The men will run in the NCAA Division II championships on Saturday, Nov. 22. The team is now ranked No. 7 in the country, its highest ranking since 2005.
The football team concludes the regular season at Michigan Tech on Saturday, Nov. 15, at noon.
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If you have suggestions, comments or something to share with us, please e-mail svsutoday@svsu.edu
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SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical impairment, disability or veteran status in the provision of education, employment and other services.
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