Grand Valley Groundhogs: celebrating sustainability and Groundhog Day at GVSU

The morning of February 2 was cold and gloomy, but a Groundhog Day celebration reminded Lakers that spring isn't far off while also spreading the word about campus sustainability efforts.

Hosted by the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Office of Sustainability and GVSU Facilities Services, Grand Valley students, faculty and staff were invited into the basement of Lake Ontario Hall for a rare opportunity to view the campus's underground utility tunnels and learn about the progress Grand Valley is making to reduce its environmental impact.

In Punxatawney, Pennsylvania, famous groundhog Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter for 2026. "Brooksatawney Bill," a character created by Brooks College Dean Mark Schaub for the celebration, reported otherwise.

"Friends, today every Grand Valley Laker is a Grand Valley Groundhog," Schaub said. "In this rough winter we're having, he has given us hope. It's cloudy; Brooksatawney Bill emerged, did not see his shadow. So, get ready for an early spring."