Grand Valley is a special place. The students are exceptional. I believe students enjoy the classes that I teach because they're community engaged. I'm a big believer in community based learning. When you bring the industry together with students, there's a whole bunch of magic that happens that doesn't happen in a standard classroom alone. Today we are working on a project with students and the industry as part of our nonprofit called Michigan Cares for Tourism to help restore our historic attractions in Michigan. So our task is "can we bring the tourism industry together, bring students along." Together they're working on something that would not get done without us. To be a Laker as a professor, it means being engaged with students, making a difference to their learning experience, and being engaged with the community that we serve. I'm Patty Janes. I'm a professor in hospitality and Tourism Management, and my Laker effect is bringing the industry and students together to make magic happen.