Alumni, students provide high-tech preview of Joan Secchia Children's Rehabilitation Hospital using VR

The 360-degree computer-rendered video was created by a futurEDlab alumni team as an example of the digital literacy, emerging technology and cutting-edge skills that are central to GVSU's Blue Dot ecosystem.

"While construction of the hospital may just be getting started in the real world, our talented alumni group was able to collaborate with the design and construction teams to create a high-impact visual experience that allows the community to experience some of what the building will look and feel like," said Eric Kunnen, senior director, IT innovation and research. "This kind of collaboration not only showcases the abilities of our talented students and the innovation capabilities we're building with Blue Dot, it also can provide building owners and planners the chance to visually and virtually experience and improve designs in ways that can save time and money."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss joined philanthropist Joan Secchia and others on the stage at the groundbreaking, which was held across from Mary Free Bed's Grand Rapids hospital on Wealthy Street.