The Journey Begins
Freshmen convocation creates community
AUGUST 29, 2022 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN A 2 | NEWS
NEWS BRIEFS
AUGUST PRIMARIES REVEAL CANDIDATES TO GV ELECTORATE
Following statewide primary elections on Aug. 2, in-state residents of Grand Valley State University now know who will be on their ballots this fall as the November midterm elections draw nearer.
Muskegon businesswoman and conservative media personality Tudor Dixon claimed the Republican nomination for governor to face incumbent Democrat Gretchen Whitmer in November.
In GVSU’s U.S. House District, former Trump administration official John Gibbs defeated incumbent Grand Rapids Representative Peter Meijer in the race for the Republican nomination in Michigan’s newly drawn 3rd Congressional District.
Gibbs will face Democrat Hillary Scholten, who ran against Meijer for the same seat in 2020 and lost by six percentage points.
Scholten ran unopposed in her August primary.
GV STUDENTS RETURN TO CAMPUS AMIDST GROWING MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK
Students at Grand Valley State University have returned for the Fall 2022 campus against a backdrop of concern over an uncommon virus spreading amongst the state and the nation at large.
The monkeypox virus, typically endemic in and contained to regions of the African continent, has continued to proliferate throughout the summer and threatens to spread at a much faster pace as students return to mingle with peers.
Spreading through various forms of close contact with infected individuals and their personal items, health officials have signaled concern over increased risk for transmission as young children and college students return to campus environments where such can become frequent.
Over 17,000 monkeypox cases have been identified in the United States, with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Beccera declaring the outbreak a public health emergency as of Aug. 4.
Over 100 cases have now been reported in Michigan, with a higher concentration in metropolitan areas like Detroit.
As of Aug. 28, state health officials had identified five cases of the virus in GVSU’s Ottawa County and 10 in neighboring Kent County, which includes the city of Grand Rapids.
AWRI DRONES BOOST EFFORTS TO CLEAN LAKESHORE
Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute will harbor two new electric-powered, remote-controlled drones designed to improve lakeshore and waterway cleanup operations.
Funded by a $1 million donation from Meijer to the Council of the Great Lakes Region, the drones are one of four sets distributed throughout Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The drones will serve to patrol Michigan beaches and waterways, sifting through the sand and water to collect miscellaneous, unnatural debris such as bottle caps, cigarette butts and other forms of plastic and refuse.
One of the two machines, dubbed BeBot, will travel along beaches to collect trash accumulated on the sand’s surface level.
The second drone, the Pixie Drone, will travel through water to sift out potentially harmful debris.
MENTAL HEALTH
GV joins nationwide push in implementing new mental health initiatives on campusStudent mental health is a major concern to college campuses nationwide.
According to a survey done by the American College Health Association, almost 73% of students reported experiencing moderate or serious psychological distress in 2021.
To help struggling students, the University Counseling Center at Grand Valley State University has taken mental health screening to the next level.
Counseling Center Associate Director and Director of Prevention and Community Education, Melissa Selby-Theut, said the university is beginning a large-scale mental health initiative.
“We were able to make four online, large-scale screening days for the entire campus community,” said Selby-Theut.
“One of the most important things a community can do during or post-pandemic for mental health is large-scale mental health screening.”
Although the Counseling Center has always offered screening for students, staff and faculty, it has never been this extensive.
Selby-Theut said that GVSU is among the first in the country to install mental health screening kiosks
AWARENESS: Conversation surrounding mental health has increased on the GVSU campus following a student suicide on its Little Mackinac Bridge. COURTESY | GVSU
on campus. One kiosk will be in the DeVos Center, while the other will be located in Kirkhof Center.
“Any student walking by can stop, take a quick mental health screening and get resources right at the tips of their fingers,” Selby-Theut said. “It’s completely anonymous and confidential and we’ll provide access to resources 24 hours a day.”
In addition to screening days and kiosks, there will also be 14 pieces of artwork spread across both campuses inviting students to take a screening. Through a collaboration with the
INCLUSIONRESOURCES: GVSU’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center creates visual aids alongside a multitude of additional support resources. GVL | MEGHAN TRIPP
As students return to Grand Valley State University for the fall 2022 semester, they’ll find new leadership at the university’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Center.
West Michigan social advocate, D.L. McKinney, has been named as the center’s newest director to lead it into the new year.
Founded in 2008, the Center has advocated for LGBTQ students, faculty and members of the campus community for over a decade. From its office in Kirkhof Center, the LGBT Center has established a visible presence for students and faculty across campus.
Being a member of the LGBTQ community, McKinney said they believe in the importance of the
mental health facilities and the art department, students can scan the QR code on the piece to find more information about getting a mental health screening. This is an option for students who may not have time for the kiosk or want privacy.
By implementing multiple ways to take a screening, the Counseling Center wants to make students more aware of mental health and the resources available to them.
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mentorship and advocacy the Center can provide for students.
“As a trans, queer, Black, disabled person, I have always been taught that my success won’t look like the average person’s and that my glass ceiling was low, thick and impermeable,” McKinney said. “However, it took just one person to truly see and hear me.”
Now taking charge of the LGBT Center, McKinney said they hope to use their experience to be a mentor and advocate for others like them.
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This summer the Grand Valley State University community watched the abortion access saga unfold in Michigan.
From the initial ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to the brief hours of Aug. 19 when county prosecutors in Michigan were able to pursue abortion cases before an injunction was issued, the state’s legal position on the issue has remained unstable.
BY GRACE SMITH NEWS@LANTHORN.COM GOVERNMENT
Although abortion access is protected in Michigan for the foreseeable future, activist groups on the GVSU campus are now preparing for the next phase in the fight over the statewide legality of the procedure: the Michigan Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative.
Through social media campaigns and tabling events in the university’s Kirkhof Center, GVSU’s Students for Choice club has promoted pre-election ballot signing with the goal of getting the initiative on the ballot in the upcoming November midterm elections. If the initiative was to pass, reproductive rights would be codified in Michigan’s state constitution.
At GVSU’s Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator and Faculty of Director of Students for Choice, Leah Short, detailed what she sees as the necessity of her club’s efforts to get the measure on the ballot.
“I see a lot of demonstrations with coat hangers and blood, which perpetuates the idea that abortion is unsafe, when we know it’s not,” Short said. “Leaving people without access is unsafe.”
After Students for Choice and other activists submitted over 750,000 signatures from across the state, far surpassing the 425,000 needed to be
GV students expected to benefit from federal student debt forgiveness
BY ABIGAIL HASSE NEWS@LANTHORN.COMOn Aug. 24 the Biden-Harris Administration introduced the Student Debt Relief Plan to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers. Since the announcement, students at Grand Valley State University have begun to calculate what it could mean for their own financial futures.
According to the White House Fact Sheet, the plan consists of three primary parts: forgiving up to $20,000 in federal student loans for those making less than $125,000 annually, revising the student loan system to make it more manageable for students and attempting to reduce future college costs.
The pause on federal student loan payments and interest was initially enacted to ease financial stress due to COVID-19 and has been continued through numerous extensions. The pause has now been extended until Dec. 31, 2022.
The amount of debt forgiven will depend on the type of financial aid borrowers have received. Those who have received a federal student loan will be eligible for up to $10,000 in forgiveness, and recipients of the Pell Grant will be eligible for up to $20,000.
added to the ballot, the measure is now poised to cause a fresh wave of debate on the issue as it comes closer to appearing on the ballot.
Following a recommendation from the Michigan Bureau of Elections that concluded 596,000 valid signatures to have been submitted, the Board of State Canvassers has until September 9 to certify the measure and allow it to appear on the ballot.
Protect Life at GVSU has sought to steer the campus community away from supporting the measure. In a statement, Protect Life at GVSU President Sarah McNamara said that the initiative would have dangerous consequences should it pass.
“In Michigan, there will be a referendum on the ballot this November that, if passed, will amend the state constitution by creating a right to abortion and basically deregulating it completely,” McNamara said. “This amendment is poorly written and is painted as ‘protecting reproductive rights’ which is incredibly misleading. It would even get rid of things like informed consent for women, parental consent for minors [and] health and safety regulations for abortion facilities.”
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The weight of student loan debt may be eased or lifted for many individuals following an announcement by President Joe Biden with a loan forgiveness plan that will soon go into effect.
ened and 20 million who could have their debt canceled altogether. The White House estimated that 90% of relief will go to people making less than $75,000 a year.
BY MALIK HARVEY EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COMWith my 28th birthday around the corner, my old bones aren’t good for much else besides eating and talking; when I’m feeling frisky, I’ll do the aforementioned with other people.
Yesterday was one of those occasions.
My friend Donald, whom I met through reselling shoes, reached out to me to have lunch. I replied so fast I’m not sure if it was my fingers that did the typing or my stomach, but needless to say, I obliged.
Donald, a 45-year-old Caucasian male, grew up in an enclave of Detroit; Highland Park, off Puritan.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area, allow me to provide more context- Neighborhood Scout rated Highland Park’s crime index a 3, with 100 being the safest.
While this statistical reading is pertaining to Highland Park today, during the time Donald grew up in this neighborhood the crack epidemic was in full swing and affecting predominately Black
neighborhoods like Highland Park the worst.
Donald initially described his time growing up in this urban area as a daily battle.
“Man, when I first moved on the block I would walk to school in the morning and get barked at by guys in the neighborhood saying, ‘N----, what you doing on this side of the street?’
We would end up fighting, so the next day I’d walk on the other side of the street but then I’d hear, ‘N-----, what you doing on this side of the street?’”
The plan allows individuals to have their student loans forgiven if they make less than $125,000 per year for an individual and $250,000 for married couples. The forgiveness could provide $20,000 in debt relief for people who are Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for other borrowers.
The debt forgiveness program doesn’t mean people will automatically be getting checks for $10,000 or $20,000; forgiveness is awarded based on how much debt a student has collected.
For example, if a student qualifies for up to $20,000 forgiveness but has $8,000 in loans, only the amount they have accrued in debt will be paid off.
According to NPR, there are 43 million people who would have their student loan debt less -
OPINION POLICY
According to the Department of Education, 8 million individuals can have their loans forgiven automatically from information that the department has on hand. However, other borrowers will have to go through an application process before the student loan payment freeze ends on Dec. 31.
The typical debt of a recent college graduate who has taken out loans is about $25,000 post-graduation, according to the Department of Education. The forgiveness plan could make a substantial impact on borrowers.
Those in favor of loan forgiveness from the federal government have argued that by reducing student debt, borrowers will be able to participate in the economy after graduation.
or staff.
els makes them accessible to a greater majority of people. Her books are relatively short, which is perfect for her target readersyoung women looking for an engaging, juicy beach read.
BY HOPE LEINEN EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COMOver the summer, author Colleen Hoover has soared in popularity - and it’s not just because of one book.
A handful of her books have been flying off the shelves.
One of the reasons I think Hoover’s books have become so popular is because her writing style is simple and easy to read. The simplicity of her nov-
As a result, her books have quickly become some of the most sought-after novels. Her popularity has even led to the adaptation of one of her novels to the big screen for the movie: “It Ends with Us.”
Another reason why I think Hoover has become such a popular author is because of the romance genre she writes in.
While it can be agreed that there is merit in her work regarding her influence over her target audience, I find it hard to consider her a ‘revolutionary author.’
She is not creating some impactful piece of writing that reaches out to thousands of people, she’s
simply creating books that are short and fun to read.
Many people have said that her books kickstarted them into reading again.
However, many of her books have been criticized for romanticizing unhealthy relationships.
It is hard to appreciate a piece of writing without noticing that she uses very serious issues like violence in relationships to create drama in her books. This is an especially important issue to raise, given that many of her readers are younger women.
The only exception to this would be her novel “It Ends with Us.”
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0051 KIRKHOF CENTER GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ALLENDALE, MI 49401 616-826-8276
DIVERSITY
Anti-DEI messaging puts GV diversity, equity, inclusion efforts under spotlight
BY ALEXANDER VERHEEK NEWS@LANTHORN.COMIn recent years, accusations of universities being overly biased toward liberal ideas have grown sharply within the political sphere, including in Michigan.
Candidates and activists, like former Michigan candidate for governor Kevin Rinke, have said the idea that universities have become breeding grounds for what they characterize as a “woke” indoctrination of young students.
Rinke, who recently finished second in Michigan’s Republican primary for governor, could be an example of how this idea is becoming more widespread. In an op-ed for the Morning Sun, Rinke suggested that the blame for this supposed indoctrination in academia lies within programs of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
“The way they force this agenda into our universities is through something called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI),” Rinke wrote.
Rinke echoed claims that these programs’ goals are not to increase tolerance of minorities and disadvantaged groups within college campuses, but rather to create a political homogeneity and disrupt genuine academic discussions.
The situation has put institutions like Grand Valley State University at the forefront of a national discussion. Housing its own Division of Equity and Inclusion, GVSU has long been involved in efforts to expand inclusive policies across its campuses.
With the conversation creating increased division among ideologies, director of the Division’s Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity Kevin Carmody, said he believes that there is more to the issue than a simple black and white, liberal versus conservative dichotomy.
“Title IX and gender-based violence prevention has largely been bipartisan until very recently,” Carmody said. “There is rhetoric about ultimately trying to challenge anything that’s being perceived as more liberal. I think right now, we’re being perceived as more liberal, even if that’s not been the case through our history.”
Beyond the partisan arguments against DEI, those who agree with Rinke also suggest that the funds going towards these programs are to blame for the massive hike in tuition fees of colleges and universities in recent decades.
“One of the main problems is the effort to force a ‘woke’ agenda on our col-
POLICE
lege campuses and force parents and students to foot the bill,” Rinke wrote.
Carmody believes that the situation is more nuanced. While he does agree that administrative bloat can increase cost of tuition, he believes that the issue stems from a history of states cutting aid to public universities.
“I think it’s a stronger case that we look at both blue and red states that have decreased state aid into public institutions of higher education across the board,” Carmody said. “In the ‘80s, Michigan paid, 75% of the costs associated with higher education. Now, they pay closer to 20%.”
With a perspective more removed from internal university affairs, Peter Mayoros, a Christian missionary working at GVSU, has also found the situation to be more nuanced than figures such as Rinke might suggest.
Having spent time at both the University of Michigan and GVSU, Mayoros is familiar with political and ideological discussions on college campuses.
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GVPD continues to work against discrimination following multiple charges against GRPD
BY CHLOE SCHRAM NEWS@LANTHORN.COM
After the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) faced two charges of discrimination from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Grand Valley State University’s Police Department is reasserting its commitment to preventing discriminatory practices among its officers.
The charges against the GRPD came as a result of actions the Department took against Black citizens in two separate instances recent years.
In 2017, Grand Rapids Police pointed a gun at 11-year-old Honestie Hodges while searching for a suspect in a case unrelated to her. The officer yelled for her to put her hands up, handcuffed her and put her in the police car. Her mother reached out to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to report what had happened.
Then in 2020, a Black woman named Melissa Mason was questioned by police, handcuffed and put in a police cruiser in front of her three children because she had an expired license plate.
A series of incidents affecting the Black community in subsequent years has since led to national attention and public outcry against GRPD.
On April 4, Lyoya was fatally shot by a Grand Rapids police officer during a routine traffic stop. After Lyoya’s car was pulled over by Officer Christopher Schurr for improper vehicle registration, Lyoya began running from the Schurr as the officer questioned him. Schurr then chased Lyoya with a taser, pinned him to the ground and shot him in the back of the head.
While Schurr has claimed self-defense, it was determined that Lyoya had no weapons on his person at the time of the incident.
In the wake of the incidents involving the GRPD, GVPD has sought to make students aware of the actions they are taking to prevent discrimination amongst their force on campus.
“Our number one priority is not necessarily enforcement, it is to be connected to the community and provide safety for the community,” said GVPD Captain Jeff Stoll.
The incidents outlined in the charges against the
both occurred within the last five years.
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GV WELCOMES FRESHMEN WITH FIRST IN-PERSON CONVOCATION IN THREE YEARS
BY JACOB WELCH
For the students and faculty at Grand Valley State University, 2022 can be seen as a new beginning.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and other obstacles now receding, the coming school year is one of optimism and renewal.
Piling into the Fieldhouse Arena on Aug. 24, the inaugurated freshman class of 2026 had the opportunity to experience this firsthand at the university’s annual Convocation ceremony.
“Convocation is a tradition, a ceremony that kicks off the academic year,” said Laker Events and Communications Manager Megan Wierenga. “This year, it’s a little different. Just kind of returning to pre-pandemic, the program itself has the traditional elements remaining but with new added energies and traditions.”
Brass fanfare played as the black, white and blue banner of GVSU was brought into the arena.
Following the flag came the procession of black-robed student senators, faculty and university administration that included provosts, deans and President Philomena Mantella.
Following Professor and University Academic Senate Chair Felix Ngassa’s opening of the ceremony, Provost Fatma Mili addressed the crowd.
“Like you, this is my first semester at Grand Valley,” Mili said. “Many of you do not know what a provost is or does. For your first learning experience, the provost is one who oversees the academic priorities of the university and ensures you have an exceptional education experience. A university exists to serve you.”
Mili introduced the university’s commitments, starting with the ‘G’ of GVSU. For students, Mili said, ‘G’ signified empowerment.
“We center you, our students, in everything we do,” Mili said. “Each and every member of our community is a learner, and we’re at different stages in our academic journey. Our faculty are experts in their discipline, and they will commit to helping you discover their passion and will guide and support you along the way.”
‘V,’ the next commitment, introduced by Student Senate President Faith Kidd, was about educational equity.
“We see the need for educational equity all around us,” Kidd said. “As individuals and as a collective Laker community, we must do the hard work to achieve a more just and sustainable work. We will work together to eliminate the obstacles to student success.”
The speakers emphasized that Convocation wasn’t just about what the university could do for students, but what students could get done at university.
“There are endless opportunities at GVSU,” Kidd said. “There are spaces for all people, for all interests. I was told my whole life that academics would be a challenge for me and that I wouldn’t excel in my school. But here I am, standing in front of you as student body president of one of the largest universities in our state.”
Like many others, GVSU, Kidd said, proved instrumental in her journey.
“It is because Grand Valley helped me grow into myself, and find my interests,” Kidd said. “Just get involved, meet new people and try new things.”
For upperclassmen like Kidd, previous convocation ceremonies were a tale of quarantine and isolation. With restrictions eased and options opened, 2022’s Convocation struck a much different tone with those present.
“This Convocation felt more like a normal community,” said junior Chelsea Johnson. “I felt like a freshman. This was my first real in-person convocation.”
The ceremony continued with the next university commitment, ‘S’, introduced by Board of Trustees member Victor Cardenas. ‘S,’ Cardenas said, was about a lifetime of learning.
“We design and leverage learning opportunities regardless of their stage in their life or their career,” said Cardenas. “We meet the needs of where you are now and continue to learn for a lifetime.”
Mantella, who has served as the university’s president since 2019, later outlined a vision of improvement to the freshman following a satirical video in which she interviewed starstruck first-years about the university.
“The journey ahead will likely have laughter, it’ll have joy, it’ll have ups, and it may even have downs,” Mantella said. “It’s been absolutely wonderful engaging with so many of you has you experienced your first week here. As the video showed, we’ve already had laughs and serious moments with each other.”
As part of her address, Mantella alluded to the university’s strategic plan, Reach Higher 2025.
“(This is) a place to call home, a place to discover your purpose and your passions, a place where our shared commitments combine us and where we’re bold enough to reach higher and achieve more than we thought possible and create an impact beyond what we ever expected.”
Mantella then introduced the final commitment, ‘U,’ representing the students themselves.
“Our university is not complete without you,” Mantella said. “You are now a part of the Laker community. You are who unites our community. You are the reason why we are here, why I am here.”
The GVSU Laker Marching Band drummed loudly at the conclusion of the ceremony as the team of faculty and student senators recessed through the aisles, giving high-fives and fist bumps as they passed.
“I’m excited for the community,” freshman Abigail Crawford said. “(Convocation) was fancier than I expected.”
GV Libraries highlight minority literature as national anti-diversity movement grows
BY MICHAELA TRIEMSTRA NEWS@LANTHORN.COMMovements across the nation have sprouted to decrease or even eliminate funding for libraries because of their inclusion of literature depicting certain groups including the LGBTQ community and communities of color.
Librarians around the country have received harassment from patrons about novels available on their shelves. Now, the trend has reached a West Michigan library.
In Ottawa County, concerns spread throughout Jamestown Township over graphic novels depicting same-sex relationships and LGBTQ coming-of-age stories available in the Patmos Public Library. This sparked a movement to eliminate tax funding for the library, leading voters in early August to reject the renewal of a property tax millage for the library.
Without millage funds, which were rejected by 62% of Jamestown voters, the library faces a severely depleted budget and is in danger of being shut down.
On the campus of nearby Grand Valley State University, GVSU Libraries is no stranger to the pressure that the Jamestown public library and other libraries around the nation have been feeling.
In response to inquiries about items in the collections, library staff reinforce the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. This states that library resources should not be excluded because of the origin, back-
ground or views of those contributing to their creation and to provide interest, information and enlightenment for all people the library serves.
“As a library leader, I am deeply concerned by the rise of censorship and devaluation of free access to information,” GVSU’s Dean of University Libraries Annie Bélanger said. “Those who have fostered censorship are rarely on the right side of history.”
In the past, GVSU’s own Mary Idema Pew Library has highlighted various types of minority-centric literature. This has included Black History Month and Women’s History Month displays in the lobby, as well as its second-floor display case, which currently houses the Undocumented Students’ Cartoneras Collections.
“We strive to provide a balanced collection representing all voices to ensure that different points of view are available to our students,” Head of Collections for University Libraries Cara Cadena said. “As an academic library, our collection development efforts align with the University’s existing curricular goals, while also considering the need for materials to support emerging programs of research and study.”
Cadena clarified, however, that inclusion of certain literature is meant solely to open patrons to different points of view and does not amount to support of any view in particular.
“The availability of any resource in our collection does not mean the Library advocates or endorses the ideas repre-
sented in that resource,” Cadena said.
As the national movement for restriction of diversity-oriented literature grows, staff at Mary Idema Pew Library said they plan to continue these displays during the next academic year.
“We plan to have future displays aligned with GVSU and University Libraries values and initiatives, including topics supporting inclusion and diversity,” Cadena said. “This fall, we have an ‘Open Everything’ exhibit planned in order to educate and inform visitors about the benefits of open access publishing.”
Bélanger made specific mention of the Libraries’ efforts to do so through coordination with on-campus student organizations.
“We plan to continue displays in close collaboration with Student Senate and
student affinity groups,” Bélanger said. “As we plan these efforts, we are student-guided, using our platform to amplify the voices of students.”
With the rising concerns about the availability of certain literature in libraries, officials at the GVSU Libraries say they are dedicated to keeping all kinds of literature available for everyone in the campus community.
“Literature is a way of learning and growing empathy,” Bélanger said. “For many, reading about difficult situations can help them learn how to handle these before they live them or to see themselves represented. When identities are targeted for oppression, they are being othered, told they are not welcome and often told to be afraid. Representation matters.”
LAKER LIFE BRIEFS
WELCOME BACK BBQ FOR STUDENTS
On Monday, Aug. 29 Campus Ministry is hosting a welcome back to school cookout and carnival. The event will take place at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower lawn starting at 6 p.m. Students are welcome to come for free food and activities to celebrate the start of the school year. There will be various carnival-themed games for students to play as well as to connect with their peers outside of the classroom.
CELEBRATE WELCOME WEEK WITH GREEK LIFE
Grand Valley State University’s Greek Life is holding a welcome back to school block party on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. The party will take place at the Cook Carillon Clock Tower lawn. There will be many different sororities and fraternities there, so incoming students looking to get involved with Greek Life can make connections with the groups. However, all GVSU students are welcome to go to the block party, not just those who are involved with Greek Life. There will be yard games, free food and giveaways for those who attend, while supplies last.
FREE RESOURCES WITH REC CENTER
GVSU’s Recreation and Wellness Center offers many opportunities for GV students, some of which are free for those enrolled at GVSU.
For students interested in having someone to help push them to reach their goals, the rec center offers wellness coaching. The center also has wellness navigators to help students find resources compatible with their goals and needs. Wellness Information Team peer educators are available at the rec center for any questions the students may have.
Throughout the first week of the semester, the rec center will also be offering free group fitness to give students a chance to try out the rec center before making any monetary or time commitments.
On Aug. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. the rec center is holding the grand opening for their on-campus Reset Room, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Science 490, on the downtown campus, this will be a space for an area on-campus for students to relax and reset their minds in between classes.
At the grand opening, students will be able to tour the space, win free prizes and enjoy refreshments and at 3 p.m. there will also be a 30-minute yoga session.
Following the event, the rec center is hosting sunset yoga in Lubbers stadium from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is free for students who wish to participate.
PLANTS
BY LEA GAETTO LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COMWhile many students know of the Grand Valley State University greenhouse, some have never been inside of it nor know what goes into being a horticulturist.
Christina Hipshier has supervised the Barbara Kindschi Greenhouse for the past seven years and said she has developed customary rituals while busy at work with flora in the greenhouse.
“I do something different every single day,” Hipshier said. “I am not good at sitting at a desk, so if I can get out, meet people or even power wash the floors, I get to have a new experience— that in itself is what I love about the greenhouse.”
Nina Fernandez, a third year volunteer who joined the team out of her love for plants, agreed with Hipshier’s description of new happenings.
“I only go in every two weeks,” Fernandez said. “So, each time I am there, I see a new addition to the garden. There is always another plant blossoming, so it is amazing to see what has changed in such a short period. Christina has a bunch of orchids, so I love coming to see them bloom.”
Hipshier and Fernadez both said they love interactions with new GVSU visitors.
When speaking with guests, Hipshier informs them about plant history, provides beginner tips for starting a garden and allows them to order plants for her to grow and then purchase.
She said the biology department funds all of the greenery’s development and she
does not receive monetary profit from the customer’s request; she instead earns a satisfactory reward from seeing the plant flourish and its new owner happy.
“I typically ask for four weeks’ notice on succulents and two months’ notice for houseplants because they take longer to grow,” Hipshire said. “Once I have their plant ready, it is around $12 to $15.”
Besides parenting new plants born within the walls of the Greenhouse, Fernandez said Hipshier brings suffering outside plants back to life.
“The biology professors bring her houseplants from their offices all the time to revive them,” Fernandez said. “I swear she rarely kills a plant, and it is amazing.”
Aside from assembling customized orders and revitalizing others’ plants, Hipshier has worked with Campus Life commit-
tees, including the Student Senate, Biology Department and Honors College. She encourages other organizations to work with her for future greenhouse events. Hipshier described some of her past experiences with several of GVSU’s clubs, where she produced roughly 50 plants.
“In the past, I have worked with the Student Senate, where I grew gifts for the guest speakers of each meeting,” Hipshier said. “This year, I will be helping the Honors College at an event for incoming freshmen, they will be participating in a ‘get-to-know you’ event where they will decorate pots for pregrown plants and be able to take them home and decorate their new dorms.”
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FINANCIAL AID
GV partners with Pine Rest for scholarship opportunities
BY CARLIE SHERWOOD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COMAs tuition increases around the country, institutions and students alike are seeking creative solutions to alleviate the financial burden.
Grand Valley State University and Pine Rest Mental Health Services, a West Michigan-based behavioral healthcare provider, have partnered together to support aspiring behavioral health nurses.
In an effort to replenish the diminished nursing workforce, Pine Rest Mental Health Services has partnered with GVSU and four other West Michigan institutions including Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Davenport University and Montcalm Community College to create an employment-based scholarship program, Pine Rest Academy.
The scholarship includes tuition assistance totaling up to $40,000 over four years for full-time nursing students looking to enter the behavioral health field. Along with
working part-time at a Pine Rest facility while pursuing their degree, recipients of this scholarship will stay on staff as behavioral health nurses for at least two years following the completion of their program and accreditation by the State of Michigan.
While on staff, students will work with registered nurses and nurse practitioners to help assess, address and monitor patients’ mental health and behavioral conditions in a hands-on capacity.
“We’ve always had experiential learning that is mandated for all colleges or schools of nursing by the state boards of nursing,” said Dr. Lola Coke, acting Dean of the Kirkof College of Nursing at Grand Valley. “The creative partnerships give us an opportunity to look at nursing education, look at how we teach our students in nursing, and be able to look at new ways of enhancing our curriculum as well as helping our practice partners with their nursing care delivery.”
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ARTS AT A GLANCE
PITBULL COMES TO VAN ANDEL ARENA
Pitbull and Iggy Azalea are coming to Grand Rapids, Michigan on their “Can’t Stop Us Now Tour” and are set to perform at Van Andel Arena on Aug. 30th at 8 p.m. This performance is one of many and will feature hit songs by the artists. Tickets are on sale online with prices starting at $52.
GRANDCON GAMING CONVENTION
GrandCon, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the DeVos Place Convention Center, is an event that features tabletop gaming such as board games, role-playing games, family games and card games.
It is a three day event hosted from Sept. 2-4 that aims to appeal to all ages. To register for the event and purchase convention badges, visit GrandCon online.
GRAM HOSTS DROP-IN ART STUDIO
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is hosting an open drop-in studio experience, free with museum admission, on Sept. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can explore the process of paper embossing by creating their own stamp embossed paper and use watercolors to create an image. The event is inspired by a piece of art on view at the museum by Louise Nevelson entitled “Dawn’s Clouds.”
ART INSTALLATION AT FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS
Frederik Meijer Gardens reopened their sculpture park in April after a year of renovations. Currently an exhibition entitled “Yinka Shonibare CBE: Planets in My Head” is on display until Oct. 23. The art work presents Shonibare’s British-Nigerian heritage through sculptures, paintings, photographs, collages, embroidery and film. The exhibit is included with the price of admission to the gardens.
WASHED ASHORE COLLECTION AT JOHN BALL ZOO
The John Ball Zoo is presenting an art collection entitled “Washed Ashore” now through Nov. 30. The collection features 16 different sculpture pieces composed of debris found from the Oregon coast.
The presence of the art is meant to spread awareness about environmental conservation and pollution.
Pieces are placed throughout the zoo and are included with the cost of admission.
FREDERIK MEIJER GARDEN HOST GRAND RAPIDS BALLET PERFORMANCE
On Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) will be performing at the Frederik Meijer Garden Summer series.
This is the third of GRB’s summer series performances following their performance at Studio Park and the Summer Dance Festival.
Tickets are available online or on the day of the performance and for Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park members tickets are free with membership.
Seating is first come, first serve and chairs of all heights are welcome.
FACULTYPERFORMANCE
GV dance program takes the stage at Grand Rapids Ballet
BY STEVEN LAWRENCE ARTS@LANTHORN.COMOn Aug. 26 and 27, Grand Rapids Ballet hosted a Summer Dance Festival that showcased different dance groups in the area including the Grand Valley State University Dance Program.
In honor of their 50th anniversary, Grand Rapids Ballet created this festival to showcase different dance styles to the area, and hope to connect the community through dance. This free event was held at the Peter Martin Wege Theater in Grand Rapids and featured not only dancers of old ages but other aspects such as food trucks and live music.
Hannah Seidel, who is an associate professor of dance at GVSU, restaged her dance piece entitled “Gentle Pressure” for the showcase. The piece was created for the GVSU Dance Company’s 2022 Spring Dance Concert and features GVSU dance majors.
“The Summer Festival event is giving additional dancers a chance to perform as they step into the roles of last year’s seniors,” Seidel said. “We have been back in the studios for the week before GV classes begin to help the group find its cohesion and dynamic for the upcoming performances.”
The restaging of the piece maintained the original choreography. Seidel
explained how the movement of the contemporary piece works together to create a visual for the audience.
“Dancers move through the piece in pairs, weaving through and around other duets,” Seidel said. “The piece culminates with a gentle touch that sets off a chain reaction bringing all the pairs together into one group for a brief moment in time.”
Seidel said that the opportunity to partake in the Summer Dance Festival is exciting for her and the dancers.
“I am proud of the energy the dancers have all put into this performance –coming back to GVSU a week early for rehearsals and preparing to dance on an outdoor stage,” Seidel said. “I am also thrilled to share their work with the greater Grand Rapids community.”
The festival showcased about 11 other dance groups in the area including Arthur Murray Dance Studio, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, DanceSpire and GVSU’s dance program’s newest faculty member Edgar L. Page.
As Grand Rapids Ballet kicks off its 2022-23 season, it will be hosting many other events in addition to its performance. One event is a black-tie gala on Oct. 1 at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
GV dance program welcomes new associate professor
BY COLLEEN GARCIA ARTS@LANTHORN.COMGrand Valley State University welcomes Edgar L. Page to the dance program as an associate professor of dance.
In his new role at GVSU, Page will teach classes including choreography and styles, including modern, jazz and hip-hop.
Page lived in Denver, Colorado over the past several years but is originally from Detroit, Michigan. He said he has always had a passion for dancing and a natural ability to dance even before he began formal training.
“I have been dancing all my life,” Page said. “I always had a natural inclination towards movement and used to mimic what I saw on TV, or allow impulse to take over to music in social settings like birthday parties or the kiddie discos in the Detroit area during the 80s and 90s.”
A decision at the age of 13 would
change the trajectory of Page’s life.
During his time at Detroit Public Schools he was given the option between a gym class and a dance class to fulfill his physical education requirement.
Before he took the dance class, Page was interested in studying engineering, medicine or law. Afterwards, Page decided to follow his passion for dance despite the difficulties of be-
ginning later than other dancers.
Over the course of Page’s dance career, he has performed and toured both domestically and internationally with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble as a principal dancer for ten years.
GLIAC NAMES TWO LAKERS TO SCHOLAR-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Issac Harding and Hannah Becker, both runners for Grand Valley State University’s men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams, were given the GLIAC Scholar-Athletes of the Year award.
Earned by exhibiting exceptional leadership on the courses and in the classroom throughout the 2021-22 academic year, both Harding and Becker were recognized for their efforts. The award is presented each season to one athlete from a men’s and women’s team by the GLIAC Commissioner’s Award honorees.
Becker maintained a 3.97 cumulative GPA while recently winning the individual national championship in cross country (20:22.0 - a personal record). She received the USTFCCCA National Women’s Athlete of the Year award, the Doris Brown Heritage Award and was named to All-America and All-GLIAC honors.
Harding finished his final season with the Lakers being honored with the USTFCCCA National Men’s Athlete of the Year award, the Doug Watts award, and earned first team All-America and AllGLIAC honors. He also won the individual cross country national championship with a 10k personal record time (29:25.3) while finishing second in the 3000m at the indoor championships and fourth in the 10,000m at the outdoor championships.
Both athletes were a part of the historic run by the Lakers in the previous season, as the programs went on to win the 2021 NCAA Cross Country National Championship and the 2022 NCAA Indoor Track National Championship.
GV MEN’S GOLF SET TO TEE OFF FALL SEASON IN ARENDSEN INVITATIONAL
The Grand Valley State University men’s golf team will look to open the new season with a first-place finish as they face off against GLIAC rivals in Allendale on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Head coach Gary Bissell was named the 2022 Division II Midwest Region Coach of the Year as the team finished 16th overall in the NCAA DII Championships.
In the 2021 season, the Lakers were able to finish the Arendsen Invitational in first place with a score of four under par. The Lakers earned two First Team All-GLIAC honors and two Second Team All-GLIAC honors while also placing within the top-three on five different occasions throughout the regular season.
Sophomore Charles DeLong will be a significant contributor to the team’s overall success as he was named the GLIAC Player of the Year, earned NCAA DII Ping All-American and All-Region honors, and won three tournaments during the 2021-22 regular season.
FOOTBALL
BY BRIAN BLOOM SPORTS@LANTHORN.COMAfter a disappointing playoff exit against a bitter rival and eventual national champion, the Grand Valley State University men’s football team came into the offseason motivated by the previous second-round loss against Ferris State University.
Unable to defeat the Bulldogs in both the regular season (28-35) and falling apart in the semifinals 20-54, the Lakers strive to take their losses and turn them into lessons.
“Obviously last season didn’t finish the way we wanted it to,” junior quarterback Cade Peterson said. “We have to take it as a lesson, learn from it and look to improve this season. That’s the only way we should be looking at it.”
As the starting quarterback since the start of the 2021 season, Peterson has led the Lakers’ offense and is looking to improve upon last season. In DII action, the team finished 26th in total yards (4,940), 11th in yards per play (6.6), 14th in rushing yards per game (219.8) and 4th in yards per rush (5.9).
Peterson noted that limiting turnovers and being consistent are crucial to success on the offensive side of the ball.
“Be consistent performers on offense, try to limit our turnovers in big games and go and attack things just
like we do week in and week out,” Peterson said. “Put in the preparation every day of the week and go out and get the job done on Saturday. We have a lot of guys that are working hard and the talent is there.”
On the defensive side of the football, junior linebacker Abe Swanson leads a very talented unit that boasts one of the better defenses in all of DII.
“Defensively, my goal is obviously to make improvements based on previous years,” Swanson said. “We want to get back to being the most prominent defense in Division II, (the) most prominent defense in all of college football. We want to have the best efficiency out there when we’re on the field.”
The Lakers’ defense finished 19th overall last season in yards allowed per game (281), 27th in total yards allowed (3,377), 23rd in scoring defense that allowed 18 points per game and even putting points up on the scoreboard by themselves, scoring three defensive touchdowns.
Although most teams can relate to the shared struggle of how to defeat their opponents, this year’s Laker roster is developing a new sense of identity with a predominantly younger core as opposed to what the program has been accustomed to in previous seasons.
“Back in my day (as an underclassman), it was mostly upperclass-
men leading the charge,” Swanson said. “Everyone was listening to those prominent guys… (The younger guys) speak up and believe in (the culture), the older guys will get checked by the younger guys and the wheels are turning from there.”
While the team has gone through changes in personnel, the main goal for the team remains the same: capturing the national championship. To accomplish this, Swanson believes that the team has to win every single day, mentioning his personal goals to help contribute to that success.
“To just go 1-0 every week, everyday actually,” Swanson said.
“If you look at the bigger picture, you’re going to lose sight of the smaller picture, and that’s winning every game, winning every day.”
Head coach Matt Mitchell said he is impressed by his players’ bond and work ethic throughout the offseason as the team prepares to face No. 4 Colorado School of Mines on the Lakers’ home turf.
“The sense of brotherhood and work ethic throughout the offseason in summer camps and fall camp has been great,” Mitchell said.
VOLLEYBALL
GV women’s volleyball shows promise during four-game road trip
BY JASON MILLIS SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM
The Grand Valley State University women’s volleyball team began their fall season on the road, tallying a 3-1 overall record as they defeated Notre Dame College (3-0), Mercyhurst University (3-0), Malone University (3-1) and ultimately were swept by Gannon University in a tough 0-3 loss.
Jason Johnson, second-year head coach for the Lakers, believes the key to a successful season is to keep taking steps forward as a program versus dwelling on the shortcomings of any previous season.
“We matched up very successfully against the two teams on Friday,” said Johnson. “For our first match on Saturday, we matched up pretty favorably for ourselves again, but we lost a little focus and that resulted in the set that we dropped.”
In the sweep against Notre Dame College, the Lakers were able to shut out the Falcons in three sets that finished 25-10, 25-23 and 25-19. Junior middle blockers Sarah Wight and Jaelianna Primus led the offense with eight kills each, with freshman setter Jordyn Gates following with six kills and 14 assists.
The second match of the evening con-
sisted of yet another sweep against Mercyhurst, as Primus (11) and Gates (8) led the team in kills once more with another standout contribution from senior outside hitter Savannah Thompson (7). The sets finished 25-14, 25-13 and 25-14.
The Lakers continued their dominance on day two against Malone University in a four-set battle, closing the match 25-17, 22-25, 25-15 and 25-7. Primus, Stover and freshman setter Meghan O’Sullivan all led the Lakers with 11 kills each. Gates and junior setter Rachel Jacquay controlled the pace of the offense 25 and 20 assists in that respective order.
However, the success of the two-day matches would come to a close as the Lakers were unable to figure out how to stop Gannon. The Lakers fell 14-25 in the first set, 12-25 in the second, and showed a little promise in a back-and-forth rally in the third set until the Knights eventually closed out the day, 26-24.
“We knew that Gannon would be the toughest match for us this weekend,” Johnson said. “They have been a very seasoned and successful program over the last five to ten years. I think we just strug-
gled to get it under control at the time. I would have liked to see us be a little more competitive early in the match. Overall, I was pleased with the outcome of everything we did this weekend.”
Primus led the Lakers with a total of 33 kills over the course of the tournament. Gates totaled 28 kills, 72 digs and 67 assists during the tournament. Freshman outside hitter Kendall Stover also stood out with 30 kills and 29 digs.
“Primus really led us all weekend,” Johnson said. “Her blocking, her offense and her willingness to be available consistently were all really top notch.”
With the loss against Gannon still looming behind them, Johnson reflected on what he believes the Lakers need to do in order to maintain the possibility of being a top team in the conference.
“The hope is that we are able to put ourselves in a position to make another NCAA tournament,” Johnson said. “In order to do that, we’ve got to be consistent and successful early.
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SOCCERGV women’s soccer opens 2022 season with back-to-back shutouts
BY MADELEINE SMITH SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM
The Grand Valley State University women’s soccer started their season off with a bang as they defeated Missouri S&T, 3-0 and Maryville University, 1-0.
As back-to-back national champions, the Lakers are a favored contender in both regional and even national postseason action as they were selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 GLIAC Preseason Poll.
With a 15-2 shot on goal tally in favor of the Lakers in their match against Missouri, the team seemingly controlled the pace throughout, as two of their shots laced the back of the net in the first half.
Redshirt freshman midfielder Nina Ferraro scored her first collegiate goal on the opening shot attempt of the match just past the sixth minute (05:01), as freshman midfielder Abby Winn would fol-
low with her first collegiate goal (36:21) to make the match 2-0 just before halftime.
Senior goalkeeper, Callie Rich, commented on the team’s strategy and play style going into this season, mentioning the fact that play styles from previous seasons have found their way into the current game plan.
“If something has shown great success, why change it?” Rich said.
Graduate forward Riley O’Brien went on to record the team’s third and final goal within five minutes of the start of the second half (49:42) as the Lakers’ defense continued to put on an illustrious defensive performance.
Though sticking with something familiar can be comforting, the program doesn’t shy away from the thought of expanding on their skill sets. The players have continued to work on implementing their own unique style of play, which, in turn,
Rich said will make the team better overall.
“There has been a shift of energy within the team, for the better,” Rich said.
Rich said that with every new season, there is bound to be a change of energy between teammates. The team has had multiple team bonding events before the start of the season in order to create a fun environment for the players, something that the coaching staff sees as a top priority. Rich also commented on how the positivity from the team starts with the coaching staff, and how they prioritize their players by fostering an incredible environment for the players to thrive in as individuals.
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