G R A N D VA L L E Y L A N T H O R N
Replenish expands resources Campus food pantry offers basic supplies to assist students in need
GRAM inspires whimsy with LEGO exhibit GV football earns GLIAC championship, 38-0 victory over Davenport M O N DAY, N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 2 3 / / VO L . 5 8 N O. 7
ARTS | A11
SPORTS | A15
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A2 | NEWS
NOVEMBER 13 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
TRANSITION
GV financial data to shift from Banner to Workday
APPLICATION: GVSU uses the application “Banner” to house many different resources and information services for students and staff for a considerable time. Recently, the University Budgets Department acknowledged the university would be shifting to a new system called “Workday” for some functions previously conducted using Banner. Workday will be implemented by January 2024. GVL | SYDNEY LIM BY NATALIE BROOKS LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University expects to transition certain data categories from Banner to the system “Workday” sometime in January 2024. Currently, GVSU uses the Banner system for the storage and communication of many different types of data. The university will soon be transferring any finance and human relations-related activities to the Workday system. In effect, Workday will mainly impact GVSU student employees, faculty and the university’s financial administration. While GVSU is transitioning to the Workday system, there are two main financial operations that will be suspended. According to the University Budgets Department, from Nov. 17 to Jan. 14, any budget changes will be temporarily suspended. Additionally, from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31, transfer requests will also be suspended. According to a GVSU announcement, any activities that are not directly related to HR and finance, like student records and financial aid, will continue to be accessible through Banner Student. This change will most directly impact any students employed by GVSU, faculty and staff. According to Katelyn Johnson, the Assistant Director in GVSU’s student employment office, the major activities that will be transferred over are payroll, time entry, budget, and finance-related. “So Workday is a budget, finance, human resources and payroll platform and so everything currently in Banner using those things will be transitioning,” Johnson said.
“It’s definitely going to be a big transition and there’s a ton of work that has gone into it, but once we are able to start using the system and get more comfortable with it, I think it’s going to be a really beneficial thing.” In terms of what this means for student employees, Johnson said the main things shifting are paychecks and clocking hours. She said paychecks will be viewable within Workday and students will be using Workday to clock in and out. She also mentioned the possibility of on-campus job postings centrally located in Workday rather than on the current site Handshake. “Handshake will be transitioning to mostly focusing on off-campus jobs and internships, and then Workday will take over the on-campus job postings,” Johnson said. “So Handshake is still very relevant.” In order to make this transition as smooth as possible, GVSU is offering training sessions for students and staff. The Workday training kickoff occurred in mid-October, but the Workday Training page on GVSU’s website has the PowerPoint presentation and recording available to those who would like to view them. Training sessions are available to prepare for the transition now through January 2024 and will continue after Workday is implemented. GVSU has training modules available through
their website accessible with the GVSU network login. According to the training resource page, these modules are available “as an instructor-led course in Allendale, Grand Rapids and via Zoom, and as a self-paced course.” This page mentions the first module, WD101, must be completed by all faculty and staff by Dec. 22. Johnson said this will be a big transition, but it’s expected it will be very beneficial. “It’s definitely going to be a big transition and there’s a ton of work that has gone into it, but once we are able to start using the system and get more comfortable with it, I think it’s going to be a really beneficial thing,” Johnson said. “Workday can do so many things that Banner can’t. It’s going to make things a lot more convenient for people.” The exact dates of the transition have yet to be completely solidified, but it appears January of 2024 is when students will see the change happen. According to a GVSU Workday Key Dates page, Jan. 8 is the tentative date for Workday going live for staff and faculty.
A3 | NEWS
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
CONTENTS TRANSITION
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HEALTH
| A4
ATHLETICS
| A5
OPINIONS
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EDITORIAL
| A7
NEWS
| A8-9
PERFORMANCE
| A10
INTERACTIVE
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RESEARCH
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PERFORMANCE
| A13
SCALING
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FOOTBALL
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SOCCER
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EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief ELIZABETH SCHANZ
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11th annual Teach-In uplifts GV community voices BY MALLORY BURT LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s 11th annual “Teach-In” is a volunteer-based learning event that features over 40 presentations surrounding issues of importance to the GVSU community. The two-day event began on Wednesday, Nov. 8 on the GVSU Pew Campus and concluded on Nov. 9 in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center at the Allendale Campus. Organized by the GVSU Student Senate and the University Academic Senate, the Teach-In’s theme was “Power, Privilege, and Difficult Dialogues.” Students, faculty and staff had many opportunities to learn and host their own discussions, some even hosted by students and faculty together. The presentations held heavily focused on discussion elements, aimed to create a more open channel of communication and expressed issues the campus community cares about. Marlene Kowalski-Braun, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice President in the Division of Inclusion and Equity at GVSU and a presenter for the Teach-In. Kowalski-Braun said the Teach-In is centered around “mutual education for students, faculty and staff ” and provides the GVSU community a chance “to come together around” issues within the theme. “It’s an annual way to bring everyone together,” Kowalski-Braun said. From 10:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. on Nov. 8, various TeachIn sessions took place covering a range of topics. Robin Wall Kimmerer, State University of New York professor and author of the nationally bestselling book “Braiding Sweetgrass” kicked off the Teach-In sessions with a presentation entitled, “What does the Earth ask of us?” Each presentation lasted an hour and fifteen minutes and concluded with a question-and-answer discussion. The Teach-In picked up again on Thursday at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center on GVSU’s Allendale Campus. The second session on Nov. 9 ran from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed the educational presentation section with award-winning children’s author Monique Gray Smith. The first presentation of the second day titled “Creating Inclusive Cultures of Exclusivity within Greek Life and Beyond” was hosted by Jeremy Paul, Assistant Director of Student Life, and Alicen Fimple, Student Life Specialist. They aimed to provide context to Greek Life as a whole and cultivate diversity moving forward. “Thinking with the theme of this Teach-In, we had experience that could be really Fraternity and Sorority
Life (FSL) valuable and opening up conversations to people that are maybe outside the (Greek Life) community that we work with,” Fimple said. Their presentation examined how Greek Life on campus began as an all-white and predominantly male structure and has grown to be more inclusive. Paul and Fimple frequently interacted with students in the audience, drawing from current GVSU community members’ own experiences with Greek Life. “By nature, fraternity and sorority life throughout history has been really intentional in how it excludes people, it’s so incredibly important that we’re challenging our students to be more inclusive in the environments they’re creating,” Paul said. Paul and Fimple pushed students and attendees to question the inclusivity of the spaces around them, not just in Greek Life. Their presentation acknowledged the acceptance of more diversity in higher educational spaces and called attention to further inclusion. “Ally to Accomplice: Personal and Collective Responsibility,” presented by Kowalski-Braun, GVSU senior Sydney Hohlbein and GVSU first-year Heaven Walker ran from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Thursday. Kowalski-Braun, Hohlbein and Walker’s presentation focused on learning how to be authentic to marginalized communities and the transition from being an ally to an accomplice. “Moving from being an ally to an accomplice is the act of practice of listening and amplifying those (marginalized) voices,” Hohlbein said. The audience was asked to identify what being an accomplice meant to them and to look at situations in their own lives where they needed to rethink their view. The presenters themselves also shared instances in which they found themselves on the wrong side of social justice and had to rethink their opinions. This kind of vulnerability and honesty aims to draw awareness to the need for a wider cultural shift, creating space for diversity. The Teach-In is entirely volunteer-based which means the topics covered within each session are of the utmost importance to the presenters within the campus community. The Teach-In provides a platform for the GVSU community to express topics that they feel deserve more attention. While there are many learning opportunities at the university, the Teach-In communicates important issues beyond a classroom or individual organization’s setting to the greater GVSU community.
At the Lanthorn, we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible. If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors in fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling 616-3312464 or by emailing editorial@lanthorn.com. The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published biweekly by Grand Valley State University students 17 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community. For additional copies, at $1 each, please contact our business offices. Help do your part by recycling or composting this paper after you read it, our paper is entirely compostable. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to: Grand Valley Lanthorn 0051 Kirkhof Center Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI 49401
PRESENTATION: The Teach-In is a platform for students, faculty and staff to speak about topics of importance. GVL | ALENA VISNOVSKI
A4 | NEWS
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
HEALTH
FDA announces ban on BVOs
BY MAX BUFKIN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
When someone hears “vegetable oil,” they typically don’t think of a dangerous food additive. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), has been considered unsafe to consume since the sixties yet remained in products and on shelves until now. On Nov. 2, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced they are going to ban BVOs, which could impact many popular food products in America. BVO is a vegetable oil modified with bromine, which prevents fruit and citrus flavoring from floating to the top of beverages. It is most commonly found in soda and sports drinks but is used in some foods as well. BVO has been outlawed in many countries around the world but has been legal in the U.S. since the 1920s. In 1970, the FDA concluded that BVO was not Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) due to concerns regarding heightened toxicity levels. One FDA study showed rats developed damaged thyroids when given doses of BVO. A similar study conducted with pigs in 1976 showed damage to the heart, liver and kidneys. Some feel this ban may feel rushed despite the years worth of discussion, but for others, it has been long awaited. In a post on X, the platform formerly Twitter, the Center for Science in the Public Interest said, “We’re pleased to see the FDA catching up!” The FDA previously did not have sufficient evidence to justify a ban on BVOs, leading them to experiment again back in 2016. Due to the recent data collected, the FDA is finally able to give proper cause to repeal BVO’s safety approval. From 20162023, the FDA developed better ways of detecting and
measuring BVO while conducting experiments to test for its health effects. Through both human and animal trials, they concluded that BVO was unsafe, leading them to announce its ban within the next few years. “Some of these changes proposed by the FDA take time, especially to revoke a food additive, so I am pleased to see we are taking the next steps accordingly,” said Alyssa Koopman, Grand Valley State University’s Registered Dietitian. Many brands that currently use BVOs plan replace the ingredient with alternatives. Some feel the ban may suggest that BVO is extremely common, but it’s actually pretty sparse. According to Food Safety News, “few beverages in the U.S. contain BVO” today. However, the ban will simply force these few remaining products to remove BVO and replace it with a substitute. It is essential to ensure moving forward that these new alternatives do not pose the same health risks as its predecessor. “A few of the common alternatives include sucrose acetate isobutyrate and glycerol ester of wood rosin. These alternatives have both short and long-term studies completed with little to no evidence of risk to human health and safety,” Koopman said. California has become the first state in the U.S. to ban BVO, which will come into effect starting in 2027, and the FDA is hoping to make the ban nationwide. “I believe we can use this as a reminder to continue to focus on our overall dietary pattern, looking at our individual food and beverage habits around quantities, proportions and variety,” Koopman said. The ban on BVOs may put a spotlight on the long history of toxic food additives in the U.S. and could encourage healthier alternatives for future products in the American diet.
ADDITIVES: GVSU’s Registered Dietitian Alyssa Koopman expressed excitement over the FDA’s move to ban the use and production of BVOs in food. GVL | SAM NELSON
REGULATIONS: BVOs were recognized as unhealthy in the 1960s, but the FDA did not have enough adequate information to ban their use until recently in 2023. GVL | SAM NELSON
A5 | NEWS
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS ATHLETICS
GV sells alcohol at homecoming game BY JOSEPH POULOS LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University sold beer at the concession stands for the first time during the homecoming football game on Oct. 28. GVSU is historically a “dry campus,” which means alcohol is prohibited from university facilities, with some exceptions including designated tailgate areas within a particular timeframe. The sale of beer and other alcohol at the game could potentially adjust the university’s alcohol policy to a permanent move in the future. Michigan law passed in July allowed in-state universities to sell alcohol in college sports arenas. House Bill 4328 and Senate Bill 247, gave each Michigan university the right to acquire liquor or tavern licenses for the purpose of making alcohol available for purchase to those aged 21 and older one hour before a sporting event. GVSU first began their own alcohol sales at the Homecoming Game. Earlier this season, Michigan State University began alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 16 and Western Michigan University utilized the new policy starting at their season opener on Aug. 31. The University of Michigan is set to begin sales starting Jan. 1, 2024. The GVSU Board of Trustees expressed interest in the sale of alcohol at sporting events back in June, according to MLive. The support for the sale was followed through in the Oct. 28 game. In June, Gregory Sanial, Chief Financial Officer and
Vice President for Finance and Administration said the safety and well-being of the fans and students alike is going to be a primary focus. “Our first priority is safety for our fans and the community,” Sanial said. “If we move forward with sales at our events, we will do so when we are confident we can provide an enhanced fan experience in a safe and responsible manner.” This decision may be somewhat at odds with GVSU’s alcohol and drug policy, which has historically been in favor of alcohol-free programs. For GVSU students, reactions are varied. Caleb Pratt, 21, said he was in favor of the change. “Students were bringing alcohol to the events anyway, the school might as well help the cause,” Pratt said. As far as benefits from this new policy, Pratt said the new policy “could be a reduction in drunk drivers surrounding and inside (of ) campus.” He determined if alcohol is available close by, students will no longer have to get in their vehicles to purchase more alcohol. Thomas Meyer, 19, thinks a sporting event is an appropriate place to sell alcohol but can’t see many benefits to allowing alcohol to be sold in a campus setting with many younger attendees. “Other than sporting events, it doesn’t make much sense, because the vast majority of people who live on campus are underage anyway,” Meyer said. Nik Tompkins, 21, believes this could be an economic opportunity for GVSU if executed correctly. Tompkins believes profits from this policy could reduce costs in
other areas around campus. “As long as proceeds go towards the campus and not into administrators’ pockets, I think it’s a good idea,” Tompkins said. “Proceeds could go towards improving the campus and or expansions. They could go towards making things like parking passes cheaper.” Other students were less enthusiastic about the university’s new approach as it regards the sale of alcohol on campus. GVSU alum Tyler Walters, 26, said he could see the potential benefits for GVSU but not necessarily for students. Walters, a former GVSU cross-country runner, believes the policy could have negative effects on students. “It will probably increase attendance and keep people at games longer,” Walters said. “I think it will be a net negative and could even raise tuition rates.” As the university moves towards selling alcoholic beverages at different sporting events, representatives for the school have emphasized their interest in the well-being of students regardless of the decision. Chris Knape, Assistant Vice President of University Communications – Media and Public Relations, said he aims for students to remain safe even if alcohol consumption at sporting events is endorsed by the university. “Safety is the key for us,” Knape said. “If we’re going to do this, we want to make sure we’re doing it right and that we’re doing it in a safe and responsible manner that makes for a more fun environment and does not detract from the fan experience.”
VENDING: Grand Valley State University is one of many universities in Michigan engaging in the sales of alcohol at their football and other sporting events this year. GVL | SAM NELSON
A6 | OPINIONS
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
My favorite books for this winter season
BY HOPE LEINEN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Winter. Name a better season to stay inside by the fire and cuddle up with a good book... you can’t, I know. Now, for some people, it may be difficult to know what kinds of books to start with or what may be the best. If you’re looking to jump into some classics for the winter, then “Crime and Punishment” is good. If you’re looking for some more romantic classics then “Pride and Prejudice,” “Tess D’Ubervilles,” “Dracula,” and “Wuthering Heights.” It all just
depends on what you are looking for, and there are so many different genres you could dive into. A lot of people look to read romances during this time of the year, especially with the holiday season coming up and the end of the year. While I’ve heard a lot of people talking about Colleen Hoover, there are a lot of other really good romance authors. Ana Huang wrote a popular series called “Twisted Love.” Elle Kennedy writes a lot of romance novels, but a series that is particularly good for the winter season is her hockey romance series called the “OffCampus” series. Lucy Score writes popular romance novels as well as Penelope Douglass. Personally, as uncool or nerdy as it may sound, I love fantasy, especially in the winter. Right now, Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer Armentrout are my favorite authors. The world-building they do and the plots they create are seriously insane! A new hot author right now is Rebecca Yarros, who writes “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame,” which just came out on Nov. 7. Now, if you’re looking for some straight-up fiction, then I also have plenty of recommendations for you. Raven Leilani’s “Luster” is incredibly wellwritten and thought-provoking. Elif Batuman’s “The Idiot” is seriously hilarious. Otessa Moshfegh is going to go down in the history books for her writing from “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” to “Death in Her Hands,” every single one has been
absolutely breathtaking. Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Woman Destroyed” is also revolutionary. There are thousands of good fiction books in the world, but these are some of my favorites. In terms of new releases, “Iron Flame” just came out as I said earlier. Maas’ “House of Flame and Shadow” comes out in January. “The Leftover Woman” came out on Oct. 10 and “Check and Mate” by Ali Hazelwood came out on Nov. 7. In regards to Yarros’ new release, it is good to know that it is the second book in a series of hers. Maas’ upcoming release is also the third book in a series she is working on that is connected to two other series she has written. I hope that you take some of my suggestions into mind, or find your own literary discoveries, as winter begins and the desire to read grows. The winter is an amazing time to read. Most students are on break and don’t have much to do other than just sit back and relax, so what better way to spend your time than escaping with a good book? I personally will be going out and enjoying the cold then shuffling inside to cozy up by the fire with hot cocoa and a good book. My phone will be on “Do Not Disturb” and I’ll be unwinding the best way I know how…by escaping reality.
Companies should not abruptly force a mandatory back-to-office policy
BY SAM NOWOTNIK LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Working remotely or doing school from home is something we all collectively see as normal now, despite it being very weird years ago. In 2020, when we were all sent home for COVID-19 lockdowns, there was a lot of learning and navigating happening. We all had to find a way to make things work the best we could on very short notice. Now, working from home isn’t a foreign concept and has even become the preference for many workers for various reasons. This is a new normal for many workers, and they have gotten comfortable with their new schedules and work situations. Things, however, may be taking a turn in this next year, as 90% of companies plan to implement return-to-office policies by the end of 2024. Of the companies that plan to implement back-to-office policies, 30% say their company will threaten to fire employees who don’t comply with in-office requirements. Some of the reasons that people prefer to work remotely are flexible scheduling, healthy work-life balance and saving time. Remote work may allow workers to work a
more personalized schedule that permits them to get work done at the best time for them. Also, working from home reduces the amount of travel time and time preparing to leave to go to the office, which leaves more time for your own interests. With remote work, people from all over the world are able to get connected and pursue a common goal. It allows people seeking work to not be confined to a single geographical region. Also, top talent globally would be available for employment, which could help many companies. Many people are unable to pack up everything and move to a new place for a job, but remote jobs can give them the chance they always wanted to have. Productivity concerns are a major factor in bringing people back to the office. This is something I completely understand, but research has shown that productivity was not affected as much as many people believe. In 2023, labor productivity rose 3.7% during the second quarter, and is up 1.3% compared to this time last year. Workers have shown they are able to work productively from home and have been increasing productivity over the years as well. Those who have been working effectively and have shown no signs of decline in quality of work should continue to have the option to work where they think is best for them. It is worth noting that all jobs require different settings and are operated differently. Some jobs are unable to run their business with employees working from home for many reasons. On the other hand, the companies who do have the availability for remote work should really weigh the benefits and pitfalls of applying the back-to-office policies so abruptly. It could lead to more change that people aren’t looking to go through yet again after finally feeling comfortable working where they are. As much as people were skeptical about remote work, it has shown benefits that we weren’t aware of before. It is hard to believe that the COVID-19 lockdown was almost four years ago, but some things have yet to go back and may forever be changed. I don’t think this is a good decision by company executives to
abruptly force back-to-office policies because they could lose many employees in the process. Some employees have been with companies for years before being sent home, and now may be at risk of losing their jobs if they want to continue to work remotely. Employees who have not caused any issues working from home may also be upset leading to a lack of trust between employees and management. There needs to be compromise and an open line of communication between employees and managers for something like this to not have negative effects.
OPINION POLICY The goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn’s opinion page is to act as a forum for public discussion, comment and criticism in the Grand Valley State University community. Student and columnist opinions published here do not necessarily reflect those of the paper as an entity. The Lanthorn strives to be a safe vehicle for community discussion. With this in mind, the Lanthorn will not publish or entertain any forms of hate speech, but neither will it discriminate against any other views, opinions or beliefs. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by-nor do they necessarily represent those of-the university or its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty or staff. Letter to the editor
should include the author’s full name, relevant title and a headshot, along with a valid email address and phone number for confirming the identity of the author. Letters should be approximately 500650 words in length, and they are not edited by the Lanthorn staff except to fix technical errors or to clarify. Reader submissions on the opinion page appear as space permits. To make a submission, email editorial@lanthorn.com or drop your submission off in person at: 0051 KIRKHOF CENTER GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ALLENDALE, MI 49401 616-826-8276
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
A7 | EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Political pawns: pandas pulled from U.S. public zoos BY LANTHORN EDITORIAL STAFF LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Giant pandas are often a fan favorite for zoo goers across the country, but soon all the giant pandas could be leaving the United States. We feel that animals shouldn’t be able to be owned or traded, much less for political bargaining. The giant pandas in all zoos in the United States are currently on loan from China. According to CBS News, giant pandas have been a “major attraction there since 1972, when U.S. zoos made an agreement with China Wildlife and Conservation Association.” This loan has allowed the U.S. zoos to keep the animals in their facilities over the duration of the loan. We are disappointed and sad to see the small number of giant pandas in the U.S. beginning to be shipped back to China. According to FOX 5 News, “At every zoo in the country - except Atlanta’s - that loan (for giant pandas with the Chinese government) will expire in December.” The Smithsonian recently shipped back the three giant pandas previously in their residence, marking the first time the museum hasn’t had pandas since their arrival in 1972. There is a long and seemingly complicated
political history between the United States and China. With tensions between the countries spanning back to the 1940s, war conflicts, trade relations and competitive economic stakes have put the countries at odds. Giant pandas have been traded back and forth between the countries for years, though they weren’t always on loan. Two pandas named Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling were donated to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo as a gift to the Nixon administration 50 years ago on April 16, 1972, according to the National Archive News. The show of friendship between the two ever-opposing countries was historically significant in itself. It is projected that all giant pandas will be relocated back to China from the United States by the end of the year 2024. Only one panda will remain in the Americas, should the Chinese government withhold further panda contracts. “Assuming China chooses not to send over more giant pandas…by the end of 2024 the only panda in zoos throughout all of the Americas would be Xin Xin in Mexico City,” according to CNN. Because China technically owns the pandas, it begs the question– should countries be able to declare ownership over their native species, such as giant pandas born in U.S. zoos?
While we definitely agree that countries should set laws and regulations in place to help protect Indigenous and endangered animals, we do not necessarily agree with the concept of owning an entire species or using them as a political bargaining chip. It feels like panda propaganda to revoke access to some of the states’ most popular and beloved bears, dangling the power to approve and deny access to the species at will regardless of the well-being of the animals. “The giant pandas were escorted out of the zoo in three large shipping crates,” reported The Washington Post on the animals’ departure from Washington D.C.’s National Zoo. There hasn’t been any explicit communication from Chinese authorities stating the return of all giant pandas has anything to do with the rising political polarization in the United States, but removing the furry long-term residents sends a clear message. We think there is no reason why live animals should be used to manipulate public perception or political foes. While the giant panda holds great weight in Chinese culture, removing the animals from their long-time homes can be traumatizing for them. It is, morally, a fine line between keeping pandas in inhumane captivity at for-profit zoos versus subjecting them to the effects of relocation.
ANIMALS: The giant pandas will soon be returning to their native home in China. This upsetting move is leaving United States zoos without the beloved animals. COURTESY | UNSPLASH
A8&9 | NEWS
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLNEWS
Supplying students: Replenish expand to Basic Needs Center BY CHLOE SCHRAM LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
Basic needs aren’t basic, they’re essential. RESOURCES: The university’s campus food pantry has allocated additional spaces dedicated specifically to supplies and other items that could be useful for students in need. GVL | AIDA DENNIS
Replenish, the campus food pantry at Grand Valley State University, has expanded its services and reopened as the Basic Needs Center effective as of Wednesday, Nov. 8. The expansion includes access to another room in at the facility that houses donated clothes, shoes, kitchen and household supplies, school supplies and other items available for students in need. Located at the Allendale Campus Replenish, the Basic Need Center’s expanded services help create an equitable campus environment by recognizing that basic needs go beyond food. The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity manages the Replenish resource program. Alyssa Beil is a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Women and Gender Equity and is studying in the School of Social Work. She coordinates Replenish and works closely to help the community both at GVSU and in West Michigan. Beil has a professional background in community organizing and food justice efforts at the food bank level. “The idea is that the basic needs center can fill any need that a student may have beyond food,” Beil said. “Basic needs are more than just food, right? So if you’re in need of food, you may also be in need of a winter coat or some shoes that you can wear to walk across campus, or some pots and pans to cook the food that you’re taking home with you.” Beil said all students can use either Replenish location, regardless of where students live or what their income guidelines are. Students have up to three visits per month where they can access either Replenish room. To browse the resources at Replenish, students scan their IDs or put in their student G-number. “Our ideology is that basic needs aren’t basic, they’re essential. We want to make sure that the space is welcoming and inclusive to students and recognizing that students have a lot that they’re balancing,” Beil said. Both Replenish locations have limits on the number of items that students can take to ensure there is enough to serve everybody. In the food pantry space, students can take one or two of each item. In the basic needs space, students can take five items in total. “We want to reduce those barriers and make it easier for you (students) to get through school and to focus on your education and not have to worry about having a winter coat and having food to eat for dinner,” Beil said. “It shouldn’t be hard to access basic needs, and it should be just a very, very simple process.” Beil said the goal of Replenish is to remove the stigma and shame students may feel when they need extra assistance for basic resources and services. Beil said students should be able to have resources like Replenish and the Basic Needs Center to turn to when they are in need without fearing judgment from others. “There’s nothing uncomfortable or wrong with
NEEDS: The Replenish needs center is located on the GV Allendale campus next door to the food pantry. GVL | AIDA DENNIS
accessing basic needs services,” Beil said. “A big part of this expansion is recognizing that students need more basics than just food access, we want to make sure they are able to go home and cook the food they have, or have the school supplies that they need to be able to be successful.” Caroline Carlson, a senior at GVSU, is on the Eboard of the GVSU Rotaract Club. Rotaract is a student-run club that volunteers and plans community outreach events to give back. Carlson said Replenish is a valuable resource. “I totally think that Replenish is a really really important part of GV’s campus because it allows for accessibility to needs that students may not be able to get themselves,” Carlson said. “It’s really great that they are including basic
“Basic needs are more than just food, right? So if you’re in need of food, you may also be in need of a winter coat or some shoes that you can wear to walk across campus, or some pots and pans to cook the food that you’re taking home with you.”
personal items and clothing because some students may not be able to get those things themselves and that should not in any way keep them from their education.” Carlson believes having access to personal care items allows students to fuel their bodies and stay warm in the winter, which is vital in order to remain successful during lectures and busy school days. “It is actually quite a crazy number of college students that are food insecure, so I can only imagine how many students can’t get these basic personal care items on their own either,” Carlson said. “Everyone has a right to these basic needs, and I really love that Replenish is actually making that possible.” Beil said she and the rest of the Replenish staff are ecstatic about the expansion to the Basic Needs Center and want to bring students in, both to donate and to take advantage of the support that is available. “We just, in the last month of October, served 429 students, which is the biggest number we’ve ever seen in the history of this great program, which is amazing,” Beil said. “(It) really is a testament to the fact that this is a need and it’s a really important resource for students to have.” Replenish is currently open on the Allendale campus Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the lower level of the Kirkhof Center in room 74. Replenish also has services on the GVSU Pew campus and in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.
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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLARTS
ENVIRONMENT
GV hosts author to discuss climate, indigenous teachings BY DYLAN HOFFIUS LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Best-selling author Robin Wall Kimmerer gave a presentation on biodiversity and sustainability to Grand Valley State University students on Nov. 8 to kick off the 2023 GVSU Teach-In, an event intended to spark discussions and “improve inclusion and equity.” Her presentation encouraged the audience to consider “what does the earth ask of us?” a question Kimmerer said we need to consider, as we find ourselves on the brink of climate catastrophe. Kimmerer cited a 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) that reveals nature on Indigenous land is declining less rapidly than on other lands. Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, discussed indigenous teachings, scientific knowledge and the knowledge of plants, which she says are key for answering her question. The relationship between these teachings is at the heart of her book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” Kimmerer said the collaboration of these ideologies allows people to better care for the earth and to “see with both eyes.” Julia Mason, Ph.D., Associate Professor in GVSU’s Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department, helped bring Kimmerer to campus
in collaboration with the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Mason said the event aimed to examine GVSU’s responsibility as a public institution in being stewards of the community and carrying on indigenous messages. “Robin’s work in particular really speaks at this intersection of thinking about indigenous knowledge and the importance of community,” Mason said. “It’s a really exciting time to bring marginalized voices (here) and amplify and really listen to them.” Kimmerer’s presentation also touched on her experience of being the only indigenous woman studying botany at university. Kimmerer said when she was a student, she was discouraged from incorporating indigenous teachings and the knowledge of plants with the scientific ideology. At GVSU, the Native American Advisory Council (NAAC) is working to create an environment that supports the needs of indigenous students in and out of the classroom. Carsyn Brunette, a junior at GVSU independent from NAAC but works to assist native students, said it was difficult to find her place within her major and among her peers. Brunette said she would often feel “too Native” around her non-Native friends and “not Native enough” around her Native friends and family. “I just transferred last semester, and it was actually really difficult not having (a) Native community,” Brunette said. “I want to help other students feel more accepted and know that this is a welcoming space for
Native students because, without a sense of community, you feel like you don’t belong anywhere.” A large part of the NAAC’s work has been focused on cultural and environmental sustainability. Belinda Bardwell, NAAC member and Assistant Director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs said sustainability for the student body and campus is a process GVSU is working on. “We can’t touch on other aspects of sustainability if our human beings aren’t sustained,” Bardwell said. “(We need to) realize the apparent shortcomings of our funding (to be sustainable).” Bardwell said the NAAC recently visited Arizona State University to learn more about methods that other universities with a large Indigenous student population are using to create sustainability. Bardwell said two of the biggest takeaways from the trip were the curriculum and language used at ASU, something that Kimmerer also touched on. “What she (Kimmerer) gave us yesterday was a roadmap to a better society,” Bardwell said. “Grand Valley, with an increase of indigenous faculty and staff, can start really embracing that ‘two-eyed’ seeing that Robin talks about.” Kimmerer’s presentation is available on the GVSU YouTube channel. Students interested in learning more about the NAAC can complete an online form to receive information about the council.
SUSTAINABILITY: Robin Wall Kimmerer encouraged students to examine GVSU’s responsibility in being stewards of community and to carry on indigenous messages. COURTESY | GVNEXT
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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLARTS
INTERACTIVE
GRAM inspires whimsy with LEGO exhibit BY RACHAEL GAGE LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
“Brick by Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO” is an exhibit displayed at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) designed by Bricks & Minifigs, a LEGO retail shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The exhibit features “Rainbow World,” spheres made of unique building blocks of the same color. The exhibition also includes interactive LEGO building and other creative opportunities for visitors. Bricks & Minifigs buys, sells and reimagines the art of LEGO. Their exhibit at the GRAM features a central question: “What does LEGO evoke for you?” It encourages museum visitors to interact with both their hands and minds as they explore the history of LEGO and the structures built by the shop, as well as the ones created by other visitors. The owners of Bricks & Minifigs’ Grand Rapids location, Nathan and Julia Petersen, oversaw the concept and partial creation of “Rainbow World.” They hope that people viewing the LEGO exhibit will see LEGO as more than just a toy but as an art form. “I hope that people walk away from the exhibit experiencing LEGO as something that can supersede the in-the-box instructions that they have,” Nathan Petersen said. Lydia Wiley, an attendee of the exhibit, associates LEGO with childhood nostalgia and enjoyed the creativity of the exhibit. “I think (the exhibit) is cool,” Wiley said. “It takes something that you associate with kids and shows that it can be a really beautiful thing and allows you to express your creativity.” Creativity and self-expression are important to the Petersens and all of those at Bricks & Minifigs who worked on the “Rainbow World” display.
“I think creativity is hugely important for society,” Nathan Petersen said. “Our experiences we all have are unique to us, but creativity can help bridge those gaps and help bring us together.” The “Brick by Brick” exhibit largely exists to bring people together over the common form of art, nostalgia and creativity. Bricks & Minifigs wants adults and children alike to connect over the colorful pieces. “It (LEGO) can help people have an experience together,” Nathan Petersen said. “We’re breaking down the (idea) that art is something you put on a wall and don’t really interact with (by) bringing it into this creative space that we all get to be involved with.” Mary Bowen, another spectator of the exhibition, saw the display as a way to connect on a fun and deeper level with her boyfriend. “I think (LEGO) allows people to be themselves and think in a way that doesn’t have to be so concrete,” Bowen said. “I love how (the GRAM) sets LEGOs out so you can build your own creation. It’s cool that it’s an art museum and you still get to put your own take on it.” Wiley echoed Bowen’s sentiment. Wiley said the building form is important because it touches everyone at a creative level. “I want to be building (LEGO) until I’m old,” Wiley said. Additionally, the “Brick by Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO” exhibition at the GRAM features an interactive scavenger hunt. The goal of the hunt is for visitors to locate LEGO minifigures throughout the museum, a task that aims to enhance the exhibit’s purpose of bringing joy and connection to attendees. Those who find eight of the minifigures can enter a prize drawing for a LEGO set. BUILDING: The exhibition includes displays by Bricks & Minifigs, “Brick by Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO” in addition to community submissions. LEGO art at the GRAM will be on display at the GRAM until May 2024. encourages creativity and is for all ages. COURTESY | GRAM
SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED Saturday, April 6 Devos Performance Hall
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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLARTS
RESEARCH
GV Archives gets crafty for American Archives Month BY DYLAN HOFFIUS LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
HISTORY: The GVSU Special Collections & University Archives provides primary sources utilized for research. GVL | SAM NELSON
Grand Valley State University’s Special Collections & University Archives closed out American Archives Month with a multi-day celebration called Vibes Fest. The purpose of American Archives Month, according to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference is to “raise public awareness about the importance of historic documents and records.” Vibes Fest took place at the “pit,” a conversation pit, in the Seidman House, the building in which the Special Collections and University Archives are located. The “pit” used to be an event space for speakers and students to congregate in the university’s past. During the last week of October, students were encouraged to engage in hands-on activities organized by the archives. Students were able to create “vibe boards’’ that reflected their personality and the environment where they study. Available for creating the boards were duplicate photographs and other materials from collections and the archive that no longer needed to be preserved. Participants were also able to vote for their favorite of four staff-created academic aesthetics. The aesthetics, which include light, dark, chaotic and spirited academia, were inspired by primary source material from collections such as regional history, student life and decorated publishers’ bindings– books with ornamented and embellished covers. Zoya Deen, a student worker at the archives, said the goal for Vibes Fest was to create a welcoming environment for students and to educate them on the archives and its collections. “A lot of people may not know how to interact with primary sources or archives,” Deen said. “Primary sources are a huge part of understanding history and the world around us, so interacting with those in an
educational manner is really important.” Leigh Rupinski, Archivist for Public Services and Community Engagement at GVSU, said the activities provided a great introduction to the importance of primary sources for students. “It’s great to use secondary sources in research, but primary sources force you to think critically and provide greater context,” Rupinski said. “We had a rare opportunity with Vibes Fest to let students engage with our primary sources and collections directly.” Primary sources are important for research and gaining a deeper understanding of history. According to the Library of Congress, “primary sources are incomplete snippets of history, each one represents a mystery that students can only explore further by finding new pieces of evidence.” Rupinski said critical thinking is an essential component of research when it comes to identifying potential misinformation. “Just because something (a secondary source) was published doesn’t mean it (is) true,” Rupinski said. “You have to look at primary sources and ask- what am I reading, what do the words mean and how does bias come into play?” On top of the education in primary source literacy, Rupinski said another important goal for Vibes Fest was to inspire students creatively. “We also (wanted students) to think about how one day (they) might create material that will be important and worthy of preservation,” Rupinski said. Students are always encouraged to visit the Seidman House and speak with an archivist to learn more. Deen said she hopes students will take an interest in the archives and pursue research. “Archives are for everybody,” Deen said. “It gives you the opportunity to see a life in the material and gives people the imagination necessary to really understand the importance of what they’re looking at.
CREATIVITY: The archives held a crafting activity in “the pit,” where students created collages made of photographs and materials no longer needing to be preserved. GVL | SAM NELSON
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE
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PERFORMANCE
STAGE theatre show features student talent, on stage, behind scenes BY SARA BAGLEY LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
STAGE, a theater club at Grand Valley State University, put on “Yikes!” a show consisting of a medley of short comedic numbers, ranging from seven to 30 minutes long. “Yikes!” gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their talents across many different aspects of the production including, performance, writing and directing to create the final showing. The show, held on Friday, Nov. 10, had been in preparation for months. The comedy scripts, submitted by members of STAGE back in September, ranged in topic, from an amusing murder examination to a ludicrous heavenly trial. Once scripts are submitted, STAGE selects a few to be showcased, and gives all of the writers a chance to direct. One writer and director was GVSU freshman Nate Schall. He wrote and directed “Breaking and Exiting,” and directed “What The Hell Seth?” He originally wrote “Breaking and Exiting” for a high school class, which he said made this experience all the more fulfilling for him. “Especially with something I wrote so long ago. It wasn’t like I wrote this for ‘Yikes!’ I wrote it separately, and then I gotta see it be made. It was really cool to tell the actors what to do and see them bring it to life,” Schall said. “There’s no other way to say it; it’s really cool.” Lydia Castilhos, the playwright behind “What the Hell Seth?” also doubles as the main character, Bee. Initially, she had no plans of writing for “Yikes!” or even auditioning in the main session.
However, when she attended the last meeting before submissions were due, the group did a writing exercise, and Castilhos’ plans changed. “Aside from some very silly things, I actually liked what I wrote (during the writing exercise), so I fixed it up and ended up submitting it,” Castilhos said. “I love writing stories and sharing stories and to be able to share it in a theatre format is even cooler.” Originally Castilhos had not planned on acting, but after the original actress who was playing the lead stepped down, Castilhos stepped into the spotlight. “It’s very fun, it’s also very interesting because my vision of the characters are a lot different than the director’s vision,” Castilhos said. “But what I’m doing is letting him (Schall) have his fun with it because that was the original plan.” A few of the actors played multiple roles across the mini-shows in “Yikes!” including Emma Juhala, a member of the Eboard for STAGE and social media manager for the organization. Previously, Juhala was a director for the show last year. This time around, Juhala took on the roles of a jury member in “The Worst Possible Defense Before God,” a character named Jamie in “I’ve Had Enough,” and a character named Charlie in “Death by Doormat.” “I love STAGE, it’s a great community. You honestly get a little family of people that you get to know,” Juhala said. “Just getting to see those people who have never done this before, get to do what they love which is great.” Tim Vacanti, an actor who played Detective Phoenix in “Death by Doormat” and Silas in “Breaking and Exiting” shared a similar sentiment. While this is his first
show with the club, he’s loved it so far. He walked into the auditions for “Yikes!” and found the process to be really simple, just reading some lines for the directors and later learning which shows they’d selected him for. “The teamwork, the preparation, we’ve had a ton of ideas that we’ve improvised throughout all of the rehearsals,” Vacanti said. “It’s relatively quick, but it all comes together. It’s really fun.” However, the actors and directors couldn’t put on the show alone. It is a combination of their performance and hard work behind the scenes to create the final product. Caitlyn Shaw has been involved with STAGE for two semesters now and was the stage manager for “Yikes!” She served in the same role for STAGE’s production of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” last semester and happily stepped up when the need presented itself for “Yikes!” “When I heard ‘Yikes!’ was coming, I knew I didn’t have time to act in it, but I told them if you need a stage manager, I’m your girl,” Shaw said. “I’m a very organized person and I’m good at getting that stuff done.” Shaw and the rest of the crew primarily work with cast and directors throughout the process of tech week where they finalize lighting and sound effects, timing and set changes. Shaw said it is satisfying to see the finished product on show night even working backstage. “People have put so much hard work into this, from the directors, (students) who wrote it, to the actors who brought it all together, to our crew people who made all the sets and are moving everything around, helping everything go smoothly backstage,” Shaw said. “A lot of blood, sweat and tears have been put into this, and I’m excited to (have seen) it come to fruition.”
MULTIPLE ROLES: Many of the students participating wore several different hats during the show, participating as writer, director and appearing on stage themselves. GVL | SARA BAGLEY
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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE
SCALING
GV’s Vertical Earth climbing club takes community to new heights BY SITLALI PADRON LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s Vertical Earth Club takes rock climbing to the next level. With about 60 members, Vertical Earth Club is a student-run organization that meets twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the GVSU Fieldhouse Climbing Center. Additionally, the student organization takes various trips to other states exploring and climbing in nature. The organization gives students opportunities to develop new skills and bond with other members. “Climbing is just a really unique way that you can interact with nature and also the people around you. It’s really cool to be in a supportive environment where we’re all cheering each other on, doing really hard things,” said Vera Grix, the financial officer of Vertical Earth Club. Members said everyone in the club inspires and encourages one another to climb to new levels on the walls. To help others reach their climbing goals, many members give out tips and advice about how to use harnesses or the best
way to use chalk to better grip the rocks. “There’s just always a challenge and always something that you can do so no matter your level of climbing it’s always just fun,” said Cameron Schorr, a member of Vertical Earth Club. “Even if it’s your first time climbing or you’ve been climbing for years and years, there’s always something that is challenging and keeps pushing you to keep going,” Sam Pinho a member of Vertical Earth Club said the organization provides a “big community” on campus and provides a fun activity to do. Vertical Earth Club has been a part of the GVSU community for over 25 years. At one point, the organization raised money for the rock wall in the fieldhouse. Although many universities across Michigan have rock-climbing clubs, GVSU’s is one of the few with the equipment to give its members the full climbing experience. Over the last year, an additional wall was put in place with rocks that glow, which gives climbers the opportunity to navigate the rock wall only using the lit up rocks, providing climbers with a new challenge to overcome. Additionally, the organization takes their skills beyond the walls of the GVSU Fieldhouse
during trips taken in the fall and spring each year. Over spring break, Vertical Earth Club is looking to travel to Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. Pinho said climbing in nature gives an extra challenge as members never know what to expect. These trips are both a learning experience and bonding opportunity with other members of the club. Previously, the organization has traveled to various locations such as the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and places in Arkansas and Illinois. Local trips around Michigan to Grand Ledge were made in early September. Despite the weather getting too cold to climb outside in Michigan, the club members practice their skills during winter by visiting indoor rock-climbing gyms together. Vertical Earth Club President Sarah Lauren said the combination of the organizations meetings, outside events and community atmosphere leads to a collective and impactful experience. “When you come to the club, you see the same people all the time and you go through all these deep experiences where you go on trips together and you’re with each other all the time and you really build a cool group of people who also have a similar hobby as you,” Laurenz said.
CLIMB: Members build their skills on the wall through various challenges throughout the year. Many participants climb regularly with the organization and personally. GVL | SYDNEY LIM
NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
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FOOTBALL
GV football earns GLIAC championship, 38-0 victory over Davenport BY DREW BURLINGAME LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
In their final regular season game of the year, the No. 2 ranked Grand Valley State University Lakers’ football team beat the No. 16 ranked Davenport University Panthers on senior day to clinch the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) title. Moving to 9-1 on the season from the 38-10 victory, Lakers’ head coach Scott Wooster said it was fitting to clinch back-to-back conference championships on a day celebrating the team’s seniors. “To do this on senior day, to go back-to-back for the first time since 2009-2010, it is a testament to who these guys are as players,” Wooster said. GVSU started fast on both sides of the ball to open the game. The Lakers’ defense held Davenport to a threeand-out on the opening possession, while the offense ran a trick play on the second play of their first possession. Quarterback Cade Peterson handed the ball off to wide receiver Kyle Nott, who then threw it back across the field to Peterson for a 13-yard gain. The Lakers later capped off the drive when wide receiver Lynn Wyche-El ran it in from 18 yards out, giving the Lakers a 7-0 lead. “They’re not trick plays to us. We’re trying to get the football down the field and go score. It’s who we are as coaches. It’s who we are as a program. We’re going to be
aggressive. We’re going to have some fun,” Wooster said. Nott scored the Lakers’ second touchdown of the day on a 29-yard rush in the second quarter for a 14-0 lead. The Lakers dominated the ground attack with 38 carries for 238 yards to the Panthers’ 30 carries for just 50 yards. GVSU later drove 79 yards in eight plays for another touchdown halfway through the second quarter. On the drive, senior running back Tariq Reid rushed for 33 yards on four carries while Peterson rushed for 25 yards. Quarterback Avery Moore finished off the drive to expand the lead to 21-0 with a two-yard score. Right before halftime, the Lakers’ defense forced a turnover deep in Davenport’s territory, leading to Reid’s first short-yardage touchdown run of the game in just three plays. The GVSU defense again forced another turnover early in the third quarter as junior safety Kobe Hayward forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Jack Gilchrist. Starting with the ball on the opponent’s three-yard line, all the Lakers needed was a run from Reid to give them a 35-0 lead. GVSU then added a late field goal to eventually win 38-0. The GVSU defense dominated, forcing four turnovers and allowing just 187 yards of total offense and 10 first downs. They totaled eight tackles for a loss, three quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. Sophomore linebacker Anthony Cardamone led the
defense with five tackles, while defensive-end Christian McCarroll had four tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Linebacker Abe Swanson said getting turnovers was key to the defensive game plan throughout the season. “It’s definitely huge for this team. Creates a lot of momentum for us anytime we can get the ball in plus territory setting up the offense. I think we just had a mentality all year, we just executed our gameplan,” Swanson said. Reid led the offense with 120 yards rushing and two TDs on 15 carries, while Peterson and Nott each contributed 29 yards rushing, with Nott rushing for a TD. Peterson completed 70% of his passes for 76 yards in the game. The Lakers threw the ball just 17 times to their 38 rushes. GVSU aims to improve as they begin their quest for a national title next weekend. “We haven’t put together a complete game yet. Every week we’re growing,” Swanson said. “Every opportunity is a new opportunity to be the best version of ourselves and I think that’s what you saw this week and that’s what you’ll see next week.” The Lakers await its playoff opponent which will be announced on NCAA.com on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. The first game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18. As the No. 2 ranked team nationally, the Lakers are likely to host multiple games for the playoffs after clinching the GLIAC championship title.
CHAMPIONS: The GVSU football team went 10-0 and undefeated in the regular season with their win over the Davenport Panthers for the GLIAC championship. GVL | MACAYLA CRAMER
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NOVEMBER 13, 2023 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
SOCCER
GV soccer wins GLIAC quarterfinal over Davenport, lost semifinal to Parkside BY BRADY KEMMERLING LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Coming off of a win against Davenport University (5-7-6) in their final regular season game, the No. 2 seeded Grand Valley State University’s women’s soccer team (11-3-6) once again faced No. 7 seed Davenport in the quarterfinals round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tournament. Led by Head Coach Katie Hultin, GVSU walked away with another win 1-0, before advancing to the semifinal round where they fell in a 1-0 loss against No. 6 seed University of Wisconsin-Parkside (8-7-4). With underclassmen making up the majority of the team, senior midfielder Mackenzie Jones said mentoring from the upperclassmen was vital going into the tournament. “College soccer asks a lot more and those who have been on this team longer try to show and communicate that with the others,” Jones said. “We hold everyone to a very high standard, and we congratulate those who hit that standard.” In the early minutes of the quarterfinal match, GVSU would show relentless pressure on Davenport’s goalkeeper, Bailey Gauthier, with multiple corner kicks and close shots on goal. Throughout the match, Gauthier held strong, even in the 1-0 loss for the Panthers. After showing their defensive strengths, Davenport
made an offensive push of their own to try and turn the tide. Despite each team having plenty of chances to take the lead, the game remained scoreless heading into the halftime. Early in the second half, the Lakers’ offense dominated time of possession, resulting in their first and only score of the game. Following a penalty inside the box, senior forward Taylor Reid would step up and score her fourth goal of the season off of the penalty kick, giving her team the lead in the sixty-fifth minute. This goal was all that was needed to send the Lakers to the semifinals in Marquette, Michigan, where the semifinals were hosted by Northern Michigan University which faced Parkside. “We are definitely a very young team, but I see us going far in these tournaments. Along with our positive confidence and mindset, we just have to keep pushing game-by-game,” Isabel Imes, Lakers’ redshirt freshman goalkeeper said. “We can’t be thinking much about the future yet, but everyone on this team wants to win, and we are capable of doing so.” Unfortunately for Imes and the Lakers, the semifinal game did not turn out the way that they had hoped. GVSU went up against the Parkside Rangers team that had just upset the third-seeded Michigan Technological University Huskies in their previous game. Early into the match, Parkside would find their one and only goal off of a free kick in the nineteenth minute.
With the early lead, it was on the Lakers to make up the difference in a game that both teams wanted badly. As a team, GVSU was constantly pressuring the Rangers for the remainder of the game, looking to put one in the net with the intensity building as each second ticked off the clock. Parkside’s defense would resist any late-game push for a point, and despite getting outshot 29-10, they would knock the Lakers out of the GLIAC tournament with a 1-0 victory. With plenty of opportunities but just one goal in two games, Hultin is looking to improve the Lakers’ ability to convert on their chances going forward. “We played very well against Parkside, but we couldn’t find the back of the net, and it was a bit frustrating. Our focus is now on the NCAA tournament,” Hultin said. With a loss in the GLIAC semifinals, the Lakers did not get an automatic bid into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Midwest Regional Tournament. GVSU now has to play the waiting game to see where they will be placed for the Midwest Regional. The first round of games will start on Friday, Nov. 17. GVSU has not lost confidence following the loss, as the Lakers believe that they are good enough to make a run in the rest of the postseason. “We will go as far as we let ourselves. If we take care of the small details, we can beat anyone. I think the only people who can beat us is ourselves,” Imes said.
GLIAC: The Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team beat the Davenport Panthers and losing to the Parkside Rangers in the GLIAC tournament. COURTESY | GVSU ATHLETICS