Men’s basketball makes top 32 in NCAA, B1
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Grand Valley State University
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Monday, March 15, 2010
Blackboard failures anger users Blackboard reps visit campus to address faulty site features hindering would-be GVSU users By Samantha Butcher GVL Staff Writer
As late as Sunday evening, some Blackboard users were unable to access the famliar course software. It is because of this and other issues related to the online classroom tool that executives from Blackboard visited Grand Valley State University last month to talk with faculty and staff users. The executives addressed issues and planned changes in open discussions and assured the concerns expressed in these discussions would be considered in future releases of Blackboard.
Matt Davis, a senior solutions engineer for Blackboard, said some of the changes could be seen as early as May or September of 2011. These changes could include a student view option for faculty, changes to the gradebook and more options to give students advance warning when Blackboard will be down for maintenance. Faculty and students expressed a wide range of concerns with the software. Some faculty members said they have stopped using Blackboard in their classrooms because of the problems they have encountered.
GVL Photo Illustration / Eric Coulter
Blackboard users have been experiencing frequent problems with the online site.
“It pains us to see faculty drop out half of the students’ grades, including from using the program all together or his own. from using certain key features like the “Impacting the ability of faculty gradebook,” said Andy Maus, a sales to do their jobs is one thing, affecting representative for Blackboard. “Using student grades is another,” Maus Blackboard in that way is like driving a said. “We’re sorry for everything, but car with no wheels.” especially that.” However, despite their best efforts, The representatives said they making Blackboard more user-friendly were working on developing a new, poses a challenge for the company, more user-friendly interface for the which received 5,000 feature requests gradebook feature. in December. “This is a problem that’s really two“Our ideal net result is a more open pronged,” Davis said. “There’s a tech and flexible interface each customer side and a policy side. On the frontline can customize to fit their needs,” is policy consistency in the case of a Maus said, adding that deciding which grade challenge, but on the tech side of features should become part of that things we need to know what’s going interface is not easy. on and causing the problem to validate Maus and his colleagues expressed students’ concerns.” regret for the problems GVSU users BothBlackboardandtheInformation had encountered, but added Blackboard Technology department also expressed is still developing. Currently, 33 clients an interest in expanding ways to notify worldwide are working to improve the students of scheduled Blackboard next release of Blackboard. maintenance. Some suggestions “Being a useful included e-mails, company involves being text messages and “Impacting the able to institute means RSS feeds, but of more effectively the Blackboard ability of faculty leveraging input, and r e p r e s e es to do their jobs is warned n t a t i vthe Blackboard is still maturing as a company one thing, affecting m a i n t e n a n c e from that perspective,” schedule was not student grades is Maus said. “If you scroll always reliable. another.” back 10 years, we’re far Members of more complex today the IT department ANDY MAUS than we were then. Five also wanted better BLACKBOARD SALES years from now, we communication REPRESENTATIVE probably won’t even during unscheduled recognize Blackboard downtime. as it is today.” For students, the IT Help Desk is the Not all faculty wanted to hear first point of contact when Blackboard the representatives’ rationale for has problems, at which point the IT Blackboard’s problems, including Bob staff contacts Blackboard to find the Henderson, a psychology professor. problem. “You sound just like Toyota,” he “We want to be the funnel; it’s said. “We know how this works, just usually the only way we know about make it better.” problems,” said Susan Korzinek, Some of the most common concerns director of GVSU’s IT department. were problems with the gradebook Maus said the sessions had function on Blackboard. Professors said reinforced problems the company was the feature’s design caused confusion aware of and had brought new issues to when they tried to drop grades, weight their attention, but he said they had not assignments or enter assignment names. yet determined how that input would One student said a professor who used affect future releases of the software. Blackboard’s gradebook miscalculated sbutcher@lanthorn.com
GVSU satellite campus gains hint of Holland happiness Gallup Poll reports Holland as second happiest city in U.S., residents agree By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor
There are thousands of definitions of the word “happiness” floating in and out of our peripherals, forming and reforming to fit how we feel. The people of Holland, Mich., however, describe happiness as their home. According to a recent Gallup Poll, Holland is the second happiest city in the nation. “There is something incredibly magical about being close to Lake Michigan and being in the spot where you do get to enjoy the four seasons and being along this great body of fresh water with beautiful rolling hills and these white sandy beaches,” said Kurt Dykstra, mayor of Holland. The poll’s criteria for evaluating happiness included life evaluation,
emotional health, work environment, environment because of its size physical health and health behavior and location,” said Lisa Miller, coordinator of Grand Valley State and access. University’s Meijer Dykstra verified “I think when we Holland Campus. these criteria, saying care for others and “Because it is a small the main aspects he campus, we have a saw as contributing people know that very intimate feel. factors in Holland they are cared for, Students, faculty happiness are the high happiness often and staff really get levels of philanthropy, to know each other civic services and follows.” and collaborate in a organizations and LISA MILLER variety of ways. This a highly-educated GVSU HOLLAND CAMPUS really creates a sense workforce that COORDINATOR of community.” results in a more Community, Miller and Dykstra vibrant economic activity, despite Michigan’s current economic agreed, is Holland’s No. 1 reason for its No. 2 spot in the happiness slump. With the entire city in a state of ranking. ultimate satisfaction, one cannot help “I think that people in the greater but wonder if there is a difference in Holland area have an upgraded campus morale. sense of community,” Dykstra said. “The Meijer Campus is a unique “What I mean by that is – ours is not
a community that people simply get in their cars at the end of the day and drive into their garage, close the garage door and spend the next 16 hours in their houses and away from people until the next morning.” Miller said she thinks the diversity in the Holland community creates “a huge convergence of cultures and environments that contribute to an overall sense of happiness or satisfaction with life.” “Holland is a very diverse city with large Latino, Asian and Caucasian populations,” Miller said. “Obviously, with a name like Holland, the Dutch culture is very strong. The convergence of these cultures provides a huge variety of cultural opportunities: cuisine, music, arts, languages, festivals,
See Holland, A2
INDEX
A
News..........................A3 Opinion..................A4 Laker Life.......................A5 St. Patrick’s Day..............A6
B
Sports.......................B1 A&E............................B4 Marketplace.............B5
Courtesy Photo / free4allcity.com
Holland, Mich., has been rated the second happiest city in the nation by a Gallup Poll evaluating several factors of happiness. Mayor Kurt Dykstra attributed Holland’s happiness to a strong sense of community, among other influences.
Courtesy Photo / Cleveland Clinic
Spectrum begins heart transplants.
Spectrum expansions increase student nurses’ opportunities By Liz Reyna GVL Staff Writer
A recent approval allowing Spectrum Health Hospital to perform heart and lung transplants could create future opportunities for Grand Valley State University nursing students to observe and learn. In an announcement made in February, the Michigan Department of Community Health gave an allowance of almost two years to the Grand Rapids hospital to begin performing the first heart McCurtis and lung transplants in West Michigan. The announcement came a year after Spectrum asked the state to allow a fourth Certificate of Need (CON), a document which allots only a certain number of hospitals in the state to perform these particular procedures. The hospital is moving forward in earnest in search of recruiting a transplant surgeon needed for the program. Bruce Rossman, Spectrum spokesman, said he only sees endless opportunities for the program, especially with local universities. “There are the opportunities for working together with many universities in the area, Michigan State’s medical school and the health program at Grand Valley ... As we expand our heart program and other health programs, it also expands the opportunities for students in these areas,” he said. Rossman said there will be opportunities for observation and training once both “Watching the hospital heart a n d and lung university programs transplants become would help m o r e established students as there is gain a better currently no r e s i d e n c y understanding program for about the cardiology procedures.” and cardiac surgery. CHELSEA Chelsea COLBRY Colbry, GVSU STUDENT G V S U nursing major, said she hopes to be a part of these future opportunities. “I believe that allowing nursing students to observe such procedures are a great way for us to learn,” Colbry said. “Watching heart and lung transplants would help students to gain a better understanding about the procedures, which helps nursing students educate patients if they are receiving the procedure. Any opportunity to observe various procedures exposes students to the healthcare field, and better prepares them for their future careers.” James McCurtis, State Health
See Spectrum, A2
A2
NEWS
Monday, March 15, 2010
Holland continued from page A1
etc.” Along with diversity, Dykstra reiterated the importance of an involved and open local government as a main factor of the success of a community. “There also has to be this creation, or this nurturing of a broad based public among private actors so that businesses and organizations will have a
sense of public ownership of their community,” Dykstra said. “If everyone simply just thinks it is the responsibility of the city or county or local government, I don’t think that you will find great success as a community.” Holland’s downtown – a major attraction – is largely funded by private sectors in the community. Dykstra put a lot of stock in this philanthropy, considering it fuels both the function
and form of downtown life and style. He also wanted to recognize the role of large public universities that bring campuses and satellite campuses to Holland, further boosting the abundance of Holland’s educated workforce. “Granted, we’re still in Michigan and some things are the same as the overall economic struggles that the rest of Michigan faces, but I do think that the unique relationship between employers and employees helps,” Dykstra said. He added he believes people are willing to step out and take risks to become the next big thing, as far as businesses go contributing to Holland’s high level of entrepreneurship, risk taking and talent. “Abe Lincoln talked about the little platoons
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in American life, and our community is full of them,” Dykstra said. “Everything from the traditional, service-type organizations to the helping agencies – people have engagement and involvement in the broader community sense. We care about people beyond ourselves and we care about people in a way that demonstrates that we are part of a bigger community.” Miller echoed this sentiment. “Holland a caring community,” she said. “Hollanders care about their neighbor, their city and their environment. I think when we care for others and people know that they are cared for, happiness often follows.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com
Spectrum continued from page A1
Department spokesman, said the approval for heart and lung transplants came only after the department settled an issue of which hospitals would receive the CON. “The dilemma was whether or not we were able to award them another CON, if there was another CON out there for heart and lungs transplants,” McCurtis said. “(Spectrum) demonstrated the need (for the CON) by showing us how many patients they were going to treat throughout the years, the staff they had, the equipment they had and all the infrastructure in place. It was just a matter of does the law or public health code translate the CON as three instead of four.” Currently, the state allows for only three heart transplant CONs at one time. Held by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, a spot became available for Spectrum when it was decided the two Detroit hospitals could share one CON. As a condition of the CON, the MDCH said Spectrum must perform a minimum of 12 heart or heart-lung transplants annually in the second 12 months of operation.
McCurtis said he sees no reason for the hospital to fail to meet this goal. Rossman said the new approval for heart and lung transplants will allow another option for West Michigan patients in need of such procedures. “The primary reasons we did this is because we have a very large heart failure program,” he said. “It’s the largest in the state and we are currently referring out of West Michigan approximately 18-20 patients a year for heart transplant surgery and about half of those go to southeast Michigan either to Henry Ford or U-M, and the other half go to Chicago.” The new option should also lessen the hardships many patients in need of a transplant must go through, who are often required to move to the city to wait for a transplant and stay there a year after they receive it for check-ups. It’s a real burden economically and emotionally for families going through a difficult time, Rossman said. “I think this will be a real benefit not only for Grand Rapids but for West Michigan,” he said. “It will lessen the burdens on families it will provide more opportunities for cooperation with educational institutions and it will also help develop Grand Rapid’s reputation as a medical destination.” lreyna@lanthorn.com
GVL / Lindsey Waggoner
Spectrum Health in downtown Grand Rapids recently received a Certificate of Need that authorizes the hospital to begin performing heart and lung transplants in the next two years.
Grand Valley Lanthorn Volume 44, Number 48 The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community. For additional copies, please contact our business offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to Grand Valley Lanthorn, 0051 Kirkhof, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401
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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 of fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling (616) 331-2464 or by e-mailing editorial@lanthorn.com.
NEWS
Chelsea Lane, News Editor news@lanthorn.com
GVL DIGEST News in Brief
WGVU named Station of the Year The Michigan Association of Broadcasters named WGVU-TV Station of the Year in Group 1 of Michigan Public Television for the second year in a row. The station received the honor at the annual MAB awards ceremony on March 3 in Lansing. News Director Patrick Center was awarded Best in the Feature/Use of Medium category for his piece, “Safety Seat Law.” Reporter Lindsey Smith received a Merit award in the MiniDocumentary or Series category for her piece, “La Grand Vitesse.” Radio Producer Rick Bierling received three Merit awards in the Marketing Materials and Promos category for his piece, “Morning Show Generic Promo”; in the Community Involvement category for his piece, “Story Corp West Michigan: Proctor”; and in the Membership Appeal category for his piece, “Green Membership.” Thirteen additional WGVU-TV programs received MAB awards. For more information on WGVU productions and a complete list of award winners, visit http://www.wgvu.org. GVSU launches leadership degree in Muskegon Grand Valley State University is offering a new degree completion program at its Muskegon campus — The Muskegon Leadership Program is a partnership between GVSU and Muskegon Community College. It allows students to earn bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies with emphasis on leadership. The courses will be held at the Stevenson Center for Higher Education on the campus of Muskegon Community College. MCC and GVSU will host information sessions about the program on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Blue and Gold Room and 5:30 p.m. in the Stevenson Center Room 1200. For more information, visit http://www.gvsu. edu/muskegonleader, call (231) 777-0505 or e-mail muskadv@gvsu.edu. Lanthorn Literary Edition to give prizes for winners The Grand Valley Lanthorn is seeking submissions for its Literary Edition, which will be published April 5. The five categories are: 1. Short stories 2. Poetry 3. Illustration 4. Photography 5. Art/design The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. March 22, and participants may enter up to three submissions per category. One entry from each category will win a $50 cash prize, so long as there are at least three separate participants in each category. Not all submissions will be published, and Lanthorn employees are not eligible to win. The winners will be chosen by faculty members from the writing, art and photography departments. A staff section will be offered. Lanthorn staff may submit entries for all categories. Entries and questions may be submitted to Managing Editor Lauren Fitch by e-mail at managingeditor@ lanthorn.com.
Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, March 15, 2010
A3
Papa John’s relocates to free up space for art offices Franchise’s Water Tower site will undergo $300,000 renovation for fall By Jenny Whalen GVL Editor in Chief
Returning students may be in for a surprise when they visit the Allendale Campus Papa John’s next fall and find offices of the university’s art gallery instead. With the opening of the new learning-dining facility this summer, the local pizza franchise will abandon its Water Tower Place site for new accommodations in The Connection. Meanwhile, the vacated location will be renovated to support the university’s art galleries and art program. “When we move Papa John’s from the Water Tower location, we plan to consolidate the university’s art management activity,” said James Moyer, vice president of Facilities Planning. “We will gain some space in the former arts center, in the (Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences) and in Lake Ontario Hall. All these little bits and pieces really matter to us as we try to manage our space situation.” With the university’s collection now boasting more than 9,000 works of art, gallery director and curator Henry Matthews said the move has been a long time in the making. “Our needs for the care,
preparation space, storage and administration have really grown dramatically — way beyond what we now have,” Matthews said. “My staff is now in four different locations and it has become really obvious that we have to consolidate our spaces and bring the staff together to be a better and more efficient staff and to increase communication.” Because the facility is more suited to the delivery of pizza than the preparation of art, Moyer said an estimated $300,000 building renovation is planned for the summer. “The current building is not quite big enough for our needs so we are looking at making it bigger,” Matthews said. “What we want to do is have room to grow. We’re not going to get smaller; we will continue to grow.” Matthews said he and other gallery staff are still working with Facilities Planning to develop blueprints for the new facility, but he expects the plans to soon be approved. While there is no set date for the opening of the new offices, Matthews said he is planning the move for early fall. Fall 2010 will also see Papa John’s open in its new location in the South Campus learning-dining facility. The franchise, owned by Grand Valley State University’s food management company ARAMARK, will continue to offer pick-up and delivery service in addition to a by-the-slice option as offered in the Allendale
Campus’ Fuel location. Campus Dining marketing manager Deb Rambadt said Campus Dining is optimistic the more centralized location on the Allendale Campus will increase sales. “The building will provide academic and community space which may inspire people to spend time in the building socializing and studying,” Rambadt said. “Anticipated food traffic in the building lends itself to positive sales figures.” Moyer said the intent of The Connection is to support the students. The first floor of the new facility will house a food service operation modeled after Kleiner Commons while the second floor will provide study space, four classrooms and several faculty offices. The 25,000-square foot building is scheduled for completion in June. Similar to other recent GVSU projects, The Connection is also intended for LEED certification. editorial@lanthorn.com
Number Cruncher: The Connection: 204 seats 2 writing labs, relocated from Lake Superior Hall 2 general purpose classrooms 25,000 square feet
GVL / Eric Coulter
The building in Water Tower Place currently occupied by Papa John’s will house the art gallery offices.
GVL / Eric Coulter
Professor Karen Gipson supports Seth Shostak’s E.T. research.
Astronomer to unravel mystery of real-life E.T.’s discuss her career options and learn about the importance of SETI’s research mission and Tonight, the topic of outreach. extraterrestrials will float “SETI research is important around downtown Grand because it develops a healthy Rapids. curiosity for the unknown and Senior astronomer in works to advance technology,” charge of alien life for the she said. “Someday we’ll Search for Extraterrestrial need to expand off of planet Intelligence Institute will give Earth and into space, and our a lecture at Grand Valley State technology needs to be farther University’s Pew Campus. along than it is right now.” Seth Shostak’s “When Will Shostak’s lectures point We Find the Extraterrestrials?” out that these advancements is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the in technology could be the Loosemore Auditorium of the crucial factor in finding and DeVos Center. establishing Shostak contact with “Someday we’ll hosts SETI’s extraterrestrials. weekly radio need to expand K a r e n program, “Are Gipson, chair off of planet We Alone,” of the GVSU Earth and into as well as p h y s i c s a monthly space ... ” department, program called agreed. LISA GENOVESE “Skeptical “With the GVSU SENIOR S u n d a y, ” enhancements ‘ whichanalyzes in astronomy, and debunks there’s good pseudo-science and UFO reason to expect success may claims. The GVSU Society not be far off,” Gipson said. of Physics Students and the She added the importance physics department asked of SETI’s research and Shostak to speak on campus findings could also drastically after senior Lisa Genovese alter the way humans think spent 10 weeks this past about the universe. summer working as an intern “If the research is at SETI. successful and there is After being selected into intelligent life on other the Research Experience for planets or in other galaxies, it Undergraduates program at has huge implications for the SETI, Genovese spent time understanding of our place in getting to know Shostak while the universe,” Gipson said. working on his radio shows. SETI’s agenda is to explore, “Working with Dr. Shostak understand and explain the and helping out on the radio nature, origin and prevalence show was a great experience,” of life in the universe. Genovese said. “He’s In his lectures, Shostak incredibly knowledgeable and aims to prove those findings a informative.” reality. Working closely with dwolff@lanthorn.com Shostak enabled Genovese to
By Derek Wolff GVL Staff Writer
Student’s interview honesty, creativity earn ADDY Best of Show World’s largest ad competition recognizes Gina Caratelli for graphic design By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor
It is the little things that inspire Gina Caratelli: the dayto-day reactions of people and each person’s own individual reactions to art and designs that have given her the drive and skill to obtain the Best of Show for Print at the 2010 ADDY Award winners. “Getting the Best of Show for Print was obviously a good feeling,” Caratelli said. “It means that the one thing you worked hard on was actually appreciated by some people.” What initially began as a class project took on a different shape for Caratelli – the shape of an award. The aim of the project was to make a selfpromotional piece for students to send out to companies to advertise themselves. Caratelli started with the basic idea of job interviews, something she thinks can tend to be so perfunctory and
“If it is good enough, then I manufactured. “I tried to look back on will not have to lie.” Currently a senior, previous interviews and thought about how most of Caratelli intends to graduate the time the process was so with a bachelor’s of fine arts, fake,” Caratelli said. “The emphasis on graphic design. interviewer usually asks me She currently interns at People the cliché questions of ‘what Design, located in downtown are your successful attributes Grand Rapids, and is treasurer and least successful attributes?’ for the professional design organization I then usually “If it is good AIGA Grand respond with a n s w e r s enough, then I will Valley Student Chapter. that make not have to lie.” “Graphic me sound design has outstanding or GINA CARATELLI allowed me to that make the GVSU SENIOR AND constantly be negatives turn ‘BEST OF SHOW FOR PRINT’ learning and into positives. ADDY AWARD WINNER researching I decided this about new time I wanted things in technology, but I to get honest.” The title of the award feel that it is important to take winning piece, “My First, breaks from the internet and Actual, Honest Interview” is actually interact with people,” the basis for concept Caratelli she said. “I like to step away created. The poster, she said, is sometimes and just observe filled with answers to made-up everyday life, which gives questions that either are things me more inspiration than she would never want to tell anything.” The main point of her a boss or questions someone may wonder that may not be project, aside from the honesty factor, was humor. Caratelli appropriate to ask. “The project is somewhat advises students, “Don’t take rebelling against the fake life so seriously.” She is and intends to nature of interviews and is working this instead trying to let the work continue speak for itself,” Caratelli said. perspective into her life, and
said so far it has treated her well. “I’m really happy with how life is going right now,” she said. “I may be super busy with school, but I have a great family, good friends and an awesome internship. It is an exciting time to be a graphic
designer. It is moving away from just making artifacts and is becoming more versatile/ problem solving/conceptual. I hope that even in the future when I am 80 years old that I will still be happy, creative and curious.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com
Courtesy Photo / Tiberius Images
Gina Caratelli’s poster won Best of Show for Print for 2010 ADDYs.
A4
OPINION
Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, March 15, 2010
editorial@lanthorn.com
EDITORIAL CARTOON
EDITORIAL
Insurance must
As representatives prepare to vote on the much-debated health care issue in Washington, D.C., students across the U.S. must consider their own health care options. In a few months, thousands of Grand Valley State University students will receive their degrees and finalize plans to enter the workforce. Those who find success in the job market can look forward to receiving minimal health insurance coverage from their employers. Those who do not share the luck of their peers must choose to pay enormous premiums on young adult policies or take the risk of living for a period without insurance. While the odds for surviving uninsured are better in the 18- to 25-year-old age bracket, youth does not protect one from accident or disease. Considering the correlation between age and car accidents, one could argue the demand for insurance among young adults is even greater than that of their over-thehill counterparts. For students nestled safely in the full coverage, low-copay cocoon of their parents’ health insurance, foreclosure and bankruptcy resulting from an inability to pay medical bills is a situation difficult to imagine. Unfortunately, it is one thousands of Americans face every day. At this very moment, more than 46 million Americans are living without health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This number is expected to increase by 10 million in the next decade. Of this 46 million without health insurance, 18.3 million are under 34. For those who may overlook the significance of this data, consider that the figure 18.3 million represents more than one-quarter of the total and “under 34” includes most individuals in the college-age demographic. Regardless of what a student’s personal stance is on the health care debate, the fact remains that some measure of insurance is a necessary evil. The Institute of Medicine attributes 18,000 deaths a year to a lack of insurance coverage. As the health care battle continues to rage in Washington, D.C., students across the U.S. and at GVSU must look out for their own interests. Politicians will vote as they need to be re-elected and insurance companies will spend millions to influence anyone who will listen. Neither the government nor the insurance companies will take responsibility for students’ health and students should not expect such attention. It is students and students alone who must research the plans and payment options available to ensure they are insured in the future.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Love for West Michigan stems from willingness to explore West Michigan is lame? Boring? Homogeneous? Tell me something I don’t know. For as long as I can remember that’s all I’ve heard from students who do not come from the West Michigan area. But this is nothing new, so I’m left wondering why Ms. Fossett felt the need to tell everyone how much she hates it here. After all, she is giving her opinion on a topic that cannot be changed. I question as to why she chose to attend Grand Valley in the first place. I assume that like most students, she took a tour of the campus before she decided to attend here. If city life is so important to her then perhaps she should have stayed in Detroit, or found a university in a similar area. She prefers the Detroit area to West Michigan because there are people that “look different.” Is diversity then simply based on what we look like? No wonder she thinks everyone in West Michigan is the same. She also considers driving, or taking the bus, to the “greater civilization” of Grand Rapids as a big
chore. Perhaps she should consider living downtown. It’s no Detroit, but maybe if she opened her eyes she would find that there is a lot going on there as well as people who look different. My advice for Ms. Fossett is that she stop complaining; after all it was her choice to attend Grand Valley. Then I would suggest that she see the situation as a challenge to open herself to more diversity by living in a place that is different from what she is used to. Maybe if she just took the time to look around her she would find that there are actually more places and roads than she thought. For starters I would suggest that she travel about a mile west on Lake Michigan Dr into Allendale (I know! Scary!) where she will find not one, but TWO more gas stations. The convenience stores might not be as wonderful as Speedway’s but maybe she can grow to love them anyway. Nicola Fester GVSU student
The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University
Editorial Page Board Jenny Whalen Eric Lee Lauren Fitch Chelsea Lane
Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor
Valley Vote Should the U.S. abandon daylight savings time?
Yes: 33.33% This week’s question: Is marijuana use more dangerous than alcohol?
No: 66.67% Vote online at Lanthorn.com
GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community. Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn. The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses. Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person. Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn. Letters appear as space permits each
issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced. The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity. All letters must be typed. The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors. The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.
GVL / Jacob Bowen
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (cont.)
Unashamed to claim ‘West Michigan’ as home
After reading (the column “Death by West Michigan”) I could not help my self but to write how much I disagree with (Zee Fossett). First, it took you four years to find out that West Michigan wasn’t for you. I am sure you could have found a program on the eastside that would accommodate your major. Second, West Michigan and even GVSU represents everything that is right in this state. The economy on this side of the state has been willing to change and adapt to the changing climate of the industry of the world. With all of the budget
cuts that are happening in higher education we have an enrollment that keeps on increasing at GVSU. We also have a leader in President Haas who is willing to fight for his students when making sure our state government is doing what is best for his students and university. Third, obviously you have not totally embraced what West Michigan has to offer. Now I don’t know if you sit in your apartment wishing you were back home in the D but you should really get out. I would agree with you in the fact that if you sit in Allendale all
week it will do nothing but question why you came to GVSU in the first place. There is so much to do along the lakeshore or downtown it is impossible to think any one would be bored. Fourth, are you actually from Detroit? Because it seems like anyone that lives in a 50 mile radius is from “Detroit.” Whenever I ask the question, “Where are you from?” to someone who is from the eastside they always say Detroit. I did not know Detroit was: Shelby Township, Bloomfield, Farmington, Novi, St. Claire Shores, or even Royal Oak. No one thinks you are a
“badass” or have more “street cred” because you claim Detriot. Anyone from other parts of the state will tell you exactly where they were born: Spring Lake, Fruitport, Manistique, Holland, St. Joe, Adrian, Owosso, Traverse City, and Ludington. We are proud of the places we come from and it shows. It is not fair to blame West Michigan for your inability to be creative and find amusement on your own. Sorry West Michigan is not Detriot ... wait I am not sorry at all. Dylan Darga GVSU senior
Government’s war on drugs misdirected at marijuana users It is a known fact that every war has its casualties, but who are the victims of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s war on drugs? The truth is, many of them are college students that have goals, hopes and dreams for their future just like you and I. In fact, around 800,000 Americans a year have their dreams and/or careers shattered by a simple marijuana conviction. These 800,000 include valedictorians, teachers, business executives, and many other productive members of society. What about these nonviolent crimes make the cannabis plant so harmful to society to produce almost twice as many convictions than all violent crimes combined? Especially given that alcohol and tobacco account for over 500,000 deaths per year. What about marijuana? You would think such a drug with so many possession and
distribution convictions each year would at least cause a substantial amount of deaths. Guess again; in the entire history of marijuana, not one death can be attributed to its use, and unlike alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is not physically addictive. I beg every individual to seek the truth about the useful, and rather harmless plant, in hopes that our nation can cross the river of lies and propaganda that has been set forth by the federal government and the DEA. Our nation has become increasingly gullible when it comes to what the media tells us. Most people believe whatever they hear if it seems to come from a “credible” source such as the U.S. Government and its representatives. Although the government has done a decent job of covering up the facts about marijuana, the truth is beginning to come out. The federal government
still recognizes marijuana as a schedule I drug, which means they claim it has no recognized medical uses. I find this ironic, considering scientists, physicians, and an increasing amount of state governments are realizing the incredible potential cannabis has to offer modern medicine. Children are told that they will end up homeless, jobless, and in prison if they smoke marijuana. I say tell that to Steve Jobs, Ted Turner, and Michael Phelps. Even George Washington grew it on his plantation; would you consider him a criminal? I implore you to ask yourselves, which do you think has a greater negative impact on society; growing marijuana plants and selling small amounts of pot to your friends, or violently raping a woman? I would hope that a majority of you would choose the latter. Unfortunately, our beloved judicial system
does not feel the same way. Dealing marijuana has the potential to put you behind bars for 15 years in the state of Michigan, whereas people who have committed rape serve an average of 5.4 years in prison (Bureau of Justice Statistics). And personally, I’m not very happy that billions of our tax dollars go towards fighting marijuana each year. That money could be used on something more “important” like improving our ever lacking public education system. Apparently, a plant that makes you feel good, be relaxed, and get hungry is more unacceptable than raping a woman and stripping her of her dignity with an experience that most likely will haunt her for the rest of her life. I cannot help but ask; what is our society coming to? Sam Hummel GVSU student
GVL STUDENT OPINION
It’s all gone to pot
Curtis Kalleward GVL Columnist
Marijuana needs to be legalized. And no, I’m not a pothead. And yes, smoke in your lungs can be bad. Most deaths in house fires come from smoke inhalation, not from the actual fire itself. But THC can be applied topically, ingested or even vaporized. These methods all negate the harmful effects of inhalation. Vaporizing creates a pure extract as opposed to the toxins that come from burning plants. The idea of someone driving while high scares me, but I’d much rather have someone on the road operating under the influence of THC than of alcohol. Neither situation is ideal, but if you’re fearful to drive on the road with pot legalized, you should be
just as fearful in your daily road trips of being struck by a driver under the influence of alcohol. It’s yet another factor we have to worry about while driving to and fro, but there are thousands of factors that could lead to our demise on the road every day. Alcohol is ingrained into the core of our economic structure. The loss of the alcohol industry would surely bring about the collapse of the U.S. economy. Prohibition was repealed due to a number of a factors, but the effect it had on our economy was more pronounced than any other single counterargument to the implementation of the dry period itself. Bars, restaurants, liquor stores, sports stadiums; they all rely on alcohol as a sizable chunk of their revenue. Alcohol has been ingrained into our society as well. From fraternity parties to meetings with business
clients, what was once outlawed is now commonplace and not only socially acceptable but socially encouraged. True, the legalization of pot could potentially spark an increase in crime, but if the drug is cultivated and taxed similar to how cigarettes are, the demand would undoubtedly decrease. Disputes usually transpire because a drug is illegal; it’s hard to obtain, it’s unsafe to keep in your possession and those desperately looking for a fix are likely to obtain it by whatever means necessary. If it’s made legal, it’s safe to say a majority of these problems go away. What happens when people get high? They become docile. They play video games. They listen to music. They watch movies. They giggle. They eat. They have fun. You aren’t robbing a bank, raping someone or committing some
elaborate form of fraud, and you really don’t want to drive anywhere and leave the comfort of the place you’re currently at or the people you’re currently with. If the argument that pot is a dangerous drug is going to be made, then with that, you should likewise be able to acknowledge that alcohol should be outlawed, too. The effects of alcohol and crimes related to their uses are far more pressing and frequent than those related to pot. Anything can be turned into addiction. Since pot causes no physical or psychological dependence, I am no more worried about people becoming addicted to it than I am worried about over-eaters being triggered by Burger King advertisements or recovering video game addicts relapsing when a new expansion of W.O.W. is released. ckalleward@lanthorn.com
lakerlife@lanthorn.com
LAKER LIFE
Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, March 15, 2010
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GVSU celebrates work of Cesar Chavez On-campus events throughout March highlight feminism, activism, immigration of Chavez movement achievements are still highly regarded. GVL Staff Writer “He came from humble Starting today and beginnings, which shows no extending to the end of March, matter where you come from, the Office of Multicultural you can make a change,” Affairs and other departments Estrada said. will host events celebrating Zulema Moret, director the causes triumphed by of Latin American studies Cesar Chavez. and associate professor of Chavez, born in Yuma, Spanish, is showing the film Ariz., in 1927, worked as a “Sal de la Tierra,” or “Salt migrant farm worker and later of the Earth,” today at noon. founded the United Farm Based on a strike in New Workers. Chavez and union Mexico at the members used Empire Zinc “ (Chavez) came from nonviolent Mine, the humble beginnings, tactics to film shows encourage which shows no discrimination s t a t e in treatment matter where you governments the come from, you can between to pass laws to Mexicanallow unions make a change.” American to operate in workers and GRICELDA ESTRADA bargaining the Anglo OMA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR agreements, workers. said Gricelda “It is a very well-known Estrada, coordinator of the movie from 1953, but the film university’s events. could not be shown in the These tactics included United States at that time,” strikes, boycotts, marches and Moret said. fasts. In 1968, Chavez fasted Herbert Biberman, a for 25 days — surviving member of the Hollywood on only water. He repeated Ten, directed and produced his fast in 1972 for 24 days the film. Blacklisted, along and 36 days in 1988. He with nine other directors, said he wanted to show the Biberman refused to answer workers they could win questions about Communist without violence if they were activities. willing to sacrifice. Chavez’s
By Brittney Mestdagh
During the film, Moret will comment on three points: gender, immigration and political context. “What is important is the voice in the movie is a woman,” Moret said. Produced during the time of the feminist movements, Moret said women took responsibility to help the men in the strike at the Empire Zinc Mine. The narrator participated in the strike and went to jail. “It is very politically unusual,” she said. “It teaches men to listen to their voices. We are political subjects as well.” Another event on March 24 features speaker Aurelia Flores on empowering Latina women. A single mother as a teenager, Flores was the victim of an abusive relationship. Now a Fortune 300 attorney, she created PowerfulLatinas. com, an online networking Web site providing Latina women access to resources and inspiration. Wednesday is the showing of the ABCnews.com broadcast of “The Blueberry Children: Migrant Farms and Child Labor.” “It shows this is not just a historic issue,” Estrada
said. “The struggle is still happening.” The news report focuses on the children of migrant workers. It follows the family’s struggle through the eyes of the children when their parents work long hours for little pay. Estrada said the events emphasize Chavez’s core values of acceptance, community, determination and overcoming adversity.
GVL Staff Writer
Active senior citizens will swing their hips and enjoy some youthful company Saturday at the Senior Citizen’s Prom. The annual prom put on by Grand Valley State University’s Senior Citizen’s Club will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Grand River Room in the Kirkhof center for senior citizens in the greater Grand Rapids
community. “The seniors participating are really active,” said club president Maggie Malburg. “It’s a lot of fun because everyone has a positive attitude about things and it’s a very interactive event.” The event is one out of two major events the club puts on during the academic year. Both events are dances provided for senior citizens: the harvest dance during the fall semester and the prom during the winter semester.
“We usually get a crowd around 60 or 70 in the fall, but more seniors are in the area instead of on winter vacation during the spring prom,” said public relations chair Nichole LeFevre. Malburg added the guest expectancy for this year’s prom is around 40 to 50. Invitations are sent out to seniors in the community who have previously attended the dances and are open to anyone in the area who is interested.
GVL Archive
Grand Rapids area senior citizens are invited to GVSU’s campus for the annual prom on Saturday.
Chavez formed the union, Rivera-Salas said. “Chavez’s message goes beyond race and ethnicity,” Rivera-Salas added. “It goes further into the roles of women, activism and immigration.” For more information about the celebration and events, student can visit the OMA Web site at http://www. gvsu.edu/oma. bmestdagh@lanthorn.com
GVL Archive
The Latino Student Union will march on campus in honor of Chavez’s peaceful protests on March 31.
Senior citizens to jump, jive at GV club’s annual prom By Maya Soter
To wrap up the monthlong celebration, the Latino Student Union organized a silent march for March 31 to remind students of Chavez’s nonviolent tactics, said sophomore Martin RiveraSalas, the president of LSU. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the UFW, will deliver a keynote address. Huerta will discuss what it meant to be a female activist at the time when she and
The music, food and refreshments are all provided by the club and available to the seniors attending. “The band we use every year plays oldies and polkatype music — the kind of music the seniors are most familiar with and enjoy the most,” said treasurer Samantha Steinebach. Around 20 girls from the club help run the prom as well as socialize and interact with the participants. “I like the event because it gets students our age involved with the senior citizens,” Steinebach said. “We get to build relationships with them that people our age normally wouldn’t.” The club encourages students to attend the event by sending out flyers and advertising around campus. “People are quick to judge what our club does and many people hold stereotypes, but the events we put on are great opportunities to work with senior citizens in our community,” LeFevre added. “We can learn a lot from them.” msoter@lanthorn.com
Laker Life Briefs Fraternities raise funds for God’s Kitchen
The Alpha Sigma Phi and Theta Chi fraternities hosted their annual 30 Hour Famine in February with great success. Taking donations at the Cook-Carillon Clock Tower, the brothers raised $917 and several boxes of non-perishable foods for God’s Kitchen. “On behalf of Alpha Sigma Phi and Theta Chi we would like to thank the Grand Valley community for their contributions as their help has substantially facilitated our philanthropic efforts,” said Kevin Shaw, philanthropy chairman for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity.
Spanish professor speaks on ‘Puerto Rican Queer Diaspora’
University of Michigan professor and author Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes will speak at Grand Valley State University on March 25. Fountain-Stokes is an associate professor of Spanish at U-M who specializes in Hispanic Caribbean (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican), Latino/a and Queer Latin American literary and cultural studies, with a special emphasis on Hispanic Caribbean and U.S. Latino/a theater and performance. From 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. March 25, he will speak to GVSU audiences and read from his book “Cultures of the Puerto Rican Queer Diaspora.” Fountain-Stokes will be available after the presentation for a signing. The event will be held in the Kirkhof Center, room 2204.
See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for
photos of junior Jared Kohler’s visit to Haiti during spring break.
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Monday, March 15, 2010
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Get your green attire ready, find a four-leaf clover and practice that Irish accent because Grand Rapids is ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Held on March 17 to honor the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has become a worldwide holiday to recognize the Irish culture and history. Grand Rapids will share in that celebration with various activities all week including parades in Conklin, Holland and Saugatuck. Many bars downtown will feature special drink deals to commemorate the occasion.
For a complete list of events and specials for the week, visit http://grnow. com/st-patricks-day/. A little closer to Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus, Main St. Pub will start the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning with a special Irish breakfast menu. Drink specials will feature green beer, jello shots and mixed drinks.
Grand Valley Lanthorn
36.3 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, according to the 2008 U.S. Census. This is more than eight times the population of Ireland, which is 4.4 million. 40.7 billion pounds of beef and 2.5 billion pounds of cabbage were used to make corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day in 2008. One estimate says there are 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every one four-leaf clover.
SPORTS
Emanuel Johnson, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, March 15, 2010
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Laker men march on in first round an Oiler eight-game winning streak. “Our goal all year has been to get GVL Senior Reporter back to the tournament and advance As was the case several days ago and now we’ve done that. We started in a 61-53 loss to Hillsdale College the day one-of-64 and ended the day in the GLIAC Tournament, the men’s one-of-32, and we’re anxious to see basketball team got off to yet another how far we can go.” erratic start this past Saturday. In the opening eight minutes, the On this particular Oilers came out on “Once the jitters night, however, fire making 5-of-6 it was the Lakers kind of went away, from 3-point range who weathered the to build a 17-6 lead. we settled down a storm and came out The Lakers then victorious in the little bit and started exploded on a 16-0 biggest game of the to play better as the surge holding the season thus far. Oilers scoreless game went on.” With the help of an during an almost aggressive offensive RIC WESLEY seven-minute span. and defensive attack, GVSU HEAD COACH The Lakers, who Grand Valley State captured the lead University overcame an early with more than seven minutes left in 11-point hole to pull off a 68-56 the first half, took a 30-27 lead into comeback victory over the defending halftime. national champion University of “Coach just told us to stay Findlay in the first round of the focused and keep chipping away,” NCAA Tournament in Owensboro, said sophomore guard Alvin Storrs, Ky. who played a monster role in the “Once the jitters kind of went victory by contributing a team-high away, we settled down a little bit 14 points and four steals. and started to play better as the game The Oiler offense struggled went on,” said GVSU head coach against the stout Laker zone defense. Ric Wesley, whose team snapped Findlay shot a season-worst 34
By Jared Greenleaf
Softball team splits success during break
In the Grand Valley State University softball team’s spring break trip to Clermont, Fla., the team boasted up-and-down performances against stiff competition. The team finished with six wins, the best of which being the 15-2 thrashing of Cedarville University, and six losses. Three games were rained out toward the end of the week. The team will next see action when it travels to Indiana for a doubleheader with St. Joseph’s University on Wednesday.
Golf teams see first action in months
For the first time in four months, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s golf teams got the chance to participate in competitive action. The men traveled to North Carolina for the Hampton Inn Barton Intercollegiate last week, where the team finished 13th with 625 points. The day after, the women traveled to Ohio for the Ashland Desert Invitational at which the team finished second overall with 625 points.
percent from the field. Junior Oiler guard Nathan Hyde, who nailed four 3-pointers in the first half, was a nonfactor in the second half as he scored two points in the final 20 minutes. Hyde finished with 14 points while senior guard Marcus Parker led the Oilers with 15 points. “They had a hard time when we ran (the zone) against them earlier this year,” Wesley said. “As much as anything, it helped us identify where their shooters were without having to chase them off screens, and it worked really well against them.” Getting big baskets in the clutch was also a big factor on Saturday as the Lakers converted 7-of-18 3-point attempts and had a 26-10 advantage in points in the paint. With junior center Mike Pryzdzial going down with a season-ending knee injury last week, the win was also an emotional one for the Lakers. “It was great to get a big win for him,” said sophomore center Nick West, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. “I know how hard he works every day and how hard he worked throughout the year. It was the least we could
do for him and I’m happy we got it done.” The Lakers advanced to Sunday night’s Midwest Regional semifinal game against the No. 8 seed in St. Joseph’s University, who pulled off a 72-70 upset victory over topseeded host Kentucky Wesleyan College. Sunday night’s final score was unavailable at press time. jgreenleaf@lanthorn.com
GVL / Emanuel Johnson
GVSU lost to Hillsdale College 61-53.
Women’s, men’s track place second, 29th at Nationals See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for for video, slideshow and continuing coverage of the team as they progress in the NCAA Tournament
Midwest Regional Tournament - First Round No. 8 St. Joseph’s 72 -- No. 1 Kentucky Wesleyan 70 No. 7 Central State 66 -No. 2 Bellarmine 70 No. 6 Quincy 71 -- No. 3 Drury 58 No. 5 Grand Valley State 68 -No. 4 Findlay 56
points, and this year it was less than 10, so we closed that gap on them and we worked hard and competed hard.” The women had several standout performances among the 16 total athletes who competed for GVSU. By Aaron Brandt Sophomore Monica Kinney took GVL Staff Writer second place in the mile with a time The Grand Valley State University of 4:50.48, and senior Chanelle indoor track team wrapped up its Caldwell took second place in the season at the NCAA Divison II 800-meter run with 2:08.87. Freshman Liz Murphy finished Indoor National Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., on March 12 third in the weight throw with a toss of 61 feet 11 inches and 13. while senior Maegan The women’s “We all put 100 Doyen finished team tied with percent effort into fourth in the high Ashland University every race, event, jump with a mark of for second place 5 feet 8.5 inches. overall, finishing jump and pole Despite the behind Lincoln vault.” second place finish, University of senior Danielle Missouri, while the DANIELLE FONSECA Fonseca was happy men’s team finished GVSU SENIOR with the team’s solid in 29th. effort. Although they “I think that we went out there could not come up with the victory, GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes said and did our best and gave everything he was pleased with the women’s we could,” she said. “We all put 100 percent effort into every race, event, performance. “I’m proud of our ladies – it’s jump and pole vault. As a team, hard to win this darn thing, and overall, we performed really well.” The men’s team’s 29th place Lincoln is a great team,” Baltes said. “Last year they beat us by 40 or 50 finish may not have shaken up the
Baltes ‘proud’ of women’s performance; teams look to beginning of outdoor season
standings, but Baltes said the best is yet to come for his young team. “We definitely want to finish higher than that every year, but we did get on the board in some places,” he said. “We are young and we will have more kids here next year and we’ll score a lot more points.” Out of the men who competed, sophomore Matt Armstrong placed eighth in the shot put with a throw
Courtesy Photo / Kevin Mulder
Sophomore Monica Kinney placed second in the mile at nationals.
of 57 feet 3.75 inches while senior Matt Gordoneer placed fifth in the pole vault with a personal best of 16 feet 3.25 inches. “I am really happy with how we performed,” Gordoneer said. “We got the GLIAC title back and we had a few more guys come with us to nationals, so it was a good year overall.” abrandt@lanthorn.com
Courtesy Photo / Kevin Mulder
Senior Matt Gordoneer vaulted to fifth.
Swim, dive teams score record-setting national finishes By Greg Monahan GVL Staff Writer
LANTHORN
Last year, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams gained national respect with their best finishes in school history. This year, each team continued to march upward. After both teams finished ninth in the nation in 2009, the Lakers traveled to Canton, Ohio, for the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championships. The women ended the tournament ranked eighth out of 37 teams while the men took fourth
overall in a tightly-contested field. GVSU head coach Andy Boyce said with two top 10 finishes in as many years, the teams have established themselves nationally. “(The finishes) are huge for us,” he said. “We both finished ninth last year. Moving up in both places is big and repeating in the top 10 is another great accomplishment for us. With the men finishing in the top four, they get to bring home a trophy, so that was really nice. They’re all sitting on cloud nine, loving every minute of it.” Sophomore swimmer Aaron
Beebe, who anchored the final event that clinched GVSU’s finish in the top four, said every single member of the team is to thank for the strong showing. “I can’t say that any one person or one event really carried us,” he said. “It was a universal thing ... Across the board everyone swam out of their minds.” The women, who at 180 total points were just three points behind Ashland University for seventh place, also took home a special sense of accomplishment. “The top 10 finish is extremely
now on
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A GVSU swimmer prepares for a race.
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The GVSU swimming and diving teams earned their highest national finish yet.
rewarding,” said senior Samantha Stump. “Six months of training and here it is all the way at the end, and it’s so exciting to come out and prove ourselves as a team.” Stump, who helped the team capture first place in the 400-yard freestyle relay “B” heat, said she had extra motivation to come through for her team. “This is definitely extra special for me,” she said. “I made nationals my freshman year and I hadn’t made it since then, so it’s a little extra rewarding for me. I’ve been pushing for this for the last three years to make it back to nationals again, and here I am. I had the meet of my life, and it’s extremely rewarding and a great way to go out of my college swimming career.” The strong finishes for the Lakers were especially significant with the amount of growth the team has exhibited in such a short period of time, Beebe said. “We’re all just so proud right now because two or three years ago, Grand Valley’s best finish ever was somewhere around 20th,” he added. “Hardly anybody went to the national meet, and they hadn’t broken top 20 until last year. We’re all pretty ecstatic here. ” gmonahan@lanthorn.com
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SPORTS
Monday, March 15, 2010
Grand Valley Lanthorn
Wrestlers finish fourth in ‘challenging season’ Team scores six All-American honors, one National Champ By Aaron Brandt GVL Staff Writer
The Grand Valley State University wrestling team battled through a trying season to take fourth place at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships in Hampton, Va., this past weekend. All six of the participating members of the GVSU team took home All-American honors, but one Laker stood out. Senior John Aikens claimed a National Championship title in the 197-weight class. “John has been an AllAmerican for us previously and took some time off and came back as a man on an absolute mission,” said GVSU head coach Rick Bolhuis. “When he gets a chance to be in a control
position, he is just a man, and he imposes himself and pins everybody. H e destroyed h i s
Aikens
competition.” Not only did Aikens pin all of his opponents, his total time on the mat during the entire five-match tournament was 6:47, less than one regulation match of seven minutes. “Winning a National Championship was my goal I had all season,” Aikens said. “I had taken two years off of wrestling and I came back and I worked all year for it and put in the extra time. Hard work really does pay off.” The other five members of GVSU’s All-American honorees included junior Adam Bastow, sophomore Nate Hall, junior David Spanhauer,
sophomore Derek Marshall and sophomore Carl Worthy. The Lakers finished with 90.5 total points. While the team was hoping for a firstplace finish, it is satisfied with the effort from this past weekend, Hall said. “I think we wrestled very well considering we had to deal with quite a bit,” he said. “Some breaks went our way and some didn’t, but overall it was a great performance.” The Lakers got off to a slow start before battling back the next two days to claim their 10th consecutive top four finish, a streak that began at the program’s inception in 2001. “I’m just real proud of the
guys for sticking in there and season on its way to Hampton. battling when they needed to “All year, our team faced a and staying after it,” Bolhuis lot of adversity, with a lot of our said. “We had guys injured a bad round and some “Throw something one night and of our guys at them that’s (the coaches) had losses in challenged tough to deal with, their family,” the team and Aikens said. and they are going “It’s been they rose to the occasion. Throw a pretty to bounce back.” something at challenging them that’s tough season from to deal with, and a mental RICK BOLHUIS they are going to aspect, but GVSU HEAD COACH bounce back.” I wouldn’t Bouncing want to be back has been a theme for on a team with anybody else. the team all year. GVSU has Everybody has worked hard battled injuries as well as and put 100 percent into what several personal tragedies this they have.”
Bolhuis said he was glad to see his team overcome so much and still challenge for a National Championship another year. “We had some things happen this year that would have destroyed a lesser team,” Bolhuis said. “Instead, these guys just stuck with it and took advantage of what they could, made breaks when they could make them and just continued to battle, knowing that they had individual goals on the line. Even though we had some guys banged up and out of the line-up that we thoughy we would need, we still made a run at national title.” abrandt@lanthorn.com
GVL Archive
Senior John Aikens, not pictured, claimed a national title in the 197-weight class. Five of his teammates earned All-American honors.
SPORTS
Grand Valley Lanthorn
Monday, March 15, 2010
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Tennis encounters tough competition, rainy weather in Florida By Jared Greenleaf GVL Senior Reporter
GVL Archive
The women’s hockey team continued to make a name for itself with its highest national finish yet.
Following tourney women icers move to No. 5 in U.S. By Greg Monahan GVL Staff Writer
In the biggest weekend of the program’s short history, the Grand Valley State University women’s hockey team faced off against teams they had struggled against all season. Battling through two nailbiting games, the Lakers came up a goal short in each contest. At the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division I women’s National Championships in Blaine, Minn., GVSU went 1-2. The Lakers dropped two one-goal games to Michigan State University and top-ranked Lindenwood University, which sandwiched a 5-0 victory over the University of Massachusetts. The team entered Friday night facing a must-win against Lindenwood, a team they were 0-3 against entering the tournament. After falling behind by three goals early, the Lakers battled back to within one before time ran out. “We’ve always struggled against Lindenwood and we lost to them 5-4, but it was by far the best game we’ve played against them,” said junior co-
captain Ashley Rumsey. “It was really intense and a great weekend for us, and I really liked the way we played.” In their second National Championship tournament appearance in their third year as a program, the women improved on last year’s 10th finish by moving up to No. 5 in the nation this season. GVSU head coach Cory Whitaker said his team took another step in the right direction. “It’s fun to watch something like this team from the beginning, watching it grow and mature,” he said. “These girls take the stuff we work on for 18 weeks and implement it, and when they do that, they’re competing against teams that have been around for decades. It’s a tribute to the entire coaching staff and the girls coming in and working their tails off.” The team will graduate just one player, but it will be a major loss for next year’s team. Senior Stephanie Murray, who shared captain status on the team with Rumsey and proved to be a valuable component in building the program, will graduate in May.
Whitaker said her leadership will be missed. “Murray was probably our No. 1 star of the weekend,” he said. “We didn’t win, but we played solid hockey. When you’re going into these kinds of situations, you always want to be able to come out and say we put our best effort forward, and Murray led us that way.” Murray, who is the only woman remaining from the team’s inaugural season, witnessed the team grow from a 1-20 record in its first year to back-to-back National Championship appearances in two years since. She is the Lakers all-time leader in both games played and assists. “The team’s growth means a lot to me and to the entire program,” Murray said. “Hearing some coaches on other teams say that they never expected us to come this far this fast, and to hear that from other teams is really cool. Coming to a tournament like this and being able to put together a team that can really challenge the No. 1 team makes it a lot more fun and raises the bar for us to look forward to things next year and the years to come.” gmonahan@lanthorn.com
Making their way to what they hoped would be sunny weather, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s tennis teams fought against fierce competition, as well as adverse weather, on their spring break trip to Orlando, Fla. While they were each involved in competitive action against teams such as Emory University and Flagler College early on in the week, the teams were rained out on Thursday and Friday. “We were extremely disappointed that some of our matches got rained out,” said sophomore Josh Kazdan. “At the beginning of the week, we got some great tennis in with the good weather, but it was tough to sit out once the negative weather came in.” The men’s team lost 5-4 to Bentley College in a makeup match on Saturday afternoon. The men finished 2-3, which included a 9-0 loss to No. 16 Flagler on Wednesday. The team, however, did pick up wins against Mesa State College and Merrimack College winning 6-3 and 7-2. On the women’s side, the Lakers dropped an 8-1 decision to five-time defending national champion, No. 2 Emory on Monday. On Tuesday, the Lakers recovered with a 9-0 shutout over Mesa State. “It was very tough playing some of these teams that compete year-round,” said junior Darylann Trout. “I thought we all played very well considering we weren’t prepared at first. That made everything more difficult, but I don’t think we could have played any better or worse.” Trout, along with junior teammate Chelsea
Courtesy Photo / GVSU Athletics
Junior Chelsea Johnston fires off a shot. The women’s team ended its spring break competition with a 4-2 record.
Johnston, won the lone match for the Lakers against Emory with an 8-6 victory in doubles competition. “I definitely know that Chelsea and I are more confident now,” Trout said. “A couple of teams we didn’t think we had the chance of beating, we beat. Even though some girls lost matches, they were still close and competitive so that was great for us.” On the trip, the women’s squad finished with a 4-2 record culminating with a 9-0 win over Bentley on Saturday. GVSU head coach John Black said he liked what he saw out of both teams during the trip. “The level of play improved for each match with both teams,” he said. “We played some tough competition down there. We won some and lost some, but hopefully it’s going to have us ready for some of the bigger matches coming up soon.” Though wins and losses were not always in the Lakers’ favor, Black said playing these matches will be a benefit for both teams in the long run. “The more tough competition you play, the more you’re going to improve, the more your weaknesses are exposed and through that, better competition is only going to help,” Black said. “I didn’t want to schedule a bunch of weak teams and pick up a whole bunch of wins and not get pushed at all.” Next up for the men will be a matchup with Calvin College on Wednesday before beginning conference play against Michigan Tech University on Saturday. With nationals still more than a month away, the women’s team will continue to prepare with a match against Hope College on Tuesday. jgreenleaf@lanthorn.com
Courtesy Photo / GVSU Athletics
Sophomore Marc Roesslein prepares for a backhand shot. The men’s finished their spring break trip to Florida with a 2-3 record.
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Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, March 15, 2010
A&E
Haley Otman, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com
Boxing art professor creates moving art Cowboys, planes, punches push art professor to new level of symbolism, hope By Danielle Slabbekoorn GVL Staff Writer
Professor Anna Campbell of the art and design department knows how to throw the punches when it comes to icons of hope and society within art. Currently, Campbell teaches curatorial classes, Space Studio and foundations programs. She said she loves Grand Valley State University for its “really robust and healthy” faculty and programs that are “better than anywhere I’ve been to school.” Campbell has been with GVSU for four years and teaches a variety of different art classes, but what many do not know about her is that she leads an artistic life in the societies of boxers. Campbell received her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the College of Wooster and
continued to get her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Through her journeys, she found a passion in displaying physical attributes and social dilemmas through artwork. Her art began with constructing images and designs of cowboys and airplanes, each symbolizing America’s ideals of freedom, aspiration and hope. “This came when we were well into the war of Iraq and we had a real sense of desperation, defeat and failure,” she said. “I wanted to construct this idea of hope in spite of failure.” Campbell’s focus shifted to boxing during a previous art show held in a warehouse room adjacent to a gym area for boxing in Cheboygan, Mich. Intrigued, she and the other artist renting the space used the boxing dynamics and lifestyle as an art documentation for the their show. It took time for Campbell to study the group and earn their trust. She said the experience was a “textbook” example of a society’s distrust in outsiders.
Eventually, she gained their trust and had a face-to-face encounter with these peoples’ reality — and found a new goal and hope. “These kids are in danger; really in factual danger,” she said of the boxing group. “The class dynamics I saw really changed what I was doing.” Campbell observed boxing is a way for hurting people to express hope, independence and strength, contradicting the stereotypical idea that boxers are tough and unemotional. “There is a vulnerability in boxing,” she said. “They are really vulnerable so they take on that culture cliché because there is not much privilege where they grew up.” GVSU gave Campbell a grant to visit Toronto and participate in an all women’s boxing gym to further continue her art passion through video work. “There is an intimacy of boxing,” she said. “You really have to rely on someone; they are grateful when you go in and hit so they can block, and that was really eye-opening.”
Campbell not only did videography of her experience in Toronto but also threw some punches herself and trained alongside the women. “The social dynamics there were really interesting,” she said. “You could box and train and be comfortable all within one space; it was incredible.”
Campbell said there is an idea of violence and women in boxing that breaks stereotypes and is very important to the women there, especially in one certain experience with a Muslim woman. “When she left, she put her head wrap back on and by doing that, put away the assumptions
and misconceptions we can have,” she said. “It challenged all the folks in the gym.” For her piece, she constructed a mirrored room with a punching bag in the center, with a video playing of the bag being hit as an interactive art piece. dslabbekoorn@lanthorn.com
GVL / Eric Coulter
Art professor Anna Campbell uses boxing as an art form to explore concepts of vulnerability and hope.
Dukes Ball joins culture, history with night of dancing By Nicolle Martin GVL Staff Writer
The Grand Valley Renaissance Club has been around for 15 years, boasting one of the most successful student-run organizations in the country. Their next endeavor is hosting the 12th annual Dukes Ball, an event which this year celebrates the culture of the Italian Renaissance with food, music and dancing. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the European Renaissance without doing a full-out renaissance faire,” said third-time ball committee leader Cate Reed. “Don’t get me wrong, I love our faire, but it is exhausting to the 10th degree ... It’s been a real treat to take it in the new directions these last three years.” This year, said club president Tyler Wiedmeyer,
the Ball will consist of a must be paid.” gallery-like opening, taking As a part of this Lib over the entire second wing 100-approved celebration, of the Kirkhof h e “There are so many t Center to Renaissance aspects of the hopefully Club will create an offer a vast renaissance that atmosphere spread of are specifically fitting of the free Italian Italian that prestigious cuisine, ambiance of sometimes special i n c l u d i n g the period. display attention must be aof assorted “ T h e paid.” renaissance breads and in Italy oils, roasted CATE REED BALL COMMITTEE LEADER brought about vegetables, wonderful Italian cured art and philosophy, great meats, polenta squares strides in learning of modern with sauces, herbed fresh medicine, fascinating mozzarella and cherry military excursions and tomatoes. Though some mind-boggling geniuses, members of the Renaissance for example Michelangelo Club will wear traditional and Da Vinci,” Reed said. era costumes, the dress for “There are so many aspects the evening is casual. of the renaissance that are “Above all else this will specifically Italian that be fun,” Reed said of the sometimes special attention event. “In the past we have
focused on dancing and teaching the dances of the renaissance. This year we are taking more of life from Italy and more content about the people, times and art.” The evening will consist of three dances, a few renaissance games and a raffle of Assassins Creed 2, for $3 per ticket. Various merchants and artists will sell their work to guests. There will also be a display of period weaponry for the attendees to observe. “I feel that our excitement about this time will attract many students to this event,” said ball committee member Josy Goodwin. “We are trying some new things that make it more informational for students who want to know more about the period, rather than just watch.” Held on Friday night at 7:30, the Dukes Ball is
another chance for the GV Ren Club to expand both its criteria for future events and organization as a whole. “I look forward to this event just to see what works for us and what doesn’t,”
Wiedmeyer said. “Also as president it makes me real proud of my group when they come together to make an event successful.” nmartin@lanthorn.com
Courtesy Graphic / GV Renaissance Club
The 12th annual Dukes Ball will focus on the Italian Renaissance.
Allendale Civic Theatre offers local entertainment Nonprofit community theatre provides yearly opportunities for students, Allendale residents to entertain, volunteer By Haley Otman GVL A&E Editor
Although Grand Rapids offers a wide array of theater options for students just east of campus, there is also a lesser-known option right in Allendale with the Allendale Civic Theatre. The theatre is a nonprofit theatre that runs on donations and ticket sales and thrives on volunteers. It has been around since its first show, “The Enchanted Sleeping Beauty,” in March of 2006. “The objective of Allendale Civic Theatre is to provide talent and to foster public appreciation and commitment to the fine arts in the Allendale community,” according to the theatre’s Web site. One way the theatre carries out its mission is through the involvement of Grand Valley State University students in its plays.
Freshman Alyx Schulte has participated in many aspects of the Allendale Civic Theatre’s productions since her freshman year of high school. “The Civic’s atmosphere is great ... you work with people (aged) 8 to 80,” she said. “One reason I am still involved is that I love to act, and my mom loves doing costumes for the plays; this way it’s mother-daughter bonding.” Lonnie Cody, treasurer for the theatre who also serves as production manager for the plays, said they are always open to new actors, assistant directors, directors and other volunteers, in addition to more audience members. “(Cody) really does just about everything, and her knowledge and expertise are what have made it possible to bring all of the pieces together for each show,” said the board. The rest of the board includes Julie MacFarland, who is the
president, Spencer Tomlin, the vice president, Kym Kurey, the secretary, and Bobbie Taylor, the trustee. Cody and MacFarland originally began the Middle School Drama Club in 1996, which eventually evolved into the Civic Theatre. The group is working on “Pied Piper” for its summer musical production. Auditions will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on April 12 and 13 in Allendale High School’s room 105. Director Tonya Mashue will cast 8- to 18-year-olds for the production. It will be performed June 25-27. After that, the fall production is planned for Nov. 19-21, and it will likely be a musical with a cast of both adults and children. The Civic Theatre typically performs a musical each fall, a children’s play each spring and an adult comedy each winter.
Courtesy Photo / picasa.com
“There is a Monster in My Closet” was performed at the Allendale Civic Theatre. The summer musical will be “Pied Piper.” Auditions for the production will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 12 and 13.
“In the past, we have based it on what we can afford, some name recognition and the audience we are trying to reach,” the board said. Fall 2009’s production of “Dr. Dolittle,” put on in November, was the theatre’s most successful event so far, but attendance continues to increase
each season as recognition of the theatre grows. For more information on the Allendale Civic Theatre, visit http://www.allendalecivic.org. Season passes are available for purchase. Single-show tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and preschool children are free.
“Theatre has a magic to it that it brings people together,” the board said. Those interested in taking on an important role at the theatre can find a director, assistant director and volunteer application at the Allendale Civic Theatre’s Web site. arts@lanthorn.com
MARKETPLACE ANNOUNCEMENTS Introducing Grand Valley’s Daily Style Blog: Valley Scene. Run entirely by students, Valley Scene has 4 photographers on campus Monday-Friday. We post new pictures of students daily. www.ValleyScene.net
EMPLOYMENT Bartenders wanted. Up to $250/Day. No Experience necessary. Training provided. Age 18+ Okay. Call 1-800-965-6520. ext. 226.
MISCELLANEOUS Hungry Howie’s in Allendale has AMAZING specials just for GVSU! Look inside the paper to find them! WE DELIVER! Call 616-895-6777 or order online @ hungryhowies.com
HOUSING 1-2 Subleasers needed for Fall 2010- Winter 2011 at Meadows Crossing. Includes free parking, free highspeed internet, free cable, and free water and sewer. This lease is a 9 month lease but you would be able to sign for 12 months. For more information or if you are interested please e-mail me at jawalterslax@hotmail.com The Village at 48 West. Stop in Today! Rates starting at only $395! 616.895.2400 or www.48west.com for more info
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Daft Improvements by Joshua Kovach Across 1. Comp. Programming elements 5. Half an order of fish 9. With dinner or coffee 14. Southern Israeli city 15. Middle Eastern country 16. Political pawn González 17. Santa Maria companion 18. Cutting remark, cut short 19. Proclaim 20. Eye drop? 21. Retract, on a computer 22. Rave light, perhaps 23. Among stars 26. Collectible 27. Wade opponent 28. Chunk of marble 32. Along the line of rotation 35. Sprinted 37. Water like glass 38. Second improvement 40. Third improvement 42. Hospital helpers, for short 43. Work with oars 45. Stat. analysis 46. Great GPA 48. Vila or Saget 50. Swiss river 51. Their time stands still 57. Warning fire 60. Furry Endorian 61. Wendy's dog 62. Access the internet 63. Ad watcher org. 64. Dull color 65. 2,009 years ago 66. Celestial bear 67. “____ Almighty” (2007 film) 68. Gardener's nemeses 69. Equal 70. Try again Down 1. Starbucks size
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36. Relating to birth 39. Automaton prefix 41. Fourth improvement 44. Aroused from sleep 47. Where one might study 49. Caution 50. Fishy admiral 52. Tears apart 53. Like Odin or Loki 54. Maneuver, like a snowboarder 55. Massage 56. “_____ to drugs” 57. Move smoothly 58. Solo 59. American poet James
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Monday, March 15, 2010
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Grand Valley Lanthorn
World-renowned flutist to bring students, staff sounds of Italy Andrea Ceccomori brings lifelong passion for music to performance for Guest Artist Series on Wednesday By Josh Brunsting GVL Staff Writer
A world-renowned flutist will make his way to Grand Valley State University for a special performance as part of the Guest Artist Series. Andrea Ceccomori is one of the most decorated flute players in the field. He currently holds a degree in flute performance from the Morlacchi Music Conservatory in Perugia, Italy, and also has pursued further studies at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. “I began studying the flute and music at age 11,” Ceccomori said. “It was a choice my parents made when I was young, but I have since fallen in love with it and have been passionately studying the art for around 20 years. Passion is really the first element to undertake the study of music.” Ceccomori said the decision to pick up the flute as his instrument of choice was a random one, but made out of necessity. “The flute is the only tool available to study at the Conservatory of my town, Perugia,” he said. “It slowly became part of my life, and now my life has slowly become part of my art. It’s a shared relationship, and one that I’m happy to have spawned.” GVSU professor Giuseppe Lupis will join Ceccoomori, bringing two close friends back together. “Lupis is a close friend and colleague of mine,” he said. “He’s an amazing Italian-American pianist, and we have a deep friendship
Courtesy Photo / gvsu.edu
Flutist Andrea Ceccomori will play pieces from Italian operas, works by Italian composers and Italian folk songs at the Guest Artist concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Performing Arts Center.
and a great professional i n t e r e s t s , not only understanding.” but The performance will music extra. feature many staples of also classic Italian music. The E v e r y t h i n g night will see the duo contributes to performing pieces from the formation the famous Roman Italian of operas such as Rossini personality of and Briccialdi, as well as a musician. I variations on “Carmen” and am convinced Lupis that while “Don Giovanni” operas. Along with that, the playing, the character of the two will perform pieces musician emerges from his from Italian composer training and his heritage.” Currently, Ceccomori can Straordinario, who is famous in film circles for his be heard on Amiata Records, work alongside filmmaker BMG/Ricordi, Edipan and Federico Fellini, and the Rara/Raitrade labels. He night will be capped off is also involved with the with traditional Italian folk RAITRADE project to help spread the knowledge of songs. “These pieces represent Italian contemporary music. “Music is the universal a certain musicality which language of sees the Italian the world,” he m e l o d i c “Passion is really said. “With my style and the first element performances, v i r t u o s i t y, ” I hope the Ceccomori to undertake the public gets said. “The study of music.” a chance to melody in fact, know the along with the emotion, melodrama, style, we know to ANDREA CECCOMORI taste, FLUTIST but also the be the strong mood that I point of Italian am personally living, as music in the world.” For Ceccomori, the well as the history of my varied choices of songs native country. I want to come directly from his give them a moment from inspiration from various my life or from history and then send them back to it, in styles of music. “I like to combine one magical moment.” The concert is open to the different styles and sort of improvise many pieces,” he public, with free admission, said. “Even my personality, and will be held in the like the music I play, is Performing Arts Center, at 8 multifaceted, that is open to p.m. on Wednesday. jbrunsting@lanthorn.com many musical and cultural