Issue 58

Men’s golf wins first tournament of season, B1

LANTHORN

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

Grand Valley State University

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Monday, April 19, 2010

Student Project Day showcases robots, iApps

By Derek Wolff GVL Staff Writer

Grand Valley State University’s Padnos College Engineering and Computing will host the third annual winter semester edition of Student Project Day on

Courtesy Photo / mlive.com

Students compete with a robot in a past Student Project Day. This year’s event is Thursday.

Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon.

Projects will be spread out among the five floors within the Kennedy Hall of Engineering and Keller Laboratories on the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. The event is open to the public, while local middle and high school student classes will also attend to learn about future technological advancements.

The competition will feature around 20 projects from 50 students, with some individual presenters and some teams. A two-fold judiciary process occurs, as the faculty chooses a top project based on technicality and the public chooses another winner based on popular demand, appropriately dubbed the “People’s Choice Award.”

The event has been a success with the public in the past. Seymour and Esther Padnos College Outreach Coordinator Sara Maas cited the learning experience for younger students as a crucial reason for the events successes.

“It has been very well received in the past, and it is nice for parents and younger students to be able to

talk with the Grand Valley students,” she said. “It is a great atmosphere for younger students if they want to go into the computing or engineering fields.”

Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, agreed with Maas that Student Project Day is beneficial for both Grand Valley State University students participating in the event and the general public.

“Student Project Day is a great opportunity for students to display the fine work they do and the great hands-on experience of our programs,” he said. “It also gives our students more experience making public presentations, and really honing their presentation skills.”

Previous projects have yielded robots that could play air hockey, mobile applications for iPhone, medical devices for sectioning organs, animal research tools and specially-designed wheelchairs. Last year’s faculty awarded winners designed a robot for

See Project Day, A2

Prohibits on-campus use even with MMA card; students organize GV protest to legalize use in state

By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News

GVL Photo Illustration / Brian B. Sevald

GVSU does not allow medical marijuana patients to use on campus, though such use is legal in Michigan.

Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, said the recreational marijuana use on campus is currently “no more a problem than that of any other substance abuse issue.”

Although they have not encountered a student claiming to hold a medical marijuana license, DeHaan said in the event the police were to encounter a student using, or possessing marijuana for any reason, they will seize any paraphernalia or actual marijuana on them prior to conducting an investigation — even if that student claims to have a valid MMA card.

“Consumption on campus still presents a

problem,” DeHaan said. “Bottom line, we will be conducting an investigation to determine the status or students’ legal ability of that MMA card to validate the authenticity.”

Benjamin Zito, president of the GVSU chapter of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, believes that as it stands, university policy leaves no room for students who are more or less confined to on-campus residence.

“There could be a freshman with a MMA card living in the dorms without any transportation or a

See Marijuana, A2

Supply chain major reaches ‘national prominence’ INDEX

A

News..........................A3 Opinion....................A4 Laker Life.......................A5 Advertisement............A6

B

Sports.......................B1 A&E....................B4 Marketplace.............B5

By Garrett Pelican GVL Staff Writer

With students from Grand Valley State University facing such a highly competitive job market after graduation, Lakers may want to consider a thriving business field and one of GVSU’s newest majors: supply chain management.

Introduced by the Seidman College of Business in June 2009, the major and its corresponding career paths are in high demand with many employers combing the college ranks for potential personnel. The success of the young program is already evident through GVSU’s high performance in competitions against other top supply chain management programs.

Though a marketing major, GVSU

Project Donation to collect moveout discards

By Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter

GV’s policy outlaws medical marijuana In 2008, 63 percent of Michigan voters said “yes” to proposal one, which legalized the use of medical marijuana under physician appointment. Surrounding the Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 has been a firestorm of controversy, especially concerning the workplace.

Medical marijuana at GVSU Section four of the Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 states that medical marijuana patients “shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act.”

Under current university policy, GVSU has a zero tolerance policy regarding marijuana usage or possession on campus, even in the case of a licensed patient. Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations, said GVSU’s policy did not change as a result of the Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 and still remains subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendment of 1989, which prohibit controlled substances on campus and were not altered by the referendum.

“Smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings,” McLogan said. “Consequently, students and employees may not use, possess or store marijuana on campus. A student or employee with a valid MMA card would need to exercise its use off campus, in a lawful place and in a manner consistent with the ordinances of the local jurisdiction.”

Maureen McElroy, Campus Employment supervisor, said there is no current campus-wide policy regarding medical marijuana in place for student workers either prior to employment or during employment.

“If an issue would arise we would refer to the Student Code, Section 208.0 on drugs,” McElroy said. “We would then refer the case to University Counsel/Dean of Students.”

Likewise, Athletic Director Tim Selgo said there is currently no NCAA policy that specifically addresses medical marijuana. He said it is unlikely an athlete with a prescription would be able to compete at an intercollegiate level, given the reasons the medication would typically be prescribed.

“Given that, just like any other positive test related to a prescribed drug (e.g. ADD/ADHD meds), there is a process to appeal with proper documentation to the NCAA Medical Safeguards Committee,” Selgo said.

GVL Archive

Students prepare to move out.

senior Jason Wilkie has already reaped the benefits of having that requisite skill set associated with supply chain management.

“I had a job before graduation as did most of my friends, which is rare right now,” Wilkie said. “It’s a rapidly evolving field. It’s really exciting, and there are endless opportunities for people who become actively engaged in it.”

“Actively engaged” is a fitting description for Wilkie; he and three other students – Kyle Koenigsknecht, Michael Hershfield and Paul Rahrig – from the Seidman College of Business competed in February and succeeded against representatives from 11 other schools at the Undergraduate Supply Chain Management Competition at Michigan State University.

Dean H. James Williams said the

success of Wilkie and his teammates at the competition, which was developed and hosted by the Eli Broad College of Business, has raised GVSU’s supply chain management program Williams to “national prominence.”

Management professor Ashok Kumar agreed, citing the supply chain management’s win over other top programs from Michigan State, Penn State, University of Kentucky and others.

“I think we need to highlight that even with a supply chain

See Supply Chain, A2

When students begin to move out of the on-campus housing at Grand Valley State University the week of final exams, unwanted items can be donated rather than sent to a landfill. Students will be able to donate any belongings they do not want to take home by placing them in donation boxes, which will be placed in each living center this Friday.

This program, called Project Donation, was started in 2005, said Gloria Myaard, supervisor of Facilities Services.

“As we watched the students move out, we saw a lot of useful items being discarded in the dumpsters that we provide for move out,” Myaard said.

“As we began our research we found a lot of campuses had similar programs at the end of the year. We tailored our program to meet the logistic of our campus and a committee was formed to support the effort.”

Salvation Army, Adopt-aBlock and In the Image will collect the donation boxes at the end of finals week.

“This is a wonderful program,” said Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations. “Many of the things that departing students no longer want still have value and will help those in need. I’m proud to be part of a university that promotes this kind of community support.”

Brenda Mitchner, associate director of Housing, said they hope to collect clothing, nonperishable foods, appliances and furniture.

“Normally, items that are disposed of go into the dumpster,” Mitchner said.

“Donating anything to a charity is better than throwing it in a landfill.”

Students will also be able to drop off unwanted electronics at the Community e-Waste Collection event, which will take place April 26 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Lot D on the Allendale Campus, said Steve Leeser, operations supervisor of Facilities Services.

“Facilities Services has done a great job of making the logistics for donation and collection as easy as possible,” said Bart Bartels, project manager of the Sustainable Community Development Initiative.

Myaard said they are unsure how many items have been donated because of the large number of different items be collected, but she considers the project to be a success because students are giving to the community, helping less fortunate individuals.

“Any time you can leave a small footprint, you are making it better for all that come behind us,” Myaard said.

“Items that would be placed in the landfill are now being used by people in need in our community.” mwaite@lanthorn.com

A2

NEWS

Monday, April 19, 2010

Project Day continued from page A1

Robowaiter, a program which builds robots to help the disabled.

This year’s team behind the Robowaiter robot consists of GVSU sophomore Jake Hall, Kyler Kamysek, Josh Friend, Kathy Drouillard and Travis Thran. The team is freshly coming off of a first place win at the 2010 National Fire Fighting Home Robot Contest at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

The contest challenged students to create robots that could help people with disabilities by implementing new devices, such as enhanced vision systems and height adjustment mechanisms. Hall said this year’s model robot featured these improvements, as well as new improvements for lifting and grabbing. He cited GVSU’s engineering program as a crucial reason for his group’s successes.

“We feel like we’ve gained a whole round of experience, using the multiple array of skills and resources we’ve gained at Grand Valley to be successful,” Hall said. “Student Project Day provides a hands-on experience for Grand Valley students. It’s helping us get our names out

there, far beyond students at the University of Michigan or Michigan State University.”

All of the projects featured on Thursday will be an important and exciting look into the future of technology. The different angles of the public and the faculty in grading the projects will give invaluable feedback to the students, Maas explained.

“It is great for the Grand Valley students to work on presenting their projects on different levels by applying the cool factor for younger students while explaining the technical advantages to faculty and parents,” Maas said.

Admission to explore the ideas and devices of tomorrow is free. dwolff@lanthorn.com

Marijuana continued from page A1

place to legally take his/her medicine,” Zito said. “In such a scenario, I believe that the university should reasonably accommodate this hypothetical student.”

Great workplace debate In March of this year, Joseph Casias, a Battle Creek resident and Wal-Mart’s 2008 Associate of the Year, was fired under the pretense of illicit drug use after a routine drug screening showed he tested positive for marijuana.

Casias was not recreationally using the drug but rather began the newly-legalized medical marijuana treatment under his doctor’s recommendation for an inoperable cancer tumor located in his sinus. Under Wal-Mart’s company policy, Casias was then terminated.

Greg Hatt, a 21-year-old

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor in Chief JENNY WHALEN Managing Editor LAUREN FITCH News Editor CHELSEA LANE Assistant News Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Sports Editor EMANUEL JOHNSON Arts and Entertainment Editor HALEY OTMAN Photography Editor BRIAN SEVALD Assistant Photography Editor ERIC COULTER

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Supply Chain continued from page A1

management program in infancy, its students are bringing extraordinary stature and visibility to Grand Valley,” Kumar said. “We have previously taken second place where 15 universities participated, some of them with strong name recognition. The competition is designed to truly simulate the real world of supply chain and required decision-making at the highest levels. By taking the top honors, Grand Valley has established the strength of its program nationwide.”

One of the faculty members behind the creation of the major, management department head professor Jaideep Motwani, said the need to outfit former Grand Valley State University student and medical marijuana advocate, said he believes current policies make medical marijuana in the workplace difficult. He said although proposal one indicates an employer cannot discriminate against users, Michigan law also says an employer does not have to accommodate a patient who uses medical marijuana.

“It’s kind of conflicting there because they could say ‘OK, well we aren’t going to accommodate him by letting him work here under these circumstances because of policy,’” Hatt, who organized a protest in Casias’ honor after his termination, said. “Then at the same time under the Michigan law, they are discriminating against him for using medical marijuana when they allow people with other kinds of medicines to work for them.”

The medicines Hatt discussed consisted of other potent pain relievers such as oxycodone or methadone, which can potentially last up to

Copy Editors JESSICA PAWLOWSKI BRADY CARLA LANDHUIS KARA DONALDSON Layout Editor MARIANA SAUCEDO Layout Staff ANDREA COLF ALANA HOLLAND MEGAN FLYNN KELLY GRANBACKA Web Team JON ROOST CJ RAFTERY JOSH KOVACH Web Managing Editor DAN MICHNIEWICZ

students with the skills to meet a flourishing field contributed to its development.

“We strongly believed and agreed that we needed a holistic program that provided the critical integrated-oriented skills for supply chain management graduates to be successful in today’s global, competitive marketplace,” Motwani explained. “We wanted our graduates to develop in-depth knowledge of the entire flow of the end-to-end supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Emphasis on realworld projects, case studies and supply chain networking are also critical ingredients of our program.”

In addition to the business core, the major requires 21 24 hours with side effects such as drowsiness and inability to drive or operate machinery.

Zito said SSDP’s views agreed with Hatt’s own.

“In some cases, especially with marijuana, these punitive measures more negatively affect the user than the drug itself,” Zito said. “Our idea of a sensible drug policy is one that treats drugs, and the use of drugs, as a health issue, not a criminal issue. In the case of medical marijuana, we feel that a person should be free to use the drug, especially if its use effectively alleviates pain when other drugs cannot.”

Policy reform and protest Hatt said the human use of cannabis has been documented as far back as 7,000 years ago. This history, along with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, indicate to many including Hatt that marijuana may be something similar to a vitamin that a body needs.

“Humans and cannabis kind of interlock, or go hand-in-hand like we do with other things

BUSINESS STAFF

ADVERTISING STAFF

Advertising Manager LINDSAY PARKINSON Assistant Advertising Manager REBECCA DEBONO Advertising Reps DANIEL DELAMIELLEURE MINDY BLUHM Advertising Designers MATT TYNDALL VALENTINA VALDES

Business Manager ERIC LEE Assistant Business Manager FERRIS JUMAH Distribution DAVE BABCOCK JEFF DIMITRIEVSKI CHRIS ROWELL THOMAS LEE JASON TERPSTRA JASON LEIBY Receptionists KIM SANDER CARIAN WHITE Faculty Adviser LAWRENCE BEERY

credits, 18 of which are designated as well as an elective course. This brings a supply chain management major to a minimum of 122 credit hours for graduation.

Kumar said because of the specialized training the major provides – managerial and strategic competency in purchasing, transportation, distribution and location of facilities – many companies already contact Seidman to recruit.

“Indeed, it is already happening with companies like Amway, Padnos Steel, SCM solutions, Gordon Foods now courting Seidman students for jobs and internships in supply chain management areas,” Kumar said. gpelican@lanthorn.com when we use other foods,” Hatt said.

With that thought it mind, Hatt and the rest of the Protest for Peace are uniting Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. (a symbolic act on the part of the organization) under the Transitional Link, a GVSU campus free speech zone, to lobby for policy reform in Lansing concerning the Michigan marijuana and MIP laws currently set in place.

Protest for Peace is proposing the legalization of marijuana and the use of the revenue created from that legalization to fund the withdrawn Michigan promise scholarship as well as support K-12 education in the state.

“We are asking them to take a step into the light and start practicing a way of law which is more righteous and based on the truth,” Hatt said.

More information on Tuesday’s 420 Reform Rally can be found on the Facebook event page. assistantnews@lanthorn.com

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published under the authorization of the GVSU Newspaper Advisory Board.

Corrections

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

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

A3

University welcomes dean of Graduate Studies President of MEC to speak on politics, environment

On Wednesday at 2 p.m. there will be a guest speaker on politics and the environment in room 176 of Lake Michigan Hall.

Chris Kolb, a former state representative and current president of the Michigan Environmental Council, will discuss his time as a lawmaker and transition into leading one of the top environmental advocacy groups in Michigan. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

Spurt composting helps complete food waste cycle

Spurt Industries has donated 45 yards of composted soil to the Grand Valley Community Garden, making it the first time that the food waste cycle has come full circle at Grand Valley State University.

In a joint effort by Campus Dining and Facilities Services, the composting project was implemented this academic year to reduce landfill waste.

Ethan McCann, Campus Dining sustainability manager, said during the 10week Recyclemania competition, GVSU decreased weight to landfill by 144,893 lbs or 19 percent, 95,238 pounds of that grand total a product of compost.

Lanthorn alum receive Mark of Excellence Award

On April 10, the Society of Professiona’ Journalists announced the Region 4 Mark of Excellence Award winners for the 2009 calendar year during the Region 4 SPG Spring Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Among the third place winners were cartoonists Jacob Bowen and Eliot Slenk and former photo editor Becky Reaver.

Students earn MCC awards

Nine GVSU students received awards from the Michigan Campus Compact for their dedication and commitment to community service during the 14th annual Outstanding Student Service Awards, held on April 10 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

Among the recipients were Toni Jones-Lipsey, Lora Stevens, Jennifer Berlin, Geoffery Hickox, Tiffany Korican, Nam Nguyen, Theresa Rowland, Kimberly Shine and Raymond Yeow.

The MCC is a coalition of college and university presidents committed to fulfilling the public purpose of higher education.

Jeffrey Potteiger brings ‘creativity,’ ‘forward thinking’ to GVSU graduate studies office

By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News

Taking effect in July of 2010, Jeffrey Potteiger of Miami University of Ohio will take residence at Grand Valley State University as the new Dean of Graduate Studies.

Potteiger has already logged 30 years worth of time as a public school teacher in south central Pennsylvania and then as a professor at numerous universities including; Indiana State, the

University of Kansas and Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Potteiger when he becomes Dean of Graduate Studies since his experience in a similar role at a school that follows a mission similar to Grand Valley’s will be invaluable as we continue to develop our graduate programs and processes,” said Gayle Davis, provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs.

Potteiger has held a number of administrative positions in his extensive teaching career, including directing research laboratories at each institution, serving as a department chairperson and as a dean and associate provost for research.

After several teaching awards and more than 95 published research articles, book chapters and books, Potteiger became interested in developing and promoting graduate education programs.

“I really enjoy teaching and conducting research with students and fellow professionals,” Potteiger said, adding the opportunity to become Dean of Graduate Studies at GVSU really appealed to him. “Once I visited Grand Valley State and met the president, provost, members of the search committee, faculty and students, I knew this was a university that I would really helping achieve their mission and vision.“ Potteiger is a husband

and father of two children who has a passion for traveling, sports, reading, museums, g o o d Potteiger movies and working with students.

“Dr. Potteiger brings a breadth of experience in graduate education, research and collaboration that will greatly benefit Grand Valley’s graduate programs,” said Steven Glass, associate dean of Interdisciplinary Studies.

“I am confident that he will work with faculty from across the university to enhance

graduate programming and promote new opportunities for students seeking a graduate degree here at Grand Valley.”

Potteiger said at GVSU, he is most excited about working with the students, staff and faculty to provide the best educational experiences he can for the students here, which includes developing and promoting innovative programs.

“The opportunity to be creative and forward thinking is something that is very appealing to me,” Potteiger said. “I hope to develop excellent working relationships with all parties interested in making the graduate programs at Grand Valley the best they can be.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com

GV Humane Society works to end dog fighting “Even people who couldn’t come to the event, they would give money when they stopped The Humane Society of the by our table in Kirkhof that we United States estimates 40,000 had out this week,” she said. people witness or participate in “We raised over $100 just that staged dog fights each year. But way, which has never happened Saturday afternoon, the Humane before.”

Society of Grand Valley State Lead coordinator for the University fought back with is fundraiser Nikki Radzinski with its largest event ever, the hoped the event would clear up End Dog Fighting fundraiser, some lingering misconceptions in hopes of helping put an end about breeds commonly used to the illegal and often deadly for dog fighting, sport. particularly pit “(Dog fighting) HSGVSU bulls. hosted the is an incredibly “Studies f u n d r a i s e r, have shown violent crime that which included those dogs bowling, vegan brings a lot of are not any food from Brick other violent crime more naturally Road Pizza, than to the community, aggressive a raffle and a other breeds, silent auction, too ... ” but there are still at Clique a lot of negative JILL FRITZ Bowling Alley perceptions HUMANE SOCIETY in downtown surrounding MICHIGAN STATE DIRECTOR Grand Rapids. them,” she All proceeds said. “But if benefitted the you’re ever End Dog Fighting campaign, around them, they are the which targets major dog sweetest, nicest dogs you could fighting cities such as Detroit, ever imagine ... All breeds can Chicago and Atlanta and helps potentially be used for dog find homes for rescued fighting fighting, not just bully breeds.” dogs.

Radzinski and Spadacene HSGVSU President Lena explained that dog fighters will Spadacene said the organization obtain their dogs from a variety was pleased with the event’s of sources, including capturing turnout and that the GVSU strays off the street, taking community seemed very dogs given away for free and supportive of the cause.

By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor

even stealing pets. It is also not uncommon for children to be present during dog fights, where they observe and learn violent behavior firsthand.

HSUS Michigan State director Jill Fritz, who spoke at the fundraiser, said part of the End Dog Fighting Campaign involves community outreach, where local children are invited to volunteer at shelters and learn the importance of caring for animals in a responsible and loving way.

“This helps the children build a relationship with the animals,” Fritz said. “We want that bond to grow to the point where they never want to fight their dogs.”

Dog fighting is also often interlinked with other violent crimes. According to a recent Chicago police study, 65 percent of those arrested for dog fighting in the city had also been arrested for assault or battery, and 59 percent had been arrested for gang-related crimes.

Dog fighting itself is currently a felony in all 50 states and cock fighting is a felony in 39 states, including Michigan, and a misdemeanor in the remaining 11.

“Dog fighting involves putting two dogs in a ring and allowing them to rip each other to shreds until, essentially, one of them submits,” Fritz said.

“It’s an incredibly violent crime

that brings a lot of other violent crime to the community, too ...

We are very fortunate here in this state to have good animal fighting laws.”

Fritz added that statistically, Detroit is ranked as the fifthhighest city in the nation for dog fighting activities and arrests.

HSUS offers a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of dog fighters. Tips on

suspected dog fighting activity can be submitted to HSUS by calling 1-877-TIP-HSUS. For more information about dog fighting as well as local volunteer and fundraising opportunities, visit http://www. humanesociety.org or search “Humane Society of Grand Valley State University” on Facebook. news@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Facebook

Humane Society GVSU collects donations at a table in Kirkhof.

SCDI project manager named sustainability champion

By Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter

At Grand Valley State University, there are hundreds of leaders in sustainability, steadily working to improve their communities without worrying about receiving recognition for their work.

One of those sustainability leaders, Bart Bartels, project manager of the GVSU Sustainable Community Development Initiative, was pleasantly surprised last month to find he had been named a sustainability champion by MiBiz, a publication company that follows business news and information for West Michigan.

The article featuring Bartels was printed in the March 29 issue of MiBiz’s sustainability publication, Triple Bottom Line.

“I am surprised (to have been

named a champion), actually,” Bartels said.

“I never really think about recognition, but with all the great things that are going on at GVSU, I was honored to be recognized as part Bartels of those efforts.”

Bartels said he believes the GVSU community has many sustainability champions and that he considers himself to be very fortunately to be able to assist them in their efforts.

“Bart already was a sustainability champion in my eyes,” said Norman Christopher, executive director of SCDI. “He has a real passion for helping students with sustainability projects and pulling other efforts

together across campus.”

Christopher also credited Bartels as having been instrumental in instituting the university’s first Climate Action Plan in January.

Before coming to GVSU, Bartels served as the entrepreneurship champion at the University of Wales in the United Kingdom, which is where he first became involved with sustainability.

“I started with SCDI after moving back from Wales in the fall of 2009,” Bartels said. “I wanted to continue my work with sustainability and in speaking with Norman Christopher about my interest in sustainability and my experience with putting together student projects; we found that I was a good match for a current need.”

As project manager of the SCDI, Bartels works to facilitate cooperation throughout the community for large

sustainability programs, providing support for student projects and creating efficiencies as GVSU. One of the great aspects of his position is that students contact him every day with new and exciting ideas, he said. Bartels added he loves working at GVSU and sees his job as a different adventure each day.

“I think that we have a bright future and Grand Valley is poised as a leader in many important aspects of that future,” Bartels said. “Longterm vision is often difficult, but it is required for the development of successful solutions. I am excited that I am a part of Grand Valley and am impacting the community in a positive way, not only for the betterment of our students – but for my own long term goals and my children’s future.” mwaite@lanthorn.com

A4

OPINION

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

EDITORIAL

editorial@lanthorn.com

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Sign on The recent addition of American Sign Language courses at Grand Valley State University should be incorporated in the modern language curriculum rather than just as a health professions elective.

Spring 2010 will mark the first semester when GVSU students will have the opportunity to enroll in American Sign Language courses.

As the program stands now, the classes are an elective of the Health Professions program, with the option of an ASL certification in addition to a degree if all the courses are completed.

GVSU should take this opportunity in starting the new ASL program to include it in the modern language curriculum required for all Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Currently, GVSU offers classes in nine different modern languages, and ASL should be one of them.

According to the Modern Languages and Literatures department, “With such a high premium on communication skills in the world today, foreign language study is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”

ASL is no exception to this. The deaf population in America is just as important as any of the different ethnic groups. Careers in translation, education and audiology are available to those with the necessary skill set, and GVSU would do its students a disservice to not offer these skills.

Promoting ASL to the same status as other modern languages would allow more students to enroll in the program and reap the most benefits from it.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reparative therapy lacks scientific backing

This is written in response to Nathan Ruark’s article on April 15 titled “Benefits of reparative therapy for LGBT community.”

Discrimination is defined as “the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things.” In your attempt to show that the APA has discriminated against reparative therapy supporters, I concur. The leaders of the APA have discerned correctly that these supporters rely on outdated evidence and unfounded research, and therefore, are to be excluded from APA events. Reparative therapists operate under the assumption that homosexuality is a mental disorder. This has been proven untrue in a number of studies, and not just studies of the APA.

If the entire reasoning behind reparative therapy is flawed, it should be discriminated against.

It holds no scientific authority and is repeatedly proven untrue. Would a respectable scientific association accept studies conducted under the presumption that the earth is flat? Of course not.

The earth’s roundness is demonstrably true. Should the APA then accept studies conducted under a faulty presumption?

Discrimination in scientific studies is a good thing. It prevents us from coming to stupid conclusions.

It is true that no study has proven negative effects for patients of reparative therapy.

It is also true that no scientifically adequate study has proven positive effects for patients.

Anecdotal evidence is readily available, claiming both cures and harms, but that is not adequate ...

To suggest that the APA should accept flawed research is an insult to the association’s integrity.

This is not to diminish a person’s right to choose.

A gay person should have every right to seek reparative therapy. If someone were to tell me that he has been “cured” of his homosexuality, I’d believe him ... It is ridiculous for an ex-gay to then claim that because he is no longer gay, all gay people can change.

Everyone encounters different experiences.

This isn’t science. It’s practical wisdom, but the APA is only interested in science.

Alan Kotenko 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 gay and bisexual men be allowed to donate blood?

Yes: 76% This week’s question: Should people with a medical marijuana prescription be exempt from anti-drug policies?

No: 24% 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

YOUR INSIGHTS

Should American Sign Language fulfill the GVSU language requirement?

“Yes, because it broadens the population you can communicate with, which advances your communication skills.”

“Yes, because it expands your communication skills just as much as a foreign language would.”

“Yes. It would seem to be on the same plain as a foreign language, and it helps the deaf.”

“I think so. Sign language is unique and a completely different way to communicate. It would be good to complement other language requirements.”

“Yes. It is a language that some people must use to communicate.

Studying it should be encouraged.”

Kelly Laderoot Psychology, Biomedical Sciences Senior Greenville, Mich.

Elizabeth Melching Biomedical Sciences Sophomore Breen, Mich.

Zach Campbell Photography Senior Caledonia, Mich.

Chris Herzog Criminal Justice Junior Flint, Mich.

James King Liberal Studies Senior Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reparative therapy ‘insulting and dangerous’ to LGBT As a therapist of 25 years and as Assistant Director of the LGBT Resource Center, I am writing to respond to Nathan Ruark’s Letter to the Editor (April 15, 2010) regarding reparative therapy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Reparative therapy is both insulting and dangerous. The message to the LGBT community is very clear: “Who you are is not OK and you need to change.” Last year when Nathan wrote in support of NARTH and reparative therapy, I shared the following powerful statement which was issued by the most venerable medical and psychological associations: “The nation’s leading professional medical, health, and mental health organizations do

not support efforts to change young people’s sexual orientation through therapy and have raised serious concerns about the potential harm from such efforts.”

This statement was endorsed by * American Psychological Association * American Academy of Pediatrics * National Association of Social Workers * American Counseling Association * American School Counselor Association * National Education Association * American Association of School Administrators * American Federation of Teachers * American School Health Association * National

Association of School Psychologists * National Association of Secondary School Principals * School Social Work Association of America * Interfaith Alliance Foundation In 2006, the American Psychological Association issued a statement that expressed concern that reparative or “conversion therapy” was potentially damaging and might create an intolerant and discriminatory political and social climate.

According to the statement: “For over three decades the consensus of the mental health community has been that homosexuality is not an illness and therefore not in need of a cure. The APA’s concern about the position’s espoused

by NARTH (The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) and so-called conversion therapy is that they are not supported by the science. There is simply no sufficiently scientifically sound evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Our further concern is that the positions espoused by NARTH and Focus on the Family create an environment in which prejudice and discrimination can flourish.”

Nathan’s claim that “there is strong statistical evidence that reparative therapy is effective” is simply not supported by the scientific community.

Colette Seguin Beighley Assistant Director LGBT Resource Center

Techniques used in reparative therapy akin to brainwashing OK, look. There’s this thing you do, when you want to write an article (or, really, anything in a newspaper), called research. A cursory Google-search would have explained a whole lot of stuff Nathan Ruark obviously didn’t get about reparative therapy (in his April 15 letter to the editor). Granted, given the voice he used in his article, I doubt it would have made a bit of difference, since he relied heavily on the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality Web site for information.

First off, NARTH is neither a professional institute, nor is it an unbiased organization when it comes to psychology.

Of course, the big tip-off that NARTH has no basis in fact comes from their Web site itself. An article by a Dr. Sutton states that there

is a ‘disproportionate’ amount of HIV and syphilis within the LGBT community. The truth is, according to Avert. org, that only 47 percent of the reported HIV/ AIDS cases are from male-to-male contact. The other 53 percent comes, instead, from a mixture of injection-drug usage (needle swapping) and heterosexual encounters.

As it stands, the APA is not holding a doublestandard. They’re being SCIENTISTS. Because, you know, it’s an organization of scientists, studying an actual science.

There is a lack of research on reparative therapy, you’re right.

But that’s because it’s brain-washing. You could convince a man that he’s a chicken with the right stimuli. You could convince a straight man that he’s gay, and you can convince a gay man he’s straight. All it takes is

pushing the right buttons, which reparative therapy does.

Robert Jay Lifton, a psychiatrist, studied former prisoners of the Korean War — the ones held in war-camps by both N. Korea and China. The trends he found within the brainwashing techniques used by the GIs’ captors, taken from his book “Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of ‘Brainwashing’ in China,” were as follows: 1. Assault on identity: You are not who you think you are.

2. Guilt: You are bad.

3. Self-betrayal: Agree with me that you are bad.

4. Breaking point: Who am I, where am I and what am I supposed to do?

5. Leniency: I can help you.

6. Compulsion to confess: You can help yourself.

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for Nicole Avery’s column

7. Channeling of guilt: This is why you’re in pain.

8. Releasing of guilt: It’s not me; it’s my beliefs.

9. Progress and harmony: If you want, you can choose good.

10. Final confession and rebirth: I choose good.

All of these things, from what I’ve read in books, on the Internet, and in journals, are what Conversion Therapy does. Let’s make no second-claims here: reparative therapy isn’t reparative. For something to be reparative, the object has to be broken.

This is simply an act to brainwash gay people into “straight” people.

Those “gay-affirming therapeutic techniques” you talk about aren’t affirming OMG-GAY, they’re affirming selfidentity.

Christopher A. Shank GVSU student

lakerlife@lanthorn.com

LAKER LIFE

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

A5

Exam cram begins Counseling Center, Zumberge Library offer students additional resources in studying for exams in hopes of reducing year-end stress

By Lauren Fitch GVL Managing Editor

Courtesy Photo / Owen Tien

A GVSU cycler sets a quick pace as he competes for the GVSU Cycling Club. Only full-time students are eligible to race.

Cycling Club tours local roads in pre-race rides anyone to ride with in the 18-25 age group.

“It also enabled me to meet new people with a common interest when I transferred from GRCC, making the transition 100 times easier,” Kuks added.

The group currently has

By Sarah Wiltenburg 29 members registered on GVL Staff Writer STUEY, but there are about Fred A. Birchmore cir- 15 members who actively cled the globe by bicycle in participate in races and the 1935 at age 25. The entire occasional group rides. trip, through Europe, Asia Though no prior experiand the United States cov- ence is required, there still ered 40,000 miles. He wore are steps interested students out seven sets of tires. must follow to join the Grand Valley State Uni- club. versity’s Cycling Club has Club members must be not made its way around the enrolled as a full-time stuworld just yet, but its mem- dent at GVSU to be eligibers have covered quite a bit ble to race, but any GVSU of ground locally. student or faculty may be a The GVSU Cycling Club member. participates in all types of Kuks suggests that any cycling, including road rac- students interested in joining, mountain biking, XC ing log onto STUEY and racing, free riding, downhill apply to be part of the club and general during the training. As summer.

“We can be found a member of “As the in the surrounding fall semester the Midwest Collegiate approaches, area of the Cycling Conyear Allendale Campus next ference, the we will anas it offers safer group attends nounce an race weekends informationroutes ... ” in the fall and al meeting COREY KUKS spring. within the GVSU STUDENT Prior racing first three experience is weeks of not necessary class,” he to join the club. said. “At that point we ask Besides racing, the group for dues, which were $100 also goes on free rides. this past year and got you a “We quite often go on GVSU Cycling jersey. The easy rides as time permits rest of the money will go to during the school year,” help the race team as most said Corey Kuks, the Cy- of the race weekends are a cling Club’s financial of- long drive requiring a place ficer. “We can be found in to stay.” the surrounding area of the The STUEY site can be Allendale Campus as it of- found by searching the Cyfers safer routes out toward cling Club on the GVSU Marne, Coopersville and out Web site. The club’s Web toward Grand Haven.” site is http://groups.google.

Kuks is a transfer student com/group/gvsu-cyclingto GVSU from Grand Rap- club. The Google site serves ids Community College. He as a forum for members to said he got involved with contact the entire group and the club because it was next organize a ride. to impossible for him to find swiltenburg@lanthorn.com

GVSU group attends race weekends in fall, spring; free rides

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for an article

on GradFest - a pre-commencement event held in Allendale and Grand Rapids for seniors

With less than a week until final exams, many students are entering the most stressful time of the semester.

Amid the seemingly endless list of projects, papers and finals to study for, students begin to feel overwhelmed as they try to finish the semester strong.

The Grand Valley State University Counseling Center hopes to minimize the end-of-the-year stress with today’s workshop, “Study smarter, not harder.”

The event will take place in room 137 of North Living Center C from 7 p.m to 8 p.m.

It is a LIB 100 approved event.

Brian Bossick, a counselor at GVSU, said in past semesters the event has been well received with 20 to 25 people in attendance. Some of the main topics covered at the workshop include how to maximize study time, memory tips and advice on organizing class notes.

Bossick said one of the most helpful tips in the presentation is to chart hours, which encourages good time management.

“What you think you’re studying versus what you actually are can be quite different,” Bossick said. In recording how time is spent, one can maximize the free time and use it most efficiently.

Another piece of advice Bossick offered was for students to modify how they spend long periods of time studying.

He said it is important to change the method of studying after every hour; for example, switching from memorization to group work to practice tests.

One of the biggest mistakes Bossick said he has seen in student study habits is last-minute cramming. “(Students) overestimate what you can get in and hold on to in a given amount of time,” Bossick said.

He advised utilizing on-campus study aids and maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the exam period.

“Try to keep some balance in your life,” Bossick added.

One such on-campus study resource is the Exam Cram in Zumberge Library on the Allendale Campus.

GVL Archive

Students study together in preparation for their final exams, which begin April 26.

Popular on campus study sites include the Zumberge Library and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Beginning today, the library will be open 24 hours, closing at midnight on Friday. For Saturday, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Starting at noon on Sunday, it will remain open 24 hours a day until the last Friday of exam week.

Pete Armstrong, director of user services at Zumberge, said the event has been “very popular” in past years.

“A lot of people pack the library, even at the latest hours,” he said.

Armstrong said the library will serve free coffee, tea and candy throughout the extended study hours. Wednesday will feature bagels from Einstein Bagels, and consultants from the Writing Center will be in the library on Monday through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Steelcase Library on the Pew Campus will also have extended hours leading up to exam week, though the schedule is not the same as Zumberge’s. managingeditor@lanthorn.com

Study Sites • Reading rooms in Niemeyer Living and Learning Center • Einstein’s Bros. Bagels • Arboretum • Zumberge Library

A6

Monday, April 19, 2010

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

SPORTS

Emanuel Johnson, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

B1

Baseball splits weekend with Ashland Lakers go two for three against Eagles to inch closer to conference leader Wayne State Women’s tennis finishes season

The Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team played its last game of the season against Calvin College on Friday. The Lakers downed the Knights 7-2 to cap off a run that saw five victories in six games to close out the season. GVSU won five out of six singles matches as well as two out of three doubles matches. The Lakers finished the season 20-8 overall.

By Cody Eding GVL Staff Writer

Going into last weekend, the Grand Valley State University baseball team had not lost a game after having the lead past the fourth inning.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Saturday afternoon proved there is a first time for everything.

Ryan Avery’s sixth-inning, twoRBI single was enough to give Ashland University a 2-1 victory in game one of Saturday’s doubleheader before the

GVSU bats pounded out 10 hits to help the Lakers take a 6-3 victory in the second game.

On Sunday, the Lakers dominated the Eagles with a 7-0 showing.

Ashland entered play Saturday winning eight of their last 10 games.

“They’re right on our heels in third in the GLIAC,” said GVSU head coach Steve Lyon. “It was certainly a tough situation to ride into town and try to derail them.”

The weekend series moved No.

NUMBER CRUNCHER

107 Points scored for the offense in the annual Spring Game

3 Straight tournaments won for sophomore golfer Sarah Hoffman

4

GVL Archive

Sophomore Steve Anderson is tagged by a Tiffin player in a past season’s game.

Different meets that the track and field team participated in this past weekend

17 Runs let up for the softball team in two losses against Ashland University

GLIAC Standings Baseball

Wayne St. Grand Valley St. Ashland Saginaw Valley Tiffin Northwood Findlay Hillsdale

Softball

Wayne St. Northwood Ashland Saginaw Valley Ferris St. Grand Valley St. Tiffin

Lake Superior St. Findlay Hillsdale

Conf.

17-5 18-7 13-9 12-10 13-12 11-13 5-19 5-19

Conf.

13-3 10-3 15-5 9-5 9-6 9-7 7-9 3-11 3-15 3-17

Ovr.

23-14 28-10 23-15 16-16 17-25 18-18 11-26 8-27

Ovr.

37-8 18-12 26-10 22-7 18-12 21-15 25-15 8-28 14-28 8-24

Courtesy www.gliac.org

Young players display talent, vie for valuable season playing time in annual practice game Emanuel Johnson GVL Sports Editor

For most college football teams, an annual spring game is a chance for younger players to show what they have in a competitive atmosphere in the hope of being recognized as a someone who can contribute to the team during the season.

It served that purpose for Grand Valley State University this past weekend, but after the game it was a little scary to think of what next year’s team will be capable of after integrating all of its younger players into the system.

The Laker Blue offense downed

Follow LanthornSports on Twitter for up-tothe-minute coverage of Laker games, players and coaches

the Laker Black defense 107-65 in a modified scoring system. It awards points to the offense for first downs, big plays and touchdowns and to the defense for disruptive plays, stalled drives, turnovers and defensive touchdowns.

It was the highest offensive output in GVSU Spring Game history, and no, the Lubbers Stadium scoreboard does not go to triple digits.

After losing Jimmy Berezik before the national championship game last year, the Lakers displayed a muchimproved depth at the running back position. Freshman Hersey Jackson, who was redshirted this year, carried the ball six times for 91 yards and a touchdown in the game, including a 52-yard run during his second drive.

“He probably won’t be an everydown back, but he’ll get his carries,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell, who will enter his first season as head coach in the fall. “I’ve never been around a successful program that didn’t have a running game. I have to go review the tape, but I don’t think I saw him shy away from contact

See Football, B2

GVL / Brian B. Sevald

Freshman Norman Shuford blows past defenders during the GVSU Spring Game.

Tennis team drops barnburner at Conference Championships only to lose in the end.

“I think everybody is proud that we In a day of tennis that would played them very close, but everybody seemingly never end, the Grand Valley also feels like we could have won the State University men’s team took down match, which is pretty heartbreaking,” a GLIAC power before dropping a nail- he said. “We were right there, but it’s biter to the top team in the conference. like in basketball when you’re right At the GLIAC championships in there the whole time and you miss the Midland, Mich., the Lakers took on last shot. It’s a tough way to lose.”

Black specifically lauded the play Lake Superior State University on Saturday morning, a team that GVSU of the Laker senior Marc Roesslein, had lost to 5-4 earlier in the year. GVSU who competed at both No. 1 singles scratched out a tough 5-2 win after four and No. 1 doubles in the tournament.

He played seven hours and a half hours. of tennis in one day.

Next for GVSU “ ... it’s like in “Marc was pretty was GLIACmuch on court today basketball when best Northwood from 11 a.m. until 8:30 University, which you’re right there p.m,” he said. “He had powered through the whole time and an hour break between Findlay earlier the the matches, but other you miss the last same day in less than than that, he was half the time it took shot. It’s a tough playing nonstop. He for the Lakers to finish way to lose. ” was out there battling off Lake Superior for hours. For him JOHN BLACK State. GVSU came to play great doubles GVSU TENNIS COACH into the match a heavy and play some tough underdog after having singles, I don’t know how he did it.” lost to the Timberwolves 8-1 earlier in This marked the fourth-straight the year. year that GVSU faced Northwood However, the Lakers swept Northwood in the doubles but could not University in the GLIAC tournament, equal their performance in the singles, but was the first time in that span losing five-of-six of those matches and that the Lakers were not swept by the dropping a 5-4 decision in a four-hour, Timberwolves.

Senior Ryan Diebold said the team 15-minute epic. was disappointed by their close loss to GVSU head coach John Black said Northwood, but they also took some the team was a little conflicted after positives from it. playing the Timberwolves so tough, GVL Staff Writer

now on

by knocking home six runs to give sophomore pitcher Cory Rademacher all the help he needed. The right-hander followed Jablonski’s strong game-one performance by pitching a complete game. He scattered nine hits and gave up only two earned runs to improve his record to 4-1. “(Rademacher) gave up the two runs in the first inning and really just settled until he gave up the meaningless one in the seventh,” Lyon said.

Game two was highlighted by a seventh-inning, two-run home run off of the bat of junior Torre Aguirre. Grice added three hits while senior second baseman Kyle Gendron had two RBIs. Gendron said the difference between the games was keeping pressure on Ashland throughout the second game.

“We were really in control a lot of the time; we just need to find a way to put it all together at once,” he said. “We when put it all together, then we are tough to beat.”

The weekend’s games were the middle of a 17-game road trip for the Lakers that started April 10 and runs through the end of the month. So far, the team has posted a 6-5 record on the trip.

GVSU will travel to Tiffin University on Wednesday for an important conference doubleheader.

First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 p.m. sports@lanthorn.com

Spring game showcases football’s depth

By Greg Monahan

LANTHORN

13 GVSU to 28-10 overall and 18-7 in the GLIAC. After the split, the Lakers moved within a half game behind conference leader Wayne State University, who dropped both games of their doubleheader against Tiffin University on Saturday.

Before taking game two, GVSU had lost three straight games.

“It definitely felt great to win the game,” said sophomore center fielder Cody Grice. “We weren’t too worried about our losses as much as we were just taking it one game at a time.”

Avery’s triple in game one spoiled an otherwise great pitching performance from junior righty Joe Jablonski. In six innings of work, he gave up only two earned runs and eight hits while striking out three and walking two.

The loss was Jablonski’s first of the season, and it dropped his record to 5-1.

“He was fantastic,” Lyon said.

“They’ve been scoring tons of runs ... it was good to see Joe shut them down.”

After jumping ahead 1-0 on senior Cory McGuire’s first-inning RBI ground out, the Lakers could not muster anymore support for Jablonski.

GVSU totaled five hits in the game and stranded seven runners on base.

“We had a couple of chances to add on to our lead,” Lyon said. “We just weren’t able to push over a run or two to help Joe out.”

The Lakers responded in game two

“It really sucks that we lost, but I’ve never been on a team that’s made it as close as we did against (Northwood),” he said. “Usually when we play them it’s 7-2 or 8-1. We knew their singles were really tough, and we knew we had to play the best tennis that we possibly could. We gave it our all, and that’s really all you can do against a team like Northwood.”

He added that the result was more than almost anyone expected against a team that has dominated its conference the entire year.

GVSU senior Pat Snyder, playing in his last matches as a Laker, said it was an up and down fight all weekend for the team.

“We avenged an earlier season loss to Lake State and battled hard all weekend.” he said. “Northwood was who we thought they were, and after sweeping doubles we slowed up and let them off the hook.”

After dropping an additional match to Ferris State University (5-2), the Lakers ended the season at 12-12. gmonahan@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / GVSU Athletics

Senior Pat Snyder played his last tennis match as a Laker this past weekend.

B2

SPORTS

Monday, April 19, 2010

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Track team flies to record-breaking weekend GVSU returns 22 national qualifiers from three meets across east, west, south U.S.

By Aaron Brandt GVL Staff Writer

The Grand Valley State University track team traveled far and wide in search of fast times and high marks this past weekend, and it found them.

GVSU traveled to locations in Alabama, Oklahoma and California seeking as many national qualifiers as possible.

GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes, who traveled with the running events to California, ex-

panded on the team’s success.

“It was a very good weekend for us,” he said. “We got a lot of stuff accomplished out here in California. We set some records and got a lot of automatic qualifiers, which is always good. There were a lot of positives from our trip.”

Four GVSU school records were broken. Leading the list was junior Tyler Emmorey, who ran a time of 8:56.62 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

“Emmorey had an incredible race,” said GVSU distance coach Joe Lynn. “He is about 11 seconds away from a time that would qualify for the U.S. National Championships. He’s one of the best steeple chasers in not only Division II but in the nation now.”

Senior Danielle Fonseca broke the 400-meter hurdle record with a time of 1 minute, 0.69 seconds at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif.

“Having the school record is something that’s always been on my mind since my freshman year,” Fonseca said.

“Right before the race, the last thing I told myself was, ‘I can do this.’”

Rounding out the record breakers was sophomore Karie McDonald in the steeplechase.

The women’s 4x400-meter relay team of sophomore Chanelle Caldwell, junior Kayla Vallar, Fonseca and senior Candice Wheat also broke a school record in California with a time of 3:45.02.

Breaking up the team and sending it all across the country was something Baltes said he was willing to do in order to see his team compete the way it did during the weekend.

“It’s just one of the challenges of track and field that we place on ourselves to chase marks and put our athletes in the best conditions and environments,” Baltes said. “At this point in time, it’s what we have to do to put our kids in the best situation to be successful.”

Fonseca noted the high level of talent, which included top Division I schools, at all of the meets during the weekend was helpful.

“A lot of us can run on our own, but it helps us to run with people that are going to be pushing us to make sure we end up ahead by the finish line,” she said. “Even though we are Division II, we can still compete with the Division I schools and beat them.”

The whole purpose of the trip was to find the best weather and competition so the team could send as many athletes as possible to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Charlotte, N.C., on May 5.

“The weather was perfect (in California),” Baltes said.

“It was warm during the day for the sprinters, and at night (the temperature) went down to the 50s with no wind for perfect conditions. There was also lot of talent and competition to push us.”

With the nice weather, great competition and positive results, Lynn said he was pleased the team made the journey all across the country to compete.

“We came out here to get things done on the national scene and get kids qualified for the national meet and we definitely came out here and took care of business this weekend,” he said. “Going up and down the results, everyone either had a personal best or season best, so everyone really did have a great meet across the board.” abrandt@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Facebook

Monica Kinney was one of GVSU’s four women who automatically qualified for nationals in the 5K at Mt. Sac Relays in California.

Courtesy Photo / Facebook

Tyler Emmorey broke the school record in the steeplechase.

Track travel totals

GVSU school records: 4 Automatic qualifiers: 9 Provisional qualifiers: 13 Miles traveled this weekend: To Walnut, Calif.: 1,823 To Auburn, Ala.: 717 To Norman, Okla.: 814 Total miles: 3,354

Football continued from page B1

once, and we’ll need that.”

Neither did I. Whenever he caught a linebacker or defensive back trying to make an openfield tackle on him, Jackson plowed past him in a way that resembles Adrian Peterson. At no point did it take less than two defenders to take down the 6-foot, 215-pound Allendale native, and in his 52-yard touchdown run he demonstrated the breakaway speed necessary to pull off huge gains during the regular season.

Freshman Norman Shuford demonstrated his versatility in running five times for 31 yards and a touchdown as well as catching two passes for 19 yards. Freshman Michael Ratay carried the ball eight times for 55 yards and a score, and freshman Billy Seiler carried 10 times for 44 yards.

As for the quarterbacks, there are some things left to be desired. Senior quarterback Kyle McMahon, who transferred from Eastern Michigan University, did not participate in Saturday’s action in order to remain healthy.

It looks as if he will begin the season as the starting quarterback.

Freshman Heath Parling probably had the best showing of the few that did participate.

He showed quick decision making and accuracy in going 16-of-24 for 190 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Isiah Grimes showed off a big arm, but his accuracy at the moment suitable for the collegiate level.

He went 6-of-17 for 100 yards and a rushing touchdown, but he also threw two picks in the process.

Defensively the Lakers showed an improved depth in the secondary, something that became a weakness in last year’s national championship game.

Freshman cornerback Donavan Wilson tallied two interceptions and six tackles while sophomore cornerback Vince Beachem tallied 12 tackles.

In fortifying its experienced members with this young talent, the Lakers should pose a significant threat in seeking to return to the NCAA National Championship game for a second consecutive year. sports@lanthorn.com

SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Monday, April 19, 2010

B3

Men take first win of season; Hoffman leads women again weekend and when we do that, that’s a very good sign for us.”

Despite playing through All spring long, the men’s windy and sometimes rainy golf team has struggled to get off weather conditions, all five Lakto a positive start in its opening ers finished in the top 20. round. On Friday at the Findlay Sophomores Nick GunthorSpring Invitational, however, pe and Travis Shooks led the things changed for Grand Val- way as both finished in a tie for ley State Unifourth place versity.

“I thought you had firing scores The Lakers of 153. Senior to hit all perfect used an openMatt Malloure shots in order to ing round score finished in a tie of 304 to propel win a tournament for ninth place, them to their and freshman ... it’s built my first win of the Chase Olsen season at the confidence.” tied for 13th Red Hawk Run SARAH HOFFMAN place. SophoGolf Course.

GVSU SOPHOMORE more Mike BaThe team’s 616 sinski rounded final score was out the scoring 10 strokes better than Ferris for GVSU as he tied for 18th State University, who finished place. in second.

Under“We hadn’t really gotten off wood said to a very good first round and the balance we did that this weekend, so his team I think that was the big factor showed was in what went on,” said GVSU the main head coach Don Underwood. reason for “Once you do that, it’s a mat- its big victer of getting back out there the tory. second day, continuing to be ag“ I f Malloure gressive, continuing to focus on you’re gogoing forward and not trying to ing to be a good team week in hold on. Our guys did that this and week out, you need all five

By Jared Greenleaf GVL Senior Reporter

Courtesy Photo / Red Hawk Run Golf Course

The men’s golf team took first at the Red Hawk Run Golf Course.

guys to contribute,” Underwood said. “You can win tournaments having one or two guys dominating the field, but if you’re going to be a consistent top program, you need to have five guys that are really getting involved and helping out and we did that for the most part.

Hoffman wins third straight tournament After being the individual medalist in her two previous tournaments, sophomore Sarah Hoffman of the women’s golf team kept it rolling as she finished first at the Ashland Invitational this past weekend. Hoffman posted a two-day score of 157.

“I think (winning) was something that I always wanted to do, but it wasn’t something I realized I could do,” she said.

“I thought you had to hit all perfect shots in order to win a tour- Hoffman nament.

I’ve hit some bad shots and I’ve just been able to recover, and it’s built my confidence.”

GVSU finished the tournament in second place with a score of 646, two strokes over first place California University of Pennsylvania (644).

Finishing right behind Hoffman were seniors Caitlin Bennett, who scored a 158, and Ashley Smith, who finished in eighth place with 163.

GVSU head coach Rebecca

Hits getting hard to come by for GVSU softball

By Curtis Kalleward GVL Staff Writer

After enjoying a prolonged offensive spurt in the season’s first half, a recent hitting slump has left Grand Valley State University’s softball players scraping up dust.

“It’s surprising that we hit a wall offensively,” said freshman pitcher Katie Martin. “Our conference play has been a tougher battle than we thought it would be. We were doing really well, but things like this happen to teams. The ups and downs go together.”

The Lakers (21-15 overall, 9-7 GLIAC) have dropped six of their last nine games, including both parts of a doubleheader against GLIAC No. 2 Ashland University Saturday and one part of a doubleheader against Tiffin University Sunday.

“We’re starting to face the tougher teams in the conference,” Martin said.

“We’re struggling to catch up to people and getting to hit better pitching. The speeds of the pitches have more movement.”

GVSU head coach Doug Woods added that Eagles starting pitchers Emlyn Knerem and Logan Hursey were heavy contributors to his team’s paltry showing at the plate Saturday.

“Today we just ran into two really good pitchers,” Woods said. “They’re probably two of the best pitchers in our league.

We had to keep working and adjusting at the plate.”

Aside from facing tough play from the opposing mound, the Lakers failed to adjust to what they were facing. Freshman Kayleigh Bertram said the team has often had difficulty adapting to opposing pitchers this season.

“I think we’re just pinching too much at the plate,” Bertram said. “We’re not reacting to what the pitchers actually throw. We’re trying to outsmart the pitcher, which isn’t always possible.”

Their recent slide against GLIAC opponents has knocked the Lakers down to sixth place in the 10-team conference.

“We need to loosen up and not be so tense,” Bertram said.

“We’ve shown that we can play and we can hit, we just have to go back to doing that.”

Along with their losses and declining hit totals, the Lakers have also seen an increase in errors, committing 15 in their last nine outings. Martin, however, said that errors were not the main reason for the team’s downfall this past weekend.

“Errors are just part of the game,” she said. “Ashland was hitting the ball pretty hard. I wouldn’t blame it on mental focus. We just weren’t ready for how hard they hit the ball.”

Though the going might be tough, the Lakers are keeping

GVL / Eric Coulter

The softball team put up 12 runs in three losses this past weekend.

their sights set on improving and pulling through their struggles.

“We have to keep persevering and pushing to get better,” Martin said. “Hitting is contagious. With one big hit, everything can just get going.

The same thing is with errors, everything is contagious.”

GVSU has 10 games remaining on their GLIAC season schedule against heavyweights in Saginaw Valley State University, Northwood University, Wayne State University and Ferris State University, each of whom are currently seated above the Lakers in the conference standings. ckalleward@lanthorn.com

Mailloux said bad weather inhibited the team’s play.

“We tend to hit the ball long, but not always straight,” she said. “We had lots that ended up in the trees, some punch out shots and a lot of penalty shots.”

Mailloux also said the performance could boost the team in the GLIAC Championships next weekend.

“I think it gave them a little taste of reality,” she said. “We knew conditions weren’t great, but still they need to know we

might not be as ready as we thought and kind of use it as motivation for us next week.”

The GLIAC Championships will begin on Saturday at Ferris State University. jgreenleaf@lanthorn.com

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Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

A&E

Haley Otman, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com

Event brings Czeck, Slovak arts to forefront

A&E Briefs Carillon Concert

Guest carillonneur Jon Lehrer will play at GVSU during the summer in the Cook-Carillon Plaza.

Lehrer hails from New York and has performed in Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada in addition to all across the United States.

He will perform from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on June 20, with free admission.

Three-day music, theater, arts conference to feature, explore culture from lesser-known regions

By Josh Brunsting GVL Staff Writer

The Czech and Slovak Music and Related Arts Conference makes its debut this weekend in an effort to bring to light the deep history of arts from the two respective cultures.

The conference held at Grand Valley State University will explore the music, dance and theater that have come from the Czech and Slovak regions. It will feature performances, lectures and meals all relating to the different cultures.

Discussion and performances featuring works by composers Jans Dismas Zelenka, Jan Vanclav Vorisek and Alois Haba will be among the weekend’s special events, with a trip to Lake Michigan rounding out the event on Sunday.

The featured composers are of

particular note with respect to the celebration of the arts of two lesser-\ historical turmoil that took place talked about regions,” said Marlen in region. In the 19th and 20th Vavrikova, assistant professor of centuries, much of the composers’ music at GVSU. “The conference work went unnoticed will focus primarily or was shunned on arts from the 17th “This is a pure due to dissent and 18th centuries, celebration of toward the Roman but there is quite a Catholic Church variety of material the arts of two by the communist will be looked at lesser-talked about that Czechoslovakian during the three-day regions.” government and event.” the rise of Stalin’s The conference MARLEN VAVRIKOVA Iron Curtain during will feature two GVSU ASSISTANT WWII. Also the keynote speakers, PROFESSOR firebombing of Bruno Nettl and Dresden, Germany Michael Beckerman, on the Czech border, which some who are well known within the field may recall as the subject of famed of Czech and Slovak arts. author Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Nettl was born in Czech Republic “Slaughter House Five,” invaded and is currently professor emeritus t h e cultural commentary of music and anthropology for the of the time.

University of Illinois. Beckerman “This is is a writer who has written several a pure pieces of literature on Czech topics, primarily focusing on music.

Professors from universities such as Bowling Green and Northwestern will also speak during the event.

“One of the conference’s greatest aspects is

that, while we have truly gifted and talented people here at Grand Valley, this has allowed us to go out and get experts on many different fields to speak here as well,” said Lisa Feurzeig, GVSU associate professor of music. “This has not only allowed us to give the public three days of interesting arts, but it will allow students, teachers and the general public to have a chance to hear world renowned scholars speak on lesser-known aspects of culture.”

The conference will feature performances and lectures on less-explored composers and will also feature a performance by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble led by director of bands at GVSU, Barry Martin.

“This is not only a great chance for students to hear their professors perform music that isn’t necessarily taught during classes, but it’s also a chance for the general public to be exposed to a much larger world,” Feurzeig said.

For those close to the production, it has also been a personal venture.

“I’m Czech myself, and after coming here in 1996, I began researching a lot of music from the region,” Vavrikova said. “I did my doctoral thesis on Czech music, and while this is the first time for the conference, there seems to be a lot of interest in it, so it’s been a really great experience putting this together.”

The conference runs until Sunday and will wrap with a recital featuring performers from the University of Akron, University of Michigan and the Flint School of Performing Arts.

For more information, and to register to attend the event, visit http://www.czechmusic.us. jbrunsting@lanthorn.com

Piano competition winner’s concert

Young pianists plan to perform on campus next month for the 20th/21st Century Piano Competition Winner’s Concert. It will feature first and second graders up to high school students.

The recital will take place May 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center.

Michigan Music Farm

The Michigan Music Farm has blues shows planned for the summer to benefit area animal shelters.

The “Summertime Blues” fundraising concert series will take place on Saturday and Sundays throughout the summer. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and noon on Sundays for a 21-and-up crowd, with $10 admission. Guests are encouraged to bring their own coolers to the Michigan Music Farm in Muskegon.

For more information and a specific blues band lineup, visit Facebook.com/ MIMusicFarm.

See more: Visit

Lanthorn.com for a video of a conference dance

Seniors cap 4 years of learning in thesis exhibit ‘BANGARANG!’ exhibit to display works of 11 GVSU photography students

By Haley Otman GVL A&E Editor

When David Rathbun began the photography major at Grand Valley State University back in 1981, it was the only major to require a senior thesis. Fastforward almost 30 years and it is obvious the photography program was ahead of the rest of the university.

“We were committed to student expression from the beginning of the major,” Rathbun said.

After that, Glenn Niemeyer used the photography major as an example of a senior capstone when he mandated a similar course for everyone else.

Years later, 11 winter 2010 senior photography students will continue the tradition with their senior thesis show, “BANGARANG!” The exhibit takes place from Tuesday through May 1 in the GVSU Art Gallery.

“The thesis show is my best demonstration that the photography major at Grand Valley ... accomplishes what we expect

it to accomplish,” Rathbun said. come true,” she added.

Rathbun said he believes the Student and co-exhibitor show reveals two things: that Jenna Raber took a whole difthe work is of uniformly high ferent direction on her pieces, quality and conception, and which Rathbun said shows each that no two bodies of work are student truly found who he or alike. In addition, it serves as a she is rather than taking on the demonstration that the program style of his or her professors. is committed to a liberal arts “My work is ... about groweducation, as one can literally ing up and gaining perspective, see the ways other subjects have so I believe there can be no betinfluenced the photographers in ter title than ‘BANGARANG!,’ their pieces. the cry of the lost Each phoboys, to apply to “I am proud of tographer has my work,” Raall of my images, ber said. worked on a set of specific photoShe spent and each one has graphs to contribevery weekend a special meaning up north shootute to the exhibit; to me ... ” it is not merely a ing her family collection of their members with DANA best pieces. her Canon 50D BLOODWORTH Dana Bloodcamera, then edGVSU SENIOR worth’s pieces are iting and printfrom Macedonia ing her photos and Ireland, inon campus. Alcluding the one shown. though she is happy with her “I’m proud of all of my im- finished product, especially the ages, and each one has special “raw, anguished” portrait of her meaning to me and tells a story younger brother, shooting famin itself,” she said. ily members turned out to be a After she graduates, Blood- little difficult. worth plans to continue her “Working around my famtravel photography by moving ily’s schedules and moods made to Alaska. creating photographs a tricky “(Graduation) always business; especially when your seemed so far away and like a relatives have no problem telldream, but now that it’s right ing you off,” she said. around the corner and all the The students each have spent pieces are falling together, I an entire semester, sometimes am anxious to make that dream more than one, with their chosen

faculty adviser to prepare their pieces for the exhibit. The usual weekly meetings consist of critiques of the work and what it is really about in a deeper sense.

Professor Stafford Smith served as mentor to some of the photography students.

“We met regularly over the course of this semester as I critiqued their work as it progressed, and made suggestions on sources of inspiration and possible historical reference,” Stafford said. “A high level of professional and artistic quality is evident in the work, and I think it would’ve been inconceivable only a few years ago for these students to think that they could reach this level of achievement in so short a time.”

Additionally, the seniors take a thesis class once a week where they work specifically on the exhibit itself, with activities such as framing and organizing the logistics of the show.

“BANGARANG!” was the perfect name for the exhibit, Bloodworth said, because it is “something exciting and energetic, yet mysterious, since that seemed to fit everyone’s work.”

The GVSU Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The photographers will be on hand Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the opening reception. arts@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Dana Bloodsworth

Dana Bloodsworth is one of 11 seniors featured in ‘BANGARANG!’.

Strange, but true George Washington racks up late fees at NY library NEW YORK (AP) — If George Washington were alive today, he might face a hefty overdue library fine.

New York City’s oldest library says one of its ledgers shows that the president has racked up 220 years’ worth of late fees on two books he borrowed, but never returned.

One of the books was the “Law of Nations,” which deals with international relations. The other was a volume of debates from Britain’s House of Commons.

Both books were due on Nov. 2, 1789.

New York Society Library head librarian Mark Bartlett says the institution isn’t seeking payment of the fines, but would love to get the books back.

The ledger also lists books being

taken out by other founding fathers, including Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr and John Jay. The entry on Washington simply lists the borrower as “president.”

Python found in Neb. hotel’s potty was lost pet LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Humane Society has tracked down the owner of a python found in a toilet of a La Vista hotel room. They said the owner panicked after losing the pet snake while staying at the Hampton Inn in late March and left without alerting management. The python was found Thursday morning by another guest.

The owner has not been cited. Hotel officials have declined to comment.

Stuck suspect says he was playing hide and seek NORTH EAST, Md. (AP) — A

burglary suspect came up with a creative explanation after he was found dangling from the ventilation system of a Maryland convenience store. He told police he was playing hide-and-seek.

Cecil County sheriff’s deputies said the owner of a BP convenience store in North East was opening up Wednesday morning when he spotted a pair of feet dangling from a duct. Deputies responded and freed a 20-year-old man.

Deputies said the man removed a ventilation cover and crawled through the vent before getting stuck and setting off a fire extinguisher that sprayed powder all over the store.

The man told deputies he was playing hide-and-seek on the roof with other adults and decided to hide in the ventilation system. He said the other players couldn’t figure out where he was and stopped looking for him.

Courtesy Photo / Dana Bloodsworth

Pictured is one of senior Dana Bloodsworth’s photos from Macedonia, which will be showcased in ‘BANGARANG!’.

CD/DVD Releases CD • •

DVD “Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna” Willie Nelson: “Country Music”

• • • • •

“Avatar” “Crazy Heart” “The Lovely Bones” “My Fake Fiancé” “Crimes of Fashion”

MARKETPLACE Services Get the HPV vaccine at the Ottawa County Health Department. College students may qualify to get the vaccine at little or no cost to them Find out more at miOttawa.org/health MOVING? Penske Truck can help ! Reserve your truck online and receive 10% off! call 1-800-GO-PENSKE or visit GOPENSKE.COM for more information

Opportunities Attend the LIFE 101 event presented by the GVSU Young Alumni Council! Network with your alumni, food and drink and life skills sessions Visits gvsu.edu/alumni/events for more info

Employment Bartenders wanted. Up to $250/Day. No Experience necessary. Training provided.

Age 18+ Okay. Call 1-800-965-6520. ext. 226.

College Pro is now hiring painters all across the state to work outdoors with other students. Earn $3k-5k. Advancement opportunities.

1-888-277-9787 or collegepro.com

Housing The Village at 48 West. Stop in Today! Rates starting at only $395! 616.895.2400 or www.48west.com for more info Copper Beech Townhomes...the most space for the best price! 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom units! Located in Allendale on 48th Street. Call 616-895-2900 or visit copprbeechtownhomes.com for more information.

Subleaser Needed- Rent $325 Male roommate needed to move in May 1- August 31 Beautiful condo located 10 minutes from GVSU please contact me with questions wellsdv@mail.gvsu.edu

Taking summer classes and need a place to stay?? sublease my apartment at Conifer Creek.

It is a four bedroom four and a half bath townhome! Prefer female who would be willing to live with the other three fun and friendly girls who currently reside there. If anyone is interested please call me, Lisa, at 989-820-5547

I''m looking for someone to sublease from may-august. I live in Heritage Hills on Prospect SE street, Grand Rapids. Rent would only be $330 a month.

This includes all utilities and internet access.

The apartment consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a spacious dining area, a living room, a large laundry room, a basement, and a small screened in porch. Parking is readily accessible on the road or driveway. If you''re interested you can contact me at cbruning@live.com.

Internships

Leaser for Fall 2010. $419/month at Meadows.

Contact Erica at 568-556-0140 Full-time Leasing Consultant.

Join IPA Management as a full-time Leasing Consultant at the Village at 48 West Apartments & Town Homes.

Duties include: sales, marketing, outreach and general leasing administration. Excellent benefits package, including rent discount and paid time off. Interested applicants should apply online at www.rentipa.com/careers Looking for subleaser this summer at Meadows Crossing for $325 a month but is negotiable. Room is spacious and includes full size bed, nightstand, desk, chair, tall dresser and a connecting private bathroom. Lease from May 1st through July 22nd!

Includes washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, cable, and internet. Not included is Electric and Gas. Kitchen and living room fully furnished as well.

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, April 19, 2010

Internship openings with retail commercial trade exchange. Marketing broker positions in Lansing and Grand Rapids/lakeshore locations. Possible course credit options. Phone Mr. Glees, Trade Network, Inc. 616-447-8181 INTERNSHIP – voluntary paralegal internships available at Dale Sprik & Associates. 616-785-3300. Grand Rapids.

Social Media and Marketing Intern IPA Management, a local property management company based in Grand Haven, is looking for a Social Media and Marketing Intern for the Summer/Early Fall 2010. For more information on the position, and to apply, please visit www.rentipa.com/careers.

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 Save money on household items, clothing, and more at Love INC the new to you store in Allendale on 60th Ave off of Lake Michigan!

Moving? We except gently used donations The Northview Little League is looking for experienced umpires. If interested, please contact Nikki4745@comcast.net

See Answers at Lanthorn.com

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B6

Monday, April 19, 2010

NEWS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Professor brings ‘Dance on Camera Festival’ to GVSU

By Danielle Slabbekoorn GVL Staff Writer

Professor Shawn Bible will bring the Dance Films Association from New York to Grand Valley State University Thursday for the free “Dance on Camera Festival,” which will show at the Dance Studio Theatre in the Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. The festival will feature independent dance films from around the world.

Lanthorn: How did this annual event begin?

Bible: Prior to my appointment with GVSU, “Dancing on Camera” was part of what I did.

It was a part of my background that I wanted to bring with me.

As long as I am here, GVSU will have it here.

Lanthorn: Can you explain to me what this event is?

Bible: (Dance on Camera) is a genre in itself. There is a genre of dance and a genre of film.

They have actually been working together throughout history forever. This is using our resources to historically capture these dances and categorize them to show them in the festival. With dance, the only way to preserve it is to tape it.

Lanthorn: How is this year’s different than last year’s?

Bible: The difference is that every year I work to get something different. I am with the Dance Films Association, which is the headliner that all these films from around the world are sent to and juried and

Courtesy Photo / GVSU

Shawn Bible helps organize the “Dance on Camera Festival,” which will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Performing Arts Center.

are featured in the festival ... Every year I see the films that have been selected for the year and I pick the ones that I want to feature at GVSU. It is the closest thing to seeing the films straight from New York without having to go to New York.

Lanthorn: What types of dance and choreography will be shown?

Bible: This year, I am featuring films from all around the world and none will be from the U.S., whereas last year there were some ... This year, the community is being more acclimated to the culture, and so I wanted to show more from other countries. There will be

films from South Africa, Australia, Switzerland, England and Japan; all from 2005 to the current year.

As it happens every year, I teach a class called “Dance on Camera” in which the students vote for one student film that will open the Dance on Camera Festival. This is the most exciting part for me to be able to see my students’ work alongside those from the festival.

Lanthorn: How is this useful and beneficial for non-dance students and the community?

Bible: It doesn’t matter who you are, we like to sit down and watch stuff. We are such a multimedia culture. The most beneficial thing is to sit in front of the festival and get afterwards from people, “Why haven’t we seen these before?” They are not mainstream films; they are very independent films only shown through this avenue. dslabbekoorn@lanthorn.com

Visit Lanthorn.com for an extended version See more: