GV alumni visualize Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital through virtual reality
BY EVA ORTIZ & EMMA ARMIJO LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University students and alumni showcased a virtual reality project for the Grand Rapids Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital at the hospital’s groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 15. GVSU alumni created the project, which helped attendees visualize the potential of the health center.
The Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital is a joint effort between the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. It will be the first rehabilitation center dedicated to pediatric care in Michigan and is set to open in 2026, according to MLive.
“Attendees at the groundbreaking thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as they became immersed (and were) able to see the exterior and interior of the hospital,” said IT Innovation and Research Senior Director Eric Kunnen.
Although the hospital’s
construction has yet to begin, attendees got to experience what it will be like to walk through the building. The experience was brought to life using 10 Meta Quest headsets and 10 Apple iPads, and was made possible by GVSU alumni Ben Stenglein, Shane Belofsky and Andrew Schreur. The group created the 360-degree video with narration and animation.
Executive Associate for Presidential Initiatives Elizabeth Doyle, as well as GVSU’s Office of Inclusion and Equity, Office of the President and the IT Innovation and Research team supported the group of alumni in their execution of the project.
For architects and designers, applying VR technology allows them to truly envision their enterprises. Belofsky graduated in 2024 with a degree in film and video. He said he was honored that architects shared their blueprints for the health facility with the group, and that it changed the game when it came down to actually creating the animation.
“It meant a lot that the architects trusted us with the CAD files for the
hospital,” Belofsky said. “It made our jobs a whole lot easier when implementing the architectural blueprint into an environment and bringing it to life in a virtual experience.”
The alumni involved in creating the VR experience produced the animation remotely, with each of them working separately. Belofsky said this posed specific challenges when developing the final product.
“One of the most challenging parts was that we created this (the VR digital experience) all remote, and on our own separate systems,” Belofsky said. “Communication was crucial to our success on this project. We also were all working other (additional) jobs, so it was definitely a grind.”
According to Mary Free Bed, roughly 60% of Michigan children who require inpatient care receive treatment at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. The new pediatric center will be substantial for these children and the Michigan community.
GVSU’s contribution to the hospital’s groundbreaking is a display
of the advancements the University is taking to keep up with the evolving world of technology. Kunnen said GVSU is making efforts to explore emerging technologies beyond this project, as well.
“The Atomic Object Technology Showcase in the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons offers a variety of virtual and augmented reality headsets that students, faculty and staff can experience, including Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 2 and 3, Valve Index, Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap,” Kunnen said.
Belofsky said he found the process of creating the VR hospital experience inspiring, and it meant a lot to him to use his education for the betterment of the city in which he received it.
“It was very fulfilling to help show off the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital,” Belofsky said. “It is amazing to see how technology is beginning to shape the future of Grand Rapids.”
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BY MAX BUFKIN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
With the 2024-2025 academic year approaching, universities across Michigan, including Grand Valley State University have set higher tuition costs for the tenth consecutive year. On April 26, GVSU’s Board of Trustees (BOT) approved an increase in tuition, including room and board.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the cost of in-state and out-of-state tuition at GVSU rose 3.5%, while the cost of housing and dining rose 5.2%. GVSU students will have to pay an estimated additional $524 per year in tuition fees, according to MLive. The $524 doesn’t include the estimated $185 increase in campus living costs or the $100 increase in meal plan costs.
During GVSU’s 1995-1996 academic year, the cost of tuition per semester was only $1,390, and has steadily risen ever since. In 2020, the average cost at GVSU for a 12-15 credit semester was $6,622 for an in-state resident. The current semester’s price rate has risen to $7,570, marking the tenth consecutive year the university has increased the cost of attendance.
Laker Food Co. falls under the umbrella of GVSU’s Auxiliary Services. Director of Auxiliary Services Doug Wentworth said the costs for these services are evaluated regularly.
Despite the elevated meal plan rate, Wentworth said GVSU’s dining cost for the 2023-2024 academic year was the lowest in the state, “more than 25% less than other Michigan universities.”
“We recognize that any increase has an impact on students,” Wentworth said. “We continuously evaluate the entire campus dining operation to hold prices down, while providing a service that meets students’ needs and desires.”
Besides tuition and dining, there are multiple factors that contribute to increases in room and board expenses. The aim of price increases are to ensure students have access to improved amenities, a wider array of options and reliable maintenance services, according to Kyle Boone, Director of Housing and Residence Life at GVSU.
“Our goal is to provide an exceptional living experience that aligns with our commitment to affordability, allowing students to focus on their education without the added stress of financial burdens,” Boone said.
Boone also noted that the number of students admitted to the University doesn’t impact housing rates.
“Instead, our rates are set with careful consideration of maintaining affordability, while offering a variety of oncampus housing options at different price points,” said Boone.
Other Michigan universities, including Michigan
State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University have also increased their tuition rates by as much as 4.5%. According to GVNext, GVSU’s tuition cost for residential undergraduate students is still in the bottom quarter of Michigan public universities. However, the University remains in the top quarter for standards such as completion rates and job placement rates.
In the United States as a whole, tuition costs have soared to unprecedented levels. Since the 1970s, tuition in the U.S. has steadily increased, sometimes at the same rate or even higher than that of general inflation.
As tuition costs continue to rise, the opportunity for lower-income families to afford higher education dwindles, and access to financial aid services becomes increasingly crucial for students in need. Services like Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Laker Meal Share Program and the campus food pantry, Replenish, offer students who may be experiencing financial insecurity support options. Campus guidance programs like the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at GVSU continue to provide FAFSA information to students.
“We encourage students facing financial challenges to reach out to our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, where they can explore a variety of support options designed to alleviate financial strain and ensure they can pursue their educational goals,” Boone said.
The BOT chose to set its 2024-2025 tuition rates earlier than previous years so that potential new students could have more time to financially plan before the next semester. GVSU President Philomena Mantella reiterated her commitment to helping students through the financial aid process and providing cost-certain information to parents.
“Today, we demonstrated our commitment to providing transparency and the cost certainty that parents need by being one of the first universities in the state to share tuition information for the fall,” Mantella said to GVNext. “This is especially vital right now with the challenges around FAFSA and we are proud that our Financial Aid Team is dedicated to helping families through this stressful time.”
“Grand Valley should be a place where anybody, regardless of background or circumstance, can get a high-quality education and be successful for the rest of their life,” said Greg Sanial, GVSU Vice President for Finance and Administration, according to MLive.
Lubbers Stadium undergoes renovations to upgrade fan experience
BY OLIVIA MULKA LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University is expected to finalize construction at Lubbers Stadium before the first football game on Sept. 5. The $6,700,000 project at Lubbers Stadium is part of a master plan to expand GVSU’s facilities. Renovations to the stadium include safety improvements to the field, accommodation upgrades for a larger capacity and entertainment upgrades.
Additions to the facility include new turf and a shock pad under the field to reduce injuries and concussions for players. The changes that will affect fans the most include the addition of 42 bathrooms and a new concessions facility at the stadium.
Senior Project Manager in the Facilities Planning Department at GVSU, Scott Whisler, said there was a need for these changes for several reasons.
“The growth in attendance over recent years has created a much higher demand for more concessions and restroom facilities,” Whisler said. “The new facilities should shorten lines, making your time away from the action much less.”
There have also been adjustments made to ensure Lubbers Stadium
is more accessible for those with disabilities. According to Whisler, a new ramp and elevator have been added to better comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and ensure all fans can enjoy the games.
“While we have always provided barrier-free seating, it was sometimes difficult to get to,” Whisler said. “The great thing this facility also allowed us to do was create a barrier-free access to the upper grandstands, as well as the press box and suites.”
and watch the game from there.”
Doug Lipinksi, the Deputy Director of Athletics for External Relations at GVSU, said every change was made with the GVSU community in mind. Lipinski highlighted his excitement about the renovations, and the impact they will have on the stadium’s audiences.
“We pride ourselves on having the best fan experience in the nation, and part of that is infrastructure,” Lipinksi said.
“We pride ourselves on having the best fan experience in the nation, and part of that is infrastructure.”
Adjustments and upgrades were also made to the viewing deck, which now features multiple televisions to watch the game, as well as a bar. GVSU Athletics is also in the process of obtaining a permanent liquor license for the stadium, according to Whisler.
“There is an elevator at the ground concourse level that will take you to the viewing deck,” Whisler said. “From there, we have installed a barrier-free ramp to the suites and grandstands, or spectators can hang out on the deck
Lipinksi also said audiences’ overall safety was a focal point to the renovations, describing “having more room to walk around,” and the efficiency of getting crowds in and out faster.
Ruby Crockett, a sophomore at GVSU, said she enjoys going to football games due to their social aspect. However, she said attending games last year felt chaotic, and that it was hard to get from one side of the stadium to the other.
“You can really get into the school spirit (by attending sporting events), especially
when they have themes,” Crockett said. “The few football games I went to last year felt incredibly packed. Now that there’s more concessions and bathrooms, I’ll definitely go to more (games).”
Lipinski said he hopes that these changes will not only benefit existing fans but will also attract new ones.
“We’re always looking to improve our facilities to attract folks to campus,” Lipinski said. “One great thing about intercollegiate athletics is (that) you can attract prospective students.”
Lipinski said GVSU’s achievements and athletic successes have brought about conversations regarding the state of the University’s athletic facilities. The renovations are being made to support not only the current fan base, but to further support opportunities for the University to host future conferences and athletic contests. Lipinski said renovations to the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena can also be expected.
“We talked about championship of excellence (for the GVSU Athletics Department), and it’s just not there to be able to attract the certain types of events you would want to have on a college campus,” Lipinski said. “I would say in the near future, that (the Fieldhouse Arena) would be one we pinpoint.”
GV Department of Music, Theater and Dance creates performance industry program
BY EVA ORTIZ LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
The Department of Music, Theater and Dance (MTD) at Grand Valley State University is in the process of adding a new program for undergraduate students titled “Performance Arts Industry.”
The new program addresses an emerging area of interest for students in MTD. Traditionally, these students earn a degree in either performing arts or education of the arts, and other knowledge and skills are learned onthe-job. The new degree will focus on the business aspect of performing arts and teach the skill set students need before starting a career in the field.
“There are many other professions within the performing arts world that don’t quite fit either of those
(existing) degree names,” said MTD Associate Department Chair Dan Graser. “Enough people have gotten interested in these careers that a genuine degree is a good idea and will provide more specific training for students who may not want to be a performer or educator.”
Students in the program would pursue work with the components that make the performing arts possible. Jobs such as arts presenter or exhibition director encompass the positions the degree is made for.
Performance arts industry students will still be required to go through many of the same courses as other students in the MTD department. Prospective students will have to audition for the program and undergo a similar process as other MTD majors,
so a background in performing arts is still relevant to the degree.
According to Graser, students in the past have achieved a similar education at GVSU by double majoring or pursuing a minor, and specifically through taking courses in GVSU’s School of Community Leadership and Development. Graser said the new program is a way to bridge the path many students were already taking.
Adding a program like performance arts industry has circulated the MTD department for nearly a decade. On July 12, the Board of Trustees approved the proposal to add the program at their annual meeting. Though the program passed through curriculum committees, the University’s dean and the provost, it is still not quite ready to be part of GVSU’s course offerings officially.
“The degree is not yet approved by the National Association of Schools of Music,” said MTD Department Chair Kevin Tutt.
While awaiting approval, the University will spend time preparing the details and communicating with prospective students about the new course offering.
“When you’re waiting on an accrediting body to approve a program, you never know the timeline,” Graser said. “The earliest we would aim for is Fall 2025.”
Through the development of the performance arts industry program, GVSU is adapting to evolving industry trends, and creating a more direct pathway for students interested in the broader world of performing.
GV political organization protests at Democratic National Convention
BY
Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) attended a protest at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois on Aug. 19.The march was organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, and garnered thousands of protesters. The protest’s platform was based on advocating for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, ensuring reproductive rights, support for immigrants’ rights and union support.
According to GVSU SDS member Eric Johnson, numerous organizations protested at the DNC, including the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Jewish Voice for Peace. Each organization was given a clear section within the crowd and space to voice their opinions.
Johnson said participating in political activism of that size was thrilling, and that attending SDS members had planned on joining the protest for many months.
“Everyone was excited to take part in something much larger than themselves,” Johnson said.
“Everyone was excited to take part in something much larger than themselves.”
Gavin Shingles agreed with Johnson, noting the impact the march had on him.
“It was inspiring to see the massive amount (of) people coming together to pressure the Democrats to stop arming genocide,” Shingles said.
For GVSU SDS and the other protesting organizations, the biggest motivator behind attending the march was the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On Oct. 7, about 1,200 people were killed in an attack on Israel by Hamas and more than 250 people were taken as hostages, according to the BBC. Since then, more than 40,000
Palestinians in Gaza have been killed due to aerial and artillery strikes sent out by the Israeli military, and on Aug. 13, the Biden administration approved a $20 billion weapons sale to Israel. SDS, as a national organization, has supported an arms embargo on Israel and an end to all aid to Israel by the United States.
“Everyone has (an) obligation to oppose genocide, and the (Democratic Party) is actively participating in the genocide of Palestinians,” said Shingles.
“They are giving Israel the bombs being dropped on Palestinians.”
As of Aug. 21, the Biden administration put forth a new proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; however, according to the New York Times, both Israel and Hamas officials have stated that “the U.S. proposal leaves major disagreements mostly unresolved.”
intentionally targeted and that Israel must do more to protect innocent life in Gaza and innocent civilians in Gaza,” Harris said during a press briefing. “We continue to make that point, not only privately but publicly as well.”
Other concerns garnered by SDS are ensuring the rights of women, immigrants and union workers. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, which protected women’s right to abortion. In some states, it is now illegal to have an abortion, even in cases of rape, incest or health of the mother.
their support for Harris’ presidential campaign. Many union leaders said that Harris has previously supported their unions in an uplifting manner. However, according to members of SDS, there were union workers among the protest that wanted to ensure the Democratic Party would secure their rights.
During the DNC, Vice President Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire and a negotiation to free hostages in Gaza. Harris also expressed her disgust toward the growing Palestinian death toll. Since 2023, Harris has participated in meetings with the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“We have been very clear about where we stand on this, which is
According to Time, Harris has more substantial views on abortion rights than Biden, condemning the Supreme Court for its decision. During the DNC, Harris addressed women’s reproductive rights, and promised to defend them if elected.
President of GVSU SDS, Owen Frassetto, said he would like to see the Democratic Party follow through on the promises they made during the convention.
“We hold you (the Democratic Party) to the things you say you’re going to do,” Frassetto said. “You have to follow through.”
During the DNC, six of the largest labor unions in the United States announced
At the protest, SDS also expressed concerns regarding Harris’ immigration policies, which include stricter border security. Harris supported the bipartisan border security deal, which would have reduced border crossings, but it was ultimately stuck down by the Republican Party. In 2021, President Biden asked Harris to oversee border policy, which led her to work with several Latin American countries to alleviate factors of mass migration, including poverty and corruption.
On July 15, GVSU SDS also protested at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over similar grievances.
GVSU SDS has previously participated in numerous demonstrations both on and off campus. According to Frassetto, the student group will continue protesting for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, women’s and immigrants’ rights and union support.
GVL HAILEY HENTZ
CHANT: Members of GVSU SDS join other organizations in protest. GVL HAILEY HENTZ
A8 | OPINIONS
The appeal of leaving dating apps for real-life connections
BY MACENZIE CONN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Four years ago, downloading dating apps seemed like a rite of passage in college. I remember bonding with my freshman year roommates by swiping on each others’ phones, reading text message exchanges and sharing online dating horror stories. Dating apps can seem like a good place to start meeting others when entering college. Maybe you just want to talk
to new people, or maybe you want to jump into the deep end of the dating pool– either way, you’re likely turning to apps like Tinder, Bumble or Hinge. However, I’ve started to think that this is no longer the case. Since my first year of college, I’ve seen more and more posts about how people want to meet someone authentically. I’ve heard stories in class about how many of my peers simply don’t support the culture surrounding dating apps anymore. Can you really blame them?
There have been many studies conducted about how the use of dating apps can have negative effects on mental health. According to the British Psychological Society, not only does frequent usage of dating apps cause increased loneliness and symptoms of depression, but it can also lead to low self-esteem, and even burnout.
Many regular users of these apps claim that the act of swiping through profiles eventually becomes a mindless habit. Many people scroll through apps such as Tinder without even reading the profiles, and messages with matches go unread because one of the
parties isn’t actually interested. It can be a cruel cycle, so no wonder many people are proclaiming dating apps to be a waste of time. In my opinion, there are better ways to meet a romantic partner that have been utilized long before the creation of dating apps.
One way is through mutual friends. Many people are turning to their friends to set them up, and it makes sense. The default commonality of having a mutual friend with someone can be an instant icebreaker. People close to you generally have a good sense of your “type,” and which qualities you look for in a significant other-- meaning they might find you a better match than through an app.
Another way people are replacing dating apps is by meeting people through organizations or at social events. If you’re volunteering with a specific group and meet someone, you already have a good idea of things the person is interested in or passionate about. You can also gauge how someone likes to spend their time and which
Diaries of a former Amazon driver
BY COLLIN ST. JOHN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
At the end of last winter semester, I wrote my final essay about Jeff Bezos and his enormous riches. I concluded that he is immorally rich and abuses American capitalism. I am anti-billionaire because I don’t believe someone can be so wealthy without harming others (but that’s a point for another article). A few weeks after I had written my Bezos essay, I started my summer job as an Amazon driver. Here are some of my thoughts on being an Amazon driver.
Scheduling and Fatigue
As an Amazon Driver, you have to work four days a week, ten hours each day. You have to work at least one weekend day, and as a newcomer, I was scheduled to work both. I worked my four days back-to-back and I had a three-day break. While this schedule allows for three days off per week, which is awesome, it also is exhausting to work four days in a row. Amazon does follow guidelines to protect their drivers from being dangerously
fatigued while driving, but there were still many times I felt too dazed, tired and bored to keep driving. The hours felt slow and the country roads seemed endless. The driving and delivering became so routine that the actions involved became thoughtless. As the act of driving was so mundane, truthfully, I often would forget to follow safety guidelines. Sometimes my speed would slip into ten over the limit or I’d forget to buckle my seat belt, but the worst was when I’d be distracted from checking my delivery device while driving (like we were supposed to).
Loadout
As most would expect, a driver’s day is primarily delivering packages and driving around. However, most people do not know how a driver’s day starts. Drivers get to their designated warehouse to grab their delivery device and van keys before locating their van and load time. Then, loadout, where all of the drivers independently load their van up with over 300 packages, begins. Drivers only get fifteen minutes to find their packages, transport them to the van and load them all in a secured and neat manner. How a driver organizes their packages dictates how easy the rest of their day will be. Sometimes the workload sucks, and a driver doesn’t have enough time to pay close attention to the organization. This will make their day much more difficult. By 10:00 a.m., I’d already be soaked with sweat. However, the rest of the day was always physically easier than loadout.
Technology
Throughout the day, drivers must use multiple apps to keep track of their driving habits, deliver the packages, communicate with their dispatch and
types of activities they prioritize. This can make it easier to see if their values and schedules align well with yours.
In general, someone can get a much better idea of who someone is by meeting them in person rather than online. When creating profiles for popular dating apps, someone can spend their time choosing their best photos, googling witty pick up lines and coming up with five basic interests to try to paint a picture of themselves. When meeting face-to-face, a person’s style, sense of humor and personality can come through a lot better.
I feel this all contributes to more people moving away from dating apps and towards real-life connections, and I think that’s a good thing. Meeting someone in person can get you out of your comfort zone and improve communication with other people in your community. I encourage everyone to make the first move and delete those dating apps.
more. While you’d think Amazon would have the best of the best devices and technology, this isn’t the case. We used smartphones that were prone to trash batteries, connectivity issues, glitches and navigational mistakes. Additionally, these issues occur while drivers are having to constantly check their devices while driving.
Not only were the delivery devices unreliable, so were many of the vans we drove. Most of them had broken doors, missing floor pieces, broken phone mounts and other issues. Amazon does not give you the tools needed to succeed in this job, and issues with the delivery device and van can completely ruin a driver’s day.
Fighting Boredom
So how do drivers stay sane alone in a car all day? Personally, I listened to music and podcasts, but eventually, that got boring. Music became just noise, and I ran out of podcast episodes. While it’s amazing not having a boss in the van with you all day, it can get lonely. Luckily, I had friends who also drove for Amazon. We would occasionally join conference calls where we’d all just chat about our days. What comes along with this is that I got to hear all of the stories about my fellow drivers’ days. Hearing how their device was glitching out would make me feel better about my van door being jammed closed.
Final Thoughts
Being an Amazon Driver was an interesting experience. I wouldn’t recommend this job due to the lack of improvement available within the company, and the physical intensity. I also think Amazon poorly prepares their
drivers to succeed due to the company’s faulty technology. However, if you want a three-day weekend, you can handle long hours on the road and you would like time independent from supervisors, this would be an adequate option.
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A9 | EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Brat or not brat: “We’re bumpin’ that”
BY LANTHORN EDITORIAL STAFF LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Ranking No. 3 on the Billboard music charts, the album “brat” by Charli xcx is more than the soundtrack to our summer. After “brat” released on June 7, the chaotic, high energy album became a viral sensation, and has transformed into an aesthetic and lifestyle trend called “brat summer. Brat summer has swarmed social media and truly took on a life of its own. We are certainly “bumpin’ that.”
One of the trends associated with “Brat” is its lime green album cover-the new color of the summer. The color has had an impact similar to the aesthetic trends of last summer’s blockbuster movie release, “Barbie.”
Brat has also codified its own slang. Catchy songs from the album like “Apple” and “365” have taken off on TikTok, with Charli xcx fans and celebrities alike participating in viral dance trends.
The singer has defined brat summer as an aesthetic for messy and rebellious party girls to embrace a lifestyle of being your perfectly imperfect self. The trend has been
deemed by the general public as an opposite of the “clean girl” aesthetic of 2022, which popularized a groomed and filtered version of femininity. Here at the Lanthorn, we think this acceptance of a real and sometimes messy lifestyle is “so Julia.”
However, lime-green memes and a new “that girl” mindset haven’t been the only thing influenced by the brat album. While the attitude of brat has,
of course, been embraced by media everywhere, fashion is following close behind. “Brat summer style” is meant to portray party girls that have a “polished edge,” according to Women’s Wear Daily, and was picked up by celebrities such as Charli xcx herself, Amelia Gray, Maika Monroe, and the original inspiration for the brat attitude, Julia Fox.
The overall aesthetic features Y2K
aspects, brightly colored accessories and loud statement outfit pieces, in comparison to the more sophisticated style or comfortable athleisure trends that have been prominent in fashion over the past few years. For many who enjoy a more eclectic or daring fit, this shift in fashion mainstream has been a breath of fresh air, and it’s impossible to deny how it makes room for self expressiveness and boldness-- the very definition of being brat.
There is, however, one flaw we find with brat summer: bratty politics. After Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party, Charli xcx tweeted, “Kamala IS brat.” Immediately after this, Harris’ campaign rebranded with the lime green logo, earning her $15.9 million in media impact value in just 48 hours, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
While this is great news for the Harris campaign, we think this branding is wrong for one simple reason: Kamala is not actually brat. We don’t think there is anything brat about a 59-year-old politician in a pantsuit. As a candidate for the presidential race, we just find the “bratification” of Harris simply too unserious.
After this misstep, multiple articles reported that “brat summer is dead,” after being over politicized and used out of context. Charli xcx reposted articles making this claim before announcing the release of a remix of her song “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish. The song debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-charting single from the album. We think this remix was able to revive brat summer for the rest of August.
With brat summer officially starting to cool down, Charli xcx has teased one last remix for the album. We are excited to see what she has in store for this final moment of brat summer. We’re sure it will be iconic.
SO JULIA: Singer Charli xcx took the world by storm with the release of her album “brat,”
GV Artist-in-Residence hopes to inspire, educate future artists
BY LACIE HOFFMAN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s Distinguished Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year, Katya Grokhovsky, will work closely with GVSU students on various explorations, projects and art forms.
The Padnos Distinguished Artistin-Residency position, part of GVSU’s Department of Visual & Media Arts (VMA), was created to broaden art education and provide additional opportunities for students majoring or interested in the arts. Grokhovsky, selected for her global recognition and knowledge of the arts, will be the fifth person to hold the position at GVSU.
In a statement made to GVNext, VMA said they are excited about the prospect of exploring student art education through Grokhovsky’s “impressive professional background” and her “lived experiences as an immigrant artist.” Grokhovsky is a Ukrainian-born artist based in New York, and during her residency, she will focus on educating and mentoring
“I hope to engage in an active dialogue through my work and time here, and achieve new avenues of inquiry in my own work, and that of students.”
students through her versatile expertise in painting, drawing, fibers, sculptures and performance in community-based art.
“(Grokhovsky’s) presence within the VMA department will enhance student learning, build community locally and will extend outward to the larger University and West Michigan communities,” said VMA’s statement.
Through her work at GVSU, Grokhovsky will address issues of displacement and collective trauma, and investigate their meanings while using materials found in everyday life.
Grokhovsky uses her art to inspire deep thinking about the world and will challenge the students at GVSU to create art that holds the capacity to open hearts and minds to complex topics and explorations.
“I am interested in intersections of disciplines and materiality through collaborative approaches and innovative thought processes,” Grokhovsky said. “(My teachings) stem from my own research and making with a view to broaden the contemporary art arena and work together.”
Grokhovsky will continue her art while working with the students during her stay at GVSU, including through a project titled “Common Language,” which will ultimately be displayed in an exhibition at GVSU. The installation, which includes sculpture, fiber, painting and a video, will explore the narratives of migration and belonging.
One of the works within the installation will feature a functional furniture piece with which the audience can interact. Inspired by the history of furniture making in the area, the exhibition will offer a space for connection and discussion surrounding a time of global conflict.
“I hope to engage in an active dialogue through my work and time here, and achieve new avenues of inquiry in my own work, and that of students,” Grokhovsky said.
During her residency at GVSU, Grokhovsky will expose students interested in pursuing art professionally to the daily proceedings and process of working and living as an artist.
“I think an academic art residency like this has the potential to expose the students to an actively practicing professional artist,” Grokhovsky said. “Throughout my time here, there will be numerous opportunities of public engagement through talks, events and a culminating exhibition.”
Grokhovsky added that she is excited to place her work at GVSU and work alongside the students and faculty, believing this role to be an excellent avenue for opening opportunities and connections to students.
Olympian to join GV swimming and diving team A
BY ETHAN OUTMAN
The 2024 Paris Olympics have taken over the world this summer with a plethora of iconic moments, memes and controversies. On top of that, one student is bringing the Olympics to Grand Valley State University.
Incoming freshman Esteban Núñez del Prado competed at the 2024 Olympics, representing his country, Bolivia. Competing in heat one of the men’s 200-meter individual medley against competitors from Paraguay and Seychelles, he placed third with a time of 2:08:10, ranking twenty-third overall.
Following the 2024 Olympics, he will be part of the GVSU swimming and diving team.
“We’ve never had someone (from the GVSU swimming and diving team) compete in the Olympic games before,” said Head Coach Andrew Boyce.
Being the first Olympian to join the team, Núñez del Prado is already making waves at GVSU.
Núñez del Prado’s recruitment process looked quite different from recruitment for an athlete residing in Michigan. For Núñez del Prado, he first heard about GVSU from a friend at the University.
“I talked with a friend and he told me how good (everything is) there, so I
talked with the coach and he was a super nice person,” Núñez del Prado said.
Boyce noted that the recruitment process is often a different experience for everyone.
“We do a lot of Zoom meetings and phone calls, but with Esteban in particular, he had a friend on the team that told him about the school,” Boyce said. “We just went from there, and the rest is history.”
It was as simple as that, and the Bolivian Olympic athlete had his attention turned out of the country and towards Allendale, Michigan.
The GVSU Men’s swimming and diving team currently holds 13 GLIAC titles. This past February, the team secured their tenth consecutive win, finishing with a total of 915 points.
In a sport like swimming, it is important to have a strong team dynamic. Boyce is hoping that the addition of Núñez del Prado to the team will have a positive impact on the group’s dynamic and enhance their overall success.
“We continue to strive to be one of the top teams in Division II,” said Boyce. “We have a lot of athletes that push each other to be the best they can be. I think with an athlete at his caliber, he will know how to push the team and himself to the best of their abilities, and I can’t wait to see how he interacts with the students on campus and the team as well.”
Núñez del Prado competing in the Olympics will bring an entirely new perspective to the team dynamic.
“(The Olympics) are completely different (from) any other competition I have been to,” Núñez del Prado said.
Núñez del Prado will be bringing a lot of knowledge from the international competition to the GVSU swimming and diving team, but even with this life-changing experience, he hopes to learn even more during his time here.
“I hope to learn how to manage my schedule as (well) as possible and make
great friends,” said Núñez del Prado. Many students and supporters in the GVSU community are excited to see the impact that Núñez del Prado leaves on the University. On an Instagram post made by the swim and dive team, one of the comments reads, “This makes me so proud to be a GV swim alum!” For Núñez del Prado, his time on campus is just as important as his time on the team. When asked what he was most excited about coming to GVSU, Núñez del Prado said, “To live the college experience. I think (it) will be great.”
AMBITION: Núñez’s experience can be inspirational. COURTESY | WORLD AQUATICS
RANK: Núñez competed in the first heat of the
FOOTBALL
GV football reflects on off-season, new offensive coordinator A 12 | SPORTS
BY GRIFFIN MISSANT LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
With Grand Valley State University’s football season right around the corner, there has been a great amount of activity within the team-- from practicing at camp to the hire of a new offensive coordinator.
After going 11-2 last season and falling short in the Division II quarterfinals to Harding University, the eventual national champions, there was no shortage of motivation for this team.
However, there are some big changes going into this season-- none bigger than the addition of offensive coordinator, Ian Shoemaker. There is a ton of optimism with Coach Shoemaker, as he has a large coaching resume.
As the head coach for Central Washington from 2014-2019 Shoemaker led the team to a 45-20 record and was able to capture two conference
championships. More recently, Shoemaker was the coordinator for both Eastern Washington, one of the most explosive offenses in the country at the time, and Hawaii.
Since the announcement of Shoemaker’s hire, second-year Head Coach Scott Wooster has been thrilled.
“This hire creates great continuity, as he is aligned philosophically and culturally to continue to grow and build our offense into the most physical and explosive in the country,” Wooster said, according to GV Athletics.
There is also confidence in the locker room about the new play caller from sophomore receiver Kellen Reed.
Reed won GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week twice last year, and led the nation in kickoff returns for touchdowns.
“Our offense will have a completely new look,” said Reed. “I feel (it) fits our athletes abilities very well.”
Lakers will get a chance to see this
brand new offense at the start of the season come September. However, before the regular season starts, there’s much work to do in the off-season, according to Reed. The off-season is especially important for a team like GVSU, as every season comes with championship aspirations.
“In the off-season we go hard,” said Reed, “It’s tough, but it builds our mental strength, as it does our physical.”
Reed highlighted one of the major keys to success in a sport like football, trust, and emphasized how important it is within their team.
“I feel like we have had a great balance of prevention and knowing how hard to push us from our coaches,” said Reed. “That (balance) makes it so easy to trust what they are telling us to do.”
There are many aspects that go into winning a single football game. GVSU aims to perfect these aspects during training.
“Fine tuning the small things may seem like nitpicking, but in games we’ve learned that it comes down to very small decisions that can leave you with a win or a loss,” Reed said.
While football is a very physical sport, some people may ignore the mental side of the game. Reed elaborated on the importance of the mental game in football.
“Reach higher,” Reed said. “When you think you are using your full mental and physical ability, keep pushing that mental limit we have in our brains.”
With the season approaching rapidly, the team’s mindset is clear to the sophomore wideout.
“(We need to) be the best players we can be every time we touch the field,” Reed said.
GVSU’s football team opens up the 2024 season with a home game at Lubbers Stadium against the Central State Marauders on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
