Avenues to Accountability
Advisory groups address GV faculty concerns over online, education program
GV College Democrats host phone banking event with Gov. Whitmer
BY JOSEPH POULOS LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Grand Valley State University College Democrats co-hosted a virtual phone banking event to rally student votes for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. The event featured special guest Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and was hosted in partnership with the ONE Campaign for Michigan and the Michigan Democratic Party.
The GVSU College Democrats gathered in Room 2242 of the Russel H. Kirkhof Center to virtually uplift young voters, and gather support for the Democratic Party. Over Zoom, Whitmer expressed the Democratic Party’s interest in the strength of young voters in this election cycle.
“Young people have more of an investment in the outcome of this election than any of us,” Whitmer said.
Whitmer said students should choose “the blue side” this November to better their futures, an outcome she doesn’t believe is compatible by electing
former President Donald Trump to a second non-consecutive term.
Commenting on the divisive nature of the country’s current political landscape, in her opening remarks Whitmer said she wants voters to know that Harris and Trump could not be more different in both intentions and practices.
Whitmer outlined some of Harris’ plans for the country should she be elected, including “safer” gun laws, increased reproductive freedom, bolstering small businesses with tax incentives and loans, as well as inclusivity for all people.
“Trump will make your life harder,” Whitmer said. “This election is really about you (young adults), and what kind of world you want to grow up in. Kamala has a real vision for making people’s lives better.”
Wrapping up, Whitmer gave a personal touch to motivate students ahead of the election. She said she believes Michigan’s youth is special in terms of political involvement, evident in the State’s record turnout in the 2022 midterm election.
“In 2022, we had the highest youth voter turnout in the country,” said
Whitmer. “Let’s set the record again, let’s show the world that when Democrats lead, we make the world a better place to live in. You are the future, and you are the reason I do this.”
Following Whitmer’s speech, Nick Djerassi, the deputy out-of-state director for the Michigan Democratic Party, gave students a rundown on how to use the phone banking service Scale to Win.
According to Djerassi, the goal of the Scale to Win program was two-fold-- to push left-leaning voters in the direction of a vote for the Democratic Party, and to raise awareness for voting avenues. Djerassi said events like these can also help voters register for absentee ballots or find their polling location.
After presentations concluded, the GVSU College Democrats discussed the program and began making calls to potential voters.
Communications Director for the GVSU College Democrats, Claire Huntley, said raising awareness for any political party is beneficial to students.
“Especially for college students that are just getting involved (in) their first primary election, the phone banking program can help with social skills,” Huntley said. “I was not a super outgoing person and now I feel like I can go up to anybody.”
Huntley said she believes the student population of Michigan is a massive potential voting block, if utilized correctly.
“I think there’s something like 400,000 college students in Michigan,” Huntley said. “The margin in the 2020 election was about 11,000. By encouraging college students to vote and get involved, we can make a huge impact.”
Similarly to Whitmer, Huntley emphasized specific policies within the Democratic Party that might appeal to young people, including reproductive rights, inclusivity and student loan debt forgiveness.
“(Democrats are) just a very welcoming party,” Huntley said. “Harris speaks a lot about joy and inclusivity, and that’s great for students who want somewhere to belong, regardless of where they’re from, background or sexuality.”
Huntley said student debt forgiveness has the most practical benefit to students interested in voting for the Democratic Party.
“Especially for college students, there’s a big focus on student debt,” Huntley said. “It really piqued my interest as someone who is paying for college and plans to attend grad school as well.”
Huntley said she worries about the
difficulties young women face after having reproductive rights hindered under previous administrations, specifically during Trump’s 2016-2020 presidential term.
There are Planned Parenthood health centers near GVSU in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan, as well as other alternative women’s health centers. Huntley still worries that conservative politics in the area limit the help young women can actually receive when it comes to an unwanted pregnancy or reproductive care.
“We have a crisis pregnancy center called Positive Options that seems like they want to help,” Huntley said. “But they can’t refer you for an abortion, and their hands are largely tied in terms of meaningful help.”
Huntley believes electing Harris as the forty-seventh president of the United States will make everyday necessities like groceries more affordable, which she feels resonates with young college students who often have little money of their own.
“With price gouging and prices nowadays being too high, it is hard for college students,” Huntley said. “We are not rich, and we can’t afford a lot of stuff, so making sure that companies are not taking advantage of the consumers is important.”
Huntley emphasized that Trump’s policies do not satisfy the issues she cares most about.
“I think supporting Trump is more of a moral issue than a political one,” Huntley said. “If you’re not sure who you want to vote for, strip it down to what beliefs you think are the most important and then decide which party reflects your ideas. I’m not here to tell you to vote for.”
GVSU College Democrats allows students to find a community, and digest political events and current issues. Students involved can engage in local politics and educational events, as well as educate others on what is happening in the State and throughout the country. According to Huntley, the club aims to “make politics something that isn’t super scary to look at.”
“We do events, debate watch parties and make crafts while we talk about important issues, and it just kind of softens the blow to talk about some of these difficult topics,” Huntley said. “We want to get people exposed to actual candidates. We are involved with county commissioners and school boards. Building that bridge between politicians and constituents is important.”
MATHEWS
RUD MALIK IMMOOSMA
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Student Senate supports resource expansion in effort to refresh campus culture
BY EVA ORTIZ LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
After last semester’s decision to restructure, Grand Valley State University’s Student Senate is working to enhance the student experience by supporting campus resources and encouraging community building activities.
Quinten Proctor, the president of Student Senate, is serving his second term. Proctor noted that student feedback prompted the Senate’s goals moving forward this semester.
“The biggest goal this semester is the broad idea of ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed at Grand Valley,” Proctor said. “That reflects on the town halls we hosted in the spring, and concerns from students that there weren’t enough resources.”
Proctor highlighted the University Counseling Center as an area of focus for the Senate, as he believes on-campus resources in high demand could use extra support. Other locations on campus the Senate hopes to support include the GVSU Tutoring and Reading Center and the Mary Idema Pew Library’s Knowledge Market.
Proctor said enhancing various resources for students ties into another focal point of the Senate-- building a more vibrant campus culture.
Following the pandemic, Proctor said GVSU experienced a downtrend in student participation at campus events and student organization membership. Similarly, Proctor noted many students have voiced that a lack of weekend activities leads many to leave campus and return home for the weekend.
“We are finding a way to either partner with Campus Activities Board (CAB), or host events ourselves that try to keep students more engaged,” Proctor said.
The Student Senate hosts general assembly meetings on Thursdays, where senators gather to discuss current issues and new initiatives. Members of the public are welcome to attend. General assembly meetings have
“The biggest goal this semester is the broad idea of ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed at Grand Valley.” GVL I RISHO WOOTEN
two designated time slots, once in the beginning and once at the end, for any attendee to share their feedback with the Senate.
Paris Lawson, the Student Senate vice president, said Senate meetings are a place where students and faculty are encouraged to bring their ideas.
“As we look to the future, I envision this year’s Senate leaving a legacy of inclusivity and advocacy,” Lawson said. “I hope that the initiatives we are working on today will create a stronger foundation for future students, one where their voices are heard, their needs are met and the campus continues to evolve.”
Proctor said Student Senate allows the University community to be involved in change, and encourages student engagement, even if they are not interested in joining the Senate.
“At the end of the day, the University is here to serve the students,” Proctor said.
In October, representatives from the University Counseling Center will be attending the general assembly meeting to talk about mental health advocacy. This will be an opportunity for the GVSU community to be informed on the state of the Counseling Center, and the needs of the GVSU community.
VOL. 59 NO. 4
GV alum repairs, crafts jewelry in Tiffany & Co. apprenticeship
BY OLIVIA MULKA LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
JP Stuhlreyer discovered a love for jewelry design during his time at Grand Valley State University. After graduating in 2023, Stuhlreyer is halfway through an apprenticeship working at Tiffany & Co. as a bench jeweler. As Stuhlreyer repairs and creates pieces of jewelry, he reflects fondly on his studio arts classes at the University.
Stuhlreyer said he knew when he started college that he wanted to work with his hands and create, but he didn’t initially know where that would lead him. He began his studies at GVSU as an engineering major working on skateboards, and on a whim, chose an elective course in jewelry. He took 3-D Design (ART 151) with GVSU Professor Renne Zettle-Sterling, and quickly discovered a hidden talent for making jewelry. Stuhlreyer then switched to the BFA program in Studio Arts with an emphasis on Jewelry and Metalsmithing.
“With fine jewelry, the ability to create something amazing is endless.”
making jewelry as gifts to his mother and girlfriend, which further deepened his passion for the craft.
“Everyone around him (Stuhlreyer) enjoyed his company,” Zettle-Sterling said. “(He) really made the class a better place to be.”
Zettle-Sterling mentored Stuhlreyer, providing him with the resources he needed to become a skilled jeweler. After seeing his potential, Zettle-Sterling encouraged Stuhlreyer to switch majors, and pursue a career as a bench jeweler. Zettle-Sterling attributes Stuhlreyer’s success to strong hand-eye coordination and a burning curiosity to understand how artwork is made. Stuhlreyer began
Stuhlreyer said that during his time in the course, Zettle-Sterling was committed to uplifting students, going above and beyond to support them in their education. He recalled a time during the COVID-19 pandemic when he had been sick, and could not attend class. He called ZettleSterling with concerns about falling behind on an important class project. Zettle-Sterling took it upon herself to drive to Stuhlreyer’s home and deliver the necessary materials for him to complete the project.
cared about each student,” Stuhlreyer said. “She’s going to do what she needs to do to make sure you succeed.”
After graduating from GVSU, Stuhlreyer came across an apprenticeship program on the Tiffany & Co. website on the last day for applicants to apply. He quickly put together a resume and sent it in. After his application had been accepted, he did a series of interviews, including an inperson interview, where he had to fly to New York City. Before Stuhlreyer could secure the apprenticeship, he had to pass a bench test, in which jewelers prove their abilities. Stuhlreyer said although he was nervous, he drew from the teachings of Zettle-Sterling and his practice at GVSU, and was able to pass.
Tiffany & Co. facility in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he collaborates with some of the world’s finest silversmiths. The apprenticeship involves Stuhlreyer making and repairing jewelry as a bench jeweler. The facility where Stuhlreyer works is responsible for producing important awards like the NFL’s Vince Lombardi Trophy and the U.S. Open Cup for Major League Soccer. It is also where Tiffany & Co.’s iconic silver bowls are made, which are famous for their Audubon patterns.
“You never stop learning in jewelry,” Stuhlreyer said. “It’s (the craft of jewelry making) just kind of an endless (rotation) of new people that are going to teach you something.”
Stuhlreyer said that after graduation, he’s stayed in touch with Zettle-Sterling, and keeps her updated on his career progress.
“She (Zettle-Sterling) genuinely
Stuhlreyer is currently working at a
“With fine jewelry, the ability to create something amazing is endless,” Struhlreyer told GVNext.
High FOIA cost contributes to dropping of GV student’s Title IX case
BY OLIVIA MULKA & EMMA ARMIJO LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
A student at Grand Valley State University was recently quoted over $84,000 to retrieve information requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The student had previously filed two Title IX complaints against a University administrator, and by submitting FOIA requests, they aimed to gather supportive evidence for their case.
The complaints were filed through the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX against a member of administration in Student Accessibility Resources. The University’s investigation into the student’s claims began in November 2023, and unfortunately, the student couldn’t obtain the information they were looking for before the Title IX office dropped the cases.
The second claim alleged “unprofessional conduct, harassment, bullying and coercion” took place between the student and faculty member. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, the student has asked to remain anonymous.
The student that filed the complaints and FOIA requests said the administrative faculty member had also told them, “detailed mental health and disability information” about other students in the program. The student felt the faculty member violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
“There was no reason for them (the GVSU faculty member) to do so, and (I asked them) to stop sharing but (they) continued,” the student said. “This administrator also discussed broad disability statements about the incoming freshman class for the next year.”
This was the second Title IX case the student has been involved with at GVSU. Unlike a court system where information can be subpoenaed, parties filing complaints through the Title IX office must compile evidence on their own. The student said they were making FOIA requests to compile information to be used in their case.
The student received a notice depicting the breakdown of costs to retrieve and redact the emails they were requesting. The student was told their request was too vague, and would have yielded 59,000 emails from the University administrator.
A statement by GVSU was published by WZZM.
“Grand Valley used its normal process in calculating the fee for this request,” said GVSU. “The request is very broad and would involve more than 59,000 emails over a specified period. Fulfilling the request would require a qualified employee to sort through each individual email and attachment to search for and redact protected and personal information. Our FOIA officer has offered potential strategies that could narrow the inquiring party’s search to help reduce costs.”
The student submitted a second FOIA request, stating that they could pay up to $100 for the requested information. They felt frustrated because they didn’t receive any guidance regarding both the cost of request, and narrowing their search.
“The University did not respond to my reasonable fee offer, nor provide potential strategies that could help reduce the costs,” the student said. “The University never replied with a reasonable offer, as stated in the WZZM statement.”
The student said they felt that the missing information may have contributed to the loss of this case.
Confusion and lack of clarity relating to FOIA requests can cause miscommunication, and deter members of the public from looking further into public records.
Established in 1967, FOIA allows citizens to request public records from any federal agency. All federal agencies are required to disclose documents under FOIA unless the records fall under certain exemptions, such as personal privacy and law enforcement of national security.
To submit a FOIA, a written request must be submitted to a public body’s designated FOIA coordinator. The request must explain all the documents being requested, the date in which they are from and the topic they pertain to. FOIA requests should be as specific as possible.
Sara Ledford, the assistant general counsel and Freedom of Information Act coordinator at GVSU, said the student’s information request was too broad, which led to the request’s inflated cost.
“While I can’t go into detail regarding the specifics of that request, the fee was calculated based on the time and University resources that would be needed to compile, review and redact the large volume of responsive records,” Ledford said.
Ledford said charges can be applied to
FOIA requests due to a number of reasons, such as labor costs or duplication fees. The actual amount of the fee is generated from the amount of time and resources needed to compile the information, while also providing an adequate employee wage, which is dictated by Michigan state law.
“While Michigan’s FOIA law does permit us to charge fees in some cases, the vast majority of FOIA requests are processed without a fee,” Ledford said. “State law also sets out the procedure by which the fee is calculated. If a fee is charged, the requester has the option to refine or narrow their request to reduce or potentially eliminate the amount charged.”
Ledford said the number of FOIA requests received by GVSU varies in any given time period.
“So far, in 2024 our office has received 142 FOIA requests,” Ledford said. “For a point of comparison, we had received 116 requests through this date in 2023.”
Ledford said the most common mistakes in filing FOIA requests are not including an address, and not describing the record with enough detail to locate.
“If a request is too vague, we may not be able to determine what information is being sought, or it may result in a large number of records, which could lead to a fee being charged to process the request,” Ledford said.
The student said they hope sharing their navigation of the FOIA process will help others find the information they are looking for.
“(I’m) concerned unreasonable and uncustomary fees like this are happening to other students’ Title IX cases as well,” the student said. “(I just) want students’ voices to be heard.”
The Lanthorn reached out to the Title IX office for a statement, but the office has yet to provide a comment.
• Any email, document or attachment sent by or received by from January 21, 2023, to February 22, 2024. (Received on May 3, 2024)
• All emails, attachnets and documents sent to, from, or copied and blindcopied from that has or in the subject line and/or body of the email from January 21, 2023, through February 22, 2024. (Received on May 9, 2024)
• All emails, attachments and documents sent to, from, or copied and blindcopied from to and from in thesubject line and/or body of the email and document from January 21, 2023, through February 22, 2024 (Received on May 16, 2024)
• All emails, attachments and documents sent to, from, or copied and blindcopied from to and from in the subject line and/or body of the email and document from January 21, 2023, through February 22, 2024 (Received on May 21, 2024)
Per the University’s FOIA policy, your concurrent FOIA requests are being treated as one request for the purposes of fee calculation. As a courtesy, the University has not charged any processing fees for the previous four (4) FOIA requests that you have submitted in 2024. However, due to the large volume of records requested since May 3, 2024, and the time and personnel required to process the requests indicated above, the fee to fulfill these requests is $84,310.75. This represents a nonbinding good faith estimate of the time it will take to complete the processing of this request. Fifty percent (50%) of the estimated cost is due as a deposit before this request will be processed.
A 6 | OPINIONS
Falling in love with fall: Autumn is the most superior season
BY MACENZIE CONN
I think fall is the most superior season, and it’s just around the corner. The leaves change color, and pumpkin spice fills the air. You can also cuddle up on the couch with a cozy blanket, and watch scary movies.
The majority of Americans agree with me, according to CBS News. “Forty-five percent (of Americans) named autumn as their favorite season, nearly double the next closest season,” reported CBS. These people cited classic fall activities such as visiting the pumpkin patch or a haunted house as some of the reasons
they like fall the best, and I can’t argue with them. There’s something special about getting a gallon of fresh apple cider and a dozen cinnamon sugar donuts, which is exclusively a fall activity in my mind.
There are also psychological reasons why people tend to like fall the best. According to an interview with Kathryn Lively, a Dartmouth University sociology professor, “As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies (and) seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for 18 years.”
Fall represents a season of change–just look at the leaves. I feel the season encompasses a fresh feeling, and it’s a time of celebration. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving and football season, there is plenty to be excited about.
An article by Verywell Mind explains other reasons people tend to like fall, including shedding chaotic summer schedules for a steady routine, and swapping out summer clothes for cozy attire. The article also notes that cooler temperatures encourage us to spend time in nature, which can lead to improvements in well-being.
In addition, fall is a very important season, which I believe prioritizes it on
the list of superiority. Fall is the time that many animals, as well as plants, reproduce. The surplus of nuts, berries and fruits allows animals to prepare for winter, and allows us to make syrups and jams. Fall is the season of harvest, so it’s a good season for farmers, and an even better season for our bellies. Think of all the comfort foods you’ve come to love. Pumpkin pie? Chili? Broccoli cheddar soup? You can thank the harvest for that.
Surely there are good things about the other seasons too. I am a sucker for hot chocolate when it’s snowing in the winter, and I always look forward to concert season during the summer months. However, there is something so cozy and peaceful about fall, which I believe can’t be topped. If you still are questioning if fall’s the best season or not, feel free to try these activities and see if your opinion changes.
Visit a pumpkin patch or cider mill
Be sure to also get some donuts, and check out the petting zoo if the pumpkin patch or cider mill you visit has one.
Carve pumpkins
This is a chance to be creative and spend time with friends or family.
Make caramel apples
Not only is this a fun activity, but it ends with a yummy treat.
Go on a hayride
You can enjoy the fall breeze blowing through your hair on a hayride with your friends. Sip some cider or hot chocolate along the way to enhance the experience.
Visit a haunted house
Who doesn’t love a good scare? You can make this an outing with friends, or use it as a date activity. You’re bound for laughs either way.
Curl up with a blanket and a good book beside a fall scented candle
If you don’t like reading, substitute this with watching a movie. The non-negotiables though are the blanket and candle– the experience gives me the coziest feeling.
Try a new seasonal drink or dessert
Not only will this push you to try new things, but it may also give you something to look forward to next fall season.
Jane’s Addiction on-stage altercation, canceled tour is a shame
On Sept. 13th, Perry Farrell, the lead singer of Jane’s Addiction attacked his bandmate Dave Navarro on stage at a Boston concert. In my opinion, attacking your unsuspecting bandmate in front of a crowd is certainly uncalled for. Farrell body blocked Navarro in the middle of performing a song, and then threw a punch that hardly connected with Navarro’s chest. He was then held back, and dragged to the back of the stage. Navarro appeared confused and shocked during the encounter. A clip of the altercation has gone viral online, resulting in the band going on hiatus, and canceling the remainder of their tour. It’s definitely a shame to see such a legendary band drop performances because of on-
stage violence.
According to multiple sources, including Farrell’s wife and interviews with bandmates, Farrell has been struggling with his mental health for some time now. During the tour’s previous shows, he had also been angry due to stage volume drowning out his vocals. No matter the reason, it is obvious that Farrell acted in an inexcusable way, and deserves to be held accountable. I understand that art requires passion and that sometimes passion leads us to do some questionable things. However, altercations on stage are not one of those things. I cannot imagine how embarrassing the fight was for not just Farrell, but for Navarro and the rest of the band as well.
There are also claims from Jane’s Addiction members that the physical confrontation continued backstage, where Farrell threw another punch at Navarro-- this time connecting with the guitarist’s face. Another detail that’s been revealed is that Farrell claimed he would quit the band before the tour’s first show. Apparently he quickly changed his mind before the debut performance. It’s clear that Farrell has been on the outs with the band recently, and that his eruption on stage didn’t completely happen out of nowhere, although it was still unwarranted.
Something many people failed to
realize is that during the fracas on stage, Farrell was brutally punched by the band’s bassist, Eric Avery. I didn’t know this until I read a post made on Instagram by Farrell’s wife. She claims that Avery took the opportunity to punch Farrell multiple times in the stomach while he was being held up by stagehands pulling him away. Of course, I had to go check for myself, and it’s true. While Farrell had shamefully tried to punch Navarro, he was defenseless at the moment Avery attacked him.
Farrell attacking people onstage, causing drama for the band and taking a cheap shot at Navarro is completely in the wrong. I hope he is looking to better himself. That being said, Avery, who was taking advantage of the situation to assault a person with mental illness during an episode, is also completely in the wrong here, and not enough people are realizing this. It is extremely sad to see the band in this position, especially after all the time it took for Jane’s Addiction to reunite.
Jane’s Addiction will always be considered legendary for their impact on alternative music, and for their unforgettable tunes. I’m sure this drama won’t be what anyone remembers them by, and hopefully, we see a second reunion in the future after the band members get the help they need. As of now, not much has been said of Avery,
and Farrell has been checked into a mental facility. Fans, including myself, wish him a healthy recovery.
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Fan frenzie: the internet owes Chappell Roan an apology
Chappell Roan, singer of the hit song “Good Luck, Babe” and the VMA’s Best New Artist, has seen a meteoric rise to fame over the past year. That rapid rise to fame placed Roan under a constant microscope of criticism. The intense scrutiny that Roan experiences has led her to make some decisions that left fans (and us) questioning if the internet is shining too bright a spotlight on Roan.
Recently, Roan has received an onslaught of hate for refusing to endorse Democratic presidential candidate, current Vice President Kamala Harris. Following high-profile endorsements of Harris from artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, many fans were expecting (or demanding) something similar from Roan.
In a series of videos posted to TikTok, Roan discussed the problems within a twoparty system, and explained why she will not endorse Harris for president.
“I think it is important to question authority and question world leaders,” said Roan. “The world is changing so rapidly, and I want to be a part of a generation that changes things for good because we need it. Actions speak louder than words, and actions speak louder than an endorsement.”
Roan later clarified that although she will be voting for Harris, she won’t endorse her because she disagrees with Harris’ stance concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Roan also feels the Democratic
Party could be more proactive regarding transgender rights. We agree that these are valid reasons to not publicly state your support for the current Democratic Party candidate, even if that is how she plans to vote.
Although Roan’s statements about voting education echoes the stance of Swift, who was praised for her endorsement of Harris, Roan’s refusal to endorse a candidate that she doesn’t fully support was met with a swarm of criticism.
The backlash led Roan to cancel her performances at the All Things Go music festivals in New York and Washington, D.C. The news upset many fans who had purchased tickets, causing even more hate directed at the singer.
We can see there is a disconnect between fans’ expectations of Roan’s fame versus her own. It’s obvious she is pushing back against the normalized social norms of “fan culture” and the boundaries that we feel should, but do not currently, exist between celebrities and their fans.
The definition of parasocial relationships, according to Find a Psychologist, is a “sided relationship, where one person extends emotional energy, interest and time, and the other party, the persona, is completely unaware of the other’s existence.” In the age of social media, this type of “connection” between fans and famous figures is more common than ever, given your favorite celebrity (or influencer) is never more than a few clicks away.
A Forbes article explores more reasons why individuals might seek out these types of attachments such as escapism, or even the reassurance that there will never be a true, traditional face to face rejection. In Roan’s case, many have related to the experiences she shares through music about being a young queer person, and the representation has been received with open arms.
It’s true that Roan is a stranger to the majority of her fans. We do not know her personally, and feel it is more than valid for her to be uncomfortable with the way she is being idolized. While we do believe having a large platform gives you some responsibility to speak out about important issues, we also agree that as fans, we do not have the right to tell Roan how and when she should do so. Not to mention, Roan was bringing up important issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and LGBTQ+ rights and policies. She explicitly stated who she plans to vote for, but faced backlash regardless, as she did not specifically endorse a presidential candidate.
This is not the first time an upset Roan has addressed her fans. About a month ago, Roan took to TikTok after incidents of her and her family members being stalked and harassed by fans. She describes the fan culture that she is currently experiencing as “weird” and “not okay.” Roan doesn’t agree with the belief that as a musical artist and celebrity, you have to become
okay with the lack of boundaries that comes along with having a fan base, and neither do we.
There have been various examples of stars who, as a result of the pressures from their fans or the industry itself, have experienced issues such as drug abuse or struggles with mental health. This has resulted in some of the most adored stars such as Britney Spears, Madonna or Amy Winehouse permanently leaving the industry, or even passing away in the midst of their careers. This is a ruthless pattern, and we think that it is completely valid for Roan to push back against some behaviors from her fans and the general public that are causing stress to her mental health.
Unfortunately, Roan’s place as a young star puts her in a difficult position with those who take attachment to celebrities a little too seriously. From being stalked in airports and big cities, being kissed by fans during outings with her friends and obsessive fans leaking personal information like flight numbers and her father’s phone number, Roan is another example of how dangerous fan-celebrity parasocial relationships can truly be.
We feel strongly that the way that fans interact with celebrities, especially female artists in particular, needs to change if we want to avoid a repeat of history. We’ve already seen the rapid rise of the self-proclaimed “Midwest Princess,” but we worry we could end up seeing Roan’s catastrophic fall if fans don’t get their act together.
Advisory groups convene to address GV faculty concerns about Omni learning program
BY HAILEY HENTZ
Grand Valley State University administration and faculty leadership have formed task forces and advisory groups in an attempt to navigate faculty concerns and uncertainty surrounding Omni, the University’s online, adult learning program. Omni was officially launched by GVSU this academic year.
Omni, described as a flexible and accessible adult learning program, was announced at a Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23, 2024, and builds on prior online learning initiatives by the University. The program is offered in the form of hybrid courses throughout the state of Michigan, and is based in a partnership with five regional campuses and community colleges that will create a network for higher education. The initiative is being led by the Chief Executive of Omni, Kara Van Dam, previously the University’s vice provost for Graduate and Lifetime Learning.
According to Courtney Karasinski, the chair of the GVSU University Academic Senate (UAS), Van Dam met with the senate’s Executive Committee (ECS), and Mantella met with a small group of the UAS to listen to what some felt was a rapidly moving initiative with minimal faculty involvement. An Omni task force was also convened in May by the Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ed Aboufadel. The task force comprised of Omni staff and individuals from the Division of Academic Affairs.
“Although faculty did not create Omni, the Omni task force provided an opportunity for faculty to provide input into the implementation of Omni,” Karasinski said.
The task force created a Shared Expectations of Engagement document, which was shared with members of administration, including Mantella and the University’s former provost Fatma Mili. The document, along with a cover letter detailing recommendations, outlines aspects of the Omni initiative, ranging from the program’s hiring processes to course assessment guidelines. The Shared Expectations proposal, dated June 17, 2024, was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
The proposal states that part of the tuition from Omni should be reinvested in the program’s participating colleges and programs. With University administration and Omni leadership
“Around the state, reception to Omni has been strong, with multiple institutions and philanthropic groups becoming part of Omni’s work to build an inclusive and equitable community for learners across Michigan.”
expecting the GVSU student population to increase as a result of the initiative, the document also notes that relevant student services at the University will expand to support the student body.
“We appreciate the engagement in Omni of GVSU’s faculty members, including those who took part in an Omni task force,” Van Dam said.
“This group shared dozens of ideas with us and we are in the process of implementing many of those.”
The task force’s cover letter included a recommendation to create an Omni advisory group. The group would comprise relevant faculty members, and would continue dialogue and discussion with Omni leadership and Academic Affairs.
In an memorandum procured through a FOIA request, which was sent from the University’s Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Jennifer Drake, to Karasinski, Drake wrote that the advisory group would be implemented.
The Omni Collaborative Advisory Group (OMAG) will continue collaborating with Omni and Academic Affairs regarding the shared expectations. According to Drake’s memorandum, Van Dam and one representative from the Office of the Provost would serve as the group’s cochairs, along with one dean or associate dean selected by the provost. Drake noted that initially, Aboufadel would serve as the Academic Affairs co-chair.
In addition, two faculty members from the University’s colleges were to be selected by ECS, two faculty members were to be selected by the provost and two Omni staff members were to be
selected by Van Dam.
Membership appointments to OMAG began on Sept. 1, and are slated to last for one year. OMAG will meet at least three times during the academic year, and maintain communication with the faculty in the University’s colleges. Drake wrote that possible topics of consideration by OMAG could include the mentoring of Omni-hired faculty, and the ownership and use of instructional material in Omni-delivered courses.
In addition, the Omni Operational Team (OOT) was also created to address any potential Omni issues and problem solving that could arise. According to Drake, the OOT would be composed of Omni staff and faculty members from each GVSU college– primarily associate deans.
While GVSU’s Division of Academic Affairs will not be leading the initiative, Academic Affairs will work alongside the Omni division’s leadership of the program. Courses in Omni’s programming will be taught by Omni faculty– adjunct and visiting faculty candidates that meet qualifications established by units within the University’s colleges. Omni-delivered classes will be in collaboration with the University’s academic departments regarding instructional materials, and will follow GVSU’s preexisting syllabus of record. Students enrolled in Omni courses will be admitted to the University in a process similar to that of transfer students.
Named after the Latin word for ‘all,’ Omni was crafted with the intention that every adult in the lower peninsula of Michigan would have access to GVSU’s courses and degree programming at
a campus within 100 miles of their home. According to GVNext, each region in the state will have an ‘anchor campus’ that is connected to a network of colleges within the region that will deliver GVSU programming.
Inside Higher Ed reported that the University hopes to reach 50,000 students in the first five years of Omni’s programming. Of those 50,000, GVSU is aiming to educate 10,000 Michigan adult learners through the process of obtaining degrees. The other 40,000 are slated to receive “some type of upskilling by earning a certificate or credential.” This is in comparison to the 22,269 students enrolled in the University, as of 2024.
“It’s a bold goal,” Philomena Mantella, president of GVSU, said to Inside Higher Ed. “But we’re committed to it and not afraid to say it.”
Regional campuses across the state include Kellogg Community College, Jackson College, Southwestern Michigan College (SMC), Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and an unspecified location in Detroit. According to Van Dam, Omni will be offering a GVSU College of Health Professions’ Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences degree at Jackson College.
At Kellogg Community College and SMC, students taking Omni courses will have access to GVSU’s Brooks College Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership and Business Fundamentals degree program.
“Around the state, reception to Omni has been strong, with multiple institutions and philanthropic groups becoming part of Omni’s work to build an inclusive and equitable community for learners across Michigan,” said Van Dam.
The Omni initiative aims to address the number of adults in Michigan with a postsecondary degree or credential equivalent, which is lower than the national average. As of 2024, Michigan ranks thirty-seventh in the United States for postsecondary attainment, with 51.1% of the state’s population having either a degree or comparative credentials. In 2021, the national average of adults with postsecondary attainment was 53.7%.
To remedy this, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her “Sixty by 30” plan in her Feb. 12, 2019 State of the State address. The plan strives to increase the state’s postsecondary attainment rate to 60% of adults by 2030.
SMC became the most recent regional partner to connect with GVSU for its Omni programming. On July 17, 2024, the community college signed an agreement with the University to provide students at their Dowagiac, Michigan
campus with access to GVSU’s degree program through hybrid and in-person classes. The University will have office space at SMC, and the Omni initiative in Dowagiac will be led by an in-person GVSU staffer that will oversee student support and transfer guidance.
Joseph Odenwald, the president of SMC, emphasized his excitement about the program and the opportunities it will provide for students in Southwest Michigan. Odenwald noted that until the Omni partnership, the community college had not had a face to face bachelor’s degree program for sometime.
“This opens the door for a four-year degree for a whole group of our graduates who may want to advance in management and entrepreneurship,” Odenwald said.
Odenwald elaborated that the goal of GVSU and SMC’s partnership is not simply increased transfer credits, but also transforming education in the local community.
“The goal is to build the Omni site communities, not just transfer credits,” said Odenwald.
“Omni is a form of omnipresent.
What it means for our community, students and graduates is that a highly-regarded university is here. This means career advancement, personal development and economic power.”
Previously, Van Dam was employed by the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), one the country’s largest online public universities, and the private, for-profit Kaplan University, now a public institution known as Purdue University Global. Although both UMGC and Purdue University Global are online universities, Van Dam believes it is important to combine inperson and online education.
“I became enamored with the power of place-based education with online degrees,” Van Dam said to Inside Higher Ed.
At UMGC, Van Dam served as vice provost and dean of the undergraduate school and overseas academics, and later became the school’s vice president and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Throughout her time at UMGC, she oversaw a Department of Defense contract utilized by over 120 U.S. military bases, and the expansion of the college’s online programs.
reported that UMGC and its faculty were grappling with the direction the school was taking by shortening the length of classes from 14 weeks to 8 weeks, and expanding its online presence.
“Tensions over the direction of the school speak to a broader conflict in higher education, where faculty and administrators are caught between traditional notions of learning and evolving online education,” reported The Washington Post. “Current and former employees lament that the school’s administration prioritizes revenue and enrollment over academics.”
Barbara Gayle, a former UMGC professor of business and communications courses, was interviewed by the Washington Post, describing what she felt were mistaken steps by UMGC administrators.
“Programs are designed with outdated, poorly conceived materials because faculty is not involved,” said Gayle. “Students don’t get the breadth and depth of the experience of their professors.”
During UMGC’s restructuring, the institution streamlined its departments, forcing faculty to recompete for jobs after more than 100 employees of the school were told their contracts would be terminated, according to The Chronicle.
In an email to UMGC employees obtained by The Chronicle, Van Dam wrote, “I know this is a tough transition to get us to what I firmly believe is a better future state.”
Although Omni’s online learning programming is only part of GVSU’s offerings as an institution, similar concerns to that of UMGC faculty were echoed by GVSU faculty during Omni’s rollout.
Prior to the Feb. 23 announcement
In 2019, The Washington Post
of Omni, the UAS discussed the implementation of the online learning program, which was unnamed at the time. At a Feb. 9, 2024 meeting, UAS representatives were concerned about the lack of transparency on behalf of GVSU regarding resource allocation, and faculty involvement in the programming.
According to the University’s former provost, Van Dam was able to start work on the Omni initiative without the approval of a Board of Trustees vote. There had also been confusion surrounding the relationship of Omni to LEADS, an asynchronous, online learning program for adult learners that has been run by the University’s Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies since 2020. LEADS was created through a collaboration between the University’s colleges and the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies, which are part of the Division of Academic Affairs. While the division leading Omni is collaborating with Academic Affairs, LEADS was not led primarily by a different division, such as that of Omni.
“When it (the online learning initiative that would become Omni) was first presented to us (the UAS), it was just a mystery,” said Andrew Spear, a philosophy professor at GVSU and a senator on the UAS. “Questions didn’t seem to have answers then.” Spear noted that GVSU has primarily focused on in-person education, and that he has apprehensions about potential impacts of Omni on current University students.
“One of the questions that I have is, ‘Will we keep giving the resources and attention we need to the students (that) we (currently) have?’” Spear said. Spear emphasized that continued collaboration between faculty and Omni leadership is integral, not just to the development of the Omni initiative itself, but to the University as a whole. Spear deems faculty involvement essential so that concerns regarding online education among the University’s faculty can further be addressed.
“They (Omni leadership) seem to have slowed down a little to engage (in) our (UAS) governance process,” said Spear. “Given how this (Omni) started and what it is, there is still this lingering concern about faculty involvement (and) impacts on students. We want to know that it’s (Omni) going to be done with the same quality that we (have) as a university.”
Mantella declined to answer questions for this story. Her office referred all inquiries to Van Dam.
ArtPrize sculptor hosts interactive workshop, inspires diverse conversations
BY LEE MARENTETTE LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
ArtPrize sculptor Andrés Bustamante hosted a free, public Mind Sculpt event on Sept. 23, in which attendees were invited to create their own sculptures. Bustamante’s giant aluminum sculpture, “Palabras De Esperanza. Words of Hope” took home the 2024 Artist-to-Artist award.
Bustamante hosted the event at ArtRat Gallery, where participants were asked to record a message to their younger selves, and then sketch an abstract design that reflected what they wrote. Bustamante helped them create their paper design into sculptures they could take home and reflect on.
ArtPrize artists Rob Patterson (“Lost Hope”) and Carissa Buursma (“Grieving”) attended the Mind Sculpt event together in an effort to support other creatives involved in the competition. Patterson and Buursma applauded Bustamante’s workshop event and sculpture for the value they brought to the community and those in attendance.
“(Mind Sculpt) was really beautiful,” Buursma said. “I’m so glad we came. The ambiance (and) what (Bustamante) was having us talk and think about (was wonderful).”
Patterson agreed, adding that events such as these aid in artistic expression.
“It’s kind of cool to be a little vulnerable in front of other people,” Patterson said.
“Palabras De Esperanza. Words of Hope,” was installed at Pekich Park, and brought interactive inspiration and encouragement to the Grand Rapids community. While
most ArtPrize exhibits ask viewers not to touch the art, Bustamante’s installation invited viewers to write on the sculpture’s surface with a message to their younger selves. Similar to the Mind Sculpt event, his installation also included sculpture kits and a take-home journal for participants to record their thoughts and sketches. The intentionally interactive nature of Bustamante’s sculpture allowed him to meet and interact with many different people, which he said adds to his inspiration as an artist.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people that just wanted to share their wisdom,” Bustamante said. “People from different cultures, (with) different ages (and) from different nationalities. I’ve had people write (on the sculpture) in Korean, Spanish, Catalan, Arabic, German and Vietnamese.”
Bustamante said he hoped his sculpture could be used as a tool for people from all walks of life to come together as a community.
“(I asked myself) how can art become a tool for community growth (and) evolution instead of just, ‘Hey, look at me, I have art,’” Bustamante said.
Bustamante, who came from a background in street art, said he got in trouble as a teenager for graffiti. Bustamante grew to realize he wanted to professionally pursue art, and inspire others in that regard.
“I realized that if I kept getting in and out of trouble, that wouldn’t be the right path for me,” Bustamante said. “If I could use art as a catalyst for change and transformation, then life would be really beautiful.”
Bustamante emphasized that his ArtPrize sculpture was intent on showcasing raw forms of human emotion.
“(Palabras De Esperanza. Words of Hope) was birthed from a place of wanting to explore the abstraction in human emotion, which is usually what my sculptures talk about,” Bustamante said.
With this being his first year participating in ArtPrize, Bustamante said he was drawn to the event because of its mission statement of radical inclusion. He said this goal aligns with why he creates art.
“How can a work of art be radically inclusive?” Bustamante said. “I had to dig really deep, and wanted to create a sculpture that was reflective (of that).”
Bustamante said that the yearly ArtPrize competition has greatly impacted the Grand Rapids community by providing artists with a platform for their artistic voices.
“Artprize is wonderful,” Bustamante said. “It’s a catalyst for creativity. Any time you can nurture the arts, culture and creativity, you’re creating opportunities for people to grow and heal, and for communities to be empowered.”
DESIGN: Artist Bustamante worked alongside those who attended the event. GVL I RISHO WOOTEN
CREATION: The public event inspired people of all ages to embrace their inner child through written letters and abstract design. GVL I RISHO WOOTEN
A 11 | ARTS
GV professor features classical music in tranquil piano recital
BY LACIE HOFFMAN
Dr. Sookkyung Cho, an associate professor of piano at Grand Valley State University, performed in a faculty artist recital on Sept. 23. The pianist performed classical pieces, such as “Jeux d’Eau” (“Water Games”) by Maurice Ravel and “Davidsbündlertänze” (“Dances of the League of David”) by Robert Schumann. Cho also performed “Chaconne” by Johann Sebastian Bach with only her left hand.
“I first heard (“Chaconne”) and tried to learn it when I was heavily injured in my right hand at the beginning of my college years,” Cho said. “My teacher recommended that piece, but back then, I had very little understanding of music.”
Cho said that as she gained a broader understanding of musicality, she realized the specific techniques she used with her right hand could transfer to the left hand. With her right hand injured, she spent time developing and exploring what her left hand could do.
“I love this piece so much,” Cho said. “That’s why I decided to (include it) in the program.”
Cho is a lover of classical music, and she is also the founder and artistic director of the Grand Valley Piano Chamber
“I am constantly learning and never perfect, and I know that I’m never going to be perfect, but that’s the beauty of pursuing music for life. It’s really a lifelong learning process.”
Series (GVPCS). GVPCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing free, world-class chamber music performances to West Michigan audiences.
“That’s been a huge passion of mine,” Cho said. “We perform all the time on campus and I get very inspired by my students. It keeps me going (and I’ll) never get bored of doing this.”
During her time at GVSU, Cho said her role as a professor has helped her learn and grow as a pianist. Each of her students encourages her in the classroom.
“They’re such unique individuals,” Cho said. “I learn from their personalities, work ethic and passion for music. I hope that I am inspiring them (as well).”
Cho added that she’s learned the most from teachers who were humble and true to themselves and their work. She hopes that the passion and integrity she brings to the classroom
and her performances are what students remember.
“I approach my performances as I am,” Cho said. “I am constantly learning and never perfect, and I know that I’m never going to be perfect, but that’s (the) beauty of pursuing music for life. It’s really a lifelong learning process.”
Cho said that after performing in front of students, she feels able to perform in front of anyone. Many of her current and past students attend her recitals, which continues to encourage her as a pianist and professor.
Cho’s recital was the first piano recital that Ella McClintock, a film and video major at GVSU, had ever attended. McClintock left the performance feeling awed.
“Watching (Cho) slowly put her hands on the keys and then start playing was ethereal,” McClintock said.
“It was really impressive to see her play entire songs with no sheet music.”
Cho said that she hopes her solo and GVPCS performances will introduce students to more classical music, and grow their love for it. She hopes those in attendance at her latest recital will further be inspired by the classical pieces.
“It was very calming (at the recital),” McClintock said. “I kept (thinking), ‘What’s she going to play next?’”
Cho noted that classical music was a huge part of her childhood. By teaching and performing, she hopes she can help others discover the genre’s historical impact.
“(Classical music) is something that has survived for several hundreds of years,” Cho said. “I hope that Grand Valley students will really discover the beauty of it.”
FACULTY PIANIST: Dr. Sookkyung Cho performed the classical piece, “Chaconne” composed by Johann Sebastian Bach with only
ENSEMBLE
GV director of orchestras welcomed as St. Cecilia Music Center conductor A 12 | ARTS
BY CHRISTINA BILKO LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
The St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) in Grand Rapids has welcomed Dr. Joel Schut, also the Director of Orchestras at Grand Valley State University, as the new conductor of the SCMC Philharmonic Orchestra. As part of SCMC’s School of Music ensemble program, Schut will lead weekly rehearsals, and prepare students to perform in full orchestras with SCMC.
SCMC was founded in 1894 in downtown Grand Rapids, and hosts two main performances each year. The music center brings together young musicians from different schools across West Michigan. Schut said that he is excited to join SCMC, and to extend the influence of the GVSU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD) to the broader community.
“I am really thrilled to lead them,” Schut said. “It’s a full orchestra experience. We will try to tackle some major works, some standards of symphonic tradition, as well as some new music.”
Schut added that SCMC’s youth program was his first full orchestra
“It’s a full orchestra experience. We will try to tackle some major works, some standards of symphonic tradition, as well as some new music.”
experience, and that he hopes his position at GVSU might influence SCMC students to pursue further education at GVSU, whether as music majors, minors or non-majors participating in MTD.
“I hope to create a meaningful and impactful first full orchestra experience for students that will inspire them to go on and continue making music,” Schut said.
Whether Schut’s SCMC students go on to participate in MTD at GVSU or another community orchestra in the future, Schut said he hopes they will be inspired to bring people together in the community.
“SCMC is a treasure in the community,” Schut said. “It is a beautiful space with (a) storied history. (It) has a vibrant current practice and an incredible outlook for continued growth and impact.”
Schut added that he thinks his work at SCMC will enrich his work in the GVSU Symphony Orchestra and vice versa. Schut feels this will, in turn, benefit the local community.
“I’m really thrilled to join (SCMC),” Schut said. “I think it works beautifully in consort with my roles (at GVSU), and I think we can continue to strengthen the bonds of community partnership and great teaching.”
While Schut is excited to join SCMC, he said that his work at GVSU is still very important and close to his heart.
“I love Grand Valley,” Schut said. “I love my colleagues (and) I love my students. I love how we can
challenge each other and push our art form forward.”
Last year, the GVSU Symphony Orchestra commissioned two pieces that will be premiering in November 2024 and April of 2025. Schut said he is very proud of these pieces, and added that the University’s Symphony Orchestra has continued to grow in both numbers and quality of performances. Schut hopes his work with SCMC will continue to help grow and impact the GVSU Symphony Orchestra.
PERFORMANCE: Dr. Joel Schut is excited to lead the SCMC students in rehersals. COURTESY | THE RAPIDIAN
CARTOON: I thought sidewalks were for walking? GVL I ZOEY BELK
Laker Con showcases GV student artists, professional creatives
BY CHRISTINA BILKO LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Laker Con, an event at Grand Valley State University that showcases the talents of student artists, highlights the work of professional creatives and celebrates comics literacy, took place returned for its second year from Friday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Sept. 29. This convention allowed students to attend panel discussions, comicrelated activities and contests, and brought attention to artistic mediums that can be overlooked within mainstream culture.
Over 50 vendor tables were set up throughout the Mary Idema Pew Library, and vendors comprised of enrolled Visual and Media Arts (VMA) students, alumni and guests. GVSU student artists set up tables to sell artwork in the Artist Market, which was held in the library’s Grand Atrium. Traditional and digital art pieces, jewelry, stickers and buttons were some of the many items for sale.
“To sell my work among a plethora of breathtakingly talented alumni, guests and current Lakers was such a pleasure,” said Zoey Belk, a GVSU art student. “Even if I had not sold anything, the positive feedback I received from shoppers and fellow artists was all I needed to feel my months of hard work preparing for the event was worth it.”
Artwork by VMA students was also displayed in the convention’s Comics
Gallery, which provided artistic inspiration for those in attendance. In addition, there was space reserved in an area called “Zine-Topia” for various magazines created by GVSU students.
“Laker Con is an opportunity for students into comics, anime, art and more to come together and celebrate the things (they) love,” said Kri Hackos, a Laker Con Executive Committee organizer and SIGIL member. “These types of events are popular throughout the country, and having one for students here at GVSU is special to us in VMA.”
Guests included illustrators, photographers, writers, painters and comic book artists. A portion of guests set up their shops in the Artist Market, while others facilitated convention events related to their craft. The artist duo Comfort and Adam hosted a discussion titled “Learning to Write and Illustrate Diversity.” The process of creating diverse representation in the media was discussed, as well as methods to put artistic diversity into practice.
Guest speakers also took part in panels, in which open conversations between aspiring artists and industry veterans took place. Other events during the weekend were hosted by student organizations at GVSU, including the Student Interest Group for Illustrators (SIGIL). Student groups encouraged attendees to flex their creative muscles through different types of drawing activities.
“Durwin Talon (a Laker Con coordinator), Guin Thompson (an assistant
professor of Illustration and Foundations at GVSU) and SIGIL really did an amazing job making this a rewarding and thrilling experience,” Belk said.
Laker Con also hosted a Cosplay Contest, which was held on Saturday, Sept. 28. Those dedicated to the creation of intricate costumes were able to show off their favorite characters in the competition. Both beginners and experts
alike participated in the competition, which showcased a vast array of costumes and sewing techniques.
“Many current and new students share passion for the types of events, and art shown at LakerCon,” Hackos said. “We wish to continue to grow that passion within students throughout the campus, and celebrate it with a weekend of fun and educational workshops.”
DISPLAY: Students set up stands to sell handmade goods and art. GVL | CALEB WORPEL OPPORTUNITY: Laker Con gives
Growing Change: Sustainable Agriculture Project takes part in GV Student Philanthropy Week
BY ABBIE SUAREZ LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
University Development at Grand Valley State University hosted Student Philanthropy Week from Sept. 23-30. Seed Ball Creation was organized by the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in which students were invited to participate in making seed balls. The creations help pollinate flowers on the University’s educational farm site.
Seed balls, also known as seed bombs, are small balls made of a mixture of seeds, clay and compost or soil. Participating students were invited to volunteer their time, and create their own seed balls at the Kirkhof Center. Designed to make planting easier and more fertile, particularly for SAP interns, seed balls are commonly used in both general gardening and regrowth of forests.
The seed ball’s clay layer protects the seeds themselves from being eaten by birds or washed away, while the compost or soil inside provides essential nutrients for the plant. Once placed in the ground and exposed to moisture, the seeds within the ball
germinate and grow. This technique protects seeds from external elements and predation, making it effective for propagating plants. Seed balls are also designed to be scattered in soil to guide insects as they pollinate flowers, which promotes biodiversity and supporting the environment.
“The seed ball event is part of our Student Philanthropy Week celebrations, (which) focuses on how you can give back just a few moments of your time to make a difference in your community,” said Anna Davis, the assistant director of Annual Giving and Digital Strategy at GVSU.
This activity, along with SAP’s other projects, allow volunteers to see how their labor makes a difference. Both interns and student volunteers participate in the planting and maintenance process for SAP. Interns involved in SAP then harvest the fruits and vegetables, which are sold to the campus community in front of the Cook Carillon Tower every Wednesday throughout the fall semester.
“This space (SAP) may be their initial exposure to what it means to be sustainable, (and) how they (students) use what they have learned
here in their everyday life will have a much more significant impact than the five acres we farm on,” Michael Hinkle, a former SAP farm manager and educator, told GVNext.
GVSU Beekeepers, another organization overseen by SAP, was one of the many groups collecting donations throughout the course of Student Philanthropy Week. The beekeepers extract and bottle honey at
the agricultural site, as well as conduct plant research, make chapstick and go on bee-related outdoor trips. They promote pollinator-friendly practices by using seed balls and planting native gardens that limit use of pesticides. Funds donated to the beekeeping club will support the health and care of their bees, and resources for beekeeping education.
Throughout the week, various events aimed to encourage students, faculty and staff to participate in philanthropic efforts. A career fair webinar on philanthropy was held, along with a scavenger hunt and trivia game. The act of volunteering was emphasized throughout the week, and fundraising donations were made to student organizations. Over 20 student organizations, including club sports and Greek life, were spotlighted on the Student Philanthropy Week website, as the groups fundraised for their annual needs.
“What I enjoy most about my role is helping people understand that philanthropy is more than just giving money,” said Davis. “It can also mean giving back your time and talents to make a difference.”
University Development’s fundraising goal of 150 donors throughout the course of Student Philanthropy Week was met, with over 200 people donating. The student organization with the most overall donors will receive an additional $300 fund, and the organization with the most donations from GVSU alumni will receive an additional $200.
GREEN: Seed balls were made of clay, compost or soil, and different seeds. GVL I CALEB WORPEL
FOOTBALL
GV football dominates West Florida in blackout home game
BY GRIFFIN MISSANT LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s football team welcomed the University of West Florida Argonauts, ranked twentieth, to Lubbers Stadium for a blackout-themed game. After a slow first half, the Lakers picked up the pressure against the Argonauts with a second half shutout, and won 31-7.
The Lakers started the game with dominance. Their opening drive was on the shoulders of running back Khalil Eichelberger, who got five touches for 52 yards. Once the Lakers got within scoring range, they turned to Eichelberger, who would then punch it in to give GVSU a 7-0 lead.
In all four games this season, GVSU has scored on every one of their first drives. At the same time, the Lakers have not allowed a first quarter point this season. The Lakers have outscored opposing teams 49-0 throughout the four games’ opening quarters.
“After these fast starts, (we’ve) got to keep pouring it on,” said head coach Scott Wooster. “(We’re) super proud of our start this year, and especially today.”
After the quick start and a rapid drive to score, the game stalled significantly. Both teams’ defenses were getting in the backfield and shutting down plays. Following the GVSU touchdown, the crowd saw eight straight punts, and no points for either side.
Then, a game changing play was made by West Florida when GVSU fumbled the ball, and as a result, the Argonauts scored a touchdown. The crowd was dead silent, as many were
confused by what had happened. The Lakers were knotted up 7-7.
However, championship level teams know how to respond when adversity hits, and that’s exactly what GVSU did. After the offensive struggles, and giving up a defensive score, the Lakers marched down the field on the very next possession. This drive was in large part due to the 30-yard pass from Avery Moore to Kyle Nott.
The drive ended with a Moore rushing score, and the Lakers took back the lead 14-7. This ended up being the score going into halftime after a late drive by West Florida was abruptly ended by an interception from Jason Hardy.
The second half started much like the first ended, with Moore being effective on the ground. The first play from scrimmage was a 37-yard scramble from the senior quarterback. Once the Lakers were in the red zone, they called his number again. On a quarterback run, Moore scored to extend his team’s lead to 14.
West Florida responded with a 48yard drive, and got into GVSU territory late in the third. While driving, the Argonauts would be met with a fourth down decision, which they elected to go for. However, the Lakers pass rush was too strong and, like many drop backs, there was a black jersey in the backfield.
GVSU was just one sack away from tying their record in a single game. They finished with nine sacks behind the brilliant play of Niles King, who finished with six total tackles and two assisted sacks.
“We started smelling blood in the water,” said King.
Then, on the second play following the
turnover on downs, Nott would make a 32-yard one-handed snag, eerily similar to the one he made during the game against Ferris State University a season ago.
At this point, the Lakers were in control of the game. The nail in the coffin would come in the fourth quarter when, once again, Eichelberger
made a 50-yard touchdown. The final score was 31-7, extending the Lakers’ winning streak to 4-0.
On Oct. 5, GVSU will take the short trip to Davenport to take on the Panthers for the University’s second away game of the season.
TRIUMPHANT: The GV Lakers were able to secure a 31-7 win against the West Florida Argonauts, continuing their successes for a fourth consecutive week. GVL | MACAYLA CRAMER
BLACKOUT: GV fans filled the stands for the third home game. GVL | MACAYLA CRAMER
GV volleyball triumphs over Saginaw Valley, Lake Superior State in three set sweeps
BY ARIANNA WESTBROOKS LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s volleyball team swept Lake Superior State University and Saginaw Valley State University 3-0 in both of their games this weekend.
On Friday, Sept. 27, the GVSU Lakers dominated against LSSU with a 3-0 sweep. They won their sets with scores of 25-19, 25-18 and 25-22. This win for the Lakers counted as their thirty-fifth consecutive victory over LSSU, with the record dating back to 2002.
With GVSU’s current dominant record and ranking, teams such as LSSU can easily be brushed off by the Lakers. However, the team’s head coach Jason Johnson feels that regardless of the opponent’s record, playing away games is essential to being a skilled team.
“No matter what the record of a team might be, travel is a great equalizer,” Johnson said. “You must go and play in someone else’s gym, and manage what their strengths are. We still have a lot to work on and get better at, so every match we play is another opportunity to do that.”
GVSU started their first set against LSSU strongly with an early lead of 10-4. They held this lead up until a service error from freshman Grace Busold awarded LSSU a point. LSSU took advantage of this, and gained some momentum. They managed to slightly bridge the gap, bringing the score to 11-8. However, their momentum didn’t last long before
GVSU closed the door on them with a kill by Kendall Stover.
Following the kill by Stover, GVSU scored three more back-to-back points, including an impressive ace by setter Meghan O’Sullivan, taking the score to 15-8.
At the end of the opening set with a score of 24-16, LSSU began to feel the pressure. They fought fiercely to catch up, and were able to bring the score to 24-19. Despite the effort they exerted, the Laker’s Stover triumphantly closed the set with a kill.
The second set started similarly to the first one, with GVSU taking an early 12-5 lead. Following their lead, things began to heat up, and the two teams went back and forth until the end of the set. In spite of the back and forth, the Lakers never lost their lead, and they closed out the second set with a service ace from libero Julia Blaney.
In the final set, LSSU kept the Lakers on their toes with a game of tug of war for the win. For the first few plays, both teams exchanged back-and-forth kills in a battle for the lead until LSSU’s Jordyn Haller made an attack error, giving the lead to GVSU 9-8. The Lakers held this lead for most of the set until Haller tied up the score 19-19 with a kill.
Following Haller’s point, GVSU dug deep and scored five consecutive points to bring the match to game point. With the game on the line, LSSU raced to catch up with a commendable effort displayed by LSSU’s middle
blocker Morgan Deming. Despite their effort to catch up, a service error by Deming secured the win for GVSU.
Laker Jordyn Gates dominated with 10 kills and 15 assists, along with Katie Goudreau, who had seven kills.
Following GVSU’s triumph over LSSU, they competed the next day against the SVSU Cardinals with another 3-0 sweep. The Lakers won their sets 25-20, 25-19 and 25-19.
The opening set began with the Lakers taking the lead 8-3. The Cardinals gradually began to catch up until they were neck and neck with the Lakers, with a close 18-17 score. Despite this, the Lakers never gave up their lead, and the team won the first set 25-20.
During the second set, the Cardinals upped their offense and stayed neck and neck with the Lakers the majority of the set. The Lakers gradually began to pull away following a kill from Goudreau, which made the score 18-16. The Lakers wrapped up the set with a six-point lead, 25-19.
The final set started close, with the Cardinals consistently trailing behind the Lakers, until a kill by Busold brought the score 10-8. After Busold’s kill, the Lakers maintained control of the set.
The Lakers claimed victory over the Cardinals with another six-point lead over SVSU on the last set, ending the game with a final score of 25-19. By the end of the game, Kendall Stover once again led with nine kills, Brianna Stawski had eight, and O’Sullivan had seven kills, in addition to 14 assists.
SWEEPING: The women’s volleyball team began the weekend with an impressive three set sweep of Lake Superior State. GVL | ARCHIVES
VICTORY: GV closed the weekend with a second sweep against SVSU. GVL | ARCHIVES