Issue 13

H O M E CO M I N G W E E K >> Weekend Events See Page A6

FOOTBALL PREVIEW Lakers gear up to defend home turf >> See Page B3

GRAND VALLEY’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER

Grand Valley Lanthorn WWW.LANTHORN.COM

GVSU raises

T H U R S D AY , O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 1 0

PACES builds strong GVSU graduates

Milk bottle downsizing at campus dining facilities brings rise to healthy practices debate

$20 million

for new building

By Garrett Pelican GVL Staff Writer Grand Valley State University announced Wednesday it has raised $20 million of the $25 million in private funding required to build the planned SEIDMAN L. William Seidman building, with the remaining $5 million to be raised from public sources.

The announcement came as almost 150 people gathered at 38 Front Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids, the intended site for the building that will house the Seidman College of Business. Those in attendance included Amway founder and lead donor Rich DeVos, Dean H. James Williams of Seidman College and GVSU President Thomas Haas.

“The success of this project is a reflection on the generosity of this community and the attractiveness of Bill Seidman’s original vision for Grand Valley and for the business school,” Haas said in a press release.

Since its founding 40 years ago, Seidman College has grown from an initial 145 enrollment to more than 3,300 students enrolled.

As one of just 173 schools worldwide holding dual accreditation in both business and accounting, Seidman College has garnered international recognition.

The project, which will cost a total of $40 million, will produce GVSU’s 16th LEED-certified building in line with the university’s effort to adopt the cause of sustainability.

The building’s ground-breaking is slated for spring 2011. gpelican@lanthorn.com

Media

mistreatment Garrett Pelican

A

GVL Staff Writer

s a staff writer for the Lanthorn, I’ve done my share of event coverage.

While these events occasionally involve lots of alcohol, hors d’oeuvres and glaring absences of purpose, I try to avoid judging books by their covers. Still, as I walked up to a white tent flooded with more suits and blazers than a Gatsby affair, I noticed the incongruity between their attire and my own – a hoodie, khakis and a Yankees cap.

Nonetheless, it was a press event and I reminded myself, “I am da press!” and strolled right in. ... And promptly found my arm hooked by the firm grip of a Pew campus security guard.

See Mistreatment, A2

By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor

GVL / Eric Coulter

Got milk?: GVSU student Alan DeVries grabs milk from a stand. Campus Dining sells 1/2 pint containers of milk.

MILK’S LAST STAND

By Chelsea Stoskopf GVL Staff Writer There is a new change at Grand Valley State University’s Campus Dining this year.

Milk bottles sold with student meals have decreased in both size and price.

In previous years, Campus Dining has sold a pint of milk in 16 ounce portions - which is equal to two servings of milk in each of its bottles at $1.69.

This year, the bottles have been reduced to a single-serving half pint for 99 cents. The new

bottles are a “healthy-sized portion,” said Deb Rambadt, Campus Dining marketing manager.

“In most Campus Dining restaurants, guests can choose from 16 ounce, 22 ounce or 32 ounce cups … and can choose to fill their cup with any fountain item,” she said. “If a guest would prefer milk, the single size is available.”

Registered dietician Audrey Oman said an average person is given a recommended amount of two-to-three servings of any dairy product a day.

“I agree that eight ounces

of milk is a serving,” she said, “but it doesn’t seem fair to make (students) choose. Soda has zero nutritional value. Nowhere along the lines are we recommending soda at all.”

Oman said when she talks with a client about their intakes, the first thing she cuts out is the soda.

“Milk is generally healthy,” she said. “It has calories in it, yes, but milk also has protein and vitamins. Milk has a lot more to offer than soda. We don’t need soda to survive – people are perfectly fine with-

See Milk, A2

GV alumnus introduces the HARApad Invention to prevent EMR effects, toasted skin syndrome from laptops Hope Cronkright GVL Staff Writer In a study done for the Bioinitiative Working Group concerning the effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on the body, a group of 14 scientists, public health and public policy experts found that EMR does have biological effects, some of which may lead to loss of wellbeing, disease or even death.

Joining forces with friend Ryan Lillibridge, Grand Valley State University graduate Mark Kramer created HARApad - the Heat And Radiation Attenuating pad. The HARApad blocks EMR

INDEX

A

emission dually functioning as a safeguard from toasted skin syndrome, which that can lead to permanent skin darkening, by reducing the effects of heat from the laptop. It can also be used as a surface to work on, fitting into almost any laptop case while being additionally dry erasable.

Mark Kramer said he sees an anology between the HARApad and a vitamin.

“A vitamin company does not promise to keep their company healthy – instead they advertise what their product does do and the risk of not using it,” he said.

“We offer our product as a way to protect against whatever harmful events come as a result from laptop radiation and the heat of a laptop.”

Kramer said the sales of HARA-

See HARApad, A2

GVL / Hope Cronkright

Smart choice: Ryan Lillibridge demonstrates the HARApad. He, along with GVSU alumnus Mark Kramer, designed the HARApad.

News........................................................................A3 Downtown...................................................................A4 Opinion.........................................................A5 Advertisement..........................................................A6

B

Grand Valley State University’s school of graduate studies is taking strides – well, PACES, that is.

PACES, which stands for professionalism, achievement, communication, engagement and success, is designed as a co-curricular program that aims at helping graduate students stay successful throughout and beyond their graduate program.

The program is in its first ever year “The PACES of operation and program is an features both onopportunity line resources and face-to-face workfor students to shops and semienhance their nars on the topics graduate that are comprised of its namesake. education “PACES benexperience efits students by with value providing them added information and advice specific to interactions ... “ graduate student -Jeffery Potteiger issues and needs Dean of from a variety of Graduate Studies resources (faculty, professionals, offices) at GVSU and beyond,” said Dr. John Stevenson, associate dean of graduate studies.

The process and outcomes of a graduate education, Stevenson said, are notably different from that of an undergraduate education.

PACES helps students learn more POTTEIGER about the unique challenges that face graduate students, such as preparing for entry-level careers.

Stevenson said that PACES offers graduate students topics and resources that are not always available or provided for a specific degree program such as presentation and communication skills, selecting the right thesis topic and fulfilling the principles of responsible conduct of research.

“The PACES program is an opportunity for students to enhance their graduate education experience with value added interactions with other graduate students, faculty and staff at Grand Valley State University,” said Jeffery Potteiger, dean of graduate studies.

Similar to any budding organization, PACES has taken the training wheels off, Stevenson said. Evaluation responses that PACES officials handed out to students and staff who attended the first workshops and panel discussion have all come back with positive remarks.

“Responses thus far have been very favorable with presenters, getting high marks for their knowledge and expertise while attendees feel they have gained new knowledge and understanding of the topic,” Stevenson said.

Stevensen also added that PACES will “evaluate each offering with an eye toward adding topics, improving those deemed valuable and eliminating those that are not (deemed valuable) by those in

See PACES, A2

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

A2

NEWS

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Mistreatment continued from page A1

Now, I’ve been arrested before so I’m no stranger to the drill, but as the unnamed sentry escorted me outside, I felt confused.

When I politely offered, “I’m covering this event for the Grand Valley Lanthorn,” I was met with the skepticism you might associate with a man trying to transport his ticking luggage onto a 747. A genuine concern seemed to be the contents of my water bottle, which contained – surprise! – water.

Only after explaining that Grand Valley State University has a newspaper, that newspaper is called the Lanthorn and I was in fact a writer for that publication did the security guard’s questioning relent. At the request of this product of the Patriot Act, I phoned my editor, who in turn phoned the security office, who in turn phoned the security guard to confirm that I was supposed to cover the event.

But my journey wasn’t done yet. Even after dispelling the suspicion that I was a less-thanambitious domestic terrorist, I was told I was underdressed and that wouldn’t fly. So I offered to leave, because as much as I enjoy being cavity searched by a rent-a-cop, I could think of a few things I’d rather be doing.

“No, I think this is an event you should be

covering,” she – who I will not single out, despite her choice to blatantly single me out – advised.

Progress!

“We have a special place for you,” she cheered. “But, you’ll have to put that water bottle in your pocket.”

I looked incredulous at this demand, and the bizarreness of it grew in stature as she ushered me into the tent, weaving through adults toting wine and cocktail glasses – it wasn’t even noon yet!

That’s impressive, even by tailgating standards. Still, I acquiesced and followed her past the mingling professionals, past the press to my “special place.” Little did I realize that “special place” is a euphemism for what I can only describe as a “college press concentration camp.”

While important persons took their seats and other members of the media roamed freely with cameras, notepads and laptop computers, I was quarantined to the far right corner of the back of the tent. Chair-less, isolated and the sun shining in my eyes – all because I wasn’t wearing my Sunday’s best.

Shortly after, President Thomas Haas took the stage to discuss people important to the university – those who had buildings named after them for the price of a hefty donation.

It was then that I realized that with the exception of Rich DeVos, the DeVries, members of the Frey,

Seidman and Pew families gathered, I had likely provided the most funding toward GVSU. And then I thought about the distinct difference between how wealthy donors were treated and how students – customers such as me – had been treated. So I left.

If I had interviewed President Haas or any of the elite present, I would have asked them what this building means for the growth of GVSU and the Seidman College of Business.

I would have asked them how this construction – and others – has affected rising tuition costs, especially in light of GVSU’s less-thangenerous stance following the rescinding of the Michigan Promise grant.

I would have asked them how they felt about how the property was acquired – that the DeVries sold the property only after the university threatened to exercise eminent domain on it.

I would have asked about this abuse of power and others. If you think about it, is the abuse of authority by the security guard and the university in its acquisition of the new property merely a microcosm of a greater issue at GVSU? I would have asked them if they thought these actions might affect the school’s legacy more than any number of new buildings ever could. gpelican@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Milk

continued from page A1

out it.”

She also disagrees with the Campus Dining change because of lack of nutritional value and intake.

“I don’t think they should’ve cut back the milk portions without cutting back the soda portions,” she said. “I understand you save a lot of money – milk is expensive. But from a general nutrition perspective, it doesn’t seem balanced.

Regular sodas add so many empty calories, whereas milk has a lot of nutritional value.”

Rambadt said she did not think the downsizing of milk had to do with the college’s budget but recommends students who want larger portions of milk to buy more at any C-store on campus or visit Fresh Food

PACES

continued from page A1

Stevenson and the rest of the PACES team hopes to grow the audience for future sessions and improve the effects of the highly interactive aspect of the panels. The greater the audience size, he said, the better

HARApad

continued from page A1

HARApads have satisfied the cofounders, achieving global sales within the first week of its introduction to the market.

“Our hopes for the future is to continue to push the HARApad product to make more people aware of this issue,” he said. “Hardly anyone still knows that toasted

Company.

Some students, however, are outraged and confused at the downsizing of milk.

“I think it is bull,” said junior Matt Brainovich. “It is just a smaller amount for the same price. They say it’s for health benefits but they still supply the same sized pop and other drinks which cost the same too. I think they are just being cheap.”

However, not everyone feels this way. Fifth-year student Julie Coon said she appreciates the assistance in leading a healthy lifestyle.

“To me it seems like a better idea to have smaller milk jugs; all in the name of portion control,” she said.

“Let’s face it – we as Americans always over consume, so maybe we should be grateful for the help.”

Oman, however, said it shouldn’t be a choice be-

tween the drink options. In order for students to avoid the dreaded freshman 15, they should be given more milk than soda.

“To me, it’s not a choice between milk and soda, those aren’t the same,” she said. “That’s like saying, ‘do you want your broccoli or your potato chips?’ We need milk, we need calcium and we need vitamin D. If you want to cut (milk) back then fine, but cut both (milk and soda) back.”

Suggestions for Campus Dining are welcomed via comment cards or online at diningc@gvsu.edu. Additionally, an online survey will be available in October for all members of the campus community to share overall thoughts in regard to dining at GVSU.

the session.

“As with any new program there is need for fine tuning and improvement so we depend on good feed back from both of our presenters, panels and audience of students and faculty,” he said.

Graduate students who want to get involved with PACES can do so by view-

ing the online resources and schedule of sessions for the academic year online at www.gvsu.edu/gs and clicking in the PACES bar on the left side of the menu selections. To register for a seminar, panel or workshop, contact Jennifer Palm at 616-331-6658. assistantnews@lanthorn.com

skin syndrome exists, and we have something that to help them with that.”

The discovery of toasted skin syndrome has doubled the traffic to the company’s website in “a single day.”

“I hope this helps people recognize that other people are looking into it and it should be a priority,” Lillibridge added.

In the future, the group plans to extend its servic-

es to protect against other electronic devices like cell phones, which emit more and more radiation as they become more powerful.

HARApad’s are offered at a 30% discount to GV students on the website at HARApad.com with the discount code Grand Valley State University.

news@lanthorn.com

news@lanthorn.com

WWW Lanthorn COM

Grand Valley Lanthorn Volume 45, Number 14 The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community.

For additional copies, please contact our business offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to Grand Valley Lanthorn, 0051 Kirkhof, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401

BUSINESS STAFF

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief LAUREN FITCH Managing Editor EMANUEL JOHNSON News Editor CHELSEA LANE Assistant News Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Sports Editor CODY EDING

Arts and Entertainment Editor ELIJAH BRUMBACK Laker Life Editor HALEY OTMAN Photography Editor ERIC COULTER Copy Editors CARLA LANDHUIS KARA DONALDSON

Layout Editor ALANA HOLLAND Layout Staff TAYLOR GEBBEN KELLY GRANBACKA KENDALL GILBERT VALERIE WALDBAUER Web Team JON ROOST CJ RAFTERY JOSH KOVACH

ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager DANIEL DELAMIELLEURE Advertising Reps CHRIS ROWELL CHANTELL BOYD KEVIN HAUSFELD

AMANDA VILLARREAL Advertising Designers MATT TYNDALL VALENTINA VALDES

Business Manager ERIC LEE Assistant Business Manager BRANDON MERCADO Distribution ADAM RASHID JEFF DIMITRIEVSKI MICHAEL VASILOVSKI Receptionists KIM SANDER CARIAN WHITE Faculty Adviser LAWRENCE BEERY

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

Corrections

At the Lanthorn we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible.

If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors of fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling (616) 331-2464 or by e-mailing editorial@lanthorn.com.

NEWS

Chelsea Lane, News Editor news@lanthorn.com

QUICK!

GV NEWS FLASH

1

Wave of bike thefts hits campus

Herbert L. VanderMey Internship accepting Winter 2011 applications

2

National Depression Screening Day The Counseling and Career Development Center will be participating in National Depression Screening Day today on campus at various sites.

Counselors will be available for confidential screenings in the Kirkhof Center, Kleiner Commons, DeVos Center, Center for Health Sciences, Campus Recreation Center, Student Services Building and North C Living Center.

Details can be found online at ww.gvsu.edu/ counsel by clicking on “Upcoming Events.” For any additional inquiry, call the Counseling Center at 616-331-3266.

A3

POLICE BLOTTER

GV NEWS BRIEFS

The Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute is offering a competitive winter semester internship made possible by a donation from Herbert L. VanderMey. The aim of the internship is to broaden a student’s perspective on his or her chosen discipline through the practical application of classroom learning.

The internship will be awarded to Grand Valley State University undergraduate student majoring in the sciences, including engineering, computer science, biomedical, natural resource management, mathematics, statistics or physical sciences.

Applicants must complete an employment application with a resume and compose a one-page essay addressing the criteria listed below.

The recipient of the Herbert L. VanderMey Internship is expected to average 12 hours on AWRI projects for 15 weeks during he winter semester and will be compensated up to a maximum of $1,800.

Applicants will be judged on past academic performance with emphasis on improvement, a genuine interest in our environment and the preservation of our natural resources, and potential to contribute to Institute projects.

Application forms and further instructions for application are available on the AWRI website at www.gvsu.edu/wri under the Undergraduate Funding/Opportunities page.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Nov. 5. The chosen applicant will be notified

by Nov. 16.

For questions or more information on the Herbert L. VanderMey Internship, contact Roxana Taylor of the AWRI by e-mail at taylorr@gvsu.edu

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 7, 2010

By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor Courtesy Photo / Primary ReUsers

Creative collection: Colorful recycling bins downtown grab people’s attention and encourage recycling.

Primary ReUsers promote downtown recycling with colorful bins during ArtPrize Ola Nwabara, GVSU faculty adjunct, founds project to get people focused on recycling

By Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter

Amidst the wide variety of art at Grand Rapid’s second annual ArtPrize, a different form of creativity has emerged. Decorated recycle bins, located at different locations around the downtown area, are fullyfunctional creations of the Primary ReUsers.

Ola Nwabara, faculty adjunct in Grand Valley State University’s Liberal Studies and Communications Departments, founded the Primary ReUsers when she realized the need for recycle bins in the downtown area during last year’s ArtPrize. Nwabara said that she thought painting the bins would be a good way to make people stop and think.

“I’d love for people to consider rethinking what materials they throw away versus which materials they recycle,” she said. “But further, critically analyze what materials can be re-used versus trashed. I hope people [will] find a way to be cre-

ative and have fun while doing something as helpful to the environment as reducing their carbon footprint, recycling and reusing.”

The bins were donated to the Primary ReUsers by Cascade Engineering and were then decorated by local artists and recycling enthusiasts, including students from the Kendall School of Art and Design. Nwabara said that she thinks decorating the recycle bins helps to turn sustainability and environmental stewardship into an art form.

“Each artist was asked to design their bin with sustainability, reusing, community and Grand Rapids in mind,” she said.

The feedback on the recycle bins has so far been positive, Nwabara said. Primary ReUsers received support from GVSU’s Art Gallery, the GVSU Sustainable Community Development Initiative and the city of Grand Rapids, as well as from local companies and organizations.

Nwabara mentioned that

Primary ReUsers is currently looking for companies who would like to keep the recycling bins for public use. The group plan to re-enter ArtPrize again next year with a bigger and more locally involved project if the necessary resources are available.

According to a Primary ReUsers brochure, the recycle bins can be found on West Fulton Avenue, Northwest Monroe Avenue, Southwest Ionia Avenue, Division Street and Southeast Wealthy Street. Each bin is unique and has its own message of environmental awareness, recycling, community and reusing.

“When I think of reusing, I think of bell bottoms,” said Lyn Williams, a local artist who helped paint the bins, in the brochure. “Just keep it [and] it will come back in style.”

For more information about the Primary ReUsers, visit www.primaryreusers. com or visit the Primary ReUsers Facebook page. mwaite@lanthorn.com

Student Organization Kids in Motion mobilizes on campus

By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor

As the fall sports season continues at Grand Valley State University, one new organization at GVSU is hoping to help underprivileged kids in the community get in the game.

Freshly established this fall, Kids in Motion is a new organization at GVSU that raises funds to provide underprivileged kids with scholarships to participate in sports.

Kids in Motion was originally created by GVSU junior and Kids in Motion President Eryn Mickevicius.

“I’ve always wanted to help underprivileged kids become involved in sports,” she said. “Last semester I came up with the idea to start KIM as a student organization.”

KIM’s primary focus is on getting kids, regardless of where they are from, to participate in sports. KIM VicePresident Elizabeth Koltonow said that sports can provide a number of benefits for kids.

“Sports are a perfect outlet for teens and a great way to build self-confidence, motivation, friendships and a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Along with Koltonow, Mickevicius believes that sports are very important in a person’s life.

“Sports help develop increased motivation and determination in children, along with strengthening their sense

of confidence,” she said. “I believe that all children should have access to the many benefits of sports regardless of financial circumstances.”

Many members of KIM are involved in sports themselves, and all maintain that they know what sports can do to help people firsthand.

“I have played sports my entire life and, from experience, know that participating in sports has positively affected me in one way or another,” said Andrea Sulavik, KIM secretary. “I think getting underprivileged kids involved in sports will give them the same opportunity I had to grow in a positive direction.”

Before the fall semester started, Mickevicius put a list of various sports programs together that could help kids.

“Over the summer I researched and made a directory of different sports programs in the area,” she said. “The children that we provide scholarships to can use this directory to find a sport or program that

they are interested in.”

Throughout the fall semester, KIM’s planned events are targeted at raising money for kids. The first event is scheduled for Oct. 20 and is a 3-on3 soccer tournament.

In November, KIM will co-sponsor a 5k run with the Running Club. After Thanksgiving break, KIM will hold a sports equipment drive to help kids who cannot afford their own equipment.

Mickevicius said KIM hopes to hold a lock-in event in the field house that any kid in the community could attend to swim, play sports and participate in group activities. news@lanthorn.com

With long walks and busy class schedules, a bike can often be a student’s best friend. But a recent string of bike thefts has left some students without a ride.

Since Sept. 21, 10 bikes have been stolen on campus. Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, said most of the bikes were either unlocked or improperly secured, leading police to believe these were “crimes of opportunity.” The bikes were taken from multiple locations, including Mackinac Hall, AuSable Hall, Kliener Commons and several living centers.

One of the theft victims, sophomore Krystal Wilson, said her teal mountain bike was taken outside of Henry Hall on Monday night when she stopped in to the computer lab to print off a paper.

“I always lock my bike up, but of course, (that) night I went into the all-glass computer laboratory in Henry Hall where I could see my bike from inside, so I had just set my bike by the door,” she said. “I was probably in for six minutes. I turn my back and then my bike was gone.”

Wilson described the incident as “disappointing” and said she hopes her bike can still be recovered by police.

“I was just astounded that someone could be so inconsiderate and not think of the other person when they were

doing it,” she said. “...

These students are just not following the Grand Valley ‘everybody’sclose-knit’ theme.”

Seven of the 10 missing bikes have since been found on campus.

DeHaan believes the perpetrators are using the bikes for a short period of time before dumping them once they no longer need them.

“While it may be convenient for someone to engage in that activity, it is in convenient for others and unacceptable to do so,” he said. “We will continue to follow up on leads and ask the community to give us a call if they have any additional info.

Stealing bikes is a crime.

If a student is responsible, they may face not only criminal sanctions but also sanctions from the Dean’s Office.”

Bike theft has proven to be an ongoing problem at Grand Valley State University. Last year, two students were arraigned on felony charges for stealing six bikes, valued at approximately $3,000 total. The theft ring targeted high-end bikes and the perpetrators used bolt cutters to remove locks.

DeHaan added that DPS encourages all students to purchase bike locks and always keep their bikes secured.

Anyone with information regarding the recent bike thefts may call DPS at 616-3313255 or leave information anonymously through the Silent Observer hotline at 877-877-4536. news@lanthorn.com

A4

Thursday, October 7, 2010

DOWNTOWN

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Nuclear Regulatory Commission comes to Grand Rapids to discuss nuclear power in Michigan IGE hosts NRC experts to raise student awareness of nuclear benefits, drawbacks, safety regulations

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

Grand Valley State University students will have the opportunity to learn more about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and nuclear energy produced in Michigan at the Institute for Global Education at 1118 Wealthy St. SE tonight at 7 p.m. Representatives from the NRC, a federal organization, will make a presentation about their regulations and procedures followed by a Q&A session with members of IGE, the group Don’t Waste Michigan and any other audience members.

The U.S. produces almost 30 percent of the world’s nuclear-generated electricity, making it the largest contributor, according to the World Nuclear Association. Use of nuclear energy reduces the nation’s dependence on oil and also produces more environmentally-friendly energy since it does not burn other fuels. However, along with these benefits come concerns about safety in creating this energy and disposing of the radioactive waste.

NRC takes on the role of monitoring these concerns and making sure the whole process is safe for the environment and the people in the area.

“It’s important for students to learn about where you are and what is around you for your own safety and security,” said Chester Lowe, a board member of IGE who organized the event.

The nuclear power presentation will be filmed as part of the IGE’s monthly talk forum, which is broadcast on Grand Rapids public access and the Internet. Viktoria Mitlyng, NRC officer of public affairs, and John Ellegood, NRC resident inspector of a nuclear plant in Perry, Ohio, will speak at the event as well as members of Don’t Waste Michigan, an environmental group dedicated to preserving Michigan’s freshwater resources.

Lowe, a GVSU alumnus, said the NRC representatives will discuss the basics of nuclear power and waste as well as what they do to ensure safety in the production of the energy and disposal of the waste.

Michigan houses three nuclear power plants of the nation’s 104 nuclear reactors, the closest of which is the Palisades plant five miles south of South Haven.

Lowe said he has acted as a “watchdog” for the past five years working with representatives from each of the plants to make sure all regulations are followed.

“We want to make sure we have people in the right places so the wrong things don’t happen,” he said.

He compared nuclear risks to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this year, saying “the same type of thing can easily happen with nuclear waste.”

Chuck Miller, a member of IGE, said this presentation will be different from the previous talk forums because there are experts speaking on the

Courtesy Photo / NRC.gov

Power trip: The Palisades nuclear power plant (pictured) is the nearest to GVSU, located outside South Haven.

There are a total of three nuclear plants in Michigan and 104 nuclear reactors in the U.S.

topic instead of the general public hosting their own conversation. Miller does the recording and editing of the hour-long programs and said he thinks the turnout for this event will be bigger than in the past, hopefully 20 people or more.

The IGE is a volunteer organization that runs different outreach programs focused on human

rights and education on multicultural and religious awareness at a local and global level, according to its website. More information is available at www.iserv.net.

The public is welcome at the free NRC presentation, and students are encouraged to attend. editorial@lanthorn.com

Pew Campus increases presence, visibility of GVSU

By Julie VerHage GVL Staff Writer

Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus is not the sole reason for the university’s success. The Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids has had a large impact since the

opening of its first building, the Eberhard Center, in 1988.

It was then-President Arend Lubbers who first oversaw the expansion. In a recent interview he summarized what he considered at the time of growth.

“Allendale is 12 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids,” he said. “It’s not seen by a lot

of people. If you build downtown on the Grand River you, in a sense, are building a presence and when that building, the Eberhard Center, was built, thousands and thousands of more people saw (GVSU).”

In 1987, Steelcase Inc. donated an industrial building and large parcel of land near the

Eberhard Center to GVSU. Lubbers then appointed a task force to study the role of the new downtown c a m p u s LUBBERS and its relationship to the main campus in Allendale. The group’s recommendations had far-ranging effects on the development of the university during the next two decades.

Roles were thus defined for each campus. Allendale served as a primarily residential campus focused on undergraduate education, while the Grand Rapids campus focused on professional and graduate work.

Perhaps the most significant recommendation adopted from the group’s work was the plan to make the two campuses “one integrated institution.”

Matt McLogan, GVSU’s vice president of University Rela-

GVL Archive

Big-city building: The Eberhard Center was the first building constructed on the downtown campus in 1987. The Pew campus increased visibility for GVSU.

tions, said this quality separates GVSU from similar schools.

“President Lubbers wanted to have a unified administration that operates as one,” he said.

“We believe this is more effective for the students and lowers expenses for the university.”

McLogan went on to list the many ways the Grand Rapids location benefits students.

“We have some 11,000 students spending either part or all of their time down there,” he said. “It was set up to be located in the city with the urban feel.

Programs located downtown are some of them that were believed to have the most to gain from this placement such as: business, social work, education, health professions and engineering.”

GVSU’s Master of Social Work program, established in 1980, was accredited in 1985.

The School of Criminal Justice arose in 1989 and started offering master’s degrees in 1997.

The introduction of a graduate program in nursing in 1983 marked an era of exponential growth in the health sciences.

By 1998, the growth of the School of Health Sciences resulted in restructuring it with the Department of Physical Edu-

cation, setting the stage for the College of Health Professions that would blossom on “Health Hill” in Grand Rapids in 2001.

The Seidman College of Business allowed both professional and graduate education to become an integral part of GVSU. In the summer of 2000, the Seidman School of Business moved into its new home at the DeVos Center, a $50 million facility that also houses the international trade institute and other GVSU graduate programs. Connections with both the local and international business communities are enhanced by this facility. By 2008, it was included in lists of the best business schools in the country.

At the memorial service L. William Seidman in 2009, President Thomas Haas announced launched efforts to construct a new building for the Seidman College of Business.

The new building, opening in 2013, will expand room for business students while opening up space for other programs in need of additional facilities.

To learn more about the Pew Campus and the programs offered at this location, go to www.gvsu.edu/pewcampus. jverhage@lanthorn.com

OPINION

editorial@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 7, 2010

A5

EDITORIAL CARTOON

EDITORIAL

Higher expectations As officials elected to represent the public, political figures should expect to trade off some of their rights to privacy and personal opinion in exchange for increased transparency and the citizens’ trust.

For almost six months, Michigan’s assistant attorney general Andrew Shirvell has updated a personal blog bashing current University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong for his “radical homosexual agenda.”

Armstrong is U-M’s first openly gay student body president.

As a U-M alumnus, Shirvell said his criticism of Armstrong is not a personal attack, but instead stems from wanting to stop Armstrong’s gay ideologies from impacting U-M’s student population. Shirvell’s blog has been removed from the Internet, but existing screen shots of it showed Armstrong’s picture with a rainbow flag and a swastika placed on it.

The introduction to Shirvell’s blog called Armstrong a “a RADICAL HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVIST, RACIST, ELITIST, & LIAR.” As of last Friday, Shirvell took a voluntary leave from his job, though he was not fired for his behavior. His boss, attorney general Mike Cox, said until there was other legal action against Shirvell, he could not fire Shirvell because his comments were made outside of work and protected by the First Amendment.

Aside from the offensive nature of Shirvell’s free speech and the inappropriate content of his blog, the incident raises issues about whether or not public figures should be held to different standards of free speech and other civil rights as compared to private citizens.

Part of being a government official, politician or leader of a significant organization is the publicity of the position. The greater the sphere of impact, the more open a person is to public scrutiny. Less and less about their lives is considered off limits and purely personal.

This transparency is in part due to the expectation that these people speak and act on behalf of private citizens, which is a cornerstone of democracy. Constituents have a right to an indepth view of these public figures because these officials are supposed to represent their best interests.

A government official’s out-of-office actions do matter to his or her on-the-clock persona. This is not to say public officials should be flawless or have no privacy. But they should expect greater criticism and increased transparency as part of the job. In Shirvell’s case, the fact that he posted his opinions on a public blog took it beyond the realm of his personal privacy anyway. As the public figure of assistant attorney general, this should void any pretension that Shirvell’s attack is protected under the First Amendment.

There are obvious problems with having an outspokenly prejudiced, anti-gay assistant attorney general, someone who is supposed to defend justice and the civil rights of others.

Less-obvious biases could also interfere with other individuals performing their jobs. When it comes to upholding public policy, citizens have a right to choose their representatives based on the whole picture, in the office and out.

The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University

Editorial Page Board Lauren Fitch Eric Lee Emanuel Johnson Chelsea Lane

Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor

Valley Vote Is 2020 a realistic date for Grand Rapids to be 100 percent sustainable?

Yes: 47% This week’s question: Should Andrew Shirvell be fired for his comments on Chris Armstrong?

No: 53% Vote online at Lanthorn.com

GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community.

Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses.

Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person.

Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

Letters appear as space permits each

issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced.

The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity.

All letters must be typed.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors.

The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons.

The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.

GVL / Dan Sills and Shaun Morton

YOUR INSIGHTS

How important to you is a political leader’s personal life?

“For me, political issues are more important than a person smoking weed when they were 18 or something – unless they worship Satan.”

“I don’t care, unless it’s Christine O’Donnell.”

“I’ll vote for anyone except Matthew Brainovich.”

“Not important at all. What matters is their view on issues and not what they do in their free time.”

“I want to vote for someone with good moral character and if something they do is a poor reflection of their morality then it’s something I would consider.”

Joe Perry Junior Russian Studies Allen Park, Mich.

Matthew Brainovich Junior International Relations Rochester, Mich.

Kaley Bectel Sophomore Russian Studies Hudsonville, Mich.

Logan Brenk Junior Biomedical Sciences Lowell, Mich.

Conor Kuriwchak Junior English, Elementary Education Monroe, Mich.

GVL STUDENT OPINION

50 years should be recognized Chris Slattery GVL Columnist

Grand Valley State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, yet I’ve noticed a disturbing lack of enthusiasm from the student population. This apathy is no one’s fault, really; Grand Valley has been advertising like crazy, a lot of organizations have events that commemorate the celebration and I feel like I can’t go anywhere on campus without seeing a giant “50.”

And while, to some, “5-0” may just be a code that the cops are coming to break up a party, to others, it means a half-century— something to celebrate.

I noticed this unfortunate indifference last week when I attended

the Louie birthday party by the clock tower. I felt as though it was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the accomplishment of being a 50-year-old school by giving away free hot dogs and cake.

Unfortunately, most people in line had no idea what the free food represented and probably were under the impression that GVSU is the kind of school that gives out free food on a Monday due to a slow curriculum day. This was an actual conversation I heard: “Hey man, what’s going on here?”

“Free food, bro.”

“Free food? What for?”

“I think it’s because a new season of Dexter started. Did you see it?

It was killer ... ” And so on.

Perhaps I’m making too big a fuss about

this. Maybe 50 years isn’t such a big deal for a university. Just look at Michigan State University, a college that has been around since actual Spartan warriors attended (it was the only way to dodge the draft during the Trojan War).

Somehow, I doubt it, though. I think that a half-centennial is a momentous occasion, especially for a school such as ours, located in the middle of nowhere.

People have certainly come up with dumber anniversaries to celebrate. The sinking of the Titanic, for instance, will be memorialized in 2012 in two different— but equally idiotic— ways.

1. James Cameron will re-release his second-highest grossing movie, cryptically named “Titanic,” in 3D. This is likely due to

the fact that the movie did not make enough money the first time around.

2. A new ship, misguidedly named Titanic, will launch in spring 2012 to coincide with the 100th anniversary (of the first sinking). There will be precisely the same amount of passengers as last time (you know, when it sank and left thousands of people to freeze to death in the ocean). There is still no word as to whether they will bring an adequate amount of lifeboats.

As you can see, there are far worse ceremonious events taking place. So really, what’s holding you back from celebrating a big moment in GVSU’s history? It can be as simple as putting a “GV 50” bumper sticker on your car. cslattery@lanthorn.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

U.S. also to blame for poor trade practices I read the article (Chinese Trade Hurts American Economy) in your downtown campus yesterday.

Although I am not student at GVSU but felt obligated to answer to some parts or better to say to your emotional judgments in connection with this subject: (1) This is capitalism, or in other words, it is survival of the

fittest. If you see any problem in trades, importing or exporting then you should blame it on this wild system.

(2) You as an educated person should know that US has also done this kind of unfair trading with many weaker or better to say its puppet countries around the world and you as an educated person, before making

CONGRATULATIONS!

The GV Lanthorn and its staff received several awards from the Michigan Collegiate Press Association for the 2010 Better Newspaper Contest.

Some of the awards include: • Third place in General Excellence • Third place in News Story to

any emotional judgments, should know better about these hidden facts...

(3) I would like to ask you, why don’t you blame it on those American companies who, in order to increase their profits, they lay off their American workers, move to China and to many other 3rd world countries for cheap

Chelsea Lane for “Won’t wait for Michigan” • First place in Investigative Reporting to Jenny Whalen and Lauren Fitch for “Guns on campus” • Third place in Feature Story to Garrett Pelican for “Life from a different VANtage point” • Honorable mention in Sports Feature to Curtis Kalleward for

labor?!...

If you are a real free writer, why don’t you ever criticize or blame our corrupt system which is the source & cause of all problems? It looks like you are only looking & judging at the surface of this trade problem ... Have a nice day.

Al Shirani

“Autistic high schooler gains college swim experience” • First place in Editorial Cartoon to Dan Sills and Shaun Morton • Second place in Editorial Cartoon to Jacob Bowen • Third place in News Page Design and Sports Page Design and Feature Page Design

A6

Thursday, October 7, 2010

HOMECOMING

Grand Valley Lanthorn

HOMECOMING

EVENTS GUIDE TODAY

Homecoming to provide Golden Ticket to fun Student Senate, others organize slate of family fun and activities for Homecoming weekend

T

By Haley Otman GVL Laker Life Editor

he entire university community will find a weekend filled to the brim with candy-themed activities for the 2010 Homecoming celebration.

Grand Valley State University began the festivities Wednesday night with chart-topping Jason Derulo’s concert, featuring hits such as “Riding Solo,” “In My Head” and “Whatcha Say.” The bulk of the events will commence today with athletics, arts and academics all joining in to celebrate Willy Wonka-style.

The GVSU women’s volleyball team hosts Ashland University tonight at 7. in the Fieldhouse Arena.

The Shakespeare Festival also continues with the theater production of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” tonight at 7:30. Performances

began last Friday and will continue tomorrow and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

“As You Like It” will be performed in the Louis Armstrong Theatre of the Performing Arts Center, and the special homecoming rate for all shows Friday and later is $6.

Saturday will begin with a 10 a.m. pancake breakfast on the Fieldhouse Arena grounds, which will feature traditional hotcakes as well as candied apple and schnozberry-topped varieties with a side of sausage links and maple-grilled onions. It costs $5 for adults, $3 for those ages 4 to 12 and ages three and under are free.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Lil’ Lakers Walking Parade will commence at the Children’s Enrichment Center.

Kids of ages 3 to 8 can get their faces painted, play carnival games and enjoy prizes and refreshments.

The official homecoming address will take place Saturday from 3 p.m.

to 5 p.m. in the Laker Turf Building.

Get there early – the first 200 attendees will receive a 50th Anniversary gift and a chance to visit many on-campus groups at the campus expo.

GVSU’s President Thomas J. Haas will then give a special 50th anniversary address at 4 p.m. and introduce the procession of GVSU’s first-ever graduates, known as the Pioneer Class.

Finally, the Laker Marching Band will team up with the cheer and dance teams to lead a high-octane pep rally.

The Alumni Homecoming Tailgater takes place before Saturday’s 7 p.m. football game versus Northern Michigan University. The tailgate costs $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12 and will take place near the Turf Building.

The alumni tailgate food is also Willy Wonka-themed with dishes such as Chocolate Mole Chicken Legs, Blueberry BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Taffy Apple Salad and

“the Grandest Candy Buffet in All the Land!,” according to GVSU’s homecoming website. lakerlife@lanthorn.com

10 a.m.

The Clothesline Project (Kirkhof Center) 10 a.m.

T-Shirt Swap (Kirkhof Center) 10 a.m.

Guess How Many (Kirkhof 20/20 Desk) 1 p.m.

Homecoming Pinata Bash (Kirkhof Lower Lobby) 4:30 p.m.

Shakespeare Festival’s Greenshow (CookDeWitt Plaza)

>> WATCH!

Premier of LipDub video in Lubbers stadium after football game

6:30 p.m.

Homecoming Golden Ticket Hunt (Clock Tower) 7:30 p.m.

“As You Like It” performance (Louis Armstrong Theatre)

FRIDAY 10 a.m.

Guess How Many (Kirkhof 20/20 Desk) 2 p.m.

Shakespeare Festival’s BARD TO GO (Cook-DeWitt Center) 2 p.m.

Wonka Olympics (Kirkhof West Lawn) 7:30 p.m.

“As You Like It” performance (Louis Armstrong Theatre) GVL Archive

SATURDAY

All aboard: A little Laker heads to the game at last year’s homecoming.

9 a.m.

Laker 5k Run/Walk (Fieldhouse Arena) 1 p.m.

Little Lakers Walking Parade and Carnival (Allendale Campus) 2 p.m.

“As You Like It” matinee performance (Louis Armstrong Theatre) 7 p.m.

GVSU football homecoming game vs. Northern Michigan (Lubbers Stadium)

SUNDAY 2 p.m.

“As You Like It” final performance (Louis Armstrong Theatre)

SPORTS

Cody Eding, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com

BRIEFS! 1

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 7, 2010

B

GV SPORTS

Tennis off to undefeated start; GLIAC record 7-0 With a 6-3 defeat over visiting Ferris State University last Friday, the Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team improved its unbeaten record to 7-0 overall and in the GLIAC. Against the Bulldogs, GVSU received singles victories from freshman Niki Shipman, senior Chelsea Johnston, senior Darylann Trout and freshman Lexi Rice. The doubles teams of Rice and Shipman and junior Katelyn Schaffer and junior Alyssa Lucas also tallied wins over Ferris State.

The Lakers face Ashland University at home Friday at 3:30 p.m., and the team will play four home matches in the next three days.

2

Lakers finish third at GLIAC Men’s Golf Championship Behind junior Travis Shooks’ sixth-place finish, the Grand Valley State University men’s golf team took third place at the GLIAC Men’s Golf Championship hosted at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club in Grosse Ile, Mich.

The Lakers posted a team score of 904 in the two-day event, finishing behind Ferris State University and Wayne State University. Ferris State defeated Wayne State in a playoff to claim the championship after both teams finished the tournament with scores of 889.

Shooks finished in a tie for sixth place with a 10-over score of 223. Senior Josh Burt tied for 13th place with three others golfers with a score of 226.

Freshman Chris Cunningham and junior Nick Gunthorpe both finished with scores of 229, which put them in a tie for 18th place. Sophomore Chase Olsen shot a 237, good enough for a tie in 36th place.

Helped by Olsen’s hole-in-one on the par-3, 174-yard 13th hole, the Lakers led after one round of play.

WEEKEND SCHEDULED GAMES

Today 7 p.m.: W. Volleyball vs.

Ashland

Friday 3:30 p.m.: W. Tennis vs.

Ashland 4 p.m.: W. Soccer vs.

Northwood 7 p.m.: W. Volleyball vs. Lake Erie 9 p.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs.

Western Michigan

Saturday All Day: W. Golf at Bing Beall Classic in Findlay, Ohio 9 a.m.: M. Rowing Alumni Row 10 a.m.: W. Tennis vs. Ohio Dominican 1 p.m.: M./W. Swim and Dive Blue & White Intrasquad Meet 1 p.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs.

Western Michigan 1 p.m.: W. Rugby vs. Purdue 7 p.m.: Football vs. Northern Michigan (Homecoming)

Sunday All Day: W. Golf at Bing Beall Classic in Findlay, Ohio 10 a.m.: W. Tennis vs. Lake Erie Noon: W. Soccer vs. Saginaw Valley State 1:30 p.m.: W. Tennis vs.

Davenport

6

Courtesy Photo / Sports Information Department

New Legends

Perfect putt: Melissa Sneller was named GLIAC Women’s Golfer of the Year twice and claimed the individual national title in 2004. She will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday.

By Brady Fredericksen

F

GVL Staff Writer

rom national championships to all-conference honors, the 2010 Grand Valley State University Athletic Hall of Fame class exemplifies the winning ways of Laker athletics.

Headed by Harlon Hillwinning quarterback Curt Anes (1999-2002), the class features former athletic standouts such as 1,000-point scorer Ed Crisman (basketball, 1966-69), All-GLIAC outside hitter Chara Fehsenfeld (volleyball, 1999-2002), two-time All-American pitcher Jennifer Mackson (softball, 2001-04), former Director of Aquatics and coach Dewey Newsome (swimming, 1984-2007) and two-time GLIAC Women’s Golfer of the Year Melissa Sneller (golf, 2001-05) who drive one of the most highlytouted Hall of Fame classes in terms of success in the new ANES millennium.

The group will be inducted Friday in a banquet at the Champion Sneller have felt Kirkoff Center and honored the impact GVSU has made during halftime of Saturday’s on them even after their cafootball game against North- reers are over.

“Going through the whole ern Michigan University.

“It’s a humbling experi- college experience at GVSU taught me more about who I ence to be able was as a perto join all of the son,” said great athletes Mackson, who that came beguided the fore me,” said Lakers to the Anes, a fourPlaying a sport National year starter for brings out some 2002 Championship the Lakers. ” game in softThe memof your better ball. “Playing a bers of the Hall qualities, and with sport brings out of Fame class of 2010 have your teammates some of your better qualities, all had their you really find out and with your own individuteammates you al impacts on what to do and really find out the school, but how to be as a what to do and Anes’influence how to be as on both GVSU person.” a person. The and the foot-Jennifer Mackson coaches didn’t ball program just talk to us has helped 2010 Hall of Fame about softball, both reach the inductee they talked level they are about things to at today. Anes’ career is specifically special look forward to in life.”

Anes, a graduate of Grand because, along with Mackson, he may be the most decorated Rapids’ East Kentwood High School, almost decided not to athlete in school history.

“The school has always come to GVSU. Before the national champibeen phenomenal academically,” Anes said. “But onships and exposure, the prowhen Grand Valley was gram’s draw was not as strong put on the map thanks to as it is today. However, after the athletics, I think it re- meeting with former coach ally brought it to a new lev- Brian Kelly and experiencing el and started to make it a the campus for a weekend during his senior year, Anes dehousehold name.”

It’s not just football that has cided to come to Allendale.

“After the weekend, I endhelped in that growth. Athletes such as three-time GLIAC ed up committing and it was Player of the Year Mackson one of the best decisions I’ve or 2004 individual National ever made,” said Anes, who

Harlon Hill-winner Curt Anes one highlight of 2010 class of immortalized Lakers

“

MACKSON played with the Detroit Lions during two preseasons from 2003-04.

After redshirting during his freshman year in 1998, Anes entered the following season in a backup role. By the end of the season he was the starting quarterback and had compiled 2,248 total yards in 10 appearances, including seven as the starting quarterback.

After starting in 11 games during his sophomore year, Anes built chemistry with wide receiver and fellow sophomore David Kircus. Kircus ended up being Anes’ favorite target.

“I consider myself lucky to have played my entire college career with Curt at GVSU,” said Kircus, who also spent time in the NFL with the Lions and Denver Broncos following his career as a Laker.

The Anes-Kircus combo was one of the GLIAC’s best during the 2001 season as the team rumbled to a perfect 9-0 record in the conference and a berth in the 2001 National Championship game. Unfortunately, a knee injury during the team’s first playoff game put Anes on the sidelines as the Lakers fell to the University North Dakota in the National Championship, 17-14.

“When we were at the National Championship game, (then) president Mark Murray came in to talk to us. I don’t think the players had any idea of how big this game really was for both the program and the school,” Anes said.

Though they lost that game,

NEWSOME

CRISMAN

Courtesy Photo / Sports Information Department

Prestigious player : Chara Fehsenfeld played at GVSU from 1999-2002.

the following year the team rolled to another appearance in the National Championships. This time, the team defeated Valdosta State University in a game where Anes, the year’s Harlon Hill award winner as the Division II college football player of the year, led a game winning touchdown drive in the final three minutes to win the school’s first national championship.

Anes’ on-field achieve-

ments will forever be linked to GVSU football, but his positive experiences were not limited to the championship.

“My experience was top notch, and that wasn’t just on field.” he said. “It was the people I met and the relationships I built while there that I truly cherish. When things are good and when things are bad, you’ve got people that will support you.” sports@lanthorn.com

B2

SPORTS

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Student-athletes prove champions on field, in classroom Natalja Stanski’s nomination for NCAA Women of the Year prime example of academic success for GV student-athletes

By The Numbers

2.00

minimum high school GPA required by the NCAA to compete as a freshman

3.08

cumulative GPA for the men’s cross country team last semester, the highest team GPA for any men’s sport during that period

3.40

cumulative GPA for the women’s cross country team last semester, the highest team GPA for any women’s sport during that period

65

percent graduation rate for GVSU student-athletes

70

percent of all Division II student-athletes who graduate within six years of enrollment** All other figures courtesy of www.gvsulakers.com **courtesy of www.ncaa.org

By Curtis Kalleward GVL Staff Writer

Think winning a national championship is tough? Try doing it while carrying a 4.0 GPA and studying biomedical sciences.

Former Grand Valley State University women’s soccer star Natalja Stanski did just that. Stanski, who culminated her stellar career with last year’s title run, was named one of three finalists in Division II for the 2010 NCAA Women of the Year award.

“It gives us great pride when our student-athletes not only achieve great things in their particular sport, but when they are rewarded for also doing a great job in the classroom,” said GVSU athletic director Tim Selgo. “It speaks well for Grand Valley when our student athletes receive prestigious academic rewards as well as athletic awards.”

The difficulties of being a student-athlete can surpass those of other students, underlining the strength of Stanksi’s honor.

Senior quarterback Kyle McMahon transferred to GVSU last spring from Eastern Michigan University. He said the rigors of performing as a student-athlete can be tough.

“You have to be able to balance everything,” he said.

“You have to know what’s expected of you in every aspect of college life. There are the football expectations, but then there are the expectations that you put on yourself, along with the ones from parents, teachers and the university administration. You have to have your priorities in order and be able to perform on every level.”

While McMahon admitted there is more pressure at GVSU to perform well on and off the field because of the rich

history, Selgo emphasized that academics are still top priority for everyone. “ W e have three STANSKI major goals as an athletic administration for all of our student athletes,” he said. “Our No. 1 goal is to create the best learning environment possible. While they may be talented athletes, they come to college to learn and get an education. We want to help them get their degrees from Grand Valley and prepare them for the rest of their lives.”

While the Laker football program recently produced four current NFL players, head coach Matt Mitchell said academics are the team’s main focus.

“Stressing academics is an important part of the recruiting process,” he said. “These guys are all going to be making their professions doing something other than playing football.

If we can recruit some quality athletes who are also good students, it’s good for our university to have those guys as representatives.”

Mitchell mentioned that coaches and teammates are always willing to help out anyone in need. All freshmen are required to attend study tables six hours a week along with any upperclassmen whose GPAs have fallen below a 2.5.

“All of our coaches go out and class check,” he said.

“We’re out there making sure our guys go to their 8 (a.m.) and 9 (a.m.) morning classes.

We encourage them to use all the resources at Grand Valley because there are plenty of people who will help academically if you’re hurting in a certain area.” ckalleward@lanthorn.com

GVL / Rachel Dwyer

Balancing act: Grand Valley State University student John Lauzon finds time to study even after biking 30 miles.

The NCAA requires a minimum GPA of its athletes in order for them to be eligible to compete. The men’s and women’s cross country teams earned the highest GPA last semester of any varsity team at GVSU.

Women’s golf finishes 4th at Laker Fall Classic

By Brady Fredericksen GVL Staff Writer

A week after participating in the Mary Fossum Invitational at Michigan State with nine Division I teams, the Grand Valley State University women’s golf team grabbed a fourth-

place finish at The Meadows in the Laker Fall Classic on Sunday and Monday.

Florida Southern College won the five team tournament with a team score of 600 (+24), while Augustana College (S.D.) (613, +37), Ashland University (630, +54), GVSU (633, +57), and Drury University (Mo.) (636, +60) rounded out the standings.

“Seeing some of the Florida schools come up here to play shows that we have an advantage at our home course,” said Allie Tyler, who finished in seventh with a 152 (+8). “We didn’t play as well as we could this weekend, but at home you know where to put the ball and how the greens are.”

The team does not always get to experience a homecourse advantage as it did in the Laker Fall Classic. Unlike in basketball or football where the team is allotted a certain number of home games, a collegiate golf team constantly moves from course to course and may only get to play on its home course two times in a whole season.

Similar to men’s tennis, golf is a spring sport and is currently in its version of the preseason.

“I think it gives us a gauge of where we’re at right now, and it lets the players know what to work on in the winter,” said GVSU head coach Rebecca Mailloux. “The girls definitely stepped up and had a better performance this week, and I felt like each and everyone of them will say this isn’t what were capable of yet -- this

is the time to make mistakes and get better.”

The team put together a strong first round by ending the day in third place, but the Lakers could not hold on Monday as Ashland leap-frogged them by three strokes. Alongside Tylers’ seventh-place finish, junior Sarah Hoffman finished one shot behind in a tie for eighth with a 153 (+9). Sophomore Ashley Beard recorded a 163 (+19) and freshman Veronica Ryan finished at 165 (+21).

Mailloux said while the team did not finish on top, it is difficult to point to any one area in which it must improve.

“It’s hard to say what our biggest problem was with golf being such an individual sport,” she said. “We’ve always struggled with putting as a team ... The greens played fast this weekend, so it took them a round to get used to the speed.”

The Lakers will see action this weekend at the Bing Beall Classic in Findlay, Ohio. sports@lanthorn.com

GVL / Eric Coulter

Home sweet home: Senior Allie Tyler tees off at the Laker Fall Classic.

She finished in seventh place.

SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Thursday, October 7, 2010

B3

WHO TO WATCH Carter Kopach, Quarterback The junior trigger man is a multifaceted threat and leads the Wildcats in passing yards (988), rushing attempts (76), rushing yards (267) and total touchdowns (14).

Ryan Bass, Wide Receiver

GVL Archive

Grand entrance: GVSU players enter Lubbers Stadium for Homecoming 2009. This year, the Lakers will face Northern Michigan, who is coming off a loss to Wayne State last Saturday.

Lakers to host Northern Michigan for Homecoming GV faces dual-threat quarterback in Wildcats’ Carter Kopach

By Cody Eding GVL Sports Editor

After a successful two-game road trip in which the Grand Valley State University football team outscored its opponents 106-17, the Lakers will return home to face Northern Michigan University on Saturday night for Homecoming.

Lubbers Stadium, where the team has won 28 straight games, has not been so friendly to GVSU so far this season. The Lakers have outscored opponents by only 13 points and needed to come from behind for victories in the first three home games of the season.

When the Wildcats travel to Allendale they will bring with them Carter Kopach, a talented quarterback who can run and pass,

and a staunch defense unlike any the Lakers have seen all season.

Northern Michigan is coming off a close 26-18 loss to Wayne State University last Saturday and are 3-2 overall (3-1 GLIAC). Their other loss was a season-opening 7-6 decision to Minnesota State University-Mankato, a playoff team from last season that is currently ranked No. 25 in Division II. “You could make the argument that they are probably four or five plays away from being undefeated,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “They scored a touchdown and on the road (against Mankato) decided to go for two and came up short on the two-point conversion.”

The Wildcats have not had success on the road. The team averages 36 points a game at home while only managing 18.3 points away from Marquette.

On offense, Northern Michigan relies almost exclusively on Kopach.

The junior signal caller leads the team in passing yards (988), rushing attempts (76), rushing yards (267)

and total touchdowns (14).

“He’s a quarterback that obviously is a good runner and can throw the ball pretty well,” said senior free safety Matt Bakker, who had an interception in last week’s 71-10 win over Tiffin University.

“We’re going to have to be sound in our assignments. If we have a spy on the quarterback, he’s going to have to make sure he’s in the right position. And in the secondary, if the guy moves around a lot and is not in the packing, we’re going to have to make sure we’re not coming up and jumping out of coverage.”

Kopach’s mobility is similar to that of Laker senior quarterback Kyle McMahon, who is tied for first on GVSU with six rushing touchdowns and third with 222 rushing yards to go along with 1050 yards and nine touchdowns through the air.

“I think it will give our defense a good edge when it comes to this week because we’ve played against each other all spring, obviously,” McMahon said. “So they’ve seen a

Throwback jerseys highlight Homecoming week for Laker athletics Football team plans first collective walk to game

By Curtis Kalleward GVL Staff Writer

Athletic fun and festivities aplenty will land in the laps of Laker fans as part of this year’s Homecoming plans. Football, volleyball and women’s soccer all host conference foes this week, with each game featuring something special to celebrate.

To help commemorate Grand Valley State University’s 50th anniversary, each of these teams will sport “throwback” jerseys made to resemble those worn by past Laker athletes.

“We’ve done throwback jerseys periodically over the years,” said GVSU Athletic Director Tim Selgo. “We wanted our alumni athletes to come back and enjoy the fact that our team is wearing the same color jerseys and same helmet emblems that they used to wear back in the day.”

Though some special-event jerseys have been auctioned off in the past, Selgo said

the powder-blue uniforms the football team will adorn Saturday night will be kept for future use. Older Laker fans might remember these jerseys from 2007 when the team beat Wayne State University.

Along with a temporary jersey exchange, the Laker football squad will embark on a new tradition when they walk collectively to Lubbers Stadium.

The route will take the team from the Fieldhouse through Lot C then along the road to the stadium and their locker room below the scoreboard.

“It’s the first time we’re ever doing the walk,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “I think that will be fun for our (players) and our fans.”

Though senior quarterback Kyle McMahon said the players appreciate the support from the fans and want to aide in the festive nature of the weekend, he added that the team is focused on what is most important.

“It’s gotta be just another

football game to us,” he said.

“We can’t get caught up in the hype.”

The Laker gridiron gang, which has not dropped a Homecoming football game since before the Chuck Martin era began in 2004, will face Northern Michigan University for the third time on Homecoming night since 2002. The volleyball team will host Ashland University tonight and Lake Erie College Friday while wearing its own retro jerseys. Women’s soccer will do the same against Northwood University on Friday.

Despite all of the hype and extra emphasis on the athletic department this week, Selgo said that he is enjoying it all.

“It’s the 50th anniversary for Grand Valley,” Selgo said. “If you look at our school and how far we’ve come in 50 years, I think we’re one of the greatest success stories in the history of higher education.” ckalleward@lanthorn.com

GVL Archive

Retro style: The football team will once again don the powder blue uniforms for Saturday’s homecoming game.

little bit of the style of quarterback that they’re going to see Saturday, they’ve been able to see him all spring.”

Defensively, the Wildcats run a 3-4, cover-two scheme that Mitchell said is completely different than any other defense the Lakers have prepped for. Junior Matt Forward and sophomore Zach Anderson anchor Northern Michigan’s defensive line. Both linemen weigh in at more than 300 pounds.

“They’ve got big guys inside that try to clog up the middle and not allow you to run up inside,” said Mitchell, whose team is averaging 227 yards per game on the ground.

McMahon said he looked forward to the challenge presented by the size and complexity of Northern Michigan’s defense.

“It’s going to be fun to see what we can do against them,” he said.

“They have the guys up front, they’re going to be big. It will be a good test for our offensive line.” sports@lanthorn.com

Bass needs 30 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for his career. The senior had one catch, a nine-yard touchdown, in limited action against Tiffin University last week.

WATCH!

A CLOSER LOOK Northern Michigan

Nickname: Wildcats Location: Marquette, Mich.

Enrollment: 9,400 Head Coach: Bernie Anderson, 5th Season (19-26) Offensive Scheme: Pro I Defensive Scheme: 3-4 AFCA Ranking: Unranked Last Week: 28-16 Loss at Wayne State

B4

A&E

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 7, 2010

Elijah Brumback, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com

Conference to shine light on Islam Faculty from local colleges to lead discussions at Calvin College with Dr. Omid Safi

By Josh Brunsting GVL Staff Writer

Courtesy Graphic / PIC

Smile: The GVSU population is invited to vote for their favorite photos from past study abroad trips. The photos are on display in Lake Ontario Hall.

PIC opens study abroad photo contest to voters Students, faculty, alumni invited to choose favorites in photo contest what some of my classmates were able to capture while they GVL Staff Writer were abroad,” said Mike Tuscany, a senior who also traveled to Grand Valley State Univer- Rome this past summer. “If any sity will take a page out of the of the pictures bring me back to Artprize book in the coming where I was in June, those will weeks as all current students, be the ones getting my vote.”

Voting will take place from faculty and staff vote for their favorite entry in “PIC Pics: A Oct. 15 through the end of the month, with the exhibit reStudy Abroad Photo Contest.”

The Padnos International maining on display in the Red Center opened the contest to all Wall Gallery of Lake Ontario Hall through current GVSU December. students and If any of the pictures Prizes will be alumni who awarded to have studied bring me back to competitors abroad, as well who finish in as those who (Rome) where I was the top three have participatin June, those will be among voted in internships ers, with all or independent the ones getting my ballots being study programs. cast in person “An event vote. at the Padnos such as PIC Pics -Mike Tuscany International allows for a perGVSU senior Center as onson’s images line and text to be part of a polls will not conversation, both among the other work and be available.

It remains unclear whether also among the people who engage it,” said David Rathbun, the contest will take place every a professor of photography in semester or annually. Students GVSU’s School of Communi- are encouraged to attend somecations. “Valuable insights for time in the exhibit’s first two viewer and photographer may weeks on display, which starts and should emerge from the ex- Monday.

“I think it’s a great way to perience.”

Contestants were allowed to make people more aware of the submit two photographs to any study abroad program in genor all of the six categories: Send eral,” said Matt Vitale, a senior Me There!, The Great Outdoors, who traveled to Italy this past Get Lost, Celebration, Tradi- summer. “At the very least, it’s tion, & Ritual, Where is Your pretty neat for those of us who Classroom? and Social Issues. have already had the opportuThe diverse topics were se- nity to see what everyone else’s lected in hopes of attracting the was like.”

For more information on the most breathtaking photographs of differing social climates and contest or the gallery’s hours geographical landscapes that of operation, visit http://www. and served as home for GVSU stu- gvsu.edu/studyabroad/ click on the “PIC” graphic on dents during their time abroad.

“I’m not much of a photog- the main page. clevandoski@lanthorn.com rapher, but it’ll be nice to see

By Coty Levandoski

“

”

Oct.12

Sufjan Stevens, The Age Of Adz Darius Rucker, Charleston, SC 1966 Antony and the Johnsons Swanlights Lil Wayne, I am Not a Human Being [Digital release Sept. 27]

Oct. 19 Bob Dylan, The Bootleg Series: The Witmack Demos: 1962 – 1964 Rod Stewart, Fly me to the Moon…

Oct. 26 Bryan Ferry, Olympia Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager Taylor Swift, Speak Now

Courtesy Photo / fallforthebook.com

Set the record straight: Dr. Omid Safi hopes to change incorrect perceptions of Islam.

the most interesting and powerful way for those new to the faith to truly understand and comprehend it.”

Faculty from eight colleges will lead the breakout sessions and discuss misconceptions surrounding the Islamic faith.

“Because of the memories of 9/11, many people still think that violence is a central theme in Islam,” said Douglas Kindschi, director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. “This is not true and a misunderstanding of the Koran and the Islamic faith. There are Christians who also misuse the Christian message in ways that lead to violence, but this also is a false understanding of

the faith.”

The importance of understanding various religions is not lost on others involved with this event.

“America is the most diverse nation in the world and Islam has become a major force in the cultural world,” Kindschi said. “Our understanding of this religion and tradition is very important to our future as a diverse people who understand and accept the various differences among our citizens.”

For more information, and to register to attend the conference, go to http://www.interfaith-mi.org, or by calling Kindschi at 616-331-5702 jbrunsting@lanthorn.com

IF YOU GO...

“Islam: Beyond The Headline” Hosted by the Kaufman Interfaith Institute Prince Conference Center, Calvin College Today Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

(Online registration is closed, walk in registration begins at 9:30 a.m.)

WRITERS SERIES

CD releases Belle and Sebastian, Write about love

With the proposal of a mosque and Islam learning center near “Ground Zero,” Islam has become the source of multiple protests nationwide, including a proposed burning of the Koran

by Florida Reverend Terry Jones.

The Kaufman Interfaith Institute and speaker Dr. Omid Safi, chair for the Study of Islam at the American Academy of Religion, hope to change confused perceptions of Islam with the event “Islam: Beyond The Headlines.”

“This event is an annual conference dealing with various aspects of interfaith understanding, which in today’s world is important,” Safi said. “I will be the first speaker at the conference to be both a keynote speaker and born and raised a Muslim. It’s a real honor.”

The event will take place at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College today. It is open and free to the public, with an optional lunch and dinner available for a fee.

“The conference is going to be a full day and will hopefully open up eyes to Islam as a faith instead of a headline,” said Safi, a professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina. “There will be multiple different discussions particularly the two keynote speeches, which will hopefully be a great learning experience for those who may not know about Islam or those who are interested in learning more.”

According to the event website, the conference will feature two keynote speeches from Safi: “Where is lover?

Where is Justice? Muslim Reflections for Today,” and the evening keynote address “Memories of Muhammad: The Prophet We Never Knew.” The two speeches will bookend a series of breakaway sessions that will address other topics.

“The breakaway sessions are especially interesting,” Safi said. “They will focus on not only Islam as a whole, but will also look at Islam in relation to other religions. This, I think, will be

DVD releases Oct. 12

Jonah Hex, starring Josh Brolin, John Malkovich and Megan Fox Leaves of Grass, starring Edward Norton, Richard Dreyfuss and Keri Russell

Oct. 15

How to Train Your Dragon, featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Gerard Butler and America Ferrera Predators, starring Danny Trejo, Adrien Brody and Alice Braga

Alumnus author to speak at GV Suzanne Rivecca discusses ‘what GVSU meant to me’ as part of her journey to become a published fiction author

By Nicholas Popma GVL Staff Writer

Grand Valley State University alumna and fiction author Suzanne Rivecca will speak at the Writer’s Series on “What GVSU Meant to Me” today at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2215 of Kirkhof Center. The event is free and open to the public. She will answer any questions about her book and future plans.

Rivecca, a native of Kalamazoo, graduated from GVSU in 2001 and speaks highly of her time while attending the university after transferring from Oberlin College.

“My experience at Grand Valley was great,” she said. “The professors at Grand Valley were so engaged and approachable. The transfer was a positive change and allowed her to grow and explore as a writer.”

At GVSU, Rivecca was a writing consultant and an opinion columnist for the Lanthorn, but she said she wanted to be a writer since kindergarten.

“I’ve always been very self-directed when it came to cultivating that passion,” she said. “I’ve dabbled in different kinds of writing – poetry, journalism, theory, grant-writer – but I always came back to fiction.”

Courtesy Photo / Blackbird

Courtesy Photo / elle.com

Accomplished author: Suzanne Rivecca graduated from GVSU in 2001.

Page turner: “Death is not an option” is a series of fictional short stories.

Austin Bunn, assistant writing professor, helped organize the Writer’s Series. He said Rivecca’s experience is beneficial to the GVSU community.

“We’re most interested in Suzanne because she’s had a phenomenal career as a young writer,” he said. “She’s somebody that has a lot of ambition and vision for her work. Rivecca can help provide young undergraduate writers a sense of direction towards a career in writing.”

Bunn said Rivecca sets a good ex-

ample for current writing students.

“Suzanne is a local girl done good,” Bunn said. “She really has built a life for herself as a creative writer. And because she’s so young, she can speak to students and demystify what it means to be a writer.”

Rivecca’s first book, “Death is Not an Option: Short Stories” was released summer 2010. Currently she is working on a historical novel. npompa@lanthorn.com

MARKETPLACE

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Announcements Want to go Greek? Gamma Phi Beta is Grand Valley’s newest sorority. Start traditions and gain immediate leadership opportunities as a charter member. The first Info Session is Oct. 3 at 7:30 in Kirk 2204. For more information visit www.gammaphibetagvsu.org Get on the MAP by September 30! If you are in your 1st or 2nd year at GVSU look for a MAP-Works invitation in your email and click the MAP-Works link to access valuable resources. Visit gvsu.edu/mapworks for more information.

Help save water and don’t leave sinks and showers running when you are not using them. For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/facilitiesservices/

Welcome back GVSU students! Motman’’s Farm Market is now open and has great deals for students and staff. Located one mile east of GVSU Campus!

Welcome Back Students! Secret Nails 4507 Lake Michigan Dr. Walker, MI 49534.

Student Discounts Available.

616.453.4353. secretnails@yahoo.com

Weekend masses Saturday 4pm, Sunday 9am and 11am.

733 Bridge St, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. (616) 458-3213.

Visit www.stjamesparish.catholicweb.com.

Opportunities

Welcome back GVSU students! Motman’s Farm Market opens September 8th and offers great deals to students and staff. Located one mile east of GVSU Campus!

Entertainment The Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival and Theater presents As You Like It. Performances: October 1-10.

For tickets call 616-331-2300 o r v i s i t www.starticketsplus.com.

For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/shakes

Catholic Campus Ministry.

St. Luke University Parish.

Your catholic connection at GVSU. Sunday Masses: Allendale Christian School 8:00 & 10:30 am Grand Valley Cook-DeWitt 5:30pm.

Every Monday is College Night. Get in for just $5 with your College ID. Text KZOOVU to 68683 to receive discounts and coupons! Visit dejavu.com

Check out Biggby Coffee located in Allendale! Along with great drinks, Biggby offers free wi-fi and is conveniently located to campus. Stop in today!

Roommate Wanted in home in Grand Rapids, 10 minutes from Pew Campus. $370 utilities included. Call Marcie at (810) 610-5132.

Are you looking to save money on textbooks this year? Look no further! Brian’s Books has two convenient locations in Allendale and Grand Rapids. www.briansbooks.net.

Live your best life! Snap Fitness offers two convenient locations in Allendale and Grand Rapids. Stop in today and get your first month free! www.snapfitness.com We wash every car like it’s our own! Stop by Allendale Auto Wash today! Located _ mile west of GVSU campus.

616.895.5040.

Roommates

Services Experienced Attorney 3 Miles from Campus. 616.895.7300. www.davidknoesterplc.com.

Lake Michigan Dental has been supporting smiles for generations! Conveniently located one block west of Covell Street on the GVSU bus route! 616-453-8211 or www.lakemichigandental.co m Legal help for college students. We represent students with MIP and all other criminal charges. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation.

616-304-1414 or www.edudefense.com

Thursday, October 7, 2010

B5

Changing the world by changing theirs. TEACH. $30,000 Fellowship. Master Degree. Ongoing Support.

Apply now – October 13 deadline. www.wwteachfellowship.org.

Housing Copper Beech Townhomes...the most space for the best price! 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom units! Located in Allendale on 48th Street. Call 616-895-2900 or visit copprbeechtownhomes.com for more information.

Great Specials at Brookmeadow Apartments! One and two bedroom apartments are available for short and long term leases. Call today 616-284-4239 Great specials at Royal Vista Apartments and Townhomes.

Call today 616-453-9999.

Also check out Arbor Heights Townhouses conveniently located near Allendale Campus. 616-457-3450 More Fun...Less Money at Campus View Housing!

Brand new pool for summer 2011. Huge rec center with massive movie theater!

616-895-6678 or www.campusviewhousing.com Reserve the perfect apartment for you! American Seating Apartments is now leasing for 2011 – 2012. Call today at 616.262.5153 or visit www.americanseatingpark.c om.

Employment Experienced bartender needed for expansion, apply at Mancino’s from 1-4 Monday-Friday. No phone calls.

Visit Lanthorn.com for Go figure! solution

B6

Thursday, October 7, 2010

A&E

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Artist profile series: writer Tom Gunnels Writing, Film and Video major takes Norman Mailer College Writing Contest finalist award for story inspired by his grandparents

GVL / Elijah Brumback

Literary love: GVSU student Tom Gunnels poses in the Zumberge Library. He was selected as a finalist in the Norman Mailer College Writing contest for a 24-page short story, “How to Tell a True Love Story,” inspired by his grandparents.

By Elijah Brumback GVL A&E Editor

Tom Gunnels rarely likes to talk about himself and loathes being interviewed.

Part of this discomfort, he said, comes from as far back as high school.

“I was a really awkward and introverted kid, so I did a lot of reading,” Gunnels said. “I think slowly through reading a lot of really awesome novels got me into just storytelling in general.”

Gunnels has since nurtured this side of himself and, when he reached college, began channeling his observations into writing – essays, film scripts and short stories.

That is how he came to be one of five finalists in the nation for the Norman Mailer College Writing contest. The competition is rigorous and typically gets thousands of promising submissions from university students across the country. To be a finalist is a rare achievement and comes with significant benefits – one of which being an al-

“The first day I was

able to see (my grandfather) after he read it, I could tell he didn’t know what to say. He cried a little, but I think it was because he didn’t realize how much attention I was paying ...

”

-Tom Gunnels GVSU student

most assured placement in one of many respectable graduate writing programs, if in fact that is the route he wants to take.

Gunnels piece, “How to Tell a True Love Story,” began as single page prompt for professor Sean Prentiss’ advanced creative nonfiction class.

“I ended up liking the idea and going through tons of revision until it turned into a 24-page story,” Gunnels said. “So I wrote and rewrote and I thought I was going to submit it by the deadline regardless. Sean kept telling me he thought I could end it somewhere else.”

Gunnels rewrote the ending three times until he finally found the ending he was looking for as he sat downing a pitcher of beer.

After submitting the story, it was eight months before there was any response.

“I thought either A, I’ll submit it and it’ll be eight months, the story sucked and I won’t hear anything back ... or the second option, I’ll hear something back and I’ll be like, oh this must be a good story and keep working in it,” he said.

The story is about Gunnels’ grandparents and more specifically about his grandfather, who struggled with his wife’s slow metal deterioration from Alzheimer’s disease. “‘How to Tell a True Love Story’ is a love story,” Prentiss said. “It is a story of heartbreak about his grandparents. It is a story that asks the reader to live in the world of emotion.

It is thoughtful and quiet and beautiful. It is also a braided essay that weaves two sets of grandparents together with thoughts on Lake Huron.”

Gunnels described his story as not being complex or written in a lofty language. He called it accessible and straight to the point.

“It’s basically a story that’s like BAM! My grandmother has Alzheimers and it sucks,” he said.

While it may be very straightforward, Prentiss described Gunnel’s work with the words of poet Richard Hugo, “risk sentimentality”.

“Tom, like so many of my advanced creative nonfiction students, takes risks,” he said. “These may not be noticeable when you look at the page, but once you read the piece, it’s impossible to miss these risks. Tom risks sentimentality. Tom is not afraid to talk about emotions, to ask the reader to feel. Tom also uses speculation. He looks into the future, toward what he doesn’t know.”

The hardest part for Gunnels while writing this story was not the mechanics – plot, grammar and the like – but dealing with the themes and emotions that run the narrative while also being so close to the characters that live in reality and the story.

“My grandfather tells everyone, ‘Watch what you say around Tom – he’ll write about it.’ I mean, my grandpa read it, but he didn’t know what kind of story I was writing,” he said. “The first day I was able to see him and talk to him after he read it, I could tell he didn’t know what to say. He cried a little, but I think it was because he didn’t realize how much attention I was paying to little things in my grandparents’ life.”

Gunnels said despite writing about all the complications, expectations and sad things that happened, it was a very worthwhile exploration on the people he cares deeply for in his life.

“I’ve found it’s easier to write around yourself,” he said. “The story is my grandparents’ love story, but it’s also my love story too because I love them and I’m able to write about myself indirectly using my experiences with other people to shed light on my thoughts, my experiences without actually having to write about myself.”

Right now Gunnels is busy with his work on two separate film productions along with his job as a professional videographer, creating advertising reels for various companies. arts@lanthorn.com