GRAND VALLEY’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER
Grand Valley Lanthorn WWW.LANTHORN.COM
T H U R S D AY , O C T O B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 0
GVL / Matthew Raupp
Candlelit comfort: Hundreds of students, faculty and community members turned out Tuesday in remembrance of seven LGBT teens who recently took their own lives to escape discrimination.
GV hosts vigil to honor LGBT youth
INSIDE
Swimming & Diving
teams set to begin season
By Hope Cronkright
>> See B2
GVL Staff Writer
About 400 people gathered around the Cook Carillion tower for a Candlelight Vigil Tuesday night to memorialize the seven lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth suicides in the past two weeks. Those in attendance honored the lives of the seven youth suicides with a silent walk around campus with candles in hand, symbolizing a
Harvest Ball
hosted by Civil War Club
recommitment to promoting awareness and acceptance of the LGBT and other marginalized communities. GVSU counsel Tom Butcher spoke on President Thomas Haas’ and Vice President JeAnne Arnold’s behalf saying, “Our institutional mission is to educate students to shape their lives… and diversity must be valued as an integral part of that education.” “The message is clear from the
President’s office down and reflected in our policies.” said Colette Seguin Beighley, assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center at GVSU. “I can say that Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion of ALL our students -- including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen-
SEE MORE
See Vigil, A2
Editorial, student opinion on discrimination against LGBT >> See Page A5
“The message is clear, from the President’s office down and reflected in our policies. I can say that Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion of ALL our students.” -Colette Seguin Beighley LGBT Resource Center Assistant Director
Intolerance not tolerated
>> See A3
Homecoming inspires ‘Laker unity’ By Anya Zentmeyer
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GVL Assistant News Editor
etween events such as the campus-wide LipDub, dodgeball tournaments, Renaissance fairs and other student-focused events, the Grand Valley State University campus has spent the last few weeks alive with energy and good will, all culminating this past weekend during the final homecoming celebrations. Students and staff alike received the GVSU 50th anniversary homecoming with open arms, appreciating the pull of community offered by the busy week. Data collected by Alumni Relations shows the total tailgate numbers at 927, pancake breakfast attendance at 48, Jason Derullo alumni ticket sales at 66 and the 5K run at 255 total participants. “Two words: Laker Unity,” said junior Thom Hunt, business major. “The best part of homecoming was the school spirit that emanated across the campus. Especially, specifically, during LipDub.” Writing major Victoria Westman agreed that homecoming and LipDub not only brought students together, but the entire GVSU community, to boot. “I feel like homecoming really brings everyone together for the rest of the year,” she
See Homecoming, A2
GVL Photo Illustration / Eric Coulter
All inclusive: Grand Valley State University takes a stance of inclusion for all of its students, but cyber bullying and other forms of discrimination still exist and have recently drawn attention.
GV reaffirms stance against cyberbullying, other forms of discrimination in wake of LGBT suicides
By Samantha Butcher GVL Senior Reporter
In the wake of seven recent LGBT youth suicides, the Grand Valley State University campus has united in a show of support for the LGBT community. In the past month, seven LGBT teens across the country were reported to have committed suicide as a result of bullying and intolerance. In Michigan, Assistant Attorney General An-
drew Shrivell took a voluntary leave of absence last month after harassing an openly gay University of Michigan student body president on his blog, “Chris Armstrong Watch.” Amy Simpson, president of Out ‘N’ About, said national issues such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; the Defense of Marriage Act and insufficient anti-discrimination laws also weigh heavily on the community. “People need to be given a reason
to have hope for their future, and there are a lot of forces in this nation fighting against the rights of these kids,” she said. The university’s anti-discrimination policy bars discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender, which includes gender identity and expression. Last year there were 27 bias incidents on campus, 16 of which targeted some-
See Bullying, A2
Internet scams pose serious threat By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor
GVL / Eric Coulter
Identity theft: Hackers can gain access to personal information through several different methods, including e-mails and malware.
INDEX
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Modern technology makes it easy for students to keep track of personal information with just the click of a button, but it can be just as easy for someone else to access that information and use it for identity theft or other scams. “All they really need now is your name, your home phone and your work phone,” said
News........................................................................A3 Opinion.........................................................A5 Downtown...................................................................A4
John Wezeman, Grand Valley State University help desk supervisor, of identity theft. The help desk or IT will never ask students for passwords or any other personal information without verifying their identity first. Associate Director of Academic Systems John Klein said the anonymous nature of Internet interaction makes it an especially attractive tool for scam-
See Online, A2
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“The information that you give somebody on Facebook, is that information you would be willing to stand up in front of 300 people and shout over a PA?” -John Wezeman GVSU help desk supervisor
Sports...........................................................B1 Marketplace................................................B3 A&E.........................................................B4
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NEWS
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Bullying
continued from page A1
body’s sexual orientation. “I wouldn’t say that there is a pervasive number of complaints, particularly for a university our size,” said Dwight Hamilton, vice president for affirmative action in the Inclusion and Equity Division. “Obviously, however, even one incident is too many.” Hamilton said that he expects more incidents will be reported now that awareness has increased. It is the responsibility of everyone on campus, not just those who have been targeted by bias, to report incidents, Colette Seguin Beighley said. Beighley is the assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center. “Grand Valley’s values of inclusiveness and community call every member on our campus to stand against bias,” she said. “Bias incidents take many forms. They may be words, signs, symbols, threats or actions, making a gay joke, writing a derogatory word on a whiteboard. They include intimidation, vandalism, destruction of property, harassment and expressions of hate or hostility and, most importantly, they have an adverse impact on our learning and living environments here
at GVSU.” GVSU President Thomas J. Haas said he has made inclusion and acceptance on campus a priority. He addressed the recent suicides in an e-mail sent out to students Friday afternoon. “To members of our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities who may be struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone,” he wrote. Beighley said she believes that GVSU is a welcoming environment. “Without a doubt, I can say that Grand Valley State University is committed to inclusion of all our students – including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. That message is clear from the President’s office down and reflected in our policies,” she said. “However, Grand Valley is not a perfect place. Individual students have individual experiences. What I know for sure is that administration really cares and actively seeks ways to support the LGBT communities.” Mary Jo Thiel, a GVSU counselor who specializes in LGBT issues, said the university has a number of resources on campus for students who may be struggling. Among those are the Office of Multicultural Af-
fairs, the Counseling Center, the LGBT Resource Center and the Allies and Advocates program. There is also a Team on Bias, which addresses discrimination on campus. “The effect of all of these resources is to greatly increase the amount of visible support on campus for the LGBT community,” she said. “Visible is a key word here because LGBT students have to be able to easily and frequently see signs and symbols that the campus is not only safe but welcoming.” There are also a number of off-campus resources for students who feel attacked for their sexual orientation or gender identity. In downtown Grand Rapids, the Gay and Lesbian Community Network provides support for members of the LGBT community. Nationally, the Trevor Project, the Pride Institute, the Triangle Foundation and GLAAD can provide resources. Bias incidents can be reported to any student services building or public safety officer, or online at www.gvsu.edu/bias. Anyone considering taking their own life should contact a counseling center or call 911 immediately. sbutcher@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn
Vigil
continued from page A1
der communities.” GVSU student Ryan Cronk agreed with Beighley. “I am very glad that as a university we are able to step up and say we are here for you, we support you,” he said. Recent studies show that LGBT persons are four times more likely to commit suicide than other teenagers. Eight out of 10 LGBT teenagers have reported being bullied. “The role of bystanders is a paramount,” Beighley said. “It is the responsibility of every member of our Grand Valley community to challenge bias when they see or hear it. By doing so, we all work to make Grand Valley a place that welcomes all.”
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GVL Archive / Eric Coulter
Party time: A little Laker joins in the face painting at Homecoming.
continued from page A1
mers or extorters. Klein cited a general rule for socializing on the Internet: limit personal contact to people you also know in real life, not just electronically. “If you don’t know who the e-mail came from, just delete it,” Klein said. Unsolicited or anonymous e-mails often contain malware, spyware, viruses and other programs that can gain access to a computer’s files or use the computer to spread malware and spam to others. As people often store personal information data electronically, it can make accessing sensitive information an easy task for hackers, Wezeman said. “Don’t create a Word doc-
Volume 45, Number 15 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
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
self from a tree in his backyard on Sept. 28; Raymond Chase, who hung himself on Sept. 29 in his dorm in Rhode Island; Asher Brown from Hamilton Middle School in Houston who died after a self-inflicted gunshot wound; Billy Lucas from Greensburg, Ind.; Nick Hughes, who had been tormented with accusations of being gay for years; Tyler Clementi, who jumped off a New York bridge after discovering his roommate secretly filmed an encounter with another male student and streamed it live on the Internet; and Justin Aaberg, who was found dead after the combination of a bad break-up and being bullied by his peers pushed him to suicide. hcronkright@lanthorn.com
Homecoming
Online
Grand Valley Lanthorn
The Consortium of Higher Ed LGBT Resource Professionals stated those who fail to intervene when they see this type of harassment are perpetuating the violence. “We see this kind of targeting every day when politicians such as Carl Paladino, gubernatorial candidate for New York, blame acts of hate on the victims rather than the perpetrators as he did this weekend,” Beighley said. “That kind of public devaluing of the experience of another sends a toxic message to LGBT youth that there is a price to be paid simply for being who you are.” The vigil was in memorium of the lives of 13-year-old Seth Walsh, who passed after he spent nine days on life support after trying to hang him-
Layout Editor ALANA HOLLAND Layout Staff TAYLOR GEBBEN KELLY GRANBACKA KENDALL GILBERT VALERIE WALDBAUER Multimedia Editor KARA DONALDSON Web Team JON ROOST CJ RAFTERY JOSH KOVACH
said. “Everyone was involved in LipDub, even the professors. I think professors were viewed at a whole new level because they were dancing on that field with those umbrellas.” The LipDub video made its debut at the Homecoming football game on Saturday night on the Lubbers Stadium video screen and was well received by the crowd. Among the spectators was Tayler Keefer, a writing major. Although she is a third-year student at GVSU, it was Keefer’s first year in
attendance at the Homecoming game, and she said she enjoyed the experience. “The football game was really fun,” Keefer said. “Win or lose, it’s always a victory - we’re Lakers.” About 12,300 people attended the game on Saturday night. Though this amount was 721 people shy of the stadium’s season high of 13,128 in the season opener against West Texas A&M University, it was still twice the normal capacity for Lubbers Stadium.
ument or a spreadsheet with all of your banking and routing information and things like that,” he said. “Those are very easy to get.” Klein added another increasingly common online scam is the creation of fraudulent Facebook pages, where the scammer attempts to befriend other users and solicit personal information from them that can then be used for identity theft or other crimes. Some scammers will also claim to have compromising information or photos of a person in order to extort them for money or personal data. “Whatever you put on your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or whatever you have is public information,” Klein said. “Pretend you just released it
to Channel 8 News because that’s how public it is.” Wezeman agreed. “The information that you give somebody on Facebook, is that information you would be willing to stand up in front of 300 people and shout it over a PA?” he asked. “Is it the same information you would tell your mother?” Other sites such as ebay and Craigslist are also popular targets for scammers. When selling items online, Klein recommends shipping them with a signature requirement so the buyer must personally verify they received the item and cannot claim they never received it later. “If you’re meeting somebody to sell something, meet them in a public place,” Wezeman added. “Don’t go to their house, or bring a friend who can go with you.” If a student feels they are a victim of harassment, fraud or unwanted contact, Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, advised bringing any e-mails, text records or other data when reporting the harassment to police so DPS can use the information to obtain search warrants and further investigative leads. “Report this behavior sooner rather than later,” he added. news@lanthorn.com
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Corrections
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NEWS
Chelsea Lane, News Editor news@lanthorn.com
QUICK!
GV NEWS BRIEFS
1
National Coming Out Day at KC west lawn Various Grand Valley State University LGBT organizations will celebrate National Coming out Day today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Kirkhof Center’s west lawn. Informational tables with various representatives from organizations will be set up in addition to a “closet” door for people to “come out” of. A student presentation on LGBT issues will play throughout the event. For more information, e-mail outabout@gvsu.edu.
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LipDub video now online Grand Valley State University’s University LipDub video is now available for viewing online at www.gvsu.edu/lipdub after it’s premiere on the Lubbers Stadium video screen at the Homecoming football game this past weekend. The LipDub is set to the Styx song “Come Sail Away” and features more than a dozen GVSU locations in celebration of GVSU’s 50th anniversary.
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MAREC welcomes energy business Grand Valley State University welcomes McKenzie Bay International Ltd. To the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center. McKenzie Bay signed an agreement with GVSU for the use of business development space at the center, relocating from its previous home in Brighton, Mich. The company focuses on energy management services, developing new technologies and applying existing technologies to renewable energy projects.
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 14, 2010
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GV professors use ArtPrize as teaching tool Art, writing, philosophy departments make most of GR event By Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter
Last year, when ArtPrize was a newly-minted event in Grand Rapids, some professors at Grand Valley State University recognized a golden teaching opportunity. In what is rapidly becoming a new tradition, professors from a variety of departments have given assignments that require students to take part in the city-wide art event. Anna Campbell, assistant professor of art and design, teaches a class called Curatorial Studio. Her students spent the first week going to as many ArtPrize exhibits as possible and examining curating as a creative process. “It made a lot of sense to have my students do a project attempting to organize the work at ArtPrize into some coherent exhibits,” Campbell said. “That is one of the things about ArtPrize – it isn’t official-
ly curated, so a lot of folks can experience a sense of being overwhelmed and not able to tie one piece to another because there is a such a variety of work and subjects.” After visiting the different ArtPrize venues, Campbell said her students created a hypothetical ArtPrize exhibit that gave them first-hand experience into curating. “I think that is this is a good way for the students to really jump in, to see a lot of the work and to understand the event more thoroughly,” she said. “ArtPrize is an opportunity to think about the arts, to think about how the arts are discussed and framed in culture, to think about how the economy of a city and the economy of art production can be majorly beneficial to each other.” Art professors aren’t the only ones seeing the educational potential of ArtPrize. Chris Toth, assistant professor of writing, asked his professional writing students to create a brochure persuading the reader into voting for their favorite ArtPrize piece. “[I gave this assignment] because we have this big event, this won-
derful opportunity in Grand Rapids and it gives students the chance to interact with the community that they live in,” Toth said. He gave the same assignment last fall, which was met with a great deal of enthusiasm from his students. This year, however, a larger percentage of the class seemed to think that going to Grand Rapids for an event was an inconvenience. “The thing about ArtPrize is that there are exhibits that are on the street at all hours, even when some of the indoor venues are closed,” Toth said. “For that reason, I feel that they should be able to go and do this assignment.” For students studying the philosophy of art, ArtPrize has been a unique out-of-the-classroom experience. Kelly Parker, associate professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, deliberately planned his entire syllabus for Philosophy 220: Aesthetics around ArtPrize. “We pretty much did ArtPrize, all the time, up until [the end of the competition],” he said. Parker said he planned for his two classes to be
Courtesy Graphic / Anna Campbell
Art activities: Several professors incorporated ArtPrize into their curriculum this semester.
held on the downtown Pew Campus specifically for this reason. This past week was the first time this semester his students had a traditional class. The idea for an ArtPrize-based philosophy class came to him during last year’s competition, Parker said. “My wife and I were walking around ArtPrize and it hit me out of the blue – this is, in the fall, going to be the best place in the world to teach the philosophy of art,” he said. “You have a city that is literally immersed in it
and everybody’s talking about it.” Now that ArtPrize has ended, Parker said his students will spend the rest of the semester relating the work they have already done with the work of other philosophers. Parker said he is pleased with how his courses have gone so far and has heard some very good things from students. He said he has even heard students say they want to take his class specifically because they will get to learn about the meaning of art through ArtPrize.
Campbell, Toth and Parker all said they hope to use ArtPrize as a teaching venue in the future. “Going to ArtPrize is a way for students to interact with their community,” Toth said. “I think that this is really important, because we can’t just be this isolated university and only go to our classes. To get outside the classroom and see what else is going on in the world and bringing some of that back into the classroom is good for everyone to experience.” mwaite@lanthorn.com
Alumnus hired as in-state Latin teacher despite tough job market By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor
Alumnus Renee Mayes first came to Grand Valley State University because it was a “comfortable place to be.” She stayed to learn the classics, and she left to become one. One year later, Mayes has made a life for herself teaching in Ann Arbor Public Schools. “Her decision to return to Michigan is a real vote of confidence in the future of the state,” said Charles Pazdernik, chair of GVSU’s classic department. “She’s a great example of a GVSU student who found her intellectual and vocational passion, who followed that passion and challenged herself in a rigorous program of study during her time here, and ended up having these opportunities and making these choices.” Joining the classics program, Mayes said, shaped her from being simply an “older kid” to what she describes as a “fully fledged responsible adult.” “Wrapping your mind around a difficult Latin passage
is like forcing your brain to run an agility relay,” she said. “It trains you to contemplate multiple possibilities and consider all your options. Learning to think in this way is valuable no matter what you do in life.” Shortly after receiving her diploma, Mayes filled out more than 20 applications and received five interviews and three offers across the country. After a year as a teacher in Virginia, Mayes moved back to Michigan to be with her fiancé when a teaching position in Ann Arbor Public Schools opened up. “I wasn’t sure that it was wise to give up full-time work out-of-state for part-time work in state,” Mayes said. “This job, however, was meant to be.” A week into the school year, Mayes was promoted to fulltime by replacing a well-known and “much loved” teacher. “Latin programs generally live or die by the teacher in charge of them,” she said. “I am committed to keeping this program strong.” The old economic rule of supply and demand worked in Mayes’ favor, she said. Comparatively, there are few Latin
Courtesy Photo / Renee Mayes
Teacher tenacity: GVSU alumnus Renee Mayes now teaches in Ann Arbor.
teachers to Latin positions, though higher education, she maintained, was the cardinal force behind her hire. “I really love teaching, and I’m lucky that I found a career with which I click so nicely,” she said. “I love Latin and I love sharing Latin with students ... When they suddenly get a concept, I am as thrilled as when I first had the same light bulb moment.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com
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Thursday, October 14, 2010
DOWNTOWN
Grand Valley Lanthorn
‘Perfect Storm’ lecture predicts Michigan’s upcoming fiscal problems By Julie VerHage GVL Staff Writer
Deputy Oakland County Executive Robert Daddow visited Grand Valley State Univeristy’s DeVos Center Tuesday night to give his increasingly renowned presentation, “A Perfect Storm.” The speech took a closer look at the fiscal problems Michigan will face in the months and years ahead.
Daddow began his speech by forewarning the audience that “this is not an uplifting speech.” He provided some statistics on unemployment, schools districts, the housing sector and the auto industry. The auto implosion and the recession in general have taken a large tole on our state in particular. “Never before in the state have we had such a convergence of problems,” Daddow cautioned. He was quick to not single out
GVL / Eric Coulter
Forecaster: Deputy Oakland County Executive Robert Daddow speaks on Michigan’s economy during “The Perfect Storm.”
any political party, as he said both were at fault for the serious problems we now face. “The state is borrowing at a rate of $100 million a month, receiving $3.8 billion in stimulus, with another $700 million coming recently,” Daddow said. “Any other structural changes would take too long. We are continuously spending more than we are taking in, and many government officials are trying to avoid the issues and push them off to the future.” Detroit may be on the other side of the state, but Daddow warned the people of Grand Rapids will feel the repercussions here in the form of taxes and other expenses. Between the years of 2000 and 2010, Michigan lost half of the nation’s manufacturing jobs. The jobs losses and mounting deficit are placing pressure on the services the state provides, including police and fire departments, road construction and school districts. The state would have to be shut down for eight years in order to repay the deficit. Currently, revenues are $8 billion, while the state owes $45 billion. Daddow’s speech may not have been uplifting, but it was informative and to the point. Will Hibler, a senior at GVSU who was a main organizer of the event, said he found the speech interesting.
“We are continuously spending more than we are taking in, and many government officials are trying to avoid the issues and push them off to the future.” -Robert Daddow Deputy Oakland County Executive “The whole thing showed that changes are going to need to come in how the government is structured in general,” Hibler said. “A lot of the changes will be needed immediately rather than waiting.” “The Perfect Storm” lecture was sponsored by the Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization and the Seidman Economics Club. jverhage@lanthorn.com
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OPINION
editorial@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 14, 2010
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EDITORIAL CARTOON
EDITORIAL
Painful prejudice Whether online, written or spoken, words have power. In light of recent tragedies related to cyber-bullying and discrimination, people should be more aware than ever of the impact their words can have and consider the consequences of their prejudices. Prejudice is a deep-rooted, negative attitude toward a person simply because they are a member of a certain group. Unfortunately, the destruction it can cause is too familiar a concept in this country. Few people today would openly admit to being racist or sexist, though there was a time when that type of discrimination was prevalent. But many seem to ignore the blatant prejudice based on sexual orientation as very public instances of discrimination and harassment have been left unchecked. Within the last month, seven LGBT teenagers across the country have committed suicide in response to various forms of bullying, discrimination and harassment. Grand Valley State University hosted a candlelight vigil on Tuesday to honor the memory of these individuals and to encourage others who may be struggling with the same situations to seek help. The media is beginning to pick up on these instances and public figures are starting to speak out against this form of prejudice. But to the families and friends of the individuals who ended their lives, this effort comes too late. A common theme in some of these recent cases of LGBT-related prejudice is the use of technology to carry out the harassment. Cyber-bullying is defined as “when teens use the Internet, cell phones or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person,” according to the National Crime Prevention Counsel. When an adult is involved on either end of the bullying, it is termed cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking, which are more serious offenses. The case of assistant attorney general Andrew Shrivell attacking University of Michigan student body president Chris Armstrong springs to mind as an example of cyber-harassment that was permitted to go unchecked. Also, Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide after his roommate secretly filmed him in a “sexual encounter” with another man and posted the video online. As technology becomes an even bigger part of everyday life, harm as well as good can come from its convenience. There is an anonymity to online comments that allow the speakers to be more detached from what they are saying, perhaps causing them to type things they would not normally say face-to-face. The anonymity can contribute to cyber-bullying by giving people the courage behind their computer and cell phone screens to more viciously attack others. Whatever the medium, whatever the target, this type of prejudiced harassment is unacceptable and unfounded. America has struggled to overcome various prejudices in the past and probably is still not completely free of them. In seeing the past damage these negative stereotypes have caused, more people should be wary of the current trend toward discriminating against members of the LGBT community. Personal beliefs and opinions aside, everyone deserves a safe environment to express themselves and be who they are.
The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University
Editorial Page Board LaurenFitch Eric Lee Emanuel Johnson Chelsea Lane
Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor
Valley Vote Is the Michigan Constitution in need of a revision?
Yes: 57% This week’s question: Is discrimination a problem at GVSU?
No: 43% 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, Shaun Morton and Michael Sondheimer
YOUR INSIGHTS
What is the most prominent form of discrimination today?
“Poverty, class conflict of sorts ... I think that poverty, people that are poor, are looked down upon because of our individualistic ideals.”
“The hate crimes with the gays, and the lesbians and all that.”
“Immigration. Most people are so misunderstanding of why people are coming over here. It’s not just to steal jobs ... They have no other outlet.”
“I still think there’s a big issue of sex discrimination especially in the workplace. There’s that wage gap.”
“Homophobia. Just how people discriminate against different people in samesex relationships.”
Mackenzie Slaughter Junior Writing Walker, Mich.
Debra Gorden Freshman Undecided Allendale, Mich.
Hana Smith Senior Psychology Sheridan, Mich.
Andrew Choe Sophomore HTM West Bloomfield, Mich.
Melissa Peffley Health Professions Sophomore DeWitt, Mich.
GVL STUDENT OPINION
Social networks limit social interaction Chris Slattery GVL Columnist
Relationship boundaries are very difficult. It’s a tricky thing trying to tack a label on how well you know a person. And when you roll the college experience into it, that’s where things get really messy, similar to wiping you hands with a napkin of coagulated grease. With an increasing amount of social interaction occurring on networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia, it appears as though we’ve begun to lose sight of what appropriate interaction in the “real world” looks like. Rather than bright and cheerful exclamations of recognition, college students have reverted to dull and shady remarks that attempt to pass as “conversation.” Walking to class should be an easy task.
Should. Instead, it always ends up as an elaborate game of “Who Deserves to be Waved at Today?” where the winners receive a glimpse at your limp-wristed palm shake. It’s not that any college student is more conceited than another, it just gets exhausting exchanging cordial salutations to every person you know. Even typing that last sentence required a 30-minute power nap. It goes without saying that not every relationship is the same. Some people are “friends,” some people are “best friends,” some people are “friends with benefits,” some people are “friends with benefits and a health care plan” and so on. This should not reflect poorly on any one individual just because they don’t fall into a specific category. Some people are just “classmates.” You really share nothing in common
besides the fact that you both choose not to pay attention to the same professor. Sadly, this makes it difficult to know how to interact with each other outside of the classroom. It is important to keep in mind that most people aren’t complete jerks – most students are actually decent individuals looking for other cool people (such as yourself). As a matter of fact, I met most of my now-friends through a series of aggressive friend-making tactics, and after countless discussions of “We don’t need another friend” and “You’re being weird, please stop,” I was eventually let into the group. This was good news for me since close friends are much easier to deal with. Usually an exchange between two “BFFs” involves a bombardment of familial vulgarities followed by “See you back at the apartment ...” Harsh? Maybe, but friends have a public image
to uphold, and other students can’t be allowed to witness any sincerity or compassion. So, where is the line? What is an acceptable acknowledgment? Unfortunately, these questions can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps a dude headnod here, a meekly delivered “Sup?” there, and it might even be time to bring back the curtsy. Regardless of how we do it, I think it’s time that we all started acknowledging each other’s presence more, despite how well we know each other. No need to get creepy about it – social interaction isn’t always about hitting on stranger – but let’s at least act as though we all have something in common: we all want to find that person who will be our “friends with benefits plus a health care plan.” cslattery@lanthorn.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Insensitivity in coverage of suicide attempt Members of the Team Against Bias were shocked at the unintended flippancy within Chelsea Lane’s Oct. 10 article, “Ride along shows daily life on the other side of the door.” Within the article,
which detailed what it’s like to ride with Public Safety officers, was a description of the officers responding to a call of an attempted suicide on campus. Members of the media rarely report suicides or suicide
attempts; it’s not in best practices for journalists. Lane’s description not only invades the privacy of that student it causes hurt to that student’s roommates and friends. Grand Valley strives to provide a welcoming
environment. Calling attention to a very private act through the student newspaper does nothing to work toward this goal. Team Against Bias GVSU student organization
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DOWNTOWN
Grand Valley Lanthorn
Logie, LaBrant debate pros, cons of Michigan ConCon Hauenstein Center hosts political experts to discuss impact of constitutional convention in Michigan By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief
“People prefer a familiar problem to an unfamiliar solution.” First said by Benjamin Disraeli, a British prime minister in the 1800s, John H. Logie, former mayor of Grand Rapids, applied this statement to current Michigan politics as he debated the question of a constitutional convention with Bob LaBrant. On Tuesday night the Hauenstien hosted the debate, “Fresh Start: a constitutional convention for Michigan?”
Logie and LaBrant, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce general counsel and senior vice president of political affairs, highlighted the pros and cons of revising the Michigan constitution, all in an effort to familiarize the public with what they deemed to be Michigan’s problems and their suggested solutions. About 50 people turned out to Fountain Street Church for the public debate. Logie advocated voting yes on Proposal 1 on Nov. 2, which would open the possibility of approving a revised constitution for Michigan. LaBrant opposed the action and supplied reasons why people should vote no on Proposal 1. Logie’s main argument was that the current constitution is outdated and ill-equipped to address the current challenges facing Michigan. The constitution has been ratified three times
before, the most recent being in 1962. Logie said at that time, Michigan relied on a manufacturing-based economy with the auto industry in Detroit and the furniture industry in Grand Rapids. Today, Michigan has developed a service-based economy, which Logie said does not properly fit the current constitution. Another of Logie’s points was the need to trim the government and give legislators more specific guidelines, which could be done through changes to the constitution. He said Michigan has the second most expensive legislature in the nation, the first being California. Logie said it will be difficult to pass individual amendments changing Michigan’s policy, which is often recommended as an alternative to a complete constitution revision. The House and Senate must come to a two-thirds consensus on an amendment before voters have the chance to voice their opinion on it. Logie said a revision to the constitution would produce results more quickly and effectively than relying on individual
GVL / Lauren Fitch
Constitutional conundrum: Bob LaBrant, left, debates with John Logie, right, about a new state constitution.
amendments passing through the legislature. “To expect these underclassmen to do that (put amendments on the ballot) and do it efficiently and timely across a broad range of topics, is to me a little sublime,” Logie said. LaBrant, however, thinks Michigan citizens should give
their new government officials a chance. He said the expectation of a constitutional convention, also known as ConCon, to be the one solution to many problems is “overkill.” “We have new leadership coming in, and I think they deserve the opportunity to start to try to reboot Michigan’s economy without the activity of a constitutional convention ...” he said. Also, LaBrant warned that the constitutional convention may be an invitation for all special interest groups to try and place their representatives as one of the delegates so their pet projects will be up for debate and possibly addressed in the new version of the constitution. “Although Michigan has been in the midst of an economic crisis, it’s not a constitutional crisis,” LaBrant said. “There’s nothing in the Michigan constitution that caused the collapse of the auto industry in the state of Michigan ... Michigan’s constitution is sound – it contains no fatal flaws.” He also emphasized that calling for a constitutional convention does not mean the appointed delegates will necessarily change any part of the constitu-
tion, and even if they do, voters may not approve of the revision they develop. Despite the need for a twothirds majority when making amendments to the constitution, LaBrant said 31 amendments have been added to the Michigan constitution. “There is flexibility in the document,” he said, but Logie pointed out 37 amendments failed during that same 50-year period. Members of the audience piped in with questions about what the revision could include, how businesses are expected to react to the proposal and what the effect would be on taxes. Michigan has the ninth youngest constitution in the U.S. If Proposal 1 passes, the selection of 148 delegates representing each district in Michigan will begin. Work on the constitution revision would probably not start until October 2011. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates the total cost of the election and revision process at $45 million. Voters would then have the option of approving or rejecting the new version of the constitution. editorial@lanthorn.com
SPORTS
Cody Eding, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com
BRIEFS! 1
GV SPORTS
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 14, 2010
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Scanlon inducted into Eastern Kentucky Hall of Fame GV volleyball coach still holds several all-time EKU school records after 27 years championship in 2005. She has also been inducted to her high school’s GVL Senior Reporter hall of fame and has never had a losing record as a coach at GVSU. Grand Valley State University Though her impressive coachwomen’s volleyball coach Deanne ing career has been Scanlon’s focus Scanlon has made a name for herself for almost two decades, her playing during the past 16 seasons as one of days still hold a very close place to the top Division II coaches in the na- her heart, she said. tion. However, this past weekend it “I just loved to play,” she said. was Scanlon’s success as a student- “When game days came around athlete that earned her recognition it was like Christmas. I just love as she was inducted into the Eastern to compete, I love to play, I loved Kentucky University Athletic Hall wearing the uniform and being out of Fame. there, everything about the sport of Scanlon, a 1983 graduate of East- volleyball I’ve always loved.” ern Kentucky, was inducted as a Since Scanlon is in the middle of member of the Colonel’s fifth Hall of the volleyball season at GVSU, she Fame class for her was unable to make her four-year career as “I can’t speak induction. She instead a volleyball player enough about her sent in a DVD acceptat the school. An ing the award and was record both here All-American and one of 13 former Eastfour-year starter, and (at GVSU) ern Kentucky athletes Scanlon still holds and her national inducted at last Friday’s a place in the Coloceremony. championship ... nel’s record books Director of Eastern We’re awfully proud Kentucky for block solos, Athletics Hall block assists and of her.” of Fame Karl Park, who hitting percentage. was the school’s sports Almost three information director -Karl Park decades removed during Scanlon’s time from her playEKU Hall of Fame Director as a Colonel, said the ing days, Scanlon school is proud of Scansaid her tenure at lon’s accomplishments Eastern Kentucky both as a player at Eastern Kentucky was special not only because of her and as coach at GVSU. success but simply because of the “I cant speak enough about her chance to compete. record both here and (at GVSU) and “My choice to go to Eastern Ken- her national championship,” he said. tucky put me on the path for where I “She’s a force in her conference evam today,” she said. “I’m just very, ery year. We’re awfully proud of her, very grateful for the honor and also and I’m so glad she was able to get most importantly for them giving inducted. Her DVD was great and me the opportunity to be a college we all enjoyed watching it.” athlete at Eastern because there reScanlon said she is happy with ally were not a whole lot of opportu- where she is now, but the memories nities for females to go on and play of her time at Eastern Kentucky will and earn scholarships past a high always stay with her. school level back in those days.” “My time there was so much fun,” Since her playing career at East- she said. “It was a time where I reern Kentucky, Scanlon has built up ally grew as a person, got away from a prodigious volleyball resume. She home a bit, and was surrounded by won the Female Athlete of the Year really good people, good teammates, award at Eastern Kentucky in 1983, good coaches – it was just a great competed for the U.S. National Team experience for me.” and coached the Lakers to a national gmonahan@lanthorn.com
By Greg Monahan
Women’s golf second at Zippy Invitational Led by three golfers in the top-15, the Grand Valley State University women’s golf team finished second at the Zippy Invitational in Fairlawn, Ohio, Tuesday. The Lakers posted a finalround low score of 318 to erase a 14-stroke deficit and finish four strokes behind firstplace University of Akron, the tournament’s host. GVSU junior Sarah Hoffman finished in first place as the tournament’s medalist, carding a three-round score of 226 (+10). Senior Allie Tyler and sophomore Ashley Beard joined Hoffman in the top-15. Tyler shot a 238 (+22) to finish in a tie for ninth place, while Beard tied for 12th place with a 241 (+25).
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Breen named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week The GLIAC named Grand Valley State University safety Zach Breen as the Defensive Player of the Week Monday for his performance against Northern Michigan University last Saturday. The junior totaled six tackles, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup in the football team’s 28-7 victory on Homecoming. Breen has 40 tackles and one interception through six games this season. Breen is the second GVSU player to earn defensive honors this season. Redshirt freshman linebacker Luther Ware took home the award after his performance against West Texas A&M in the season opener.
GVL Archive / Eric Coulter
Unmatched talent: GVSU volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon watches the action at a past volleyball game. Scanlon was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky Hall of Fame last Friday.
WEEKEND Doubles team first in history to reach National Championships GAMES
Today 10:30 p.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs. Liberty at Walker Ice Arena
Friday
All Day: M. Rowing at Head of Charles Regatta in Boston, Mass. 12:30 p.m.: W. Volleyball vs. Missouri S&T in Aurora, Ill. 4 p.m.: W. Soccer vs. Northern Michigan 6 p.m.: M./W. Swimming and Diving vs. WisconsinMilwaukee 6:30 p.m.: W. Volleyball vs. Northern Kentucky in Aurora, Ill. 7 p.m.: M. Ice Hockey at Lindenwood (Mo.) University 9 p.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs. Liberty at Walker Ice Arena
Saturday
10 a.m.: M./W. Cross Country at Penn State Invitational 11 a.m.: M./W. Cross Country at Charger Invitational 11 a.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs. University of ColoradoColorado Springs 11 a.m.: M. Rugby vs. Michigan State 11 a.m.: W. Rugby at Ohio State 2 p.m.: W. Volleyball vs. Lewis in Aurora, Ill. 3:30 p.m.: M. Ice Hockey at Lindenwood (Mo.) University 7 p.m.: Football vs. Lake Erie (Kids Club Day)
Sunday All Day: M. Rowing Head of the Grand Regatta in Lansing, Mich. Noon: W. Soccer vs. Michigan Tech 1 p.m.: W. Ice Hockey vs. University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Chelsea Johnston, Darylann Trout to vie for national doubles title in Alabama this weekend By Curtis Kalleward GVL Senior Reporter
History is in the making this weekend for Grand Valley State University’s women’s tennis squad. Senior doubles partners Chelsea Johnston and Darylann Trout are currently in Mobile, Ala., competing against the top doubles teams in the nation at the 2010 USTA/ITA National Small Colleges Championships. Their victory in last month’s ITA Regional Championship earned them the chance to make the trip, a first in GVSU history.
“It’s really exciting, especially since we’re seniors,” Trout said. “We’re the first people to ever do it, and I’m doing it with my best friend.” The road to Alabama was not easy. Along the way, the doubles team encountered old foes who presented heavy challenges. Their regional
championship-clinching victory was over Sharon Gill and Kristina Goranskaya, the top-seeded duo from Wayne State University. It was not the first time the four ladies had met in a match, though this time around their story had a different ending. “In the finals of the ITA tournament, we beat a team that had just destroyed us,” Trout said. “They also beat us last year in the finals. It was great overcoming our nerves and believing that we could beat them, even though they’ve beaten us twice.” A long-standing relationship and solid teamwork between the two Lakers were keys to their success, Johnston said. “I feel like we’ve both worked so hard and it’s finally paying off,” she said. “We’ve been playing together for four years now as doubles partners. We’ve played No. 1 doubles the last two years, so I think all of that tough competition has really helped us.” Though the pair will make their journey south without their teammates at their side, the rest of the Lakers have made their support well-known all season long, Johnston said. “Our teammates have
been awesome,” she said. “We played the finals really early on a Sunday morning, and they were all there with signs, cheering us on the whole time. They all said good luck (in Alabama) and that they want text updates minute by minute.” Team bonding and closeness are two things many on the women’s tennis squad mentioned have been better this year than in seasons prior. “Our camaraderie on the team is really awesome this year,” said junior Katelyn Shaffer. “Everyone gets along, which is really unique for a girls team, and with such a big team for tennis. This is the biggest team we’ve had in a while, with 11. We all cheer for each other and watch each other’s matches.” The duo will compete in three matches this weekend starting with a 3 p.m. match today against the top team from Armstrong Atlantic State University (Georgia).
The bracket style allows for consolation play, determining all eight spots through headto-head competition. The goal for GVSU is simple – do not finish deadlast. “We’re just excited to go,” Trout said. “Our goal is to win one match of the three we play no matter what. The wins and losses determine if you finish first or eighth. We’re just hoping to finish seventh or higher.” ckalleward@lanthorn.com
GVL Archive / Andrew Mills
Dynamic duo: Chelsea Johnston (left) and Darylann Trout (right) compete in past action. The pair will be the first in GVSU history to participate in doubles action at the ITA National Small Colleges Championships.
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SPORTS
Grand Valley Lanthorn
GVSU defense back on track Lakers ‘settled in’ after rocky start to football season By Cody Eding GVL Sports Editor
Opposing offenses beware: The Grand Valley State University football team is starting to straighten out its defense. With an influx of young talent, the No. 1 Lakers (6-0, 5-0 GLIAC) struggled on defense for the first three games of the season. But with experience comes results. Led by a small core of veterans and developing talent, GVSU has allowed only 24 points in the team’s last three games after surrendering 103 points in the first three contests of the season. “I think, especially the young guys like me and (redshirt freshman cornerback Reggie Williams), we both came along because of the fact at the beginning of the year we were kind of nervous,” said redshirt freshman cornerback Michael Hatcher. “We’re getting more comfortable. We’re getting settled in.” The Lakers have “settled in” nicely in the past three games, dominating the University of Findlay and Tiffin University on the road before quieting a dangerous Northern Michigan University offense last weekend. The defense allowed 283 yards of total offense to opponents in those games after giving up an average of 424 yards of total offense during the first three weeks of the season.
GVSU’s improvement has been helped along by inspired play from defensive veterans such as senior linebacker Justin Victor, senior cornerback Rob Carlisle, senior safety Matt Bakker, senior defensive end Nick Lawrence and junior safety Zach Breen. Together, the group has led the unit by example. “I definitely felt coming out of the Hillsdale game (in week two) that not only were we not sound in our assignments, but I was not happy, I guess, with the passion that we were playing the game with - the intensity that we were playing the game with,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “I think all of our veterans knew that. And, they really made the pitch to the youngers guys, ‘We got to pick up the tempo of play.’” In Saturday’s victory over Northern Michigan, Mitchell said he was most impressed by the play of the defensive line and sophomores Rickey Thomas and Ryan Pettis. The line has been especially reliant on underclassmen since losing senior and All-American defensive end Danny Richard to a knee injury before the season. “There’s some guys that are freshmen and sophomores, especially on our defensive line, that now they’re getting this idea they’re edge guys, they’re runners,” Mitchell said. “They’ve got to have highmotor intensity guys. I felt like
WHO TO WATCH Sean Bedevelsky Quarterback
Similar to Northern Michigan University quarterback Carter Kopach, Bedevelsky leads the storm in rushing attempts (88), rushing yards (329), passing yards (1,223) and total touchdowns (9).
Justin Victor Linebacker
Victor’s smart play and experience will be needed against the Storm’s option offense. Victor leads the Lakers with 44 total tackles. GVL Archive / Eric Coulter
Shut down D: A Laker defender tackles an Indianapolis ball carrier.
we did a better job of that, and I think that’s a credit a little bit to not only our coaches, but some of our seniors about how hard we play and how fast we have to pursue the football.” The change in attitude from the younger players has been noticed by the upperclassmen as well. “They’re starting to get an understanding of how we work around here,” Victor said. “We’re a hard-nosed defense that doesn’t matter who we play, we’re going to go out there and give them our best.” Growing pains are inevitable
as the unit matures, but the Lakers have made steady progress since the season opener. Turning potential into results will be key as GVSU tries for a fifth National Championship this fall, Hatcher said. “We try to get better from week-to-week,” he said. “Coach always says, ‘five to six, six to seven.’ We try to focus on getting better every week, no matter what.” sports@lanthorn.com
see LANTHORN.COM for a preview of Saturday’s >>game against Lake Eerie
A CLOSER LOOK LAKE ERIE UNIVERSITY Nickname: Storm Location: Painesville, Ohio Enrollment: 1,300 Head Coach: Mark McNellie 3rd Season (10-18) Offensive Scheme: Spread Option Defensive Scheme: 4-3 AFCA Ranking: Unranked Last Week: 28-16 Loss vs. Wayne State
Swimming and diving set for another successful season By Brady Fredericksen GVL Staff Writer
For some swimming and diving teams, a top-10 finish at the NCAA Championships would be a dream season. Having the honor of 25 athletes competing on the highest stage would be good enough. But reaching those goals is child’s play for the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams - they want more. “The majority of our NCAA qualifiers are back again this year and, along with a strong freshman class, we‘re excited,” said GVSU head coach Andy Boyce. “It’s early and we have a long season ahead of us, but everyone is excited to see what we can accomplish.” Boyce and his players have embraced high expectations as they begin the season. From last year’s men finishing in fourth place at Nationals to the ninthplace finish for the women, the
success the teams saw last year is just another step in working toward national prominence. In his fourth season as head coach, Boyce has already led both the men and women to a GLIAC Championship. This season, the programs look to capture another conference title and improve on last year. “We want to win the Conference Championship on both sides, and if we put the pieces together at the right time we have a chance to be a national power,” said Boyce, the GLIAC Men’s Coach of the Year in 2008 and Women’s Coach of the Year in 2009. Consistency has been a staple of the Boyce era at GVSU, and the success helps boost confidence during the season. Having 16 athletes seated in the top-16 in last season’s National Championships was a school record, and with an influx of talented freshmen this season, the team looks to build upon that number. “The NCAA reduced the amount of athletes for each side this season, so we‘re going to have to work hard to get back,” Boyce said. The men, who return
GVL Archive / Eric Coulter
On your mark: The men’s swim team prepares for a freestyle race at a past event. The men’s and women’s teams will open up the season this weekend.
with back-to-back GLIAC championships, are strong in all of the stroke events, but with 18 freshmen on the 35-man roster, inexperience could be an issue. “We swim in Milwaukee against (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) this weekend, and they are a very good team,” Boyce said. “It‘s going to be a big test for the freshmen because you never know how they‘ll react during their first few meets.” On the women’s side, the team’s No. 1 goal is to reclaim the conference championship they won in 2008-09. Last year’s team finished second to
Wayne State University in the conference meet, and senior captain Erin Lynch said she is eager to regain the crown. “Everyone swam to their potential last season, and we want to see that again this year,” she said. “If we improve our skills in the pool, it will help improve our finish in the postseason.” Both teams will swim in Milwaukee tomorrow before opening GLIAC play against Lewis University next weekend. bfredericksen@lanthorn.com
MARKETPLACE
Grand Valley Lanthorn
Announcements Careerfest & Federal Opportunities Fair. Come out Wednesday October 13 from 2 pm to 6pm at the DeVos Place Convention Center 303 Monroe, Grand Rapids. For information on employers visit www.gvsu.edu/careerfairs Interested in Grad School? Come to the Graduate School Fair Thursday October 14th 10am-2pm in Henry Hall. For more information contact the Counseling and Career Development Center of the Office of Graduate Studies. Vocal chords ready to come out of retirement? Restoration, gospel choir, rehearsals every Tuesday 8:30 - 10:00 pm PAC 1410. Email us restoration.gvsu@gmail.com 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. 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! Help us save energy and switch to CFL or LED light bulbs. Standard light bulbs waste a lot of electricity and don’t last long. For more information visit. www.gvsu.edu/facilitiesservices/ 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.
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! Weekend masses Saturday 4pm, Sunday 9am and 11am. 733 Bridge St, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. (616) 458-3213. Visit www.stjamesparish.catholicweb.com. 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 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
Roommates Roommate Wanted in home in Grand Rapids, 10 minutes from Pew Campus. $370 utilities included. Call Marcie at (810) 610-5132.
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
Opportunities Careerfest & Federal Opportunities Fair. Come out Wednesday October 13 from 2 pm to 6pm at the DeVos Place Convention Center 303 Monroe, Grand Rapids. For information on employers visit www.gvsu.edu/careerfairs
Housing Grand Valley’s best kept deal. University Townhomes & Apartments guarantees the lowest price per person. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere with a variety of home styles to choose from less than 2 miles from campus. Call Tim today 616-477-5511 Great Specials at Brookmeadow Apartments! One and two bedroom apartments are available for short and long term leases. Call today 616-284-4239 Free rent November/December if you take over existing lease at 48th West. Furnished apartment with great roomies. Rent $420/month plus utilities. Call 419-410-0815. Subleaser needed for winter semester. Spacious 4 bedroom loft (need one more) 5 minutes from downtown GR. $393.75/month electric. American Seating Broadway. Free parking & Internet. clippara@mail.gvsu.edu
Internships Environmental research internship opportunity. The Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley is dedicated to studying the Great Lakes and offers great hands on internship opportunities. For more information contact www.gvsu.edu/wri
Employment Experienced bartender needed for expansion, apply at Mancino’s from 1-4 Monday-Friday. No phone calls.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
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Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, October 14, 2010
A&E
Elijah Brumback, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com
Michigan Dance Day comes to GV Day-long instruction, performance hits university with cash prize in tow By Rebekah Young GVL Intern
Courtesy Photo / dmmusic.org
Key concert: Hyunjung Chung will perform on piano at GVSU Monday.
Guest Artist Series continues with renowned pianist Dr. Hyunjung Chung to perform classic, contemporary works Monday By Coty Levandoski GVL Staff Writer
Keeping up with the tradition of showcasing world-renowned talent, Dr. Hyunjung Chung will perform at Grand Valley State University as part of the ongoing Guest Artist series. Born in South Korea, Chung has performed in Thailand, France, Canada, Italy, Korea and throughout the U.S. She received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance during her time at Seoul National university, going on to earn a master’s of music degree and professional study from Mannes College of Music as well as her doctorate of musical arts in piano performance from Rutgers. “Dr. Chung is a close friend and colleague who has studied the craft extensively,” said Professor Giuseppe Lupis, a piano teacher at GVSU. “I’m very happy to be able to bring her to Grand Valley and showcase what a great talent she is.” Chung is set to perform Sonata in C major XVI: 48 by Franz Joseph Haydn, the Paraphrase on Gounod’s Faust by Franz Liszt, the Variations op. 41 by Nikolai Kapustin, and the 8 Variations, One Crazy, on Ah! Vous Dirai-je, Maman, which was written by Lupis. “My approach to the program is basically a little bit of everything,” said Chung. “I try to present various time periods and styles from the classical period to the 21st century, and from serious sonata to jazz influenced work. It is educational yes, but at the same time, very enjoyable.” Currently an assistant professor at Spelman College in Georgia, Chung’s accolades list her as winning the 27th Artist International New York Debut Audition, the South Orange Orchestra Concerto Competition as well as the Mannes Piano Concerto Competition, among others. Though even with the
recognition she’s received, Chung contends that teaching and travel are her greatest passions. “Instructing takes enormous amounts of energy, but resolving obstacles with students is a miraculous experience,” says Chung. “And thankfully, my work allows me to travel. I’m very interested in the beauty of nature, and I am hoping to visit the Galapagos Island and Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia once I get the chance.” In addition to her performance Monday evening, Chung will also present a master class at 10 a.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center. The performance will feature piano students who have studied under Lupis, who was instrumental in
“Instructing takes enormous amounts of energy, but resolving obstacles with students is a miraculous experience.” -Hyunjung Chung Pianist, assistant professor at Spelman College bringing Chung to GVSU. “I first met Giuseppe during the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in 2008 when I overheard him improvising some beautiful tunes on the faculty lounge piano, and I instantly fell in love with his style,” said Chung. “His passion and sense of humor have made working with him a wonderful experience, and I’m sure we will put our efforts together for more exciting collaborations in the future.” Chung’s chapter in the Guest Artist Series will unfold at 5:15 p.m. on Monday in the Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall located in the Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit http:// w w w. g v s u . e d u / e v e n t s / guest-artist-series-hyunjung-chung-piano online. clevandoski@lanthorn.com
IF YOU GO GUEST ARTIST SERIES Featuring
Dr. Hyunjung Chung Monday at 5:15 p.m.
Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall located in the Performing Arts Center
Grand Valley State University will host Michigan Dance Day for the first time ever this Saturday. Each year, one of Michigan’s universities and the Michigan Dance Council, a governing body of dance educators, holds Michigan Dance Day. “It’s about making dance approachable and reachable in the state,” said GVSU dance professor and Michigan Dance Council board member Shawn Bible. “It doesn’t matter from what background or financial situation people come from.” The event is a full day’s worth of dance classes and performances culminating in an award gala and concert that will be open to the public. Bible said GVSU’s ability to attract the event this year bodes well for the university. “It’s important for GVSU because Michigan Dance Day is not traditionally held in on the west side of the state.” he
GVL / Nicki Lamson
Dance passion: Professor Shawn Bible (pictured) teaches Modern Dance and serves on the Michigan Dance Council.
GVL / Nicki Lamson
Beauty and grace: Students in GVSU’s Modern Dance class practice to perfect a routine.
said. “So there is little access to this event because of travel and transportation. It is also great exposure for GVSU and the dance program.” Classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students can take classes in a variety of different genres, including modern, ballet, point, jazz, contemporary and yoga. The afternoon will conclude with a concert gala choreography competition and performance by the GVSU dance ensemble, who will perform“BLUE AIR” with choreography by Bible. “It’s the only competition like it in the state,” Bible said. “We will be taking submissions from choreographers all over the state and it’s not limited to just university entries.” Those competing will be vying to win the coveted Maggie Allesee New Choreography Award. Six to eight entries will be chosen to perform, and a panel of selected judges will decide the winner, who will receive an undetermined cash prize numbering in the thousands of dollars. “It’s going to be a very interesting
performance,” Bible said. “Something people have probably never seen before.” Bible said the day is dedicated to bringing together an elite group of master dance teachers in the state, allowing university and high school students the opportunity to be exposed to all forms of dance. “I’ve also built in a time for auditions for the dance program here as well,” Bible said. “It’s a fantastic recruiting tool.” Bible, contemporary jazz instructor Sarah Magoon and yoga ballet instructor Mary Lohman will round out the GVSU faculty that will help guide each class. Other visiting professional instructors that will attend are Middle Eastern specialist Sabrina Merrill, jazz and ballroom specialist Kellie Lajiness and Oakland University modern dance faculty Alison Woerner. Tickets are $10 per class and $10 for the afternoon performance, which will be held at 3:30 in the Louis Armstrong Theater. arts@lanthorn.com
Civil War Club invites community to
first annual Harvest Ball Event to include historically-accurate music, games, dance instruction By Elijah Brumback GVL A&E Editor
Students will have the opportunity to travel back in time to experience social life in America during the Civil War through GVSU’s first living history dance tonight. Hosted by the Civil War Club, the Harvest Ball will feature historical dance instruction, period-accurate live music, Victorian era parlor games and free refreshments. Located in room 2250 of the Kirkhoff Center, the dance will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is the club’s first large-scale event. It is open to the public and free for students. The entrance fee is $5 for non-students and $10 for families of four or more. “There was no Facebook or Twitter during the Civil War — your social network was the people you saw on a daily basis or that you interacted with in public,” said Sarah Johnson, President of the Civil War Club. “Balls were the most common social gatherings where people could interact and even let their hair down a little.” In addition to attending historical conferences, museums and locations relating to the Civil War, Johnson said another major aspect of the club is historical reenactment. The club attends reenactments across Michigan and also creates its own, in which club members don historical clothing and try to relive the lives of Americans during the war. By hosting the Harvest Ball, Johnson said the club hopes to raise awareness about its presence on campus and “show the GVSU community a little taste of re-enacting, as well as mixing in a good dose of history.” For this reason, club member Jacquie Lovegrove said the student group strives for accuracy. To recreate the social atmosphere of an authentic dance, the ball will
include professional historical dance caller Karen Dunnam and the Civil War era band Fiddlefire. “The dances we will be doing are the same as people would have done 200 years ago,” Johnson said. “The caller will walk everyone through the steps, so if you’ve been doing historic dance for two decades or two minutes, you won’t get lost. And the live musical accompaniment really helps to set the mood and make the dancing more enjoyable.” Lovegrove, a member of the club’s event planning committee, said the Harvest Ball will offer students a unique experience. “It isn’t like other dances or events,” she said. “There is no bumping and grinding but actual dancing, and there will be other groups there who re-enact so students can ask questions and learn. Not only is this a fun event, it’s a learning experience too.” Along with the dancing, Johnson said the event’s various historical games will mix entertainment with history by educating people about “the etiquette of the time.” Though the games are no “spin the bottle” or “never have I ever,” she said the parlor activities are still “a lot of fun.” The event will also feature a photo booth complete with a period accurate wardrobe so people attending “can get dressed in Civil War outfits and get their photos taken,” Lovegrove said.
Though it is not required, the Civil War Club encourages anyone attending to wear period dress. For men, Johnson describes the basic Civil War outfit as black dress pants, a button-up collared shirt and a vest. For women, she suggests an ankle or floor length skirt — “the fuller the skirt, the better” — and fitted bodice. “The Harvest Ball will be unlike any other campus event,” Johnson said. “It will give people a better understanding of the civilities of the time by letting them be actively engaged in them.” For more information, contact Johnson and other members at civilwarclubgvsu@gmail.com. arts@lanthorn.com