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T H U R SD AY, N O V E M BE R 10, 2011
lanthorn.com GV Runners Club TO HOST 5K RACE
PAY AS YOU EARN Lawmakers, administrators offer insight to the early details of proposed student debt reform By Dan Spadafora
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GVL Assistant News Editor
he national outstanding student debt total is expected to surpass $1 trillion by the end of the year, a rapidly-rising statistic that prompted U.S. President Barack Obama to introduce his new “Pay as You Earn” plan in Denver last month. The plan, which could become effective as early as 2012, is aimed at lessoning the burden of student debt on students struggling to repay federal college loans. According to FinAid.org and FastWeb.com, the current numbers show student debt at $850 billion outstanding and the Federal Reserve reports consumers owe $828 billion in credit card debt. “Over the past three decades, the cost of college has nearly tripled, and that is forcing you, forcing students, to take out more loans and rack up more debt,” Obama said in his Denver speech. While some politicians, including Robert Shireman, former deputy undersecretary at the Department of Education, argue that the plan would increase confidence among students about their post-graduate perspectives, other lawmakers have early doubts as to if the plan will be effective and whether this plan will have enough qualifying students to make an impact. “The best student loan repayment program is a student with a job,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, RMich., who represents the state’s 2nd District. State Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck, said the plan addresses how students pay for education but ignores the
CHASING THE SKY Kevin VanAntwerpen discusses life as part of a moderately successful indie rock band.
KEVIN VANANTWERPEN
GVL Columnist
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JUSTUS vLOG Lanthorn columnist reads blog in 60 minutes-style vlog to honor Art Rooney, who recently passed.
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larger issue of total education costs. “I see nothing in the plan to reduce tuition overall or encourages universities to bring down tuition,” Genetski said. “There all sorts of incentives to keep loaning kids more money, but there’s nothing to get universities on the hook to say, ‘Boy, we need to cut tuition so that more kids can go to college for less money.’” Who benefits? In a 2011 report from Grand Valley State University’s institutional analysis department, students who graduate from GVSU are expected to have $26,912 in total student debt, putting GVSU nearly $2,000 higher than the national average. This is an increase from an average of nearly $9,000 in 2006. Michelle Rhodes, director of financial aid at GVSU, said the president’s plan could help GVSU students. “It can absolutely help Grand Valley students,” Rhodes said. “It can help a select group of students who meet the criteria.” According the plan, there are two ways students can benefit. One way is by consolidating all loan types. The plan would allow borrowers to move all Federal Family Education Loans — all private loans taken out before July 1, 2010 — under the current Direct Loan plan, which would give borrowers one payment per month and reduce their interest rate by .5 percent. The second aspect of the proposed plan is an adjustment to income-based repayment. Under Pay As You Earn, borrowers would pay only 10 percent of their income toward the loan every month in comparison to the
Courtesy Photo / obamasouth.com
Spare change: U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a speech. Obama’s “Pay as You Earn” student debt reform proposal would limit students’ debt burden in three ways: reduce payments to 10 percent of income, consolidate private loans and forgive loans after 20 years of payments.
current 15 percent. In addition, after 20 years of payments, any remaining loan balance will be forgiven. To qualify for the second aspect of Obama’s plan, students must have taken out loans in 2008 and in 2012. Robert Moran, director of federal relations and policy analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, said under the current guidelines, the plan would not benefit enough people. “Most seniors in postsecondary education have already taken out their senior loan,” Moran said. “If you think about it, the types
of students who are going to have a loan in 2008 and a loan in 2012 is a very small number.” Huizenga said the plan also raises questions about the student decision-making process. “It just seemed really odd to me,” he said. “I don’t have a 30-year mortgage and if it’s not paid off in 20 years, I go, ‘Oh, I guess I don’t have to pay the last 10 years.’ I think it sends conflicting messages. If there’s no responsibility hanging over your head at the end of this thing, why wouldn’t you make mini-
See Debt, A2
College marriages withstand trials, tribulations
Some students tying the knot before graduation despite rising divorce rate, average marriage age By Lizzy Balboa GVL Staff Writer
Please Recycle
The American concept of marriage is changing, but rising divorce rates have not prevented some college students from tying the knot before graduation. Yan Yu, a sociology professor at Grand Valley State University, said the number of college students marrying surprises her because the average age that Americans get married at is rising. “Those who marry later are less likely to divorce,” she said. “Young marriages are vulnerable or unstable
because young couples may not be ready to face the challenges brought about by marriage. They may marry for romantic love, but marriage itself is not romantic at all.” However, GVSU sophomore R.J. McVeigh said he does not expect a fairy-tale marriage. The newly-engaged student embraces the alternative. “If I was making this decision and it meant that I was to be poor for the rest of my life, but I would be married to Brianna, would I still choose to do this assuming pretty much the worst?” he said. “The answer is yes.” McVeigh will wed his girlfriend
of two years in August despite opposition from many of his peers, who he said are skeptical about college-age marriages. “The reason our marriage seems young is because of its relation to the marriages in our society right now,” he said. “If you’re talking the human race throughout history, we’re normal getting married (this young).” Like McVeigh, junior Cassie Regan has found little support in her young marriage from peers and others. “People can’t understand why you would be 22 and in college and married,” she said. “It’s just really awkward, the reactions.”
Regan met Paul Kiger in a GVSU Spanish class, and the couple waited only a year to marry. “Once we met each other, we both knew we weren’t coming back to school (right away),” she said. “We didn’t have any time limits or time frames, so we were like, ‘Well we really like each other,’ and the next step in our lives we were both doing the same thing so we decided to do it together.” The couple married in September 2010 and moved to El Salvador before returning in the spring. Regan said she has no regrets
See Marriage, A2
A2 NEWS Debt
continued from A1
years walk away?” Genetski said the proposal does not address bigger issues. “That kind of sends the message you won’t be on the hook,” he said. “My question then, who will be on the hook? I assume the tax payers.” Avoid debt altogether With several alternatives to loans, Rhodes says students should be informed about their alternatives, such as scholarships. “Make sure your are borrowing only what you need, make sure you know what is a loan and what is a grant,” Rhodes said. “Don’t accept something just because it is offered to you and take
a large refund check if you don’t really need it.” When looking for alternatives, Rhodes said students should connect with faculty members to learn about possible scholarships, in addition to checking the GVSU scholarship database and constructing a scholarship calendar. Other than that, she says students need to just keep asking questions and learn about all their options, including Obama’s proposal. “The overall intention is it’s trying to make education affordable,” she said. “I think if that message keeps coming out that Obama or the administration is going to do things to make education affordable for everyone that’s a good thing.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com
By the numbers: student debt $24,000 2011 national average student debt $26,912 2011 GVSU average student debt $850 billion Current national total in outstanding student debt
$1 trillion Expected total in national
outstanding student debt before 2011 ends.
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
NEWS BRIEFS Physician assistant students earn federal scholarships
Courtesy Photo / RJ McVeigh
Young love: RJ McVeigh and his fiancé, Brianna Gatica, hold hands after his proposal. McVeigh said he was surprised by the skeptical reaction he received to their plans to marry in August, before they graduate.
Marriage continued from A1
about the timing, but the marriage has not been completely easy. “Marriage takes lots of time,” she said. “There’s just not a lot of time (in college), so lots of times I will decide, ‘I’m just not gonna study extra for this exam,’ or ‘This homework’s just not going to be done super well’ because, at the end of the day, my husband’s more
important and he’s going to take up the extra time.” However, Regan said one of the hardest aspects is managing finances for two people, especially when each person works only part-time and their total income doesn’t equal a fulltime salary. Housing, food and textbooks become expensive purchases when shopping for two, said Regan, who has delayed taking her husband’s name because the legal process is too expensive. She intends to become Cassie Kiger after graduation. The prospect of getting pregnant and having to raise a child is another financial worry for the couple, which takes precautions but embraces the reality that their methods are not always 100 percent effective. “It’s certainly risky, but you have to be willing to accept it,” Regan said. “We
know that if I get pregnant, we’ll make it happen and we’ll deal with it.” Although the marriage has brought financial struggles and worries about the future, Regan said it has been a benefit to her education. “I wouldn’t be in college if it wasn’t for my husband,” she said. “I may graduate because of my husband.” Kiger received his bachelor’s degree in social work before the couple married, and he is now working toward a master’s degree at GVSU. At this point, Regan does not think their marriage will hinder their individual careers. “If I decided to become a working professional or decided to be a stay at home mom and use all the psych I know on my children, that would be okay,” she said. ebalboa@lanthorn.com
Police launch new texting safety initiative “We want
Four Grand Valley State University physician assistant studies students were awarded federal grants for $22,000 each year for the next two years. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded GVSU the grant, worth a total of $1.79 million. The grant has been used for the four students (Joanne Trembley, Haley Crites, Gina Doman and Erin Meehan), along with providing additional funding for more faculty members. Next year, seven scholarships will be awarded instead of four.
MichBio Student Career Day partners with CHS and Van Andel The MichBio Student Career Day this year is being operated by Grand Valley State University’s nursing and health professions colleges, along with the Van Andel Institute. On Nov. 1, more than 250 high school juniors and seniors will participate in the event in order to expose students to research being conducted in West Michigan. The Kirkhof College of Nursing and College of Health Professions students and faculty members will lead sessions during the event.
By Chelsea Lane GVL Staff Writer
The Grand Valley Police Department will be unveiling its new See Something, Say Something campaign at this weekend’s home football game against Saginaw Valley State University. See Something, Say Something will allow students to directly text GVPD if they witness inappropriate behavior at football games. “This could be drinking, smoking or acting disorderly,” said Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety. “… We want students to know that if there is inappropriate behavior going on, they can notify law enforcement in a discrete manner. Often people are hesitant to make a phone call with that many people around. However, they feel comfortable texting.” At the start of the game and during halftime, the number 616-951-GVPD will be displayed on the jumbo screen at Lubbers Stadium. Spectators can then text this number at any time during the game if they want to alert police to any suspicious or unruly behavior at the stadium without drawing attention to themselves. The program is part of a Department of Homeland Security initiative that DPS and GVSU Athletics agreed to participate in. Michigan State University currently uses its own See
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Volume 46, Number 23
students to know that if there is inappropriate behavior going on, they can notify law enforcement in a discrete manner.
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Brandon DeHaan DPS assistant director
Something, Say Something campaign at home football games and other sporting events. DeHaan said there is the potential for GVSU to apply this program to other sporting events, but for now it will just be put into effect during football games. DeHaan said the program is cost-effective and the only major adjustment DPS made was updating its phone system to allow the department to receive unlimited text messages. “This is a little- to nocost initiative that will offer additional safety and means of communication for our sporting spectators,” he said. clane@lanthorn.com
EDITORIAL STAFF
ADVERTISING STAFF
Philanthropy director given nonprofit professional award The program director of nonprofit services at Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthrophy was awarded the Young Nonpfoti Professional of the Year award by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids. Matthew Downey, who has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit field, received the award on Nov. 3. According to the YNPN, the Professional of the Year award goes to someone “who excels in their work, always goes above and beyond for their cause, is always looking for a new way to make a nonprofit service better, and is an overall fabulous young professional.”
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICARTIONS 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 in fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling 616-331-2464 or by emailing editorial@lanthorn.com
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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
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A3 NEWS
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
NEWS EDITOR ANYA ZENTMEYER news@lanthorn.com
New nursing professor brings international experience to KCON By Judson Rodriguez
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GVL Staff Writer
fter spending much of her career around the globe, Paulette Chaponniere joined the Grand Valley State University faculty this semester as an assistant professor in the Kirkhof College of Nursing. Having worked in Africa as a nurse and as a consultant for the State Department, among other assignments, Chaponniere brings a global perspective and passion for international work, said Cynthia McCurren, KCON dean and professor of nursing. “As compared to other candidates, her life circumstances have allowed her to live and work in another culture,” McCurren said. Chaponniere pointed to her experiences in Africa as the beginning of her teaching career. These experiences, she said, lend global perspectives based on problem solving to students who must be equipped in our generation’s global society. “One thing is true about Africa: it’s not about programs, it’s about people,” she said, “I couldn’t just tell them things, I knew they had to trust me to accept what I say.” Chaponniere said everywhere she has been there has been a dimension of teaching involved. “Teaching spills over to everything,” she said. Born in the Congo, Chaponniere has worked in 15 African countries along with Haiti and Jamaica, and has dodged political unrest, disease and other problems associated with the unstable governments of sub-Saharan Africa. In Niger, she had to stay inside of her home to avoid being in harm’s way during a time of political unrest.
The biggest difference between working in the U.S. and working in Africa, she said, is the disparity in resources. “Working in Africa you had to learn how to be creative with the scarce resources available,” she said. One time, Chaponniere said, she was treating a postpartum patient who was refusing to eat, because she said her ancestors had come to her in a dream and told her that she could not eat. Chaponniere said she knew better than to argue, and quickly improvised. She asked if the ancestors had mentioned whether or not she could drink anything. The patient said they had not. Peanut butter was readily available, so they blended it up and made a milkshake for the woman to drink for three days until she could eat again. McCurren said that when KCON professors share their own stories and experiences, it helps the GVSU nursing students understand how quick responses are necessary in many real-life situations. “Lighting the fire is the start for students’ interest in striving for an international career,” McCurren said. Chaponniere said her most memorable time in Africa was in the country of Senegal, where she had the opportunity to work in villages. There she learned to simplify messages to patients. While confronting a malnourishment problem in children, she decided to use the food pyramid to explain how the children should be eating. This did not work, however, because the teaching strategy was wrong, Chaponniere said. She then had the villagers add peanut butter to everything that the children ate for its fatty acids, and soon the children started gaining weight. In addition to teaching community health and man-
Police Blotter By Chelsea Lane GVL Staff Writer
GVPD seeks leads in assault
The Grand Valley Police Department is asking a good Samaritan who assisted an assault victim this past weekend to help develop leads in the case. On Sunday at around 8:45 p.m., a female student was crossing the Little Mackinac Bridge to go to the library when a male suspect grabbed her arm and assaulted her. A male student, who the victim said may possibly have blonde hair, was riding his bike by the bridge and intervened to help the female. The suspect then fled the scene and ran across the bridge. The victim was not injured and did not require medical attention. Police are requesting that the student on the bike contact them as they are currently searching for leads and hope the student’s information about the incident might help them further develop their case. The student in question may contact GVPD at 616-3313255 or leave information using the Silent Observer hotline at 1-877-88-SILENT.
CHAPONNIERE
“Remembering that some of us
will actually share our compassion and competencies as health care providers in other countries, but understanding the ‘international’ part of nursing is relevant right here in West Michigan, as we strive to meet the needs of the many faces of our community.
”
Cynthia McCurren Dean, Kirkhof College of Nursing agement, Chaponniere is also a single mother to three adopted African children. Chaponniere said she wanted to find a way to impact young men and women to aspire to work internation-
ally, and teaching was the best route for her. She said making an impact on the global community can be a part of everyone’s life, and we usually do not have to travel abroad to make that impact. “Remembering that some of us will actually share our compassion and competencies as health care providers in other countries, but understanding the ‘international’ part of nursing is relevant right here in West Michigan, as we strive to meet the needs of the many faces of our community,” McCurren said. jrodriguez@lanthorn.com
Infant dies at Laker Village
The Grand Valley Police Department and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of an 18-month-old girl who died at the on-campus Laker Village Apartments this weekend. The child had been visiting relatives overnight at the apartment complex. Police responded to a medical emergency call on Sunday morning and found the child unresponsive when they arrived. Paramedics were called to the scene, but attempts to revive the child were not successful. An initial autopsy was conducted, but the cause of death has not yet been determined. Full autopsy results may take up to eight weeks. Police said the child showed no visible signs of trauma, but the case will remain under investigation. The university has immediately made support services available to the child’s family members. clane@lanthorn.com
A4 OPINION LANTHORN OPINION ONLINE
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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
VALLEY VOTE
Should Joe Paterno have been fired as head football coach from Penn State? Vote online at lanthorn.com
EDITORIAL
Last issue’s question: Do the sexual harassment allegations against presidential contender Herman Cain change your opinion of him?
YES 64% NO 36%
GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON I BY DAN SILLS
Higher education, higher debt While there are some flaws in President Barack Obama’s ‘Pay as You Earn’ student debt reform proposal, any attempt to alleviate college students’ debt burden is a step in the right direction.
I
n putting politics aside, everyone can agree that today’s college student is being forced to come out of pocket and take out far too many loans for higher education. In an effort to aleviate that burden, President Barack Obama recently released the “Pay as You Earn” student debt reform proposal, allowing students to repay student loans in increments of 10 percent of how much money they earn. Now, the “Pay as You Earn” proposal is not without its fair share of flaws, but it addresses a critical issue for today’s youth. The national average student debt for students who graduated in 2011 is currently at $24,000 — more than $26,000 for Grand Valley State University students — and the nation’s total student debt burden is expected to exceed $1 trillion by the end of the year. That’s a significant amount of money, especially for a country facing a recession, a floundering job market and an increasing number of recent graduates who are either unemployed or underemployed after receiving their degrees. About 85 percent of students who graduated in May of 2011 went back home to live with their parents after graduation, and it’s no surprise why when the unemployment rate for people of ages 20 to 24 is at 15 percent nationally. When the economy relies on American citizens, particularly today’s youth, pumping money into it, it doesn’t take an economist to know that shackling graduates with excessive student debt is a bad idea. Yes, there are some flaws in the proposal, and yes, it ignores some of the underlying causes. However, Obama’s attempt to address the growing amount of debt students face is a commendable one, and necessary. Scholarships and grants are always good options for many students, but not everyone has the fortune to be able to secure them, and those who can are rarely awarded enough to cover tuition, housing and the many other costs that students incur. Even GVSU’s most generous single scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship, maxes out at $7,000, far less than the $9,716 price tag on one semester of lower-division tuition. Without addressing the soaring cost of college and the ways that students are paying these costs back, today’s graduates will have little opportunity to move forward and prosper on their own.
Lanthorn The student-run newspapers at Grand Valley State University
EDITORIAL PAGE BOARD EMANUEL JOHNSON SAMANTHA BUTCHER ANYA ZENTMEYER KEVIN HAUSFELD
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Advertising Manager
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.
dsills@lanthorn.com
Q: Would you consider getting married in college?
“Yes. I’ve been in a committed relationship for four years, and I don’t want to wait another four years, so … for me, the sooner the better.”
“Yes. College is a period in life where decisions are made about the future, and love is one of those big decisions.”
“I don’t think I would consider getting married in college. You should focus on getting your degree first.”
“Absolutely not. College is a time to worry about education and enjoying your time in school. ”
“Yes … Being married would not change my focus on my studies, it would be nice to have that solid in my life to help with the stress of college.”
Leighlyn Jacobs Freshman Film and video Grand Haven, Mich.
Sydney Miller Sophomore Photography, advertising Grand Haven, Mich.
Alex Moore Freshman Accounting Berrien Springs, Mich.
Andy Schmaltz Sophomore Business Berrien Springs, Mich.
Jacquelyn Leggieri Senior Mathematics, education Lake Orion, Mich.
Anti-bullying laws need zero tolerance
By Chris Slattery GVL Columnist I’ve never felt it was my job to write columns about pressing issues. I may crack the occasional Occupy Wall Street joke or mention presidential candidates, but for the most part, I enjoy making jokes about Rebecca Black and poking fun at No-Shave November. That’s what I enjoy reading, and that’s what I enjoy writing. So, under normal circumstances, I would leave the recent Michigan anti-bullying legislation to the people who don’t spend their days thinking of how to satirize hyper-masculine commercials about diet soda.
But bullying has always been a subject close to me, and I was surprised at how few people I talked to had no idea of what was going on. Granted, this draft law still needs to pass the lower house (a government-y phrase that don’t mean a lot to me because I doodled a lot in high school instead of paying attention), but we should all stay updated on this progress. I’ll be the first to admit that I probably don’t have all of the facts, getting most of my information from dozens of online periodicals ,but from what I understand, this legislation is inciting a public “WTF?” The bill says it “does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held belief or moral conviction.” Essentially, a person can bully as long as they believe what they are doing is right. I don’t think that is too much of a paraphrase.
This may not seem like much to some people, but if you’ve ever met a bully, they are typically very clever when it comes to being an asshole. Whereas some people spend paragraphs tearing down a person’s selfconfidence (thanks for the e-mails!), a bully can do it in a word, sometimes a look. They will see this legislation and exploit it as if it is their job (for some, this will be the only job they will ever be successful at), because the law doesn’t deter bullying — it outlines the specifics of how to get away with it. With the horrible suicides that have happened in the past year as a direct result of teasing and mockery, this could be one of the most definitive periods for antibullying laws, yet instead politicians take this opportunity to nitpick about what constitutes “bullying.”
What we need is something that says, “For crying out loud, stop doing this!” without amendments and addendums — straightforward and with zero tolerance. Schools did it with drugs (hell, mine did it with the dress code), and it will work with bullying as well. It’s unrealistic to think that a state law is going to stop kids from getting picked on indefinitely, because some boys will act effeminate, some girls will develop later than the rest and that kid with the giant birthmark on his face looks different. But it’s a step in the right direction. It may not seem like a big deal to us now in college, but I’d like to think that we can look past our academic blinders for a second and look at the kids on our old playgrounds. Don’t look too long, though, because, well, that’s kind of creepy. cslattery@lanthorn.com
(Wo)men in uniform: appearance matters
By ANDREW JUSTUS GVL COLUMNIST
With the passing of CBS’ 60 Minutes personality Andy Rooney this weekend, the journalism community lost one of its great personalities. After working for the Army’s newspaper, Stars and Stripes, in World War II and writing for a few television shows after the war. Rooney began his work as an essayist for CBS in the mid 60’s, a job he continued until last month.
In his time as an essayist Rooney was known to offer his thoughts on a variety of topics ranging from his opposition of the Vietnam Conflict to the contents in his desk drawers. In his spirit, I will diverge from my insightful and oft correct political commentary and focus on something a bit more obscure. Have you ever seen a mailman or a bus driver and thought they looked a little sloppy? Sure they tuck their shirts in and wear their uniforms, but the sense of pride in that uniform seems to be lacking. Save for the famous rhyming-route 50 driver, none of the Rapid drivers I see seem to wear more than the bare minimum required
by their uniforms. Letter carriers, on the other hand, can get away with wearing no uniform at all. My mail-woman last year at Campus View often stepped out of her U.S. Postal Service truck wearing jeans and a random sweatshirt. I often thought, “I could hop in that truck and nobody would know I didn’t work for the post office.” But alas, I was too chicken to ever pull such a stunt. On a trip to Europe last Christmas, I was impressed with how bus drivers, letter carriers and even the men who swept the streets all had spotless and wrinkle free uniforms. Every bus driver had a crisp shirt and a tie, tied with more precision
than most men I know can muster on a good day. As for the army of men sweeping the streets of Madrid, their white collared shirts and bright yellow jackets looked unnaturally clean for their profession. Back to America, I was visiting my 80-yearold barber recently when I asked him about this topic. Offering his wealth of knowledge, he said, “I had a friend who was a postman... his wife would iron his shirt every day before going on his route.” While his story hailed from close to 60 years ago, it sure would be nice if some of that pride in appearance would make a comeback. ajustus@lanthorn.com
A5 your space Student column
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Art of the issue
Slavery, human trafficking ‘alive and well’ in today’s world By Eric Wells GVSU student
This past summer, I had the tremendous opportunity to work for an anti-human trafficking organization as part of a GVSU study abroad program. With this organization, I worked to aid former child slaves. You may be thinking to yourself: “Slaves? I thought slavery was eradicated long ago, relegated to the dustbin of history.” The reality, however, is that slavery is alive and well in the year 2011, and worse than that, it is flourishing. There are as many as 27 million slaves in our world today, more than at any other point in history (Bales 103). The slavery that exists today is commonly referred to as “modern-day slavery” or human trafficking. The simplest way to define modern slavery is as a practice that forces individuals to work without pay, under the threat of violence (Free the Slaves). Slavery is traumatic for the slave, as it is extremely common for slaves to be physically, sexually, and psychologically abused. Most of the time, if not all of the time, causes an individual to be psychologically scarred for the rest of his or her life. In modern slavery, humans enslave other humans for pretty much any purpose imaginable. There are slaves in India that make bricks and hand-made sand; slaves in China that hand-make toys; slaves in West Africa harvesting cocoa; slaves in Sierra Leon mining diamonds; slaves from Haiti that are trafficked internationally to be used as domestic servants; women sold as mail-order brides; women from Eastern Europe that have been sold into prostitution; Mexican immigrant farmers have been enslaved at American farms; and the list goes on and on. Most commonly, individuals fall into slavery as a result of deception or brute force. Thankfully, there are organizations working to end modern slavery, like Challenging Heights, the organization that I worked for in Ghana. Now in Ghana, one of the ways that slavery manifests itself is in the fishing industry, which is a staple of the Ghanaian domestic economy. In the fishing industry, children are often sold as slaves to fishermen to complete the tasks that the fishermen don’t want to. Challenging Heights focuses on this type of slavery. Crudely, the sustainable plan that Challenging Heights has developed to combat this type of slavery involves: (1) freeing enslaved children; (2) rehabilitating freed children (psychologically and physically); (3) reintegrating freed children into society; (4) providing an education for the freed children; and (5) providing humantrafficking education and awareness to communities at high-risk for human trafficking. Challenging Heights believes, and with good reason, that the only way to break the cycle of humantrafficking is through education. Working with Challenging Heights, I came face to face with modern slavery and the damage that it does to human lives. I was able to interact with lives that had been irrevocably shaped by enslavement. The children that I saw were the lucky ones; they were the ones that had been freed. Many children remain enslaved within the Ghanaian fishing industry, and more broadly, many humans remain enslaved throughout the world. Some progress has being made against modern slavery and you, as an individual, can also contribute to the fight against modern enslavement. How? Helping the cause can be as simple as spreading the news about this global crisis; it doesn’t have to be about making donations. I am fortunate enough to have been able to travel to Ghana to work in an issue area that I am passionate about; in fact, this Grand Valley program solidified my aspirations to pursue a career in the anti-human trafficking movement. Thus, my experience at Challenging Heights in Ghana has already had a profound impact on my future. I am sharing this with you not for the sake of sharing something about myself, but rather because I want to emphasize the tremendous opportunities that we have at Grand Valley, as students, to really take control of our destiny and seek out experiences that will positively influence our lives.
Grace Carpenter Sophomore illustration major Specifically, with our study abroad programs, we have the opportunity to get involved in whatever it is that draws our interest. We become more human to each other when we seek to understand each more deeply, and studying abroad is one of the best opportunities to understand other humans and cultures more deeply. My recommendation to anyone who is entertaining the thought of studying abroad is this: study abroad, and don’t look back. Don’t be scared off by the dollar sign. This brings me to my next point: if you are concerned with financing your study abroad trip, there are many ways to make ends meet. If you do not want to settle for taking loans, there are many grants and scholarships available to you; the only catch is that you will need to take a proactive attitude and be willing to work. A couple good places to begin your investigation are the GVSU web pages for the Padnos International Center and Office of Fellowships. Both of these can be found by using the search bar from the GVSU homepage. In regards to the GVSU Office of Fellowships, your best friend will be Amanda Cuevas, who can help you identify scholarships according to your degree of financial need (You can contact her at fellowships@gvsu.edu). If you remain unconvinced whether or not you will be able to compete for scholarships, you shouldn’t be; you have a wonderful professional in Amanda Cuevas who is dedicated to helping you articulate your story in polished essays to scholarship committees. Moreover, you are not in uncharted territory; I know from experience. One of the scholarships that you may be able to apply for, depending on your level of need, is the Gilman Scholarship; this scholarship helped make my study abroad dreams become a reality. It has helped many other GVSU students too. Including myself, five GVSU students were awarded the Gilman for the Summer 2011 semester; I have been unable to find the data on recipients for the Fall
2011 Semester, but another six GVSU students have been awarded the Gilman Scholarship for this upcoming Winter 2011 semester. The Gilman Scholarship is only one of many scholarships that you can apply for. Once again, I share this not to for the sake of sharing something about myself, but to encourage all of you who are interested in studying abroad yet are concerned with the finances. Take heart; like the cliché, where there is a will there is a way. Interested in learning more about the Ghana study abroad program that I participated in? The program is titled “Sociology and Service Learning in Ghana,” and you can find it with the search bar on the GVSU home page. Though listed as a Sociology program, students of all majors are encouraged, as there are many opportunities which, in the past, have included: teaching elementary or middle school to freed slaves, anti-human trafficking social work, and medical care at hospitals partnered with anti-human trafficking organization Challenging Heights. Interested in learning more about human trafficking? Check out the following media: - www.freetheslaves.net - www.polarisproject.org/humantrafficking/overview - www.challengingheights.org - “Slaves of the Lake - Documentary on Child Labor in Ghana” (This is a documentary of two children that the organization Challenging Heights rescued from slavery). Available on Youtube - Not For Sale by David Batstone - A Crime so Monstrous by E. Benjamin Skinner Sources: Bales, Kevin. Understanding Global Slavery: a Reader. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles. 2005. “Top 10 Facts About Modern Slavery.” Free the Slaves. Available at <www.freetheslaves.net>
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A6 MONEY MATTERS
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
GV finds creative solutions to slash energy costs By Brian Ledtke
W GVL Staff Writer
ith such a tough economic climate, institutions nationwide are scraping the barrel for costcutting measures, and Grand Valley State University is no exception. With the lowest amount of State funding of the 15 public institutions in Michigan, GVSU has turned to advancing in energy technologies to help make ends meet.
The Demand Control Ventilation system, installed in the Padnos Hall of Science, initially cost the university $78,000, but has reduced energy costs by about $58,000 over a one-year period. “The DCV is basically controlling the amount of conditioned air (heated or cooled) delivered to a space by a variable,” said Terry Pahl, university engineer for the facilities services department. The engineers installed a system called Aircuity, which has multiple sensors that detect various items and monitors carbon dioxide and
temperature in the building. The university plans to install this system in a portion of the new Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, scheduled for completion in 2013. GVSU won the Energy Project of the Year at the World Energy Engineers Conference in March, hosted by the Association of Energy Engineers. “Our energy team does a great job of implementing these projects,” Pahl said. “We just don’t get time to publicize it.” Over the past 12 years,
GVSU has recorded spending a total of $1.8 million on energy cost reduction projects. The annual cost reduction from these projects is now up to $1.4 million per year. In addition, the university has recorded $1.3 million in one-time energy savings projects. Recently, GVSU was awarded $52,000 from Consumer’s Energy for the university’s efforts to decrease energy use and to help further offset GVSU’s energy costs. Pahl said the university will continue to keep requesting funds for energy savings projects in the future. On the horizon, GVSU is nearing completion of an energy project at Pew Campus parking ramps, where university engineers have installed fluorescent lamps that are controlled by motion sensors. The university has also replaced stairwell lighting with compact florescent lamps. “The project is not yet completed and we’ve already noticed a 37 percent drop in energy use,” Pahl said. In continued effort to cut down on energy costs, GVSU has been adjusting mixed air temperature set points, purchasing less expensive natural gas through market pricing rather than utility companies, installed new lighting, is changing out pneumatic controls and installing direct digital controls on heating and air conditioning equipment and building renovations such as insulation and new windows. “In addition, we promote energy conservation
GVL / Rane Martin
Cutting costs: A student walks down a hallway in the Padnos Hall of Science, where GVSU installed a Demand Control Ventilation system to cut energy costs. The device, which cost $78,000 last year, has saved GV $58,00.
by building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings, publishing sustainability
reports, conducting energy contests and giving out promotions,” Pahl said. bledtke@lanthorn.com
B SPORTS
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
SPORTS EDITOR BRADY FREDERICKSEN sports@lanthorn.com
FOOTBALL
SPORTS
SHORTS BRIEFS FOOTBALL
Weekly Football Report moved to Kleiner Going into this weekend’s matchup against rival Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University head football coach Matt Mitchell’s weekly coaches’ show on the ESPN 96.1 has been moved to the Kleiner Commons this week. The show, which will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight, will give students a chance to listen to Mitchell’s thoughts on the upcoming Battle of the Valleys, as well as receive prizes. The first 1,000 GVSU students will get bam-bam sticks, while the first 1,000 fans will get a GVSU blanket. CROSS COUNTRY
Baltes, Witt honored with All-Region recognition
Following a regional’s victory, Grand Valley State University head coach Jerry Baltes and senior runner Anthony Witt have been honored as Midwest Region Coach of the Year and Midwest Region Athlete of the Year by the The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. This marks he secondstraight year that Baltes has walked away with the award, while Witt, coming off a victory at the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional this weekend, is a first-time winner.
SCHEDULES
END OF THE ROAD
Rivalry brings out best in seniors going into season’s final game By Brady Fredericksen
T
GVL Sports Editor
M. Swimming
Friday vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m.
W. Swimming
Friday vs, Michigan State, 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Northern Michigan, 1 p.m.
Football
Saturday vs. Saginaw Valley, 1 p.m.
Volleyball
Thursday at Saginaw Valley, 7 p.m. Saturday at GLIAC Semifinals, TBA Sunday at GLIAC Finals, TBA
W. Soccer
Sunday vs. Regional Semifinal, 1 p.m.
W. Basketall
Sunday at St. Joseph’s, 2 p.m.
uesday’s practice was calm but focused for the Grand Valley State University football team. Pouring rain forced the team indoors, and the offense worked efficiently on one end of the Kelly Family Sports Center while the defense worked against the white jersey-clad scout team on the other. It was what is likely to be one of the last practices of the season for the team, and of the careers of it’s 14 seniors. Despite the realization that Saturday’s Battle of the Valleys rivalry game against Saginaw Valley State University (7-2, 7-2 GLIAC) could be it for the Lakers (7-3, 6-3 GLIAC) this season, the team, and its seniors, are fired up for one last go at things this year. “It’s tough knowing that this could be the last game of my career, but it’s the last game of the season against a rival,” said senior linebacker Brad Howard, the team’s leading tackler with 73
CARDINALS vs. Lakers
WHO TO
stops. “We’ve just focused on what we needed to do to prevail, and I think our (the seniors) legacy here is ‘work hard at every opportunity you get’ because you never know when your time is going to be up.” The seniors have built that legacy up from the time they stepped on campus five years ago. They’ll be the last group of players led by former coach Chuck Martin, and they’ll be the first senior class since 2001 to leave GVSU without a national championship title. “Their approach since we lost the three games has been phenomenal — they’ve been nothing but the leaders in our program,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “They’ve taken a leadership role in terms of the legacy they want to leave, and I think we’ve played better because of our seniors playing well too.” GVSU’s improved play will be put to the test Saturday when the team takes on a Cardinal squad that sits atop the GLIAC North Division with one of the top GLIAC quarterbacks in sophomore Jonathon Jennings. Although the rivalry between
SATURDAY
WATCH Heath Parling
Quarterback After fans called for his benching early in the season, Parling has put together one of the best sophomore seasons in GVSU history. His 33 touchdowns lead the GLIAC, and his new-found confidence in scrambling has given the offense a new wrinkle.
Andre Thomas
GVL Archive
Final game: The Laker defense stops Saginaw Valley’s reciever in a past matchup. This year’s Battle of the Valleys game will take place in Lubber’s Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday. The rivalry game is the final game of the GVSU regular season, and likely the last game for the team, which has a 7-3, 6-3 GLIAC record. The team has beaten Saginaw Valley every year since 2003.
Defensive lineman The senior has put together one of best seasons by a defensive player in the GLIAC. His eight sacks 15 tackles for loss each lead the conference. The improved GVSU run defense has a lot to do with Thomas’ success in the middle of the line.
the schools has been lopsided in recent years — GVSU has out-scored Saginaw Valley 104-14 since 2008 — the Lakers’ early-season struggles have positioned them as underdogs against the Cardinals for the first time in years. “It’s going to be real motivating. They’re going to come out hard because last year we came out hard,” said senior receiver Jovonne Augustus. “It was nasty, real nasty toward them last year, so I’m not going to be surprised if they come out real emotional.” Saginaw Valley’s emotion will be a key factor Saturday. With a win, the Cardinals would win the GLIAC North for the first time since 2003, and thanks to a victory over Wayne State University two weeks ago, the Cardinals are also in position to win the overall GLIAC title if Hillsdale College loses Saturday. Jennings has led the Cardinals to a three-win improvement over last season so far, and his 176.4 passer rating ranks second nationally only behind his GVSU counterpart Heath Parling’s 182.3 rating. The game will showcase a pair
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1 p.m.
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Quarterback Saginaw Valley’s sophomore signal caller will look to lead his team to its first win over GVSU since 2003. His 24 touchdowns rank third in the GLIAC, and his mobility will be something to watch. How the defense contains him will dictate its success.
Tim Hogue
Wide receiver The do-it-all player for the Cardinals will be all over the field against the Lakers on Sunday. Averaging 141.7 yards per game, the sophomore will carry and catch the ball, as well as return kicks for Saginaw Valley. His versatility will test the GVSU defense and special teams.
LUBBERS STADIUM
Head coach Record Offense Defense Points per game Points allowed
INSIDE THE
OPPONENT Jonathon Jennings
of similar teams, especially on the offensive side of the ball. “It’s a kind of fitting that the last game in Lubbers, the last game of our season and the last game for our seniors will be against Saginaw because it’s been a pretty intense rivalry.” Mitchell said. “We’ve got to do a good job on defense of stopping the run, and then getting some pressure on Jennings and get him off balance.” That pressure will come from Howard and the linebackers, as well as GLIAC sack leader Andre Thomas and the defensive line. Mitchell said the defense will look to contain the Cardinals’ big plays, even if that means giving up yardage, and the offense will aim to avoid turning the ball over. Regardless of the Lakers’ playoff situation, players like Augustus have said that this is a game where they want to come out and “put it to” Saginaw Valley. The game can be seen on Comcast 900/901 and heard on WMUS 107.9. Follow the action live on Twitter @LanthornSports. sports@lanthorn.com
Jim Collins 7-2 (7-2, GLIAC) Spread Offense 4-3 Defense 32.8 25.2
BY THE NUMBERS GVSU Stat Leaders Passing Rushing Receiving Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Heath Parling Hersey Jackson Charles Johnson Brad Howard Andre Thomas Erik Thompson
136/225, 2,191 yards, 33:9 (TD: INT) 129 rushes, 743 yards, 7 TDs 51 rec, 977 yards, 14 TDs 31 solo, 42 assist, 73 total 8.0 sacks, 36 yards lost 5 INT, 225 yards, 2 TDs
SAGINAW VALLEY Stat Leaders Passing Rushing Receiving Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Jonathon Jennings Tim Hogue Nick Gallina Grant Caserta Nate Snyder Grant Caserta
172/249, 2,428 yards, 24:8 (TD:INT) 97 rushes, 601 yards, 2 TDs 44 rec, 706 yards, 6 TDs 42 solo, 43 assist, 85 total 4.0 sacks, 21 yards lost 2 INT
B2 SPORTS
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
VOLLEYBALL
W. BASKETBALL
Lakers confident heading into GLIAC tournament By Zach Sepanik
I
GVL Staff Writer
t will be a do-or-die situation for the No. 6-seeded Grand Valley State University volleyball team tonight in the GLIAC tournament quarterfinals against No. 3 Saginaw Valley State University, a team to whom the Lakers lost two five-set matches to this season. But it’s not just a chance to continue forward in the tournament, which is single elimination, that makes tonight’s game at Saginaw a must-win. In order to keep alive any chance the Lakers have of making a national championship run, the team must win the conference tournament. “This is what you work for all season long,” said GVSU head coach Deanne Scanlon. “This is the icing on the cake, just going out to play hard and with a lot of effort, especially this time of the year where anything can happen.” Other matchups on the slate for tonight include No. 8 Wayne State University against No. 1 Ferris State University, No. 5 Northern Michigan University at No. 4 Ashland University and No. 2 Hillsdale University hosting No. 7 Northwood University. The Lakers lost to Northwood on Sunday, the first time the Timberwolves managed to knock off the Lakers in 30 attempts. The loss left GVSU with a bitter taste at season’s end, but it also showed the team some of its weaknesses. “During the game against Northwood we didn’t have the energy all through the game. That’s what hurt us,” said freshman outside hitter Abby Aiken, who tied for a match high with 13 kills in the game. “Energy and confidence, playing like we know we can beat each team and just going at it all out because we have nothing to lose now is how we have to play.” Although the season ended on a bit of a sour note, the team did finish the year with five wins in its last seven contests, good enough to clinch a spot in the conference tournament and provide for some momentum along the way. “Even though we have had a couple losses, we definitely have been able to pull out some good wins,” said sophomore middle blocker Abby Ebels. “We have a little bit of a confidence boost from that so hopefully that shows up against Saginaw.” GVSU last faced off against Saginaw Valley just two weeks ago in a
GVL Archive
Fresh start: Senior Jasmine Padin screams out a play call during a past match. The team opens their season Sunday at 2 p.m. in Indiana.
Experience leads Lakers into season Versatility key for women’s basketball entering 2011-12 GVL Archive
Down to the wire: Senior Nicole Whiddon sizes up her opponents during a past match. The Lakers will face off tonight against Saginaw Valley State University in the GLIAC tournament quarterfinals.
five-set losing effort that went down to the wire. Although the Lakers couldn’t come out on top in the back-and-forth contest, Scanlon said the fact that the team had such close contests with the Cardinals should show that the Lakers have the ability to beat them. “If you’re playing five-game matches, it means you are good enough to be competing with those teams and win those matches,” she said. “Hopefully we don’t have to wait until next season for this to pay off and we can get on a run through the conference tournament.” Semifinal action continues Saturday with the finals of the GLIAC confer-
ence played Sunday. The team knows it must win the tournament to move on, but it will still take things one match at a time. “It is going to be a good battle between both of us,” Ebels said. “We are going to have to put all of our effort out onto the floor. Being that really scrappy defensive team and also cutting down on our offensive errors, if we do those two things then we’ll have no problem beating them. We will just have to bring it all together.” Tonight’s game begins at 7 p.m. in University Center, Mich. zsepanik@lanthorn.com
M. WRESTLING
Lakers prepare to hit the mat By Jon Van Zytveld GVL Staff Writer
With its season opener approaching, the Grand Valley State University men’s wrestling club is putting in the final hours of preseason practice and are preparing to out-perform last year’s record. “We have a team that has really worked hard and they come in and have themselves ready to go,” said GVSU head coach Rick Bolhuis, now in his sixth year of coaching for the Lakers. “They’re on time, and they work at their maximum level. I’ve been really impressed with the group that I’ve seen and their willingness to put the work in. Everyone has put in the necessary work thus far to be ready for our events this Friday and Saturday. I think we’ll see where we’re at and what we need to work on.” The Lakers began conditioning in September with workouts and wrestling drills in order to make the skills second nature for the team. After the long break from wrestling, the Lakers were excited to get back into shape and into the season. “We have done a lot more conditioning than usual this year,” said sophomore Andy Brown. “I think that we’re closer at the beginning of
GVL Archive
Pin ‘em: A Laker athlete wrestles an opponent in a past meet. The team began conditioning in September.
the year than we have been in past years. We’ve trained hard and put in a lot of effort to get ourselves in the best shape that we can be.” After losing a national champion in heavyweight Corey Melin, and five of their nine All-American wrestlers from last season to either graduation or scheduling conflicts, the Lakers are taking extra care to establish camaraderie between wrestlers that will welcome in the freshmen and create a team unit that can work together, on and off the mat. “I really loved wrestling last year, and this year we’ve got some really good wrestlers, so I’m pretty excited for the season,” said sophomore
Nate Falbe. “We’re like one big family, we’re always joking around. We’re all friends, even outside of wrestling.” While the Lakers have had a high level of performance in past years, this team is committed to pushing past old goals and establishing higher standards upon its already successful program. “We’ve had a lot of success in the last few years, so there’s some added pressure and expectations that we take on,” Bolhuis said. “Our eyes are really on the National Tournament in March, and we want to be prepared to compete and put out a good showing there. Last year we had nine All-Americans, but five of those nine were
in eighth place, which is the lowest you can get to be an All-American. We’d like to improve on that this year.” The Lakers will kick off their season with a dual tournament on Friday at the Ben McMullen Open Wrestling Tournament Saturday, both at Muskegon Community College. Brown said the players have put in the time and will be prepared to start the season on a high note this year. “I think that the practices have been intense enough where everyone should meet their expectations this weekend, as far as the guys being in good enough shape to compete for all seven minutes and compete effectively,” he said. jvanzytveld@lanthorn.com
By Stephanie Deible GVL Intern
With a roster featuring a pair of Division II honorable mention All-Americans, a Division I transfer and the return of a fifth-year senior, the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team this season will be full of an element that it has somewhat lacked in previous seasons: experience. After advancing to the NCAA Tournament a year ago, the Lakers welcome back 13 players and hope to be in contention for a GLIAC Championship and a return to postseason action. “We have huge goals at the end of the season, but if we’re going to accomplish those goals we can’t let a slip up happen early in the season,” said senior forward Kara Crawford. “We really have to stay focused and maintain our confidence and consistency.” This year’s team features a balanced offense that includes honorable mention All-Americans in junior guard Briauna Taylor on the perimeter and sophomore center Alex Stelfox in the paint. “We have a nice inside and outside balance,” said GVSU head coach Janel Burgess. “We’ve got Alex Stelfox, Brittany Taylor, Kellie Watson and Kara Crawford, all inside presence kids for us that will be able to help us get the ball in the low post. But I think we’ve also got a great balance on the outside.” Not only will GVSU utilize a mix a of interior play and outside shooting, but it also welcomes back Crawford, who sat out last season with a knee injury, and sophomore Kelly Watson, who is in her first season of competition with the Lakers after transferring from the University of Notre Dame. Watson, who played in all 31 games as a freshman for the Fighting Irish and was named Miss Basketball of Michigan in 2008, will add to the team’s offensive versatility. “It’s good to see her get out and get into a flow,” Burgess said. “Kellie’s a great shooter and a great passer that will give us some diversity on the outside and
WATSON
“We have
huge goals at the end of the season, but if we’re going to accomplish those goals we can’t let a slip up happen early in the season.
”
Kara Crawford Senior forward the inside.” Knowing she can contribute to the team in a variety of ways, Watson is working to fit into her role of distributing the ball and shooting. “All summer I worked really hard because I knew coming that they were going to look to me to try to bring a little bit of outside shooting,” she said. “Passing-wise, it’s just hitting my open teammates. I know our post players work really hard down low, bashing around trying to get open so we can get them the ball.” The return of Crawford will give GVSU added leadership and a sense of urgency out on the floor. “Crawford has just got that little edge on her,” Burgess said. “This is her fifth year and I think she will be our blue-collar hard worker at will … she will just give us that gritty edge that we need from the senior position.” The Lakers will open up the regular season Sunday against St. Joseph’s University at 2 p.m. in Indiana. sports@lanthorn.com
SPORTS B3
Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
W. SOCCER
GVL / Amalia Heichelbeich
King of the hill: The GVSU soccer team huddles up at the GLIAC Conference Championship game. The team, which enters the NCAA Division II Championship tournament seeded No. 1, will host the first- and second-round games.
Lakers enter regional tournament at No. 1 seed By Joe Maher-Edgin
T
GVL Staff Writer
he 2011 GLIAC regular season and tournament champion Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team was selected as the No. 1 seed of the midwest region in the NCAA Division II Championship tournament, set to kick off on today. Senior defender Megan Brown said she and her teammates who didn’t have class Monday night met to hear their placement in the tournament and learn of the teams they could potentially face among the field of 48 schools. “The first round of regionals will be on (tonight) and we’ll all go out and watch that game,” Brown said. “We will play the winner (Saturday).” GVSU will be the host venue of both the first and second round games. The Lakers (180-2, 15-0 GLIAC) will await the winner of the first round match between the No. 4 Quincy University and No. 5 University of WisconsinParkside. The rival teams are two of five teams representing the GLVC in the six-team Mid-
west region this year. The Lakers have been acquainted with both the Eagles of Quincy (15-4-2, 11-4-0 GLVC) and the Rangers of University of WashingtonParkside (12-3-2, 11-2-2 GLVC) in recent years. GVSU faced Quincy in both non-conference games and in the postseason and are 4-0 against the Eagles since 2007. Senior midfielder Erin Mruz said it can be both good and bad knowing their potential opponents. “From what I’ve heard so far, Parkside is like they’ve been in the past … very organized defensively, and they have strong forwards that their entire attack goes through,” she said. “Quincy is a little different this year than before … They are very athletic and they haven’t given up many goals this season.” Mruz said the Lakers haven’t encountered as strong of a defensive line from Quincy as it had in past years. No matter who their opponent this weekend, however, Mruz said her team should expect a challenge. “Both are very good teams, so our game Sunday will be difficult, no matter who wins the game (tonight),” Mruz said.
SWIMMING AND DIVING
GV to square off against Michigan State Friday By Bryce Derouin GVL Staff Writer
Fresh off of three victories over Lewis University, Calvin College and Ashland University, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will each put their winning streaks on the line when they host Division I foe Michigan State University Friday at 6 p.m. at Jenison High School. Friday will mark GVSU’s (3-1,1-0 GLIAC) second matchup against a Division I school this season; the Lakers opened the season with a loss at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “Michigan State definitely has a strong swim program,” said GVSU head coach Andy Boyce. “We’re going to be going in there and aiming to see if we can take some events from them.” Both the Michigan State men’s (1-1,0-1 Big Ten) and women’s (1-2,0-2 Big Ten) teams enter this Friday’s meet coming off of losses. The men dropped a 202-91 decision to Iowa on Oct. 22, and the women fell to Illinois 155.5-145.5 on Oct. 29. It will be important for GVSU to get off to a fast start against Michigan State, Boyce said. GVSU is looking forward to starting the meet with strong showings from its top ranked medley relay teams. “Right now our women’s and men’s medley teams are ranked top-five in Division II,” he said. “Getting started strong is big a part of getting out there and having a good meet.” Rather than entering the meet intimidated by the larger school, the Lakers will
GVL Archive
D-I talent: Sophomore Ellen Wiese backstrokes during the 400 yard IM at a previous meet. The Lakers will face Division I Michigan State.
look at the meet as an opportunity to compete against Division I talent. “It’s always nice to go against bigger schools like Michigan State and see what we can do,” said senior Lauren Dorsey, who races in the breastroke and individual medley. “It’s good to race against people who can be a bit faster than you because it pushes you and make you go faster.” Junior Raphael Santos, who races in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and 100-yard fly, said he sees the opportunity to race against Division I opponents as an opportunity to gain experience for important meets down the road. “This is a big challenge for us against a Division I school, and this will make us more mentally prepared for the conference meets.” Santos said. “This meet makes us stronger mentally wise, because we’re facing Division I swimmers.” The Spartans had success against GVSU the past two years in this matchup. GVSU has been swept in both the men’s and women’s divisions the past two years,
but GVSU is looking forward to the challenge and, as Boyce said, “getting to that next level.” “This is definitely stiffer competition,” he said. “But this is why we put them on our schedule, because they can push our swimmers and divers and make them better.” sports@lanthorn.com
“Both are very good
teams, so our game Sunday will be difficult, no matter who wins ... (tonight).
”
Erin Mruz Senior midfielder University of Washington-Parkside has reached the NCAA Tournament four times in their history and are 2-2 against the Lakers. GVSU’s most recent defeat to the Rangers came in 2008 in a 1-0 second-round loss. No. 3 Bellarmine University (15-2-3, 12-21 GLVC) will play No. 6 Rockhurst University (12-4-2, 10-3-2 GLVC) in the other first round match for a chance to face the no. 2 seed Northern Kentucky University (15-1-2, 12-1-1 GLVC) in Highland Heights, Ky. “Our region is really tough, this year especially, so we have to make sure we stay focused and take it one game at a time,” Mruz said. jmaheredgin@lanthorn.com
GVL / Amalia Heichelbeich
First place: Senior midfielder Erin Mruz runs the ball up the field in the GLIAC championship game.
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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR BRIANA DOOLAN arts@lanthorn.com
Courtesy Photo / Patricia Clark
Featured art: GVSU Poet-in-Residence Patricia Clark (pictured, left) and former GVSU Art and Design Chair Steven Sorman recently sold a collection of poetry and original prints to the New York Public Library’s Spencer Collection.
GV faculty project purchased by New York Public Library “It’s always nice to be
By Chris LaFoy
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GVL Staff Writer
simple exchange of an article about watercolor painting between Grand Valley State University faculty members has bloomed into a collaborative project secured by one of the most prestigious collections in the world. The Spencer Collection, housed in the New York Public Library, has purchased a collection of poetry and original prints by faculty members Patricia Clark and Steven Sorman. The GVSU galleries have also purchased one of the collections. “Steven had given me an article about making your own watercolors,” said Clark, GVSU’s poet in residence and a writing professor. “I wrote a poem about it and left it in his mailbox. Later he gave me a print he made about the poem.” The back and forth exchange resulted in 14 poems, all with 14 verses, and 14 handmade prints titled “(T)here.” The 31-page collection was produced in limited numbers in 2009. Clark’s work has appeared in many different publications including Slate, Atlantic Monthly, New Letters and Poetry. Clark has also produced books of her poetry, including her 2009 collection “She Walks into the Sea.” Sorman has been a working artist since the
part of a collection. As an artist, you can never be in too many.
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Steven Sorman “(T)here” artist, former GVSU faculty member Courtesy Photo / Patricia Clark
Creative collaboration: Steven Sorman (left) and Patricia Clark meet at a restaurant. The two worked together on the 31-page collection, titled “(T)here,” which was purchased by the New York Public Library.
‘70s and has held numerous positions around the country including the Stuart and Barbara Padnos chair in art and design at GVSU. Although now a New York resident, Sorman has taught at several different colleges and universities. In 2007, Sorman started his three-year position at GVSU and was introduced to Clark. At the time, Clark was the interim chair of art and design at GVSU. “She gave me her book and I read it,” Sorman said. “I was really impressed so I sug-
gested doing a project together.” The collaborative project is not currently available for public purchase. “The Spencer Collection has existed for over 100 years,” said Margaret Glover, curator of the NYPL’s print collection. “We have a large collection that is very accessible.” The Spencer Collection is named after William Augustus Spencer, a prosperous art collector who left his extensive book collection to the NYPL after his death as a passenger on the R.M.S. Titanic.
The Spencer Collection features illustrated books from different times and cultures, including a Bible manuscript that is more than 700 years old. Parts of the collection are lent out to museums and universities for public consumption. “It’s always nice to be a part of a collection,” Sorman said. “As an artist, you can never be in too many.” This is his second piece of work to be added to the NYPL’s collections. clafoy@lanthorn.com
GRAM to host meeting of artistic minds Grand Valley School of Communications main partner in Michigan Film, Art and Literature Symposium By Cory Finkbeiner GVL Staff Writer
A group of advocates from across the art spectrum are starting a dialogue in downtown Grand Rapids, asking the question, “Hey Michigan, who do you think you are?” The Michigan Film, Art and Literature Symposium will mesh the voices of artists and participants in an attempt to identify and understand the Michigan perspective in creative expression at a free two-day event, starting Saturday at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Kerri Vanderhoff, co-creator of the symposium and representative of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, said the event is about finding common threads that run throughout creative expression.
“People have been having conversations about the creative expression in Michigan for a long time,” she said. “This is the first one that brings all of these together under one roof.” The symposium is a catalyst for creative thinking in a time when the world is more connected than ever, Vanderhoff said. “It’s about creating a framework and seeing where the discussion goes,” she added. Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications is one of the main partners involved in supporting the symposium. SOC interim director Toni Perrine said the event is about how the state of Michigan is represented in film, literature, photography and the visual arts. “We are excited to join with artists, scholars and community leaders from around the state to discuss what it is that makes Michigan a distinct and vibrant place to live and create,” Vanderhoff said. “Attending the event is important to anyone who cares about the future of the state and how it is perceived both by its own citizens and by people from outside Michigan.” Co-creator and established writer Caitlin Horrocks, who is also a GVSU wrting
professor, will moderate a session called “Michigan Writers Roundtable” for the symposium, in which two writers and an editor will discuss their work and how it fits into a larger idea of Michigan writing. “I grew up in Michigan, and I was always interested in writing, but I didn’t really understand that there were successful writers who had come from here, or set their work in the same places I’d experienced,” Horrocks said. “I thought of writers and artists as always coming from somewhere else, and that the things they wrote about must somehow be more interesting than the things I had experienced.” Horrocks said she believes Michigan is gaining momentum in the art world because of the room allowed for individuals to have an idea and make it happen, evidenced by events like ArtPrize and SiteLab in Grand Rapids. “I think the symposium really invites people to think in an organized, collective way about issues we’ve only grappled with as individuals,” Horrocks said, “And hopefully some new wisdom and perspective will emerge from that conversation.” The Michigan Film, Art and Literature
VANDERHOFF Symposium will take place Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, visit www.artmuseumgr.org. cfinkbeiner@lanthorn.com
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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Announcements GVSU Facilities Services thatnks you for helping to reduce energy, natural gas and water cost by making small changes to your daily routine! “Interested in Advertising?� Come check out GV Ad Club on Monday nights in MAK BLL 110. Join other passionate ad stuentsfor agency tours, workshops, networking and much more! Check out our Facebook page for more info!
Subleaser Needed Copper Beach Townhomes. I will be studying abroad next semester, I have 3 awesome female roommates. Rent #397/month not including utilities. If interested contact B u r c u a t ozadalib@mail.gvsu.edu
Advantage Benefits Group Job Title: Graphic Design Internship Location: Grand Rapids, MI Search Job ID: 15559660 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
Subleaser needed for Copper Beach four bedroom, 4 1/2 bath. January to May or end of July, your choice. E-mail H a l e y a t mcleanh@mail.gvsu.edu if interested.
Central Park Players Job Title: Marketing/ Arts Management Intern Location: Grand Haven, MI Salary Level: Unpaid Search Job ID: 15559702 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
REWARD! A Lanthorn news stand is missing from Niemeyer Honors College building. We are offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of this item. Call: 616-331-2460 E-mail: Lanthorn@gvsu.edu
Subleaser Needed! Campus View Townhouses, garage, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath. $425/month. Great people, great place! For more info contact Nicole at clauchen@mail.gvsu.edu or 517-630-1653.
Visit the Financial Aid Office at 100 Student Services Building to learn about resources like the GVSU Scholarship Database, FAFSA and GVSU Student Employment.
Subleaser wanted for winter 2012. Copper Beach Apartments. Laundry room, mail room, garbage and bus stop close in proximity. Negotiable prices. For more details contact Erica at (586)-258-9323.
What do you want to change in the world? Visit www.gvsu.edu/socialjustice to enroll in the Change U revolution.
Housing Subleaser Needed ASAP! Need sub lease by January $460/month ($50 utilities) $300 application fee, will pay half of it. Also will pay 1st. Month utilities, for more info contact Evan at 616-283-0645 txt or call. Subleaser needed for Winter semester 1 bedroom in Country Place Apartments. Three male roommates, fully furnished, rent $1,700 and includes option for summer as well. Contact Ryan at 231-409-0774 or ayersr@mail.gvsu.edu
Internships MarketLab Job Title: Copywriter Intern & Web Design Intern Location: Caledonia, MI Salary Level: $12/hr. Search Job ID: 15559686 & 15559687 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Job Title: Semester of Discovery Intern Summer 2012 Location: Detroit, MI Search Job ID: 15559663 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
Cambridge Mortgages Job Title: Assistant Loan Officer Intern Location: Grand Rapids, MI Hours: 20+ hrs. Salary Level: $8/hr. plus bonuses Search Job ID: 15558590 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Job Title: Communications Intern Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary Level: Unpaid Search Job ID: 15555079 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Production Control Intern Job Title: Burke E. Porter Machinery Company Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary Level: Paid Hours: up to 40 hrs. Search Job ID: 15559653 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
Mill Steel Company Job Title: Accounting/Intern Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary Level: Paid Hours: 15-20 hrs. Search Job ID: 15559447 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Course Hero Inc. Job Title: Business Development Student Leader Location: Allendale, MI Salary Level: $10/hr. Search Job ID: 15557803 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Internship Opportunity Job Title: Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Location: Grand Haven, MI Salary Level: Unpaid Search Job ID: 15559651 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ The Stow Company Job Title: Human Resources Internship Location: Holland, MI Salary Level: $9-$11/hr. Hours: 20 hrs. Search Job ID: 15559552 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon Job Title: Event Coordinator Location: Grand Rapids, MI Hours: 10-20 hrs. Search Job ID: 15559843 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
College Pro Job Title: Summer 2012 Management Internship:Franchise Manager Location:Grand Rapids,MI Salary: Paid Internship Email David at dleveque@collegepro.com or visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Grand Rapids Community College Job Title: Human Resources Intern Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary Level: $10/hr. Hours: 25-30 hrs. Search Job ID: 15548836 For more information visit http://www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/
Lost & Found FOUND: copy of Ishmael Beah memoir; A Long Way Gone. Contact blumreik@gvsu.edu
Miscellaneous Get Caught Promotion. Rules and Restrictions. Only one student or faculty is a winner per issue. Readers will be chosen at random throughout the week on campus. The prize awarded is to-be-determined at random but may include gift cards, t-shirts, etc. Winners are requested to have their picture taken and answer some questions to be published in the Lanthorn.
Opportunities Bartending. High income potential. Training courses and equipment available. Call 1-800-965-6520 ext. 226
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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011
Poetic Vision Tour to emphasize Muslim-American culture By Tyler Steimle GVL Staff Writer
A national touring group of prominent Muslim poets and musicians will come to Grand Valley State University for an evening of performances emphasizing MuslimAmerican culture as part of the Poetic Vision Tour. The tour, which will come to GVSU Friday at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. The event will be held in the Kirkhof Center in Room 2263. The Poetic Vision Tour was coordinated by the Muslim Studies Program and the Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University and funded by a grant from the Social Science Research Council. It is part of the Migrations of Islam Project and was organized in conjunction with the 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding, which seeks to promote peace and understanding among different faiths in Grand Rapids. Brian Bowe, visiting professor of journalism at GVSU, co-authored the
grant with Michigan State English professor Salah D. Hassan. “The purpose of the project is to examine Muslim-American cultural production,” Bowe said. “One of our big goals is to look at all of the diverse ways that Muslims in America use the arts to talk about themselves, their communities and their lives.” The Fall 2011 tour includes Muslim artists Raef, Ms. Latifah, Saad Omar, Gaith Adhami and Marcus Richardson. “There’s a tendency in American mass media to portray Muslims in very monolithic terms,” Bowe said. “But there’s a great deal of diversity among Muslims, both worldwide and within the U.S.” The artists will perform original works and cover songs. Audience members are free to follow along via lyric books that will be provided and to engage the artists in discussion after the performances. “Four years ago, I was studying music and art in Istanbul, Turkey, when I stumbled across the music of Bob Dylan,” said Saad Omar, tour founder and musician. “Dylan said that a true artist creates a world for
Courtesy Photo / picasaweb.com
Visionary: Muslim musician Raef (right) performs with a band. Raef is participating in the Poetic Visions Tour, which features spirituallyinspired folk rock music and hip-hop poetry performed by prominent Muslim musicians as part of the Migrations of Islam project.
himself and his audience to live inside. I was inspired by this and founded the Poetic Vision Tour, a world for my music and my audience.” Omar said the goal of the tour is to create a forum for lyric- and spiritually-infused music and poetry. “Although the majority of art-
ists on the tour are Muslim, the tour features artists from various religious and ideological backgrounds,” Omar said. In four years, the Poetic Vision Tour has grown to include 70 shows annually all across the U.S. Artists associated with the tour include
established Grammy-winning and platinum-selling artists, as well as new talents. East Lansing-based Arabic fusion group Wisaal will open the show. To learn more about the tour, visit www.poeticvisiontour.com. tsteimle@lanthorn.com
Juillard alumna, student to lecture at GV during Cello Fest Courtesy Photo / Marlen Vavrikova
In the reeds: Students and faculty gather for a photo at last year’s Double Reed Day. The event, which features oboe and bassoon recitals and workshops, includes middle school, high school and college musicians.
GV musicians to perfect art at Double Reed Day on Saturday By Rene Rodriguez GVL Staff Writer
Courtesy Photo / Pablo Mahave-Veglia
Right note: GVSU professor Pablo Mahave-Veglia performs in the Cook-DeWitt Center at GVSU. MahaveVeglia organized Cello Fest, an annual event that brings some of the country’s leading cellists to GVSU.
Charleston Symphony principal to deliver dissertation on August Franchomme, musicians to perform Brazilian piece By Chris LaFoy GVL Staff Writer
Grand Valley State University will present the annual Cello Fest next week with some colorful guest musicians. Organized by Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello instructor at GVSU, Cello Fest gives students and community members an opportunity to listen to influential cellists perform and discuss their music. Guests coming to GVSU this year include Grand Rapids Symphony cellist Alicia Eppinga, Chicago Symphony cellist Brant Taylor and Charleston Symphony principal Louise Dubin. These guests will perform “Bachianas Brasileiras,” an eight-cello and soprano musical work by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, with members of the GVSU faculty. Because many of the musicians performing in the concert are not from West Michigan, Mahave-Veglia has to prepare them for their parts through email. “It only works if you know who you are working with,” Mahave-Veglia said. “To do this with people you don’t know would be an exercise in irresponsibility.” Mahave-Veglia has acquired an extensive list of contacts in the cello world during his years of education and work in the field. “It’s really a small community,” he said. “I keep in
touch and see what people are doing, and once a year I ask people like Louise Dubin to come in and share their knowledge.” Dubin will also be presenting a lecture and recital as a part of the festival. Dubin attended Columbia College while simultaneously studying the cello at Juilliard. Her musical education continued from there and included many esteemed teachers from colleges and universities such as Indiana University. Now an instructor, Dubin teachers masters classes across the country. She has also recently taught at University of Auckland and Juilliard’s Pre-College Division. The focus of Dubin’s lecture will be Auguste Franchomme, a Parisian cellist who frequently worked with the composer Chopin. “My program includes music that I found in the Biblotheque Nationale de France last summer,” Dubin said. “Except for the Caprice and Etude, none of it has ever been recorded.” This performance is one of several concerts that Dubin has arranged to support her upcoming dissertation publication. “I will include some historical commentary between pieces, (such as) what events were occurring in the lives of Franchomme, Chopin, and their Parisian patrons when these works were published,” Dubin said. Sources such as letters
MAHAVE-VEGLIA will be the basis of Dubin’s research. “I met seven of his direct descendants last summer and this fall in France on a trip funded by two grants from Indiana University,” Dubin said. “I’m on a mission to get his compositions heard.” There is only one other in-depth research project on Franchomme, and it is in Polish. “I have also transcribed some of his unpublished manuscripts of cello quartets, which are also included in this program,” Dubin said. Dubin’s research and music will be presented at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall in the GVSU Performing Arts Center in Allendale. The performance of “Bachianas Brasileiras” will be Wednesday at noon. Both events free and open to the public. clafoy@lanthorn.com
Practice makes perfect, so Grand Valley State University’s musicians will attend workshops at the sixth Annual Double Reed Day on Saturday to perfect their art. Double Reed Day is an event that is comprised of workshops and recitals for oboe and bassoon enthusiasts. Events and sessions will include middle school, high school and college students, amateur players and even professors and band directors. The event will include master classes for double reed players and band directors, ensemble playing, reed-making workshops and more. “Each year I look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new double reed en-
thusiasts at the annual GVSU Double Reed Day,” said Marlen Vavrikova, GVSU associate professor of oboe who helps run the event. “Reed students travel from the far corners of Michigan and surrounding states to attend the workshops, play in double reed ensembles, try instruments and catch up with their friends.” There will also be recitals from GVSU faculty and featured guest artists including Allan Vogel, principal oboe of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; Kathleen Gomez, Grand Rapids Symphony horn player and Roger Soren, assistant principal bassoonist and contrabassoonist for the Louisville Orchestra. “Musicians practice every day and sometimes it can be tedious and boring,” said
Katherine Lihan, a GVSU student musician who plans to attend the recitals. “Recitals and workshops remind you of the fun of being a musician.” Participation in the Double Reed Day requires a prior registration, but the recitals are free in the of the Performing Arts Center. The GVSU faculty recital will begin at 9 a.m. and the Guest Artist Recital starts at 11:30 a.m. “By bringing together musicians of all ages and experiences, this event not only enriches our university, but has become a vital part of the Michigan music community,” Vavrikova said. The schedule for the event, including all workshops and recitals, can be found at www. gvsu.edu/music. rrodriguez@lanthorn.com