Issue 29, December 5, 2011 - Grand Valley Lanthorn

WINTER 2011. SECTION C

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T H E S T U D E N T - R U N N E W S PA P E R S AT G R A N D VA L L E Y

M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 5, 2011

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UAS explores general education changes, seeks input

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SPORTS

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Revisions: Figen Mekik, chair of the University Academic Senate, collects papers from faculty and staff during the General Education Committee forum. The forum was held Friday at 3 p.m. for faculty and staff to give their input on proposed changes to the general education program. On Friday, the committee will vote whether to finalize the proposal and send it to UAS.

‘Issues’ courses, collaboration goal met with faculty questions By Samantha Butcher

T

GVL Managing Editor

he General Education Committee of the University Academic Senate met Friday afternoon in an open forum to gather feedback from Grand Valley State University faculty and staff on proposed changes to the university’s general education program. While no official decisions were made during the meeting, the GEC heard faculty comments and concerns about the proposal, which

was finalized on Nov. 28 after three years of gathering input. Prior to cementing the proposal, which can be found online at www.gvsu.edu/ gened, the GEC sponsored forums, distributed surveys to departments, visited the various GVSU departments and colleges, gathered input from GVSU Student Senate and sponsored two discussion board forums online. “The details of the proposal have changed quite a bit over the past two years, thanks to all of the input we received, and we feel that

the proposal is ready for consideration by UAS,” said Roger Gilles, GEC chair. On Friday, the UAS Executive Committee will meet on GVSU’s Allendale Campus to further discuss the proposal and vote whether to send it on to UAS for formal consideration next semester. The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. in Room 148 of the Honors College’s Niemeyer Living and Learning Center. The proposal focuses on four broad changes to the general education program, including the

introduction of Issues courses, which would replace Themes, and new skill goals. Gilles said that although it is hard to gauge faculty opinion of the proposal because the GEC hears from a “very limited portion” of the faculty body, there were questions raised about the introduction of “collaboration” into the general education skill goals and about the Issues courses. “My sense is that most faculty agree that collaboration is a wor-

See UAS, A3

Don’t be afraid to tell GV officials urge student body not to let false allegations deter future victims from reporting By Anya Zentmeyer and Chelsea Lane GVL Staff

While students at Grand Valley State University are still trying to make sense of the two recanted allegations of an attempted assault and attempted sexual assault on the Allendale Campus’ Little Mac Bridge last month, university officials are urging the rest of the student body not to let those incidents deter victims of a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault from reporting in the future. “We want to definitely get out the message that this should not deter students from coming forward,” said Marlene Kowalski Braun, director of the Women’s Center at GVSU. “… The Women’s Center has seen an increase in discussion, dialogue, concern that you have, and what that says is that this issue is a very relevant issue on college campuses, and because we know so many people are suffering, we hope that these stories will actually just heighten awareness — that there are places for people to go.” According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Na-

GVL Archive

Inquiry: Planner Timothy Johnson and Commissioner Jennelle Rozema discuss issues at a past meeting. The Allendale Township Planning Commission recently conducted a 10-question survey to address residents’ concerns about zoning issues related to GVSU.

KOWALSKI BRAUN tional Institute of Justice, 35 of every 1,000 women on a college campus are victims of sexual assault or rape in a given nine-month academic year. Kowalski Braun said that in an earlier 2006 survey, reported numbers showed GVSU was in line with national statistics, with about one in five to one in six students reporting a sexual assault on campus. In the recent myGVSU campus climate survey, 120 to 122 stu-

See Assault, A2

Results of Allendale Township rezoning survey released By Anya Zentmeyer GVL News Editor

The results of a survey conducted by the Allendale Township Planning Commission were released last week with many of the questions included churning up zoning issues related to Grand Valley State University. The 10-question survey had more than 300 respondents, the majority of which were township residents, but some local

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business owners, GVSU students, faculty, staff and alumni also responded. Of the respondants, 38 percent said the most pressing issue facing Allendale Township is the impact of GVSU. In issues regarding the impact of GVSU, where respondents were allowed to check three of their greatest concerns regarding the university, 47.7 percent were concerned with students not being a part of

See Rezoning, A2

A2 NEWS Assault

continued from A1

dents reported they had been sexually assaulted while at GVSU. Most of the reported victims were undergraduate women who said the assault took place during the first six weeks of their first semester. Rather than report the assault to police, most respondents indicated that they told a friend and felt embarrassed or responsible. “The overwhelming vast majority of criminal sexual misconduct cases occur between individuals who know each other,” said Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Grand Valley Police Department. “... We know these cases are underreported. These instances that occurred in November should not deter people from reporting these cases. By and far, alcohol or drugs are used as a tool — dare I say a weapon — in committing these crimes. We encourage individuals that have been sexually assaulted to report to police so we can investigate and assist them to become survivors, not just victims.” Kowalski Braun said the university is battling with a “societal norming” around who is to blame for sexual assault, something that undercuts the amount of reported incidents not only on campus, but in general. “So, what we want people to know, is that because you were drinking, because you feel like you shouldn’t have gotten yourself in this situation — there are no excuses for violating someone,” she said. “We may talk about people making different choices — so like, in hindsight, maybe I wish I hadn’t drank so much — but that is not a reason for victimization.” The best determiner for those questioning whether they should report an incident? Kowalski Braun said it is as simple as following your gut, an action underrated by society’s shortfalls in defining what sexual assault is. “Most students cannot talk

about what consent is and is not, so if we’re waiting for people to sort of have this definition, then we’re really having an uphill battle,” she said. “If you feel like something happened that didn’t feel right, we welcome you to come in and talk about it.” She said the university has a very “connected system,” utilizing the Counseling Center, the Women’s Center, the police department and community resources to create an environment where students can come forward and have a variety of options and choices to report an assault or attempted assault. In addition, the Women’s Center received its first threeyear grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in October 2010 for $265,129 to create and implement programs and resources to raise awareness and prevent acts of sexual assault and violence on campus. Theresa Rowland, the grant coordinator for the Violence Against Women grant, said the multi-faceted approach to both prevention and education is the best part about the grant, allowing the Women’s Center to run a whole host of programs for students to utilize both on- and off-campus. “This grant allows us to continue our work closely connected with the Department of Public Safety, the Counseling Center and community resources like the YWCA and the Center for Women in Transition,” Rowland said. “We’re also training judicial officers, so it’s very comprehensive.” The core team for the grant, called the Campus Violence Prevention Team, includes membership by those community members from the various on- and off-campus departments, with eight to nine “working groups” under the team, and between 25-30 members in total. GVSU was one of only 23 schools to receive the U.S. Department of Justice grant in 2010. “The goal is to not let anything fall through the cracks,” Kowalski Braun said. “What are all of the places that could potentially deter someone after they report — from the officers to the security to the judicial process to what we do in counseling to how we connect students to the community and then how the

Lanthorn

Volume 46, Number 29

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

Rezoning

SURVEY RESULTS:

continued from A1

DeHAAN community connects students back to us. “Because we recognize that sometimes, students may go right to the nurse examiner program, which makes a lot of sense. But now we know that the nurse examiner programs in both communities would say, ‘Here are places you can go back on GVSU’s campus.’” Students also work under the grant to raise peer awareness and education, such as the group ReACT, an anti-violence peer theater education group and the recently-created “college men’s group,” which has six to eight faculty and staff members and about 10 student names signed up so far. “We’ve been doing this for, you know, decades, and it’s mostly been women doing the work,” Kowalski Braun said. “But, in order to really end violence, we have to change culture and in order to do that, you have to look at men and masculinity. How are men socialized, what are men’s roles in this, how do their leadership and involvement change the dialogue? And it is pretty incredible what we’re seeing. We’re really excited.” Rowland and Kowalski Braun said the VAW grant is a transformational one, and it was designed with that expectation when the Women’s Center first began writing it. “I think we’re actually seeing the fruits of that labor,” Kowalski Braun said. “It is touching so many aspects of the institution. Change comes so slowly when you can only do one thing at a time, and that’s the benefit of the grant — when you have the dollars to be doing it... “It’s the synergy that you get — when you’re doing that work one step at a time, you don’t have that kind of synergy.” news@lanthorn.com

the Allendale Township community, 38 percent were concerned with the interaction between local businesses and college students, 36.8 percent were concerned with the location of student housing and 29.9 percent were concerned that there is too much student housing. In transportation-related issues, 31.1 percent responded that traffic produced by GVSU concerned them most, and 24.3 percent said they were concerned with the availability of public transportation. Fifty-five respondents chose “other,” with the majority of “other” concerns focusing on the behavior of students in terms of excessive drinking and partying as well as the treatment of homes in circumstances where multiple students live in single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. Other concerns also detailed more specifics of concern around the division of Allendale Township residents and GVSU student communities and the need for sidewalks along dangerous roads. In terms of the expansion of GVSU and student housing complexes, 194 of 332 respondents said it is important that future multi-family housing developments that primarily serve GVSU students should be located and designed to avoid conflicts with existing and planned single family housing. Another 176 respondents indicated the same future housing developments be allowed to have a higher density with taller buildings in order to allow a greater concentration of students closer to the GVSU campus and reduce the need to extend student housing further west of existing locations. There has been some controversy in the recent past with the development of high-density apartment complexes in Allendale Township, namely the $20 million construction of The Grove, funded by Campus Crest Communities with

Concerns regarding the impact of GVSU:

Students not 47.7% being a part of the community The interaction 38% between local businesses and college students Location of 36.8% student housing 29.9% Too much student housing

a planned location on the northwest corner of Lake Michigan Drive and 48th Avenue. Though construction for The Grove won approval from the board of trustees 4-3 in July, the final decision has been in limbo since trustee David Morren and owners of other apartment complexes near GVSU argued that density calculations used to approve The Grove gave the complex an unfair competitive advantage. The issue of the rezoning of the complex has been added to the ballot for residents to vote on in a February election. The survey also asked respondents to categorize township issues in terms of importance. Out of the 329 people who responded to the specifically to the importance of “engaging GVSU as a community member,” 236 – or 71.7 percent – responded it was important, while 93, or 28.3 percent, responded it was not as important as other issues. The Allendale Township Planning Commission held a town hall meeting on Nov. 21 to get feedback from residents about the survey results, zeroing in on more specific issues relating to future zoning decisions. The survey results and public feedback will help guide builders and township officials in zoning decisions and locations of township development during the yearlong, $35,000 redraft of the 2003 master land-use plan.

EDITORIAL STAFF

NEWS BRIEFS ‘I Am GV’ closing nominations The nominations for “ I Am GV” will close Friday. This is the ninth year the “I Am GV” campaign has been held and it is devoted to recognizing student leaders on campus. Nominees will be recognized Jan. 25 at the “I Am GV” Leadership Reception. Nominations can be submitted at www.gvsu.edu/iamgv.

Free stress and sleep screenings available Campus Recreation will be offering free stress and sleep screenings to Grand Valley State University faculty and staff from 3 to 6 p.m. today. The screenings will evaluate participants’ stress levels and sleep habits as well as giving them information on how to manage their stress and how their stress levels impact their health. Space is limited, so participants must register by calling the Fitness and Wellness Center at 616-331-3659.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Dec. 1 article “Police continue investigation on two recanted reports of sexual assault” was written by both Anya Zentmeyer and Chelsea Lane.

news@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 MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

NEWS EDITOR ANYA ZENTMEYER news@lanthorn.com

School of Engineering Meijer Campus hosts wind energy video chat introduces graduate assistantship for 2012 By Judson Rodriguez

A

GVL Staff Writer

GVL Staff Writer

Grand Valley State University’s School of Engineering is starting a new graduate assistantship program for students in the engineering master’s degree program. Beginning in the Fall 2012 semester, students will have the opportunity to work and research at local West Michigan engineering companies while still taking a full course load. “Students are getting real world experience,” said Shabbir Choudhuri, GVSU associate professor of engineering and graduate program director. Students will work up to 20 hours per week in the fall and winter semesters and up to 40 hours per week in the summer. Grand Rapids Chair is the first company to participate in the new program. Grand Rapids Chair and the School of Engineering will select one student from the master’s program to work at the company in 2012. “It is defiantly a unique experience,” said Geoff Miller, vice president of operations at Grand Rapids Chair and a GVSU engineering master’s degree program graduate. Miller said students will be doing traditional industrial engineering and manufacturing related activities.

UAS

continued from A1

thy goal, but not everyone feels comfortable teaching it, and some don’t feel comfortable with the prospect of having to change existing courses in order to teach that goal,” Gilles said. “... Everyone needs to collaborate at one time or another, and the GEC feels it is particularly important for students to gain experience in collaborating with those from other majors and colleges. Teachers of general education take on a responsibility to prepare students not just for a particular field of study, but also for effective and successful living in general, and that clearly includes being able to collaborate effectively with others.” The Issues courses would focus on integration within six larger categories: information, innovation and technology; globalization; health; human rights; identity and sustainability. “These courses are unlike courses in a student’s major, where most or all of the students are focusing on the same academic area,” Gilles said. “The Issues courses require students to open themselves up to alternate perspectives and competing viewpoints as they gain exposure to new material and new perspectives as presented by the faculty member and the course texts.” Gilles said that although some faculty members seemed resistant to changing their curriculum for the new general education program, he was “confident” that most would embrace the changes. “I think people like to constantly bash on the gen ed program, but I think it’s where I’ve learned some of the most practical and rel-

PLOTKOWSKI “This is a vehicle to recruit talent,” said Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. “Students will get a very mature experience.” Choudhuri said graduate assistant students usually work in the university engineering department as teaching assistants. Now with the launch of this program, students will have more options outside of the university environment. Choudhuri said it is a win-win situation for students and companies because both will benefit from the experience. “Students will be contributing to the local economy,” Choudhuri said. Plotkowski said the School of Engineering emphasizes on industry experience before students graduate. sbelcher@lanthorn.com

“These

proposed curricular goals are our way of saying to all GVSU students that they need to become very reflective and active people in order to shape the world...

”

Roger Gilles GEC Chair, writing professor evant things about working with the world around me,” said Eric Spencer, a GVSU senior. Recent changes to the general education program at GVSU include the elimination of the junior-level writing requirement, Writing 305, and the reduction of the Theme course requirement from three to two. “The GE program has both knowledge goals and skills goals, and together they embody what GVSU feels identifies someone as well-educated, or generally educated,” Gilles said. “... These proposed curricular goals are our way of saying to all GVSU students that they need to become very reflective and active people in order to shape the world over the next 30 or 40 years.” If adopted, the changes to the general education program would be fully implemented by 2016, with some changes going into effect by the fall 2013 semester. managingeditor@ lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Grand Haven Tribune

Offshore dilemma: The GVSU Meijer Campus will host a video chat with the Netherlands today to discuss how to make offshore wind energy (pictured) a viable, affordable energy source.

dman, professor in the natural resource management program at GVSU. “While companies are trying to bring the cost down through research and development, offshore wind energy may not be appropriate everywhere.” There are also concerns with tourism in the community, as the mills would potentially be visible against the horizon. Nordman said the program’s goal is to open a dialogue with people who live and work in a community that hosts an offshore wind farm. Dutch Consulate to West Michigan Paul Heule said beyond the cultural ties, many more similarities lay between the two communities. “There are ethical similarities, similarities in business practices and the education base is good,” Heule said.

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Nordman said since GVSU has been involved with sustainability as well as extensive work on alternative and renewable energies through the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon, the university has been pushed to the forefront of the discussion. He added that other programs, like the Padnos College of Engineering and the natural resources management program, have put the university in an even better position to be a leader in this discussion. “The people of West Michigan’s skills and the skills of the people in the Netherlands compliment each other,” Heule said, “That is why we are a good fit.” jrodriguez@lanthorn.com

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capacity crowd is expected for today’s “Holland to the Netherlands” video chat, scheduled to last from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 102 of Grand Valley State University’s Meijer Campus in Holland, Mich. The video chat will discuss wind energy programs, which have been dismissed as a viable energy source in the U.S. Currently, there are no domestic offshore wind energy plants in the U.S. The chat, which is open to the public, will discuss a wide range of topics concerning the impact of creating wind energy as a primary source of energy and will include members of the North Holland Development Company, a regional economic development agency in the Netherlands. Members of the domestic community will include sectors of the government from West Michigan and tourism officials from the area. Hotel representatives from the community, the chamber of commerce and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau of Holland will also be in attendance. Research by the Michigan Public Service Commission has shown that the costs of onshore wind energy are much cheaper at $102 per megawatt hour compared with the cost of coalfired power plant, which would cost $133/MWh. However, offshore wind energy is much more expensive than either of those options. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, it would cost at least $200/MWh to maintain an offshore wind energy plant. “The high cost is due to the additional foundations to support the turbines as well as increased operation and maintenance costs,” said Erik Nor-

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EDITORIAL

Last issue’s question: Have you had conflicts with your roommates over religion?

YES 0% NO 100%

GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON I BY DAN SILLS

MORE IS MORE

Giving students more ability to customize and integrate their general education courses will not only decrease resistance to general education, but enable students to make the most of their 120 credits at the university.

W

hether they love it or hate it, everybody has an opinion about Grand Valley State University’s general education program. Some students see the courses, which run the gamut from math to science to philosophy to theater, as a waste of their precious 120 college credits, but others view them as an opportunity to explore interests beyond their majors and minors. Some of those concerns are well-founded, particularly among students who’ve found their passions or are enrolled in demanding programs, which makes students all the more hopeful that the recent changes the General Education Committee of the University Academic Senate has proposed will give them greater control over the courses they take, a change that will benefit everyone involved. While general education programs can introduce students to a broad spectrum of topics and viewpoints, they can also take students on a seemingly pointless academic tangent unrelated to either their area of study or area of interest. By replacing the Theme requirement, which gives students a narrow focus, with Issues, which will connect broad issues more thoroughly with students’ majors, there should be enough variety for both students taking courses for interest and for relevance to be satisfied. While these changes won’t go fully into effect until 2016, too late for today’s students to take advantage of, it’s still encouraging to see the university listen to student concerns and make genuine efforts to address them. And with the changes they made, hopefully everyone will be satisfied. Those who enjoy the benefit of a wide variety of courses should be able to do so, and those who have found their passion and want to focus in on it should be able to find general education courses that are in, or at least relate, to their field.

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:

What changes would you make to the general education program?

“I would like to see nothing changed. I like the program as it is.”

“I think there should be general education classes specifically targeted toward a major so you only complete classes that are beneficial to your future career goals.”

“(It’s) a beneficial program to those still seeking an educational path, but for others such as myself who have a firm grip on their aspirations it is an unnecessary obstacle.”

“I would like to see more basic classic for the arts in the general education requirements. It’s impossible to know if you’d like to major in art or film without hands-on experience.”

“I would like to see more classes offered specifically toward your major.”

Jason Choi Sophomore Allied health sciences Rochester Hills, Mich.

Michelle Davis Sophomore Photography and public relations Petoskey, Mich.

Clinton Buell Sophomore Accounting and finance Kalamazoo, Mich.

Mariah Agee Freshman Biology Cheboygan, Mich.

Kelsey Cubbage Sophomore Biomedical sciences Portage, Mich.

There is only room for one holiday By Chris Slattery GVL Columnist

I feel like it’s pretty obvious that I celebrate Christmas — I have Christmas lights lining my bedroom window, my iPod is primarily filled with Christmas-themed songs throughout December and I firmly believe that carrying mistletoe in my pocket “just in case” is not creepy. Because I celebrate this particular holiday, a recent Facebook status I’ve seen going around caught my attention. I’m including it in full because I want everyone to read every word: “WHAT A CROCK OF SH!T..... We can’t say Merry Christmas now we have to say Happy Holidays. We

can’t call it a Christmas tree, it’s now called a Holiday Tree? Because it might offend someone. If you don’t like our “Customs” and it offends you so much then GO BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY. I will help you pack. They are called customs and we have our traditions. Don’t Like It.... PISS OFF!!! We don’t go and tell you how to run your S— Hole! If you... agree with this...please post this as your status!! I AM A PROUD AMERICAN CITIZEN... MERRY CHRISTMAS Do you have what it takes to repost this?” First of all, I’m so relieved that people are finally saying what I’ve been thinking all of these years! I mean, I would have utilized proper grammar and employed ellipses with a bit more finesse, but the message is clear: In America, it’s Christmas or bust.

If there’s one thing that our country is good at, it’s not being tolerant of other peoples’ beliefs. Since Christmas has become the behemoth shopping extravaganza it is, there’s really no room for any other faiths or customs. I don’t even have enough space in my brain for another seasonal greeting. “Happy Holidays?” Really? It’s alliterative and all-encompassing. What’s to like about that? According to my thirdgrade teacher, we formed this country to escape religious persecution, and I’ll be damned if immigrants think they can practice their silly beliefs while we take our holiday seriously and hang delicate glass balls on dying trees we put in our homes. But don’t take this as a mean thing — we’re even offering to help these heathens pack when they decide to return to their hole-in-the-

ground country (i.e. any place that is not America). In fact, these other people are being mean for wanting to be included! I hate including people, as shown through my one-man fantasy football league. People call America a “melting pot,” a metaphor I hate. If you melt a pot too much, you can’t use it! Go back to Hanukkahland or Kwanzaa City or the Diwali Islands if you have a problem with our country’s clear religious and commercial preference. This is America — the land of the Santa and the home of the yule log. It’s not ignorant at all to ignore-uh the menorah. If you have what it takes, cut this out of the newspaper and tape it up somewhere, or post it on your Facebook. If you don’t, I won’t invite you to join my league next year. cslattery@lanthorn.com

Anti-holiday advice: Making the most of break

Kevin Vanantwerpen GVL Columnist

Welcome to the holidays. The time of year everything and everyone is scripted. When December hits, we study hard (or for some of us, not at all), we finish finals and cross our fingers for good grades, we start thinking about what to buy our family and loved ones for Christmas, and eventually Christmas and

New Year’s come and go. We go to the same parties with the same people, and do the same things every year. I think that needs to change. Now I’m all for taking time to reflect and appreciate family and loved ones. But once you’ve taken the, I dunno, five minutes to do that, you might want to consider that these few weeks are all the freedom you’ll have before you’re shoved back into the fray of classroom warfare. So why do we use the Holidays to act like a neutered church kid instead of acting like an escaped convict with only a few days of freedom left? You do real-

ize that Santa’s not actually gonna hold out on you if you’re a little naughty, right? Yeah, I know it’s cold out there. I know you’re busy, and maybe money is tight. But does that have to stop you? I mean for God’s sake, New Year’s Eve is the one night of the year even Bill Gaither could kiss a complete stranger and not feel bad about it (unless you’re in a relationship — in that case, tsk, tsk.) Now let me be honest. This whole Holiday thing is probably just a metaphor for life in general. When I say, “Christmas break is short, so take risks,” what I’m probably really trying to say is, “Life is short, so take even

bigger risks.” But that’s not topical, and I’m really in a Christmasy mood. I guess I can sum up my point by quoting Aldous Huxley: “But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.” So go a little wild this holiday. Try something new. Talk to the girl/guy you think is cute behind the counter at a department store. Spike your coffee during Mass service you hate going to. Get really, really drunk with your best friends and tell them things you’ve never told anyone. Just do something — Christmas only comes once. kvanantwerpen@lanthorn.com

A5 your space LETTER TO THE EDITOR

ART OF THE ISSUE - BY GRACE CARPENTER

Finding the middle ground on affirmative action Dear Editor, We are currently enrolled in the Introduction to Liberal Education course here at Grand Valley. We have been working on a group project in which we have decided to bring the concept of affirmative action into the spotlight to be researched, questioned, and slightly reformed. In an effort to take action in our findings, we thought getting our ideas out in the Lanthorn would be a great way to get people thinking, and hopefully make a change. After having done some research on affirmative action in America and here at Grand Valley State University, we are proposing that something should be done to reform how affirmative action works here. We don’t feel that affirmative action should be ruled out entirely but we do feel that it needs to change a little bit. We are aware of the Michigan law that was recently passed called Proposal Two that basically outlaws the concept of affirmative action and does not permit any type of preferential treatment. While this law does certainly level the playing field, it also puts a large strain in the possibility of college for a lot of students. We still feel that there is need to give some students an advantage when applying for college. Proposal Two has made the policy a little too strict, and the original form of affirmative action is unfair, so we have an idea that meets in the middle. Instead of looking at ones race or gender the schools should perhaps look more at the high school and the economic background each individual student comes from. By looking more at these factors than at race and gender the school may end up helping those that are actually more in need. There are plenty of females, and people who belong to minorities that are very intelligent, come from great high schools, and have a very stable financial standing and may overall not need an advantage when applying for college, but are given one simply based on their race and/or gender. There are also a large number of other students that may not necessarily belong to a minority, or may not be female, that don’t receive the help they actually need based on the same standards. This new form of affirmative action could benefit all universities, especially here Grand Valley. This university greatly values a diverse campus, and students who bring different perspectives from all different walks of life, and this new policy is a great way to adjust that while still keeping things fair. If the school were to consider reforming the way affirmative action is used, we may be able to help those students who really are in need and truly deserve a chance to go to college. Again we are not asking that affirmative action be taken out as a whole but rather that it just be changed a little bit to accommodate to who may actually benefit from the program. Thank you for your time, Lib 100 students PHOTO OF THE ISSUE - WEST MICHIGAN

SHEA MCGEE Senior, photography

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

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Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

B SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

SPORTS EDITOR BRADY FREDERICKSEN sports@lanthorn.com

SPORTS

SHORTS BRIEFS

W. SOCCER

Every rose Has its thorn

W. Soccer Botts named Division II Academic AllAmerican of the Year

Junior foward Ashley Botts was chosen as the Academic All-American of the Year in Division II women’s soccer. Botts, a biology major, has accumulated a 3.64 GPA while leading the Grand Valley State women’s soccer team offensively. She scored 20 goals and had 10 assists for 48 points on the season for the Lakers. With one year left in her career, the GLIAC Player of the Year and Division II Daktronics first team All-American ranks third all-time in GVSU history with 48 goals and 23 assists. The Lakers ended their season as the national runnerup with a record of 20-1-4.

St. Rose (24-1-1) vs. Grand Valley (20-1-4) Date: Dec. 3, 2011 Attendance: 522 Weather: 65 degrees partly cloudy, 13mph wind GOALS BY PERIOD | 1 | 2 | TOTAL St. Rose GVSU

football Four Lakers receive super region honors

The Grand Valley State University football team had four members receive Daktronics Super Region 3 honors. Senior defensive lineman Andre Thomas, who led the GLIAC with eight sacks and 15 tackles for a loss, was named to the first team. Three other Lakers were named to the second team including senior linebacker Brad Howard, junior guard Tim Lelito and sophomore kick returner Erik Thompson. Howard registered 79 tackles, five sacks and 12 tackles for a loss on the season. Lelito played a key role in the GVSU offense line’s success, which led the conference with 467.5 yards and 42.4 points per game. On special teams, Thompson ranked third in the nation in kickoff returns with 17 kicks for 562 yards.

GLIAC STANDINGS m. Basketball

GLIAC North GVSU Ferris Saginaw Valley Michigan Tech Northwood Northern Mich. Lake Superior

2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 0-1 0-2

W. basketball

GLIAC North Michigan Tech Saginaw Valley Northwood Ferris State GVSU Northern Mich. Lake Superior

1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-2

M. swim and dive

GLIAC Standings GVSU Wayne State Findlay Indianapolis Ashland Lewis Lake Erie

2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 1-3 0-1 0-2

W. swim and dive

GLIAC Standings Hillsdale GVSU Findlay Ashland Indianapolis Wayne State Lake Erie Lewis Northern Mich.

4-0 3-0 2-1 1-4 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-2

0 2 1 0

2 1

NCAA Division II Championship Finals St. Rose wins national championship Courtesy Photo / Christopher Nelson

A rose by any other name: Junior Forward Kayla Addison looks to make a play against The College of St. Rose defenders during the NCAA Championship game. The Lakers lost the game 2-1.

GV upset by College of St. Rose in National Championship match By Joe Maher-Edgin GVL Staff Writer

I

t was quite a reversal of fates for the Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team Saturday as it fell to The College of St. Rose 2-1 in the NCAA National Championship match. On the way to its first National Championship in 2009, GVSU scored a goal in the 83rd minute, upending St. Rose 3-2 in overtime in the national semifinals. Saturday, the Lakers attempted to defeat the Golden Knights again, this time looking to seal up a third-consecutive national title. But the St. Rose players played comeback kids this time around by defeating the Lakers 2-1, giving the school its firstever National Championship and, at the same time, handing GVSU its only loss in the 2011 season. The Lakers finished the 2011 season with a record of 20-1-4, and the loss snaps a 42-game unbeaten run that dated back to September of 2010. The team entered the final round of Saturday’s NCAA Division II Soccer Tournament coming off a 3-2 penalty kick shootout victory following a 1-1 draw with California State University-Chico in two halves of regulation and sudden-death overtime. GVSU head coach Dave DiIanni said his team is remaining positive after executing its game plan and playing a hard fought game against the Golden Knights. “I’m really happy with how we did today,” DiIanni said. “Obviously the result is not what we were hoping for, but we had good game plan on how we wanted to defend and attack St. Rose. We created a lot of opportunities — I really think the game was the result of us struggling for about eight minutes at the end of the first half and into the first 15 of the beginning of the second half. Unfortunately they scored two goals in that time, and with all our chances at the end of the game we just could not get that equalizer back.” Senior defender Kayla Klosterman, who was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team alongside teammates Kayla Addison and Ashley Botts, said it was “disappointing” that the Lakers were not able to come away with a win on Saturday. “We set our goals high at the beginning of the season, and one of our goals was to defend the National Championship,” she said. “That’s the game of soccer: things happen and you have to do the best you can. They played their hearts out, and I think we played our hearts out too, but someone had to come out on top, and, unfortunately, it wasn’t us today.” Despite the Lakers’ efforts, St. Rose weathered an early attack from the Lakers, staving off multiple scoring opportunites to keep the GVSU lead at one going into halftime. “We were jumping on them getting a lot of chances in the first 20 minutes in the first half,” said senior midfielder Erin Mruz, “Towards the end (of the first half), Ashley (Botts) scored a great goal

“That’s the game in soccer:

things happen and you have to do the best you can. They played their hearts out, and I think we played our hearts out too, but someone had to come out on top, and, unfortunately, it wasn’t us today.

”

Kayla Klosterman Senior defender putting us up 1-0 going into halftime.” Botts converted a failed clearance from the Golden Knight defense into a rocket shot that found the net in the 33rd minute. Her first-half goal for the Lakers was her 20th of the season. Mruz would not say that her team came out “flat” to start the second half, but said they “didn’t quite match their energy right from the start” of the game. St. Rose, however, did. The Golden Knights put the Lakers under immense pressure to begin the second half with sophomore forward Carmelina Puopolo scoring twice in the first 11 minutes. GVSU battled back for the next 35 minutes with their best chance to equalize coming in the 85th minute when junior Maria Brown muscled through two defenders to fire a shot that nailed the crossbar and ricocheted to teammate Botts’ feet.Botts then turned to get the rebound, but her shot sailed over the crossbar. Sophomore keeper Jessica Gerski made five saves for the Golden Knights and helped organize her defenders that kept the nation’s top-ranked team off the scoreboard for the final 58 minutes. Mruz and Klosterman, as well as fellow seniors Megan Brown, Lindsey Marlow and Jessica Trost, close out their careers at GVSU with a combined 91.9 win percentage and a record 86-3-10. “We’re ultimately sad because the season is over, our time with each other is over and the team is going to change,” DiIanni said. “All of our seniors are wonderful kids. These girls in particular have kept this team together, they’re not only good players, but they’re good people. They led this team to the finals and I’m happy to call them alumni.” DiIanni said after the game that 2011 has been another “wonderful season.” “Anytime you say you’re second in the nation you can be proud,” he said. “We’ll learn from the loss and use it as motivation. We’ll get better and be back next season looking to where we left off. jmaheredgin@lanthorn.com

SCORING

SUMMARY 1st Period 32:25 GV Ashley Botts (20) (unassisted) Loose ball taken from penalty area

2nd Period 47:48 STR Carmelina Puopolo (17) (unassisted) - Taken from box on contested ball 55:05 Puopolo (18) (Molly Harpster) Taken from box off cross

GAME

STATS SHOTS:

St. Rose 16, GVSU 17

SAVES:

St. Rose 6 (Jessica Gerski 5; TEAM 1), GVSU 4 (Chelsea Parise 4)

Courtesy Photo / Christopher Nelson

Runner up: Freshman Forward Charlie Socia handles the ball during the NCAA Championship match held in Florida on Saturday.

B2 SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

M. BASKETBALL

W. BASKETBALL

Lakers, Thomas shoot to pair of wins to open GLIAC season

GVL Archive

The perfect touch: Senior guard Jamie Thomas drops back on defense in a past game. Thomas made his biggest splash over the weekend by going a combined 11-for-13 from beyond the arc in a pair of games against Tiffin and Ohio Dominican universities. He averaged 18.5 points per game for the two GVSU victories.

GV downs Ohio Dominican, Tiffin in weekend action By Brady Fredericksen GVL Sports Editor

A

pparently there’s just something about playing in Ohio. Senior guard James Thomas and the Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team opened conference play with a bang this weekend, handily defeating Ohio Dominican and Tiffin univerisities. While the Lakers (4-1, 2-0 GLIAC) finished their Ohio road trip strong — winning by an average of 18.5 points per game — it was the Thomas’ play that highlighted the victories. “He had a great week, and was super active making shots and rebounding,” said GVSU head coach Ric Wesley, who is now 58-29 in road games as head coach. “He’s just been playing really, really hard.” With weekend averages of 25.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, Thomas was close to perfect from beyond the arc.

After draining 6-of7 3-pointers en route to a career high of 30 points against Ohio Dominican, he came back against Tiffin to hit 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, scoring a team-high 21 points in the win. “Early on, I was just trying to establish a rhythm, not thinking about it, just playing hard,” said Thomas, who shot 11-for-13 from 3-point range on the weekend. “Shots were dropping, so I just kept shooting, I think that kind of helped me.” Thursday night’s 79-61 win at Ohio Dominican (24, 0-2 GLIAC) saw the Lakers start slow and finish the game at a frantic pace. The Panthers, who defeated Division I Southern Illinois University earlier this season, trailed by two points at the half. Despite the small lead, GVSU used 21 second-half points from Thomas to pull away, outscoring the Panthers 49-33 in the half. Two days later, the team continued its hot shooting

in a 76-57 win at Tiffin. The Dragons, scoring a GLIACbest 83 points per game coming into the game, hung with the Lakers early, but they failed to get over a second-half hump after falling behind by 10 at halftime. The Lakers, led again by Thomas’ scoring, also got a career game from two of its front-court players. “It’s a long season and were just trying to develop some consistency in who we are and as we get more games under our belt we learn more about who we are,” Wesley said. “We just have to continue to get better and continue to be consistent in our effort … I couldn’t be more pleased with how we ended the road trip.” Freshman forward Ryan Sabin hit three 3-pointers and scored a career-best 10 points, but the star Saturday was center Nick Waddell. After recording only four points against Ohio Dominican, the senior exploded for a career-high 20 points to go with 12 rebounds, another career-high. “I’m happy with myself that I got in there, used my body and got some rebounds,” Waddell said. “I don’t worry about the offense, the offense will come, I just wanted to throw my body around in there. I was happy I was able to do that.” Along with shooting, the team also out-rebounded the oppositions by eight and 10 rebounds, respectively. The team’s defense, specifically on the perimeter, also proved to be a key to the Lakers’ success. After allowing 10 makes against Ohio Dominican, GVSU held Tiffin to only 20 percent (4-of-20) from beyond the 3-point line, while shooting 57 percent (21-of-37) themselves on the road trip. Next up for the Lakers is a trip to Midland, Mich., to take on Northwood University on Wednesday at 8 p.m. That game can be heard on 107.9 WMUS. sports@lanthorn.com

12/5

GVL Archive

Break-out performance: Junior forward Briauna Taylor goes up strong for two points. Taylor had a 25-point explosion to lead the Lakers to a 69-63 victory over Tiffin. She also had eight rebounds and two steals.

Defense, Briauna Taylor help GV to first conference win Lakers defeat Tiffin 69-63 Saturday after losing 22-point lead in loss to Ohio Dominican Thursday By Stephanie Deible GVL Intern

After four lost opportunities, the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team earned its first road victory of the season Saturday in a 69-63 victory over Tiffin University. “We’ve been through some adversity, there’s no doubt about it,” said GVSU head coach Janel Burgess. ”To get a road win in the fashion that we did was very important. The kids were tough, they fought through the entire 40 minutes of the game, played great defense and were really relentless down the stretch even when Tiffin continued to make a push at us.” The victory, which was also the team’s first GLIAC win this season, comes just

two days after GVSU (3-3, 1-1 GLIAC) let a 22-point first-half lead slip away in a 79-56 loss at Ohio Dominican University (5-1, 1-1 GLIAC). “On Thursday, what it came down to was we weren’t getting defensive stops,” said junior guard Lauren Stadola. ”On Friday in practice and in our shootaround we really worked on defense.” In the loss against the Panthers, Stodola led the Lakers with 18 points and three rebounds while junior forward Brittany Taylor chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds. Saturday proved to be a new day for the Lakers, who defeated Tiffin University 69-63, en route to GVSU’s first road and first conference victory of the season. “Our focus was really on getting defensive stops because we know that’s how we have to win on the road in the GLIAC,” Stodola said. “It feels good that everyone did their part and we were successful together. We bounced back after hitting some adversity so hopefully we can keep it going now.” Despite trailing the Dragons (4-1, 1-1 GLIAC) by three points at the half, GVSU found a way to pull off a victory behind the play of junior forward Briauna Taylor. “I wasn’t really happy

with how I have played,” she said. “So (Saturday) I wanted to go out and just play and have fun with it.” Taylor, who has struggled on the offensive end as of late, only scoring six points in GVSU’s previous two contests, exploded with a game-high 25 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Although Taylor’s 25 points led a Laker offense that shot 60 percent from the floor in the second half, junior center Alex Stelfox also contributed with 15 points and eight rebounds. “We moved the ball really well offensively,” Burgess said. “We were selfless. We had 17 assists and were willing to make the extra pass to get somebody an open shot.” The Lakers took control of the game at the 17:26 mark and never looked back when Briauna Taylor and Stodola came up with back-to-back steals that were converted into baskets. “We didn’t want to drop two games in Ohio to start the GLIAC, so we just worked from the Ohio Dominican game to come back and get a win,” Taylor said. “This was probably our best offensive game of the year.” The Lakers will return to action at 6 p.m. on Wednesday when they travel to Northwood University. sports@lanthorn.com

SPORTS B3

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

see www.lanthorn.com to read about the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams’ weekend victories

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

Runners, throwers qualify for NCAA championships in opening meet “The meet is a

By Bryce Derouin GVL Staff Writer

T

he Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams were not going to take it easy out of the gate on Friday. Both runners and throwers qualified for the NCAA championships in March during the Laker Early Bird, GVSU’s first meet of the year. Five GVSU male runners qualified for the NCAA championships in the 5k run, led by senior Anthony Witt with a time of 14 minutes, 8.72 seconds. “Our distant kids are coming off of cross country, and our focus was to get our qualifier out of the way for them for the NCAA championships in March,” said GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes. “A handful of kids were able to do that.” Senior runners Monica Kinney and Rachael Patterson automatically qualified with times of 16:13.81 and 16:15.83, respectively. Both runners surpassed the former GVSU record for the 5k. “Kinney has prepared very well, and she’s taken off where she let off last year,” Baltes said. “She’s running about 10 seconds faster than what she started last year.” For the first meet of the year, the focus and goals varied for each running group, Baltes said.

“On the track side, we were looking to get in the swing of things use it as a rust buster, and get back on the track and hear the gun go off,” he said. “It was a good start for us.” GVSU also had a successful day competing in the throwing events. The men took the first three spots in the weight throw and were led by senior Donny Stiffler, who placed first in both the weight throw (17.56 meters) and shot put (15.97 meters). Stiffler qualified for the championship meet in the weight throw even though he said he can improve in the shot put. “The meet is a good place to start — it shows us where we are starting at and where we have to go,” he said. “It’s a learning experience, and it shows what kind of work you have to do to get better.” For the women’s team, junior Sam Lockhart qualified for the championship meet in the weight throw (18.67) but missed the automatic qualifier for the shot put by a few centimeters at 14.81. She took first overall in both events. She was one of five GVSU women to land spots in the weight throw. Lockhart said she is relieved to be able to get the pressure of qualifying out of the way. “It’s a big relief because now we just have to worry about nationals,” she said. “We can worry about our goals in

good place to start – it shows us where we are starting at and where we have to go.

”

Donny Stiffler Senior thrower March instead of now and thinking of ways to make the NCAAs. It’s just a relief.” Baltes said GVSU is looking to learn from this meet and use the experience as a learning tool moving forward. “The most important thing we learned is no matter who you are, or where you started at, we’ve got to learn and get back to practice and focus on getting better over the next couple months,” Baltes said. “It’s a starting point, we got to realize whether it was a great starting point or an average starting point. We have to focus on getting better and work hard every day.” The GVSU track teams resume action on Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the Kelly Family Sports Center for the Holiday Open. bderouin@lanthorn.com

GVL / Robert Matthews

Round and round: Junior thrower Sam Lockhart winds up for a hammer throw during Friday’s Laker Early Bird meet. Lockhart, along with several other Lakers, qualified for the NCAA Championship meet in March. She won first place in the weight throw with a 18.67-meter toss.

M. HOCKEY

Weekend sweep runs club hockey win streak to 14 By Zach Sepanik GVL Staff Writer

Typically, facing a Division I opponent in any sport is grounds for a game that will be tough no matter what, but the Grand Valley State University club hockey team proved that theory wrong twice this weekend, defeating the Western Michigan University club team 9-1 Friday and 9-2 Saturday. The 18-goal, two-game offensive outburst helped the Lakers cruise to their 14thstraight win, running their overall record to 15-2-1. “Our puck movement and skating was excellent,” said GVSU head coach Mike Forbes. “Tonight (Saturday) I didn’t think we did as good a job supporting the puck defensively as we had in the past, mainly because they did not have a great deal of offensive pressure on us. Games like that you just have to be careful you don’t instill bad habits and still enjoy the offense when you have it.” Throughout the weekend, it was the freshmen who really stepped up and contributed to the blowout victories. Freshmen forwards Ian Hamilton and Corbin Rainey each paced GVSU with two goals Saturday with Rainey

coming close to netting a hat trick. “If you look at the score sheet, we had some pretty balanced scoring,” Forbes said. “We had some freshmen that for the first time this year got on the scoring page. Rainey has played extremely well. He has added a dynamic with his hustle on the fore-check. I like to have four lines we can play in almost any situation and now we are getting some scoring and contribution out of our fourth line.” While the freshmen played a large role against Western Michigan, the team understands that a win streak like this does not just happen to anyone and that it has taken sound play in all facets of the game to get here. “We have been continuing to build on ourselves and continuing to improve,” said junior defensemen Craig Marrett. “There is nothing in our way and we are going out every game and giving it all we got. We are really setting the tone going into the end of the semester.” Senior goaltender Josh Lavigne and freshman goaltender Doug Chidester each played in one game against the Broncos, thanks to little offensive action by Western Michigan and a solid defen-

sive, team performance. “Everybody has been playing good,” said senior forward Brad Keough. “We got different people scoring and we are just hot. We are playing a little down in terms of the competition but we keep blowing out teams we should.” Not only did Rainey put up solid numbers in the two games, but his entire line, including senior forwards Eric Beaupre and Ryan Welch, played solidly as well. The team goes back to the ice Friday against the University of Michigan club team before making a trip to Illinois to face Robert Morris University on Saturday. They then cap off the semester with a trip for two games against Northern Illinois University on Dec. 16 and 17. “We have four games before the end of the semester. There is no reason why we can’t end the semester on an 18-game win streak,” Marrett said. “Anything less than that would be a severe disappointment to us, especially the way we are playing. We know enough about these teams that they can’t compete with us if we are playing our game. We can only beat ourselves really.” zsepanik@lanthorn.com

GVL Archive

Domination on ice: Senior forward Brad Keough looks to score against a past opponent. The Lakers dominated their competition this weekend with 9-1 and 9-2 victories over Western Michigan University.

lakerlife

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

B4

LAKER LIFE EDITOR HALEY OTMAN lakerlife@lanthorn.com

STANDING UP FOR YOUR PASSION Former Laker basketball player starts ‘Yacht League’ clothing line By Kendal Pektas

W

GVL Staff Writer

hen Alvin Storrs realized he was doing something that did not truly make him happy, he decided to put an end to it. The Grand Valley State University student quit his Laker basketball career and now has his own clothing line. Through his clothing, Yacht League, Storrs aims to guide individuals to pursue their passions instead of conforming. “I felt that a lot of people, myself included, do things for the wrong reasons,” he said. “I feel like society holds people back. I wanted to start my clothing line my freshman year, but people told me it would not work. I got to a point where I wanted to do what I wanted and believed in.” Storrs said he is not a fashion expert, but he creates the ideas and clothing styles in his mind and has others help him with drawing out various designs. Currently, there are seven different short- and long-sleeved T-shirts and sweatshirts under the Yacht League brand. Some of them have motivational phrases written on them, such as, “Never Settle.” “My passion is expressing how I feel and what I believe in,” he said. “We are working on expanding and would like to eventually have business casual things as well. For now, everything is gender-neutral.” Storrs works together with his former Laker teammate, James Nelson, who now attends Davenport University. “Alvin and I have been best friends since 2007,” Nelson said. “We are both involved in the decision-making, event planning, etc. The best thing about working with Yacht League is being part of something positive. It is new and its very innovative; the concepts behind our brand mean a lot and provide a sense of motivation.” Originally from Northville, Mich., Storrs had been playing basketball since he was 3 years old. He started playing for the Lakers during his freshman year at GVSU, but in recent months the senior decided it was time to call it quits. “It was a big decision that I made to move on and walk away from basketball,” Storrs said. “I had things going on in my life, and I got to a point where I was really unhappy. I felt like it was something I needed to get away from; it did not coincide with what I wanted to do at the time.” Storrs was determined to make his passion become a reality. “The whole team was very supportive,” Storrs said. “The coaches were great, and everybody understood. I still care a lot about those guys on the team, but I did not feel it was fair for me to be on the team when it was not as much of a real passion for me, as it was for the other guys.” To purchase Yacht League items, visit www.yacht-league.com, or follow the company on Twitter, @yacht_league. kpektas@lanthorn.com

“...I did not feel it was fair for me to be on the (GVSU men’s basketball) team when it was not as much of a real passion for me as it was for the other guys.

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Alvin Storrs Yacht League founder

Courtesy Photos / Alvin Storrs

Chasing the dream: Alvin Storrs (middle left) celebrates at a recent Yacht League launch party. Storrs quit the GVSU men’s basketball team earlier this year to start his own clothing line, something Storrs had wanted to do since his freshman year of college. Yacht League items can be found at www.yacht-league.com.

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Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

Announcements “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! Living on-campus? GVSU Facilities Services asks you to please do your part to help conserve water and electricity. Help us keep costs low! Searching for housing has never been easier. Search dozens of listings in Allendale and Grand Rapids updated d a i l y a t ShowMeTheRent.com Stop by Hungry Howie’s in Allendale or order online @ hungryhowies.com. 616-895-6777. See the Coupon Connection for deals on pizza, bread and more! University Townhouses & Apartments, GVSU’s best kept deal. Lowest rates guaranteed! Call (616)447-5511. What do you want to change in the world? Visit www.gvsu.edu/socialjustice to enroll in the Change U revolution.

Roommates 2 roommates needed. Jan-July2012. Campus West Townhouse. 4bed/2bath. $320/month. Dogs allowed. If interested, contact Amanda via call/text 616-570-7192.

48 West Subleaser wanted. $460/month for 7 months. Will pay your $300 application fee plus 100 off each month’s rent. Contact Edward, huazoe@mail.gvsu.edu FEMALE SUBLEASER wanted. 48 West. For Jan-July 2012. Rent is $460/month. Willing to pay half of first month rent. If interested please contact Lexie at carrale@mail.gvsu.edu or 231-740-3089 asap. Subleaser needed Winter 2012. Copper Beech, 3bed/3.5bath. Male or female! $425/month. Contact A s h l e y a t simsash@mail.gvsu.edu if interested. Subleaser needed. Jan 2012April 2012. 48 West. 4bed/4bath. Rent is $450/month plus utilities. Willing to pay a small portion for subleaser. Will provide parking pass for free. Contact Micah at garciami@mail.gvsu.edu.

Employment AutoExec, Inc. Job Title: Internet Marketing Coordinator Location: Grand Rapids, MI Hours: 40 hrs. Search Job ID: 15560033 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Comerica Bank Job Title: Customer Service Representative Location: Multiple Locations in West Michigan Hours: 40 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/

Fifth Third Bank Job Title: Consumer Leadership Program Location: Grand Rapids, MI Hours: 40 hrs. Search Job ID: 15559901 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/

Subleaser Needed for Winter Semester. Campus View Apts. Rent is $400/month. If interested, please contact Shannon at mssmiller10@yahoo.com or via call/text 269-465-4449.

State Farm Insurance Job Title: Sales Location: Lansing, MI Search Job ID: 15560149 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs

Amway Corporation Job Title: IT Internship Salary: Paid Hours: 40 hrs. Search Job ID: 15527135 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/

Housing

Steelcase, Inc. Job Title: Store & Retail Channel Internship Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary: Paid Search Job ID: 15560159 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/

Affordable, spacious, and comfortable living the wa it should be at Sutter’s Mill Townhomes. Call or email us by January 15 and receive $100 off your first month’s rent. 616.719.0170 or smnrpropertiesllc@hotmail.c om Female subleaser needed! Winter 2012. Campus View Apts. 2 bedrooms, Rent is $375/month plus utilities (totaling $20/month). Im willing to pay half of the security deposit. Email dearingk@mail.gvsu.edu if interested. Looking for 2 roommates for 2012-2013 school year at Country Place. We are clean, studious, and play rockband from time to time. Contact edelhaum@mail.gvsu.edu. Sailor’s Cove Townhomes. Call or email us by January 15th and receive $100 off your first month’s rent. 616.719.0170 or smnrpropertiesllc@hotmail.com. Visit sailorscovetownhomes.com for more information.

Internships

The House Republican Campaign Committee Job Title: House Republican Campaign Committee Intern Location: Lansing, MI Salary: Unpaid Hours: 15-20 hrs. Search Job ID: 15560052 For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/ Alliance for Environmental Sustainability Job Title: Green Home Film, Social Networking & Marketing, Grant Writing, Sustainable Business Development, and Sustainable Products Research Interns Location: Salary: Unpaid For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs/

Metropolitan Hospital Job Title: Foundation Office Assistant Intern Location: Wyoming, MI Salary: Unpaid Hours: 14-28 Search Job ID: 15560045 For more information visit 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/

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 available.Call 1-800-965-6520 ext. 226

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lakerlife

Grand Valley Lanthorn MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

New semester, new courses New Winter 2012 courses debuted to ‘offer the best educational opportunities’ By Rachel Melke GVL Staff Writer GVL Archive

You’re getting sleepy: Hypnotist Tom Deluca walks hypnotized GVSU students through an activity during his performance last year, organized by Spotlight Productions. Deluca will return to GVSU Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Tom Deluca returns to hypnotize GV By Chris Lafoy

G

GVL Staff Writer

rand Valley State University students will have a chance to watch and laugh at their friends while under control of hypnotist Tom DeLuca. The doors of the Fieldhouse Arena will open at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to host a performer that has not only toured internationally, but has been to GVSU for 29 years in a row. The free show is organized by Spotlight Productions, the studentrun programming board at GVSU. “We bring events that fall into the categories of comedy, music and traditional events such as Tom DeLuca,” said Carly Rouke, Spotlight president. DeLuca’s show involves most of the typical mayhem of a group hypnotist, but his departure from the mundane show is what has kept him in demand for decades. Deep relaxation is used on a small group of volunteers picked out of the audience. The tone of DeLuca’s voice is his tool, not the stereotypical pocket watch or other prop. Once students are under his control, he gets them to do

things most would never do on stage in front of 500 people. DeLuca stresses his show is not raunchy. He aims for a PG performance, although he laughingly mentioned he sometimes has little control of the participant’s language. “Who doesn’t want to see their fiends get hypnotized on stage?” asked Natalie Wozniak, music committee chair for Spotlight. “Bringing Tom DeLuca to Grand Valley has become a tradition. Every year we have a large turnout.” DeLuca performs for audiences around the world in different capacities. One major part of his yearly touring schedule is corporate events, though he says the routine is much different for these shows. “When your boss is in the audience there is more risk for you to come on stage,” DeLuca said. “I change the routine for colleges to allow more creativity.” DeLuca said he has enjoyed his long relationship and hopes to continue into a third decade of performing for GVSU students. “Tom DeLuca is a good fit for GVSU because it’s a completely different type

of show,” Rouke said. “It’s fun, entertaining and gives students the opportunity to get involved.” DeLuca will pick students out of the audience to come on stage and be hypnotized. He said this process is very important to having a fun, believable show. “I don’t pick people who are easy to hypnotize,” DeLuca said. “I don’t even know what that means.” DeLuca said many people show up convinced that nothing he does is real, a criticism prevalent in the trade. “There’s nothing you can do about them,” DeLuca said. “Once they see the show, most believe. Every night I get people coming up to me telling me I changed their minds.” From big-name comedians to high-profile concerts, Spotlight is always looking to entertain their fellow students. “Students should know that we want to hear from them,” Wozniak said. “The more they communicate to us what kind of free events they want to see on campus, the better we can provide for them.” clafoy@lanthorn.com

As Grand Valley State University gains “up-andcoming” institution recognition from U.S. News & World Report, it must keep up with its continued increases in enrollment with the continual addition of new courses. “We add new courses to the curriculum to be sure our programs are up to date and offer the best educational opportunities for students,” said Maria Cimitile, GVSU academic program and curriculum development officer. All new classes, as well as deletions and changes, must be approved through the GVSU Provost’s Office. One of the new classes for the Winter 2012 semester, “Arab Americans,” will be part of the Middle East Studies program. In this class, taught by professor Gamal Gasim, students will be introduced to historical experiences of Arab Americans and exposed to social and political issues related to the community. “This is of a high importance for a state like Michigan, which is the home for one of the largest Arab American communities in the country,” Gasim said. “Since many of GVSU graduates are going to be working in this state, this course will help these students to understand the culture of this

Courtesy Photos / Latin American studies department

New directions: GVSU will offer new courses for the Winter 2012 semester, including “The Yucatec Maya of Today” (flyer images pictured), which will include an optional Spring Break trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

significant minority group.” Issues discussed will include ethnic makeup, gender, political behavior, economic development, media coverage and civil rights. Gasim said this course will strengthen and improve the curriculum of the Middle East Studies program by increasing the number of courses focusing on diversity. Currently, there is no course in the MES program that focuses on the Arab diaspora in North America. In the Area Studies department, the Latin American Studies minor will introduce “The Yucatec Maya of Today: Vestiges of the Past and Vitality in the Present,” taught by

professor Michael Vrooman. This course includes an optional excursion to the Yucatan Peninsula during Spring Break after students have begun learning about its culturally relevant sites and activities. New classes will begin in the Writing Department as well. WRT 380 presents different sections with different classes. These include “Reading for Technique,” “Advanced Magazine Writing,” “Responding to Writers,” “Visual Rhetoric and Document,” “Environmental Writing” and “Advanced Writing for the Web.” rmelke@lanthorn.com

GVL Photo Illustration / Eric Coulter

Weighed down: A GVSU student prepares for exams in the Kirkhof Center. While the final weeks of the semester can be incredibly stressful for students, there are ways to manage stress efficiently.

How to fight end-of-semester stress Plenty of sleep, frequent small meals key to keep stress manageable By Haley Otman GVL Laker Life Editor

Just two weeks stand between Grand Valley State University students and the holiday break. Only one week of classes and one week of finals and then students are free to relax, let Mom make them a real dinner and drink hot chocolate to their heart’s content. However, these two weeks are anything but easy, so it can be hard to go into them with an optimistic point of view. “I feel like I can’t take a single second to breathe,” said Abby Oates, a GVSU junior. “To get to the point where I feel prepared in one class makes me feel behind in another because I neglected it for a day.” Yoga and Pilates are two ways to encourage a full mind-body experience to lower stress, said Kathryn Norman, a Pilates instructor at GVSU, but the important thing is to get moving in any way possible. “Any style of exercise has the ability to boost the feel-good endorphins and is a useful tool in managing daily stress,” Norman said.

Another way to help reduce stress is to eat healthfully, said Fawzi Abbas, a biomedical sciences and chemistry professor at GVSU who teaches a course on nutrition. “Never skip breakfast,” Abbas said. “Eat small frequent meals to keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady.” Abbas said to limit caffeine intake during finals week, and to keep healthy snacks on hand such as nuts, raisins, cheese sticks, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, low-fat milk, etc. Sleep is often the first to go when college students start studying for exams, but a full night’s sleep can be a weapon against stress. According to About.com, “Getting more sleep can help your mind refocus, recharge, and rebalance.” Sleep loss is also linked to depression, according to research at the University of Michigan, and it can decrease academic performance. In addition to making sure you relax and log enough sleep hours, you should also not stop having fun or taking care of yourself. lakerlife@lanthorn.com

Symptoms of stress: - Frequently recurring tired sensation - Accelerated heartbeat - Having difficulty concentrating - Experiencing panic or anxiety attacks - Having difficulty expressing onself - Diarrhea and stomach cramps - Suffering from headaches Information from www.noanxiety.com

Easy ways to fight stress: - Meditate for 5-10 minutes a day. - Breathe deeply to force your body to relax. - Ditch the coffee for green tea. - Take in 30 minutes of classical music. Information from www.WebMD.com