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FACULTY
UAS approves changes to scholarship definitions BY DEVIN DELY DDELY@LANTHORN.COM
a few of whom joined in. However, the event attracted more than just GVSU students. Mariah Wheaton and Sarah Hughes have never attended GVSU but were nonetheless intrigued by the idea of the march. Hughes, who graduated from Ferris State University, said she and a friend saw an advertisement for the event at a coffee shop in downtown Grand Rapids and decided to come check it out. “We were just really interested by the cause,” Hughes said. “Obviously, these things affect us, but these kinds of causes also affect everyone else around us, so it should matter to everyone. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be interested in it.” The original Slut Walk took
Grand Valley State University’s University Academic Senate (UAS) met Friday, April 6, to discuss a motion by the Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS) regarding scholarship and how it is defined across GVSU colleges. The ECS had been debating this for some time and recently passed the proposal within its own committee. On Friday, at a meeting in the John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering, the UAS voted in favor of the motion. “Over the years, we’ve been trying to align the colleges,” said Felix Ngassa, chemistry professor and chair of the UAS. “In the past, each college had their own guidelines (regarding scholarship). Two or three years ago, we created the University Personnel Review Committee (UPRC), which is kind of like a provost committee. So, there is someone there from every college who can make sure that college is aligned with the university policy for personnel, and one of those things is defining scholarship.” Ngassa said the proposal was “a list of guidelines” for defining scholarship. “As a professor of chemistry, if I’m going to be evaluated on my output and everything that I’ve done, that should not be completely different from someone in philosophy,” he said. “Although in chemistry we have some specific discipline things which will require that our scholarship is (slightly) different, we have an umbrella definition across the university. At least, that’s what this proposal is: It’s a list of guidelines.” The proposal would affect nearly all GVSU colleges, with the likely exception of the Seidman College of Business due to its alreadystrict definitions of scholarship. It involves personnel standards and clear definitions of scholarly activity that can be applied to all colleges. “Every other college will be affected, but the biggest is going to be CLAS, the reason being because they have many departments,” Ngassa said. “Given the fact that they have sciences within CLAS, those departments place an emphasis on scholarship in involvement and participation of undergraduate students. Faculty know that and we like that, and
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CHANGE: GVSU students participate in a ‘Slut Walk’ on campus on Saturday, April 7. The event was part of It’s on Us as Lakers’ commemoration of Sexual Assault Awareness Week at GVSU. The organization held events during the week to raise awareness of issues relating to sexual assault. GVL | DEVIN DELY
GV students march to end victim blaming, rape culture BY DEVIN DELY DDELY@LANTHORN.COM
D
espite the chilly weather, Grand Valley State University students gathered on the Allendale Campus Saturday, April 7, and marched together for the Slut Walk, an event put on by GVSU’s It’s on Us as Lakers, a division of the national It’s on Us campaign to end sexual assault. Event organizers Maddie Vervaeke and Michelle Roldan expressed their thoughts on the event’s significance and their hopes to make a difference on campus. “Basically, this is called an empowerment march,” Roldan said. “It kind of resembles a women’s march, but we’re calling it an empowerment march because this is not just a women’s issue. It happens to every-
one, and I think that there’s such a stigma behind what you were wearing and (people claiming) that’s why you got sexually assaulted or raped. “We actually had an exhibit called ‘What Were You Wearing?’ and we collected Western Michigan data from a lot of universities and got anonymous data of what people were wearing when they were assaulted. When you look at the data, it’s jeans and a sweatshirt.” Vervaeke and Roldan have been involved with It’s on Us as Lakers since it began, less than one full year ago. According to Vervaeke, this event is the first of its kind at GVSU and marks a big step in challenging rape culture on college campuses. “It’s important because a lot of us were not educated about sexual assault in general, or consent,” she said. “I know
talking to a lot of my friends and my boyfriend as well, a lot of people were absolutely shocked going through the exhibit because they don’t understand. What you were wearing shouldn’t even be a question that’s asked of anyone. “This is really about letting those people know that we need to stop asking that question. To me, this is about having everyone’s voices be heard and educating our fellow Lakers and trying to change the climate on campus.” Students gathered in the Kirkhof Center to make signs, and some participants shared powerful poetry and personal accounts before the march began. As participants marched from the Cook Carillon Tower to North Campus and back again, they caught the attention of other passing students,
ACADEMICS
Student Scholars Day returning to campus BY JAMES KILBORN JKILBORN@LANTHORN.COM
On Wednesday, April 11, Grand Valley State University will once again host Student Scholars Day, an event that allows students and faculty to showcase exhibits, research and other projects they’ve worked on throughout the year. Bringing people of all backgrounds and disciplines together, the event will allow students and faculty to network and will give others insight into what GVSU students are accomplishing. Richard Vallery, professor of physics and member of the SSD committee, sees the event as an opportunity for students and faculty to come together over similar interests and showcase projects they’ve devoted extensive time to. “It’s good for students to go,” Vallery said. “It’s a celebration of what’s going on at the university, so it’s a good opportunity for them to celebrate the successes of their classmates. Faculty and students love to talk about what they’re doing, and they often don’t get the opportunity to.” Vallery also sees the event as way to encourage other students, giving
them insight into their classmates’ projects and inspiring them to pursue projects of their own. “I think if you’re a younger student, a freshman, sophomore or even a junior, it’s a good opportunity to see what’s going on and see if there’s something they could be doing,” Vallery said. “We would very much encourage them, and it’s a big part of the Office of Undergraduate Research to get students involved in doing research. It’s not just for going to graduate school—it’s useful for whatever career you go into.” Melissa Morison, professor within the Department of Classics and member of the SSD committee, said the event’s large number of students and faculty from different departments will make the day an intriguing event for people of all interests and backgrounds. “About 575 Grand Valley students are presenting their work this year, and more than 170 faculty members have mentored their work along the way; it’s so exciting,” Morison said via email. “There will be many different kinds of presentations, including posters, SEE SCHOLARS | A2
SHOW YOUR SMARTS: A student displays research during Student Scholars Day on April 12, 2017. This year, Student Scholars Day will take place Wednesday, April 11, giving students the opportunity to display their research projects. GVL | EMILY FRYE
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
A2 | NEWS
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NEWS BRIEFS
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UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC SENATE PASSES FALL BREAK PROPOSAL
Grand Valley State University’s University Academic Senate voted to approve student senate’s fall break proposal on Friday, April 6. It’s unclear what year fall break would be implemented in the university’s academic calendar.
place in Toronto, Canada, and was created in response to comments made by Toronto police officer Michael Sanguinetti. Speaking to a group of students at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, San-
guinetti made the comment that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” The outrage sparked by his comments inspired a protest, and organizers dubbed their march the “Slut Walk” in response to Sanguinetti’s words, encouraging women to come to the event dressed
however they pleased. Emboldened by the protest in Toronto, organizers put together other walks in cities and campuses across the U.S., furthered by activists like model Amber Rose. Vervaeke and Roldan said they were satisfied with this year’s turnout considering the freezing
weather, and that they expect this event to continue to grow in popularity at GVSU in the years to come. Wheaton said she hopes GVSU continues events like this until victim blaming is no longer a problem. “Until it’s not an issue, we need to stand up against it,” she said.
GRADUATE SHOWCASE TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK
Grand Valley State University will host its eighth annual Graduate Showcase on Tuesday, April 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the DeVos Center Loosemore Auditorium, located on GVSU’s Pew Campus. The event, described as a “showcase for the future,” will feature more than 30 graduate students’ research displays. Following the event, GVSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Maria Cimitile, Vice Provost for Research Administration Robert Smart, Dean of The Graduate School Jeff Potteiger and biology professor Mark Luttenton will give remarks.
PRESIDENTIAL LISTENING SESSIONS THIS WEEK
In order to find a replacement for current Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas, the university will host four listening sessions for GVSU community members to voice their desired qualities. The sessions will begin Thursday, April 12, with a session for students, faculty and staff taking place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a session for alumni and the general public going from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the Seidman Center Forum (1008 SCB), located on the Pew Campus. On Friday, April 13, listening sessions will take place on GVSU’s Allendale Campus, beginning with a session from noon to 1:30 p.m. for students, faculty and staff, followed by a session from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for faculty and staff. Both sessions will take place in the Kirkhof Center Grand River Room (KC 2250).
MAKING A SYMBOL: GVSU students create signs before participating in a ‘Slut Walk’ on campus on Saturday, April 7. The event, which aimed to draw awareness to victim blaming and rape culture, was inspired by similar movements across the country. GVL | EMILY FRYE
HAUENSTEIN CENTER HOLDING BIPARTISAN SUMMIT The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University will sponsor the Progressive/Conservative Summit on Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14. The goal of the summit is to provide dialogue for each side of the political aisle. On Friday, the event will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 8:15 p.m., with Saturday’s session going from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Both sessions will take place in the DeVos Center Loosemore Auditorium. The event is open to the public. RSVPs can be made at www.gvsu.edu/hc.
SIGAL LECTURE TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK
On Tuesday, April 10, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Grand Valley State University Campus Interfaith Resources will host the Sigal Lecture. The lecture will begin at the L.V. Eberhard Center at 7 p.m. Rev. Susan Henry Crowe, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, will be giving the lecture. She will discuss the faith-based imperative of social justice. The event is both LIB 100- and 201-approved. Those interested in attending can RSVP at https://bit. ly/2JvUGQL. VO L . 52
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Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief EMILY DORAN Associate Editor JENNA FRACASSI
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CORRECTION In our article “Professor Lectures on LGBT Issues in Justice System,” published online and in print Thursday, April 5, we incorrectly referred to transgender people as “transgenders.” The word “transgender” is an adjective, and we incorrectly used it as a noun. We apologize for the error, which has been corrected in the online version of the story.
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. 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 GVSU community. For additional copies, at $1 each, please contact our business offices.
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ATTENTION: A representative from It’s on Us as Lakers speaks at the ‘Slut Walk’ on Saturday, April 7, in Allendale. GVL | DEVIN DELY
VOICE: A sign highlighting the importance of consent in the Kirkhof Center during the ‘Slut Walk’ on Saturday, April 7. GVL | DEVIN DELY
UAS
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it gives room for them to make changes as they see fit.” According to Jonathan Hodge, a mathematics professor and UAS member who was present at both meetings, the proposal had to go through some amendments before being passed on Friday. Hodge said some faculty are worried about the wide-reaching nature of the change and fear that there will be unintended consequences. “The way things are structured, it defines different categories of scholarship and scholarly activities,” he said. “It provides a framework to distinguish between, say, giving a presentation at a conference and publishing a paper. I didn’t hear a lot of disagreement about the categories being reasonable (at the meeting). There is more concern about how different activities get placed in those categories. “For instance, where does mentoring undergraduate research fall into that hierarchy? That’s where some of the unresolved issues lie.” Hodge said there were also some concerns raised about whether faculty had been given enough of an opportunity
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short talks, art exhibits and more throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Really, there is something interesting for everyone.” Although attending the event and viewing presentations is encouraged, both Morison and Vallery hope students take advantage of the SSD schedule builder tool, located on the SSD website, which allows users to navigate the event and find presentations that fit particular interests. “We encourage people to walk around and see what grabs you, but the schedule builder will also list the times the students will be at their posters or
DISCOURSE: The University Academic Senate convenes Jan. 29, 2016. On Friday, April 6, the UAS approved a proposal to make changes to GVSU’s definition of scholarship. GVL | KEVIN SIELAFF
to weigh in on the proposed changes. An amendment made at Friday’s meeting, which would have charged ECS with creating a plan over the summer to distribute the memo detailing the proposed changes and getting feedback from faculty, was ultimately voted down by a large margin. Despite some reservations among faculty members, Hodge said there was a “strong vote in favor of
the proposal” at the UAS meeting on Friday. Ngassa described the decision as a good move toward unifying GVSU’s colleges. “The fear has been that we don’t want to have two Grand Valleys,” he said. “We don’t want to have a Grand Valley where colleges are in two different places in terms of scholarship. We want to be the same. So this is a step in the right
direction to make sure that there’s consistency across all the colleges.” The next step before the proposal is implemented is for UAS to make a recommendation to the provost, who will sign it. After that, the Board of Trustees will have the final say on the new changes. If they vote in favor of the proposal, changes will begin in the fall.
giving their talks, so they can make sure they overlap with it,” Vallery said. A new panel discussion will be offered during the evening as well. “In the evening, there’s a particularly good opportunity: There will be a panel about communicating your research broadly,” Vallery said. “We used to have an invited speaker and have a talk, but the committee last year decided a panel might be interesting because it would give students the ability to interact more directly. “There’ll be a panel of five GVSU faculty members from all areas of the university from all disciplines, so it’s a wide range of people.” The panel, “Research That Relates,” will begin at 5 p.m. “We all want to make
a difference, to make the world a better place, but telling your story effectively is the only way your work can really have an impact,” Morison said. “In this session, faculty with significant expertise in this area will discuss how they share their research and scholarship with the community and how their work informs business, public policy, local history and government.” Both Morison and Vallery see SSD as a great networking opportunity and encourage students to attend for multiple reasons. “Talk with fellow students about the work they’ve been doing,” Morison said. “You’ll probably see more than one project that interests you, and you can learn
how to connect with a faculty member you might want to work with on a project.” Vallery said attending the event gives insight into a diverse number of projects and illustrates the unique backgrounds of GVSU students. “These projects come from all aspects,” he said. “Some come from independent research, some are part of class projects and, regardless of where they’ve come from, I’m genuinely impressed as to the quality of what I see.” Students are encouraged to attend SSD, which will span from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held over three locations: the Henry Hall Atrium, Kirkhof Center and the Mary Idema Pew Library on GVSU’s Allendale Campus.
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVNEWS
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INTERNATIONAL
Pineapple Awards return for 14th year BY TYLEE BUSH TBUSH@LANTHORN.COM
RECOGNITION: GVSU professor Shinian Wu poses with his Pineapple Award. Pineapple Awards are for international students to recognize those who impacted their time at GVSU. COURTESY | SHINIAN WU
On Friday, April 13, the Padnos International Center (PIC) will announce this year’s winners of the Pineapple Awards. Every year, international students at Grand Valley State University nominate professors, faculty and staff who have played an integral role in their experience at GVSU and have made them feel welcomed. At the end of the year, a ceremony is held for international students to commemorate their time at GVSU, and at this ceremony the winners of the Pineapple Awards are recognized. Kate Stoetzner, director of international student and scholar services at the PIC, is part of the committee that
organizes the ceremony and selects the recipients of the awards. Stoetzner said international students from across campus submit their nominations, along with an explanation of how that faculty member or professor impacted them, and then a committee of PIC staff reviews these nominees and selects the strongest candidate. “There are so many people on campus and in the community that go above and beyond what’s expected of them,” Stoetzner said. “Our goal is to determine who has really been incredibly impactful.” Stoetzner said sometimes this is just one person who has made a big difference in one student’s life, while other times it is one person who has made a smaller impact on multiple students’ lives.
“We’re really just looking at what that impact has been,” she said. Stoetzner said there is a deep significance behind the pineapple. Throughout history, pineapples have represented hospitality. In the colonial U.S., middleclass women would rent pineapples and display them at events as elaborate decor. If at one of these events they actually served the pineapple and guests could eat the fruit, that was a sign of immense wealth and luxury. “You knew you were upper class; you had arrived if a pineapple was served, and you could actually (eat),” she said. “That’s why we use a pineapple.” LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
REMEMBRANCE
Dartmouth professor lectures on MLK’s continuing legacy BY ANNIE GIFFELS AGIFFELS@LANTHORN.COM
On the 50th anniversary of the day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Grand Valley State University brought in Derrick White, a lecturer and scholar from Dartmouth College, to discuss the future of King’s legacy. This event, titled “MLK #WhereDoWeGoFromHere?” was hosted by GVSU’s Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Held in the Kirkhof Center on Wednesday, April 4, the event was open to
the GVSU community. Throughout his presentation, White spoke about two different versions of King that still persist today: the “commemorative King” and the “analytical King.” To White, the “commemorative King” is the version that Americans, no matter their political preferences, love to use to further their policies and beliefs. “There are three things that we focus on,” White said. “He was a Christian social gospel, he believed in nonviolent direct action and integration.” White explained that
these aspects of King’s legacy are not wrong, but rather incomplete. According to White, King’s popularity is supported by white people of all political sides, and it is because they are only focused on the “commemorative King.” He went on to cite multiple examples of U.S. politicians who have used this version of King’s legacy to their advantage, when in reality, had it been 50 years earlier, White believes, they would have opposed King wholeheartedly. To White, King’s iconic “Dream” speech is another
aspect of his legacy that has been deradicalized and made into political propaganda. “This was a very radical speech that we have transformed completely,” White said. After explaining the problems of this “commemorative King,” White went on to describe a version of King that many people fail to acknowledge: the “analytical King.” This King is the version that, after his initial failures, found himself depressed and questioning where the movement was supposed to go next. White also said
this version of King “was not popular with whites.” `“King then presented a forward action plan aimed at structural changes in society,” White explained. Throughout the entirety of the lecture, White brought up one question multiple times: How did King’s legacy get so popular as to become nearly meaningless? To White, it is essential that King’s legacy is viewed how King himself would have wanted it, both radical and powerful. Though many Americans enjoy using King’s legacy
to their advantage, White argued that this must end. Toward the end of the lecture, White touched on King’s funeral, expressing that he struggled with the fact that although many white Americans spoke of their support for King, they failed to show up to his funeral. He showed the audience a photo to further prove his point. Ultimately, White left the audience with an urge to exemplify his second example of King, saying, “Our nation needs the King of hard analysis and bold action.”
GOVERNANCE
Student senate transitions to 2018-19 membership BY RACHEL MATUSZEWSKI RMATUSZEWSKI@LANTHORN.COM
The last meeting for the current Grand Valley State University student senate was held Thursday, April 5, in the Kirkhof Center Pere Marquette Room. The senate’s last briefs included the advancement of a fall-break recommendation to the University Academic Senate; the announcement of $2,000 saved at the end of the year; an update on the University Counseling Center’s work
on safe alcohol consumption; and the continuation of working with professors to find cheaper textbook options. The current senators ended their time together discussing new business, which involved giving their fellow cabinet members words of wisdom and expressing their gratitude for their year on senate. Students expressed how their committees had become like family and were the best part of their college experience, and their over-
all gratitude for the positive community senate had provided them. As the 2017-18 student senators reminisced about the year and captured moments with their cabinets through photos, the newly elected senators arrived right on time, eager to fill their seats. This year’s student senate elections tallied a record 3,200 votes to put these students into office. The students remain senators-elect until the university president can swear them in officially. At this meeting, student senate president Jonathan Bowman was tasked with walking the new senatorselect through a routine senate meeting. The incoming senators learned the ins and outs of general assemblies, from the order of events to how to ask questions in the correct manner.
WHERE
FRESH & FAST MEET ®
LOG ON TO: FRESH FACES: Student senate holds a meeting to educate newly elected senators on Thursday, April 5. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT
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A4 | OPINION EDITORIAL
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON
By Sean Pollock
GV fights to end victim blaming
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n observation of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Grand Valley State University’s It’s on Us as Lakers held a “Slut Walk” Saturday, April 7, in an effort to protest rape culture and support sexual assault survivors. The event encouraged attendees to wear whatever they wanted and to bring signs saying whatever they wanted. The “SlutWalk” movement was initiated in 2011 after a police officer from Toronto visited Osgoode Hall Law School to advise students on personal safety. According to The Guardian, this officer, Michael Sanguinetti, told students, “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this—however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” “SlutWalking” has since become a popular form of protest practiced around the world. Women join together to walk in protest, wearing outfits that range from jeans and a T-shirt to bras and underwear. The idea that a woman’s choice of clothing could encourage sexual assault against them is not only severely misguided, but it actually promotes rape culture. It places the blame on the victim and essentially excuses the actions of the perpetrator. This type of visual demonstration brought forth in “SlutWalking” confronts stereotypes of slut-shaming and victim blaming, challenges people’s perceptions and opens up a powerful conversation. Considering the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses specifically, the message behind the movement is an important one to bring to GVSU. This isn’t the first effort to end victim blaming that has occurred on GVSU’s campus, either. Just last month, It’s on Us as Lakers implemented a “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit in the Mary Idema
Pew Library Exhibition Space. This display was made up of outfits representing what women were wearing at the time of their assaults, conveying that what a woman is wearing doesn’t matter when it comes to sexual assault. Another event held in participation of Sexual Assault Awareness Week took place Thursday, April 5. GVSU’s Campus for Consent held a round-table discussion tackling the topic of rape culture. The event looked at how rape culture is normalized by society, the attitudes and stereotypes that perpetuate the cycle of sexual assault, and how we can join together as a community to stop rape culture. GVSU’s administration has also taken a strong stance against sexual assault. In February, President Thomas Haas sent out an email to the entire campus community regarding a review of the university’s sexual misconduct policy and practice. In the email, Haas referenced GVSU’s ongoing commitment to preventing sexual violence. In the same email, Haas also announced GVSU’s decision to move forward with a search for a new full-time victim advocate. He ended the email by saying, “Your safety is my top priority. My Cabinet and I will continue to be directly engaged in creating an even safer Grand Valley, and will update you regularly.” GVSU administration, departments and student organizations should be commended for their continued efforts to crush victim blaming, snuff out rape culture in our communities and provide support for victims. By definition, rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the victims. It’s time to end that toxic association forever, and that starts with us right here at GVSU.
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Student senate wise to vote against smoking-ban proposal
BY SHAE SLAUGHTER SENIOR ENGLISH MAJOR EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM
Growing up, I was always told that smoking is bad, so when I first read the headline “Student senate votes against proposal to ban smoking on campus,” I was genuinely surprised. At first, I couldn’t think of a single reason to continue to allow smoking, but then I thought a little longer and I appreciated student senate’s choice. Of course, smoking is bad for you and there’s really no more denying that. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death, with more than 480,000 Americans dying from its use every single year. What’s perhaps worse is that smoking also kills the people who aren’t participating in the action. In fact, about 41,000 of the deaths caused by smoking are a result of secondhand smoke. Given these statistics, it seems crazy that student senate would vote down this proposal, but there is more to this story than meets the eye. The proposal was also looking to cut out e-cigarettes and vapes, which many smokers use as a healthier alternative to smoking. These substitutes are still harmful, but they’re a step in the right direction, and banning them could have negative side effects, too. Right now, smoking is not allowed inside buildings or within 25 feet of their entrances, nor is it allowed at bus stops or around Little
Mac Bridge. These restrictions are already pretty limiting, but the proposal looked to cut down on those areas by limiting smokers to their own cars or a designated area near Au Sable Hall. This is an effective way to make our campus smoke-free, but it is also a great way to make the students and faculty who smoke feel like outcasts. For every positive of this proposal there is a negative, just like there is with many of the agendas pushed through government, student or otherwise. For that reason, I commend the student senate for its decision to vote down the smoke-free campus proposal in favor of first doing some campus research, including assembling an outside focus group. Initially, I was sure that many students would like to see a smokefree campus, but there’s also a good chance that I’m biased in my opinion because I am not a smoker. In the case of this proposal, the student
body’s opinion is crucial. While most of us want a healthy campus, I doubt we want to ostracize the students or faculty who do smoke. Tobacco is addictive, and forcing students and faculty to smoke in their cars or in the one designated smoking area that this proposal allows would likely result in them feeling unwelcome. By further restricting their ability to substitute actual cigarettes with vapes/e-cigarettes, we would really be twisting their arm. Smoking might be unhealthy, but as a campus, we need to be understanding and thoughtful with our approach to eliminating it. I fully support the part of the proposal that looks to increase support programs for students who want to quit smoking, but I agree with the student senate’s decision to research further. Ultimately, the senators made the right choice by not rushing the proposal through when there are so many questions still looming.
Clear backpacks not the solution to gun violence
BY AMY MCNEEL SOPHOMORE COM. & WRITING MAJOR EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM
Following the massacre that left 17 people dead, new safety measures have gone into effect at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD). These safety measures include identification badges, barricades, bag checks and, most controversially, a requirement for students to carry clear backpacks. Since these measures have gone into effect, many Douglas students have shared their frustrations, and their message is plain and simple: Clear backpacks are not a solution to gun violence in schools.
As many MSD students have voiced, the idea behind required clear backpacks is all wrong; transparent bags are just a sad Band-Aid solution for a very real problem. In the specific case of Douglas High School, the shooter was not a current student, and the AR-15 wouldn’t have fit in a backpack anyway. Ultimately, if clear backpacks had been required during the time of the shooting, the outcome would not have been any different. These bags have been distributed to create a false since of safety, which Douglas students, quite literally, see right through. These students want to feel safe. They do not want to feel suppressed or monitored. The school should have offered therapists, not clear backpacks, and the government should tighten gun laws, not provide pathetic, useless “solutions.” By requiring clear backpacks, they are seemingly blaming the students. In response to these safety measures, many MSD community members have taken to social media. On Monday, April 2, Carly Novell,
a student at MSD, tweeted, “These backpacks don’t protect us. We aren’t any safer than we were before. Now, it’s just more complicated.” On the same day, a mother of an MSD student posted a picture of her son wearing his clear backpack with the caption, “If we’re not going to do anything about our lax gun laws, then my son needs a bullet proof backpack, not a clear one.” While the intentions for clear backpacks may have been good, this so-called solution is severely underwhelming and provides practically no benefits. However, if MSD students have shown anything in the last couple of months, it is that they are resilient, innovative and empowered. Instead of silently conforming to the new safety measures, Douglas students are using the backpacks to protest. On Monday, April 2, MSD student Jaclyn Corin tweeted, “Thousands of clear backpacks were donated to MSD…it’s a shame b/c they should’ve been given to a school that actually needs the supplies. But since we’re stuck with them, I decided
to make the most out of the situation & decorate!!” This caption came with a picture of her backpack decorated with a “March for Our Lives” sticker and a plethora of buttons. This was only the start. Since then, many students have decorated their backpacks and have been posting pictures of them on social media. “March for Our Lives” leader Cameron Kasky filled his backpack with tampons to denote the backpacks’ violation of privacy, and many other students have filled theirs with strongly worded messages, such as “This backpack is probably worth more than my life.” After all of the protests and pleas for change, the only change MSD students received was clear bags. A clear backpack cannot shield someone from a bullet, and it cannot save lives. We need to stop creating Band-Aid solutions and start fixing the real problem at hand. MSD students, as well as all other students, deserve to feel safe at school. They deserve more than transparent backpacks.
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22nd Annual Student Scholars Day SSD is held annually to celebrate the scholarship and creative work performed by GVSU students. Presentations and events begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. in Henry Hall Atrium, Kirkhof Center, and Mary Idema Pew Library.
April 11, 2018 Schedule of Events Poster Presentations
Kirkhof Center & Henry Hall Atrium 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Oral Presentations Kirkhof Center 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Panel Presentations Kirkhof Center 2263 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition of Art (April 4-16)
Mary Idema Pew Library & KC Lobby 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Artist Reception 4:00 p.m. - April 11, 030 LIB
Film & Live Performance
Mary Idema Pew Library Main Video Display 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Research That Relates: Talking About Your Research and Why it Matters Kirkhof Center 2204 PM • 5:00 p.m. Discovery, innovation, and creation are ways in which Lakers can change the world, but only when shared with others! Telling your research story effectively (communicating your inspiration, your process, and the significance of your results) is the only way your work can really have an impact. In this session, faculty panelists will discuss how they communicate their research and scholarship with the community at large, and how their work informs business, public policy, local history, and government. Panelists: Janet Brashler, Anthropology Merritt DeLano-Taylor, Biomedical Sciences Rick Rediske, Annis Water Resources Institute Michael Scantlebury, Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt Star Swift, Seidman College of Business-Management Moderator: Mark Luttenton, Biology
For more information go to gvsu.edu/ours/ssd
A6 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLARTS
EXHIBIT
ARTS AT A GLANCE OPEN AUDITIONS FOR SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2018 Plans for the 2018 season of the Grand Valley State University Shakespeare Festival are already underway. This year’s performances will be “King Lear” and “Bard to Go.” There are casting opportunities for all students regardless of major or minor. Backstage duties are also available. Open auditions will be held Monday, April 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 1721 of the Haas Center for Performing Arts. To attend an audition, please sign up at the Louis Armstrong Theatre box office, call 616-331-2300 or email Jack Lane at lanejack@gvsu.edu.
SENIOR DANCE CONCERT ‘LINK’
Grand Valley State University dance seniors Jenny Barreca, Emily David, Liam Shaffer and Bailey Swogger will be presenting their senior dance show “Link” on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 14, at 2 p.m. “Link” is an eclectic dance performance that will explore the dark sides of the human mind and the intricacies of human beings, and will include eight of the students’ original choreographed works. The dance concert will take place in the Dance Studio Theatre, Room 1600, in the Haas Center for Performing Arts.
CHORAL ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS OPEN FOR FALL SEMESTER Grand Valley State University music professor and conductor Ellen Pool is holding auditions for the choral ensemble for the fall semester. She encourages students who have a background in music and enjoy participating in a structured ensemble to consider joining. The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at GVSU offers five different choral ensembles for students to choose from, with the more advanced ensembles requiring an audition. Interested individuals should contact Pool at 616-3312572 or poole@gvsu.edu for more information. She will be holding auditions from now until Sunday, April 15.
‘FISHLADDER’ UNVEILING SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 13
On Friday, April 13, there will be an unveiling of this year’s edition of Grand Valley State University’s creative publication “Fishladder,” which includes the creative pieces of GVSU students, ranging from creative writing to studio art. The unveiling will take place in Room 164 of Lake Ontario Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature readings of contributors, refreshments and the opportunity for GVSU community members to claim their copy of this year’s edition.
FACULTY-ARTIST RECITAL TO BE HELD MONDAY, APRIL 9
On Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m., faculty members Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello player, and Gregory Crowell, harpsichord, will be performing the second half of the complete Vivaldi sonatas. Mahave-Veglia and Crowell are music professors at Grand Valley State University. Crowell has played music, lectured and conducted in multiple European countries, as well as Japan, Canada and the U.S. Guest artists Joel Spears and Jerry Fuller will also be playing in the concert. The recital, which will take place in the Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall in the Haas Center for Performing Arts, is free and open to the public.
GV senior students to display final graphic design projects this week BY ANNE MARIE SMIT ARTS@LANTHORN.COM
It’s that time of the semester when seniors from a variety of majors will be sharing the senior projects they have worked on diligently throughout the past months. Tyler Staley and Skyelar Fountain are two of several Grand Valley State University graphic design students who will be displaying their senior projects this week in the show “x-height.” From Monday, April 9, to Friday, April 13, “x-height” will be showcased in the gallery of the Haas Center for Performing Arts, with a reception on Thursday, April 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Staley began his academic career at GVSU studying film and video, but he found that the work was more grouporiented, which didn’t motivate him or fulfill his creative outlet enough. He later found his true passion in graphic design, where the work is more individually driven. His project is a culmination of what he’s learned in his film classes, as well as his graphic design classes, he said. “A lot of (film) was grouporiented work, but with graphic design it’s all on my shoulders. It’s all my work, my vision. It’s all on me,” Staley said. “I find the work to be more fulfilling. I find it to still be an ample creative outlet for myself, and I find it to help others express others as well,
CREATIVITY: A photography senior show on display Nov. 28, 2017. From April 9 to 13, graphic design students’ show ‘x-height’ will be shown in the Haas Center for Performing Arts. GVL | HANNAH ZAJAC
which is another fulfilling aspect of it that I enjoy.” For his project, he designed merchandise that accompanies a trailer for a film, which he described as a “detective murder mystery film” that is also a “spoof ” film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In the show, the trailer will be playing on repeat next to the items he designed. “The film itself is based off of a practical joke film trailer that some friends of mine had made, and I just took that and ran with it and made it a semi-professional movie trailer and designed elements like the DVD, DVD case, movie poster, T-shirts surrounding that,” Staley said. “Essentially, I came up with a whole merchandise campaign for this would-be movie.” Fountain also designed merchandise for “x-height,” but her designs are for a fake coffee company she created
for the project. After taking a trip to Jamaica and seeing coffee plantations, she realized that many countries that produce high-quality coffee are also “burdened with poverty,” so she created a pseudocompany that donates some of its proceeds to orphans. “The coffee company is called ‘Positive Bean,’ and it’s a fictional online coffee company that donates 10 percent of every purchase to helping countries in poverty,” Fountain said. For the show, Fountain designed what someone would normally encounter for a business, such as the logo, the company’s mission statement and its website. Her project on display contains coffee bags she designed for several different countries, as well as some merchandise that a customer could buy from the company’s website, such as mugs, stickers and postcards. “I basically made a company
where each of the coffee is exclusive to the certain countries, so there’s examples of a roast from Mexico, a roast from Ethiopia and Guatemala, and all the packaging is inspired by the country itself—the color, the pattern,” she said. “The person that goes online, they can either order just coffee, or coffee and a mug, and the mug is designed also in correspondence with the coffee bag.” Fountain said she enjoys graphic design because it allows her to use her creativity and continues to challenge her as she moves from project to project. “I decided to go into graphic design because I’m a creative person and I get bored easily, so it’s really nice to be able to be in a field where it’s really inspiring and challenging and it’s really different every day,” she said. “It keeps you always learning and solving whatever a client needs.”
PROFILE
‘The art world was my sanctuary’ GV student shares passion for visual studies BY ARIE NIENHUIS ANIENHUIS@LANTHORN.COM
The Grand Valley State University art department is filled with talented, creative students all working hard to improve their craft and hone their skills. This dedication and drive is certainly evident in the work of student Emily McKenna. McKenna has been involved and interested in art since her childhood, and she is currently seeking to pursue art professionally as a career. Initially, she began her studies with a focus in art education, but she has since turned her focus to a broader picture in the world of professional art. “For a long time, I wanted to be a high school art teacher; the art world was my sanctuary, and I wanted
to share the love of (art) and how expressive it can be,” McKenna said. “But as I’ve studied at Grand Valley, I decided to focus on being an artist and see where it takes me.” McKenna’s focus is visual studies, an area that emphasizes fields such as exhibition, curation and video production. However, McKenna constantly finds herself exploring different mediums of art, allowing her creativity to flow freely. “I do a lot of different stuff,” McKenna said. “I’ve been working with jewelry lately, and that’s been a big interest of mine. But when you’re doing video work or performance work, it’s totally different. It’s about having ideas like, ‘That would be really cool,’ or, ‘That would make a cool statement.’”
Meghan Moe Beitiks, visiting professor of visual studies and foundations, took notice of McKenna’s talent and drive. Beitiks believes that McKenna displays both a clear set of goals and a diverse range of interests. “Emily has a very clear vision of what’s important to her and what she wants to explore in her work, which is difficult for young artists to develop,” Beitiks said. “I’ve had her in two different courses, and in both of those courses she was able to move forward in a way that was aesthetically wellexecuted and considered.” Beitiks sees McKenna as having a very distinct understanding of her own values and goals when it comes to art. Currently, McKenna finds herself incorporating elements of social activism into
her work as well as inspiration from other art in general. “I didn’t overtly try to become involved in making feminist art, but that is what I’ve been focused on recently,” McKenna said. “There are a lot of amazing feminist artists that I’ve been inspired by, like Kiki Smith and Judy Chicago. I’m also just inspired by the art community in general.” McKenna continues to work on her craft and hopes to be able to express herself professionally as she moves beyond college. She shared a few words of advice for students and other young artists who share a similar goal. “Do what you love,” McKenna said. “I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. If you want to take an art class, don’t be afrai. Go out there and do it.”
PERFORMANCE
GV senior produces one-person play BY NICK MORAN NMORAN@LANTHORN.COM
SEE ANSWERS | A10
Singularity: Whether it be through the creative process, the plot or the rarity of a oneperson show at Grand Valley State University, Lindsey Normington’s play “Figurehead” exhibits just that. There will be one show only Friday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Linn Maxwell Keller Blackbox Theatre in the Haas Center for Performing Arts. The play follows the story of a college freshman named Peg who is on a journey to wrap her head around her life thus far, Normington said. Through doing so, the immature girl believes life has her locked in a box. “‘Figurehead’ is about a girl who is trapped,” Normington said. “She’s come to this point where all of a sudden, she’s stuck. Before, she was moving forward, but now she is somewhere where she literally cannot do anything.” Normington said while the show deals with some serious themes, there are scenes where Peg can act freely and more foolishly. In creating her own
play, Normington said there are a variety of scenes that reflect her own thoughts and experiences throughout her life. “For a brief period, Peg decides to put on her own one-woman show within the play, and it’s very goofy,” Normington said. “(It’s) very (much) me commenting on my own experience and trying to make something to be proud of, something where you don’t have a lot of resources and you don’t have a lot of experience especially.” Normington said in scheduling classes for her minor in theater, she had completed all the other classes that appealed to her, leaving her sights on an independent study. She had wanted to write a play, and she developed the idea for the show when her study’s adviser, Dennis Henry, recommended a one-person play. “Something like (a oneperson show) is a unique opportunity for somebody who is (as) advanced as (Normington) is,” Henry said. “I knew that she had done some writing, too, so here was a chance to show everything that she learned while she’s been (at
GVSU) in one big package.” Henry said he met Normington through directing plays that she had been a part of at GVSU, such as “Cabaret” last semester. He said deciding to do a one-person play is nearly the opposite of creating a traditional show, which is typically dependent on teamwork and sharing creative energy. “One of the real fun things about theater is that it’s so collaborative,” Henry said. “You’re there with your friends and the cast and the director, and it’s a great social thing. Then, all of a sudden, you’re in a room by yourself.” Through crafting a show from scratch by herself, Normington said she’s created her main character with a lot of reflection in mind, allowing her to really understand how Peg’s mind works. “With any character that I’ve played, I try to find a piece of myself in them, something relatable,” Normington said. “That’s usually easy for me because acting, to me, is always empathy. (It’s about) literally putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and their body and inhabiting that.” Henry said through Norm-
ington’s multiple roles in plays, she has developed a reputation for “always overdelivering,” which makes him excited to see the final product live. “People are really familiar with Lindsey’s work in the department,” Henry said. “I think my hope would be for her to present something that even surprises the people who (know) her work and how good it is. Hopefully there will be a moment where (the audience) will go, ‘Wow, I didn’t even expect that.’” Normington said while she had gotten advice from several different peers and faculty at GVSU, the process has involved a lot of individual growth. She said she has explored a variety of different aspects of producing a show, taking her well beyond the realm of just acting. “Generally, I’ve only been involved in the acting side of things, so now I’m writing, I’m my own director, I’m my stage manager, I’m my costume designer and I’m my set designer,” Normington said. “Aside from a few technical elements, everything has been myself, which has been an experience I’ve never had before.”
SPORTS | A7
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
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SOFTBALL
GV TRACK & FIELD COMPETES IN HILLTOPPER RELAYS AT WESTERN KENTUCKY
The Grand Valley State men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the Hilltopper Relays hosted by Western Kentucky University on the afternoon of Friday, April 6. At the event, 10 different athletes hit NCAA provisional marks. The Laker women currently sit at No. 7 in the national poll, while the men are No. 11. In the women’s field events, the Lakers saw three athletes hit provisional marks. Bobbie Goodwin finished first in the discus with a distance of 44.69 meters and placed third overall in the hammer throw at 52.01 meters. Elli Kimes (third) and Lucy Buckholz (fourth) both hit qualifying marks in the pole vault with clearings of 4.02 meters. In the track events, the women had three different athletes hit NCAA qualifying marks. Tiara Wiggins hit a qualifying mark in the 100-meter hurdles at 14.01, along with a third-place finish, while Jessica Eby and Heather Johnson both hit provisional marks in the 400-meter hurdles at 1:01.43 and 1:01.77 for the third and fourth places. On the men’s side, four Laker athletes hit provisional marks. In the field events, Justin Scavarda claimed two top marks in the shot put and the discus. Scavarda hit a distance of 17.34 meters in the shot put and 50.42 meters in the discus. Jacob Battani finished with the top height in the pole vault after he cleared with a qualifying mark of 5.10 meters. In the track events, Tyler Kirkwood hit a provisional mark of 14.55 in the 110-meter hurdles, along with a second-place finish, while Tyler Pavliga finished second after he ran a 52.95 in the 400-meter hurdles. The GVSU men’s and women’s track and field teams will be on the road again next week as they will compete in three meets hosted by Oakland University, Bucknell and Pittsburg State.
GV MEN’S TENNIS FALLS SHORT AGAINST WAYNE STATE
The Grand Valley State men’s tennis team fell to Wayne State in a close (54) conference match on the afternoon of Saturday, April 7. With the loss, the Lakers are now 12-7 overall and hold a 4-3 conference record. GVSU led after doubles play 2-1, with victories from Alex van de Steenoven and Drew Coleman, who won 8-6 from the No. 1 pairing, while D.J. Colantone and Sebastien Lescoulie claimed an 8-3 win from the No. 2 doubles position. The duo of Nicholas Urban and Jack Geissler fell 8-5 at No. 3 doubles. In singles actions, the Lakers were unable to hold their lead, as the Warriors won four of the six singles matches. Geissler won in a long threeset match from No. 2 singles, dropping the first match 6-3 before winning the next two sets 7-5, 7-6. Colantone also won in three sets by a score of 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 from the No. 5 slot. Lescoulie (6-1, 6-0) and Steenoven (6-3, 6-2) were defeated from the No. 1 and No. 3 singles positions, while Urban was also defeated from the No. 4 position 7-6, 6-2. Playing out of the No. 6 singles position, Marcus Muniz Infante fought hard but was dropped in three sets by a score of 6-3, 6-7, 6-3. The Lakers will be on the road for the remainder of the season, as they will travel to Marion, Indiana, for the Wildcat Invitational on Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14. GVSU will then have its final conference matchup against Purdue Northwest on Sunday, April 15.
DUO: Pitcher Allison Lipovsky and catcher Jessica Ramos convene during a game against Saginaw Valley State on Sunday, March 25. On Saturday, April 7, the Grand Valley State softball team was able to shut out Purdue Northwest by scores of 8-0 and 1-0 in a pair of GLIAC conference matchups. GVL | EMILY FRYE
GV softball sweeps Saturday doubleheader over Purdue Northwest BY KELLEN VOSS KVOSS@LANTHORN.COM
A
fter the doubleheader scheduled for Friday, April 6, with Davenport was cancelled due to inclement weather, the Grand Valley State softball team fought through frigid weather conditions and swept Purdue Northwest on the road in a doubleheader Saturday, April 7, winning the first game 8-0 and the second game 1-0. Despite below-freezing wind chill and frigid temperatures, the GVSU softball team dominated Purdue Northwest. The Lakers didn’t even allow the Pride to score a run on their own home softball diamond, an impressive feat that GVSU made look easy this weekend. Even with the winter-like weather conditions, the bats came alive for the Lakers right from the get-go. A pair of singles
from second baseman Taylor Rieger and first baseman Kelcie LaTour helped the Lakers hop out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and they never looked back from there. Three more runs were scored by the Lakers in the following inning. Left fielder Bailey Thatcher got everything going with a lead-off single before being brought home on a double by third baseman Teagan Shomin. Designated hitter Nikoma Holmen then singled in Shomin before she scored herself off a double from LaTour. The GVSU offense did not stop there, as they scored two more runs over the next three innings to win the first game of the day after five innings due to the mercy rule. Right fielder Brooke Henning led the team with three hits in the game, in addition to stealing a base in the contest. Allison Lipovsky kept her dominant 2018 campaign going, as she pitched a complete game,
allowing zero runs and only one hit on the day. The Pride didn’t stand a chance at the plate, with Lipovsky tossing 12 strikeouts in the game. With the win, she improves to 11-2 on the year. The second game did not see as much offense as the first, but the Lakers still continued to excel, beating Purdue Northwest 1-0 in the second matchup. Shomin led off the game with a single before almost immediately stealing second base, putting a runner in scoring position early for the Lakers. Rieger then proceeded to double to left center, and Shomin easily made it home, scoring what ended up being the game-winning run in the first few minutes of the contest. A pitcher’s duel proceeded to take place after the top of the first, as the teams combined for a measly six hits for the rest of the game. Sub-40-degree weather may have played a role in it, but GVSU’s Allie Grys looked cold-blooded on the mound, only allowing two hits in seven
innings, as well as seven strikeouts to go along with it. With the win, Grys improves to a solid 8-1 on the year, earning one of her more impressive wins of the year since she only had one run of support to fall back on. Great pitching seemed to be yet again the theme of the day for the Lakers. The dominant performances from Lipovsky and Grys, who combined to allow only three hits all day long, carried the Lakers. With the two wins, GVSU improves to 23-5 on the year and currently holds first place in the GLIAC with at least a two-game lead on every other team in the division They look to continue their dominance this week, as they play eight games in the next six days. They have a home doubleheader with Davenport on Monday, April 9, before hitting the road for a doubleheader with Saginaw Valley State on Wednesday, April 11, another one the following day at Tiffin and a weekend series with archival Ferris State.
GANG: The GVSU softball team huddles during the game against SVSU on Sunday, March 25. The team currently has a 23-5 record. GVL | EMILY FRYE
BACKSTOP: Catcher Kaylie Rhynard throws against Northwood on Saturday, March 24. The Lakers swept PNW on Saturday, April 7. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT
SKIPPER: GVSU head coach Dana Callihan overlooks the team on Sunday, March 25, against the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals. GVL | EMILY FRYE
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
A8 | SPORTS LACROSSE
GV women’s lacrosse extends win streak BY D’ANGELO STARKS DSTARKS@LANTHORN.COM
The Grand Valley State women’s lacrosse team took on GLIAC rival Davenport at home on Friday, April 6. This was the first of two meetings between the two teams this season, and GVSU set the tone in the matchup by winning the game 18-7. The Lakers gave up a goal a little over a minute into the game, but after that, the team did not trail again. Carly Shisler sparked a GVSU run with two back-to-back goals herself, and that run saw seven different Lakers score a goal for the team to take an 8-1 lead. Davenport would respond with two more goals to bring the game to 8-3. Erika Neumen scored another goal to extend GVSU’s lead and put the team up 9-3, and Davenport would add one more goal to their total before the half, bringing the score to 9-4. The second half saw much of the same for the Lakers. Neumen opened up the scoring in the second half and started a 4-0 run that saw Neumen score twice, extending the team’s lead to 13-4. Davenport scored a goal to bring their score to 5, but Meghan Datema and Kelley Fitzgerald would fire back with two goals of their own to take a 15-5 lead. Davenport would score two more goals before the end of the game, and GVSU would add three goals to their total to win the game 18-7. Head coach Alicia Groveston highlighted what the Lakers have been doing well in their winning streak.
FIGHTING TOOTH AND NAIL: The GVSU women’s lacrosse team beats Indianapolis in a matchup on Thursday, March 29. The Lakers took on GLIAC rival Davenport at home on Friday, April 6, in their first of two planned meetings for this season. The Lakers trounced the Panthers 18-7 in their Friday matchup on their home field. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT
“I think they are responding well to criticism and adversity, and I think we are able to find some areas that we can improve upon and can adjust as the game goes, which is nice to see,” Groveston said. As part of the Lakers’ big win, nine different players scored goals. Neumen had a huge game for the team, finding the back of the net five times in the game.
Datema had a trick of her own in the game; Shisler added another hat trick; and Fitzgerald made an impact on the game in several ways, scoring a goal and assisting on four of them. GVSU outshot Davenport 38-16. Of those shots, the Lakers put 28 on goal, versus the 11 that Davenport put on goal. The Panthers finished the game with 24 turnovers, while GVSU only had 14. The
Lakers also had the advantage in draw controls, 16 to 11. Despite the team’s current hot play, Groveston still believes the Lakers need to be more consistent with their play. “We do some really great things on both ends, but not usually consistently,” she said. “We will have a great defensive stand, and then we won’t do something outstanding on the offensive
end. I think if we can utilize our takeaways on the defensive end to spur some goals on the offensive end, that would be amazing.” Even with the room for growth, maneuvering a difficult part of the schedule successfully has been vital to Groveston. “We have always played a very difficult schedule, one that hasn’t always treated us the nicest,” she said.
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“I think at this point, we are in a situation where it’s a little bit different and we are having a lot of success. That raises the confidence level within ourselves and shows that we can do it and we can win these games.” The women’s lacrosse team travels to Missouri on Monday, April 9, to take on Lindenwood University.
APRIL 9, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
A10 | SPORTS M. RUGBY
GV rugby drops ball in first home game BY LOUIS RICARD LRICARD@LANTHORN.COM
The Grand Valley State men’s rugby team hosted its first home game of the season against Ferris State, losing 4117 on Saturday, April 7. GVSU could not contain FSU’s speedy offense. The Bulldogs looked relentless during the first half, delivering the first punch within just 10 minutes of play and imposing their will in offense against a young GVSU team. More experienced, more structured and more aggressive, FSU kept taking advantage of GVSU’s inexperience. That youth is something GVSU has not encountered in a long time but that turned out to be a tough break for the team last fall as more than 10 seniors took off their jerseys for the last time. “I wouldn’t call this a rebuilding season,” said captain Matt Patton. “We are a young team, but we know where we need to go, and we know what we need to do to get there.” This loss is uncharacteristic for any GVSU rugby team, but it served as a teaching moment for most. The main lesson learned: There is no place for individuality in this sport. FSU scored on elaborated team plays and beautiful ball movement, whereas GVSU took advantage of individual plays to get a couple breakaways, including two tries from senior Trevor Langeland. GVSU missed more tackles than they made, giving FSU the opportu-
Lakers lose 41-17 to more experienced Ferris Bulldogs
SCOOP AND SCORE: A men’s club rugby player attempts to pick up the ball in a game against Bethel College on Oct. 14, 2017. The Lakers fell in their first home game of the season, losing 41-17 against Ferris State on Saturday, April 7. Ten seniors graduated after the fall season, leaving a younger team for Saturday’s game. GVL | HANNAH ZAJAC
nity to recycle the ball and spread the field, something the Lakers usually do to their opponents. Not this time. “GVSU is not a flashy team,” Patton said. “We do simple things; we do them right. We just need to hammer that home and play GV rugby.” In the second half, GVSU came back stronger, bringing more physicality on the field,
but so did FSU. The Bulldogs took over and sailed to victory with four more tries in the second half. Ultimately, the Lakers will have to be patient if they want to be successful. The main focus is to get everyone up to speed on how to play GVSU rugby, Patton said. Mitch Severson, one of the team leaders, came into this game with a lot of issues that
he addressed with his team the week leading up to it. Low numbers, low intensity and, most of all, lack of discipline are issues Severson wanted fixed. “At the end of the day, it’s rugby and we always have to keep fighting,” Severson said. “I think we just need to be patient, but we’ll get there.” Severson’s teammates came wanting to win, but not as much as FSU did.
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Wenger's Bowling! A westside tradition for over 75 years! Only 5 minutes away from the downtown campus. Located on 629 Leonard ST NW Special events: Wild Wednesday from 9:30 to close they have $1 games, shoes, and more. On Fridays after class from noon to 5pm they offer $1 games, shoes, and miller high life. For information give them a call at (616)454-4482
Thomas Rhett Life Changes Tour 2018 June 18 at Van Andel Arena! Tickets go sale this Friday at 10am. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, the venue box office, or charge by phone at 800-745-300
Boltwood Apartments has affordable housing for GVSU students!Located 4657 Lake Michigan Dr. Allendale, MI 49401 Boltwood offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that are pet friendly, has free internet, bus stop located right in front, and easy access to pay rent online. For more information you can contact them at 616-895-5875 or visit their w e b s i t e www.boltwoodgvsu.com Ottawa Creek brings together spacious and affordable living with friendly and helpful staff. They offer spacious 2 bedroom apartments for $780 and free parkings, high speed internet, cable, water, and trash. For a LIMITED time residents will receive $200 off their first full months of rent. LIVE DOWNTOWN with The Lofts 45 Lyon located at 200 Ionia Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. They offer studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments with Gas, Electric, Water, Trash, andInternet INCLUDED! For more information you call them at 616-285-7560 or visit their website www.5lyon.com. Live at Campus West! Rate starting at $375 with many amenities like free Wifi, fitness room, study lounge, cookies, free tanning, 24/7 on-site maintenance and security , and much more! For more information visit campus west at 4832 West Campus drive suite A100 or their website www.CAMPUSWEST.net
Meadows Crossing is the best off-campus housing in Grand Valley apartments. Our townhomes and Allendale apartments in Allendale offer modern amenities, comfort, privacy, and a great location. Conveniently located at the 48th Avenue entrance to Grand Valley State Universityʼs Allendale campus. Schedule a tour today and experience the best off- campus, GVSU apartments in the Allendale rental market!
Brian's Books: the better bookstore! Now carrying new and used books for purchase and rent! Located near the water tower, it's worth the walk! Guaranteed to save you money! Student Leaders Wanted! Run for a position on GVSU Student Senate! For more information on Student Senate and the election process, go to gvsu.edu/ studentsenate/elections! LIVE LIKE A LAKER! Live on campus. Reserve your place for next year at gvsu.edu/liveon
SUBLEASER Needed! Campus View 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom townhome with a garage for $400 a month. Lease runs 2018-2019 school year. This space would be shared with 3 awesome girls. The place comes unfurnished but the 3 girls plan on to decorate a lot to make it very stylish. If interested email Annie at anneseyfried7@gmail.com
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Heading into his 21st year of coaching GVSU, Mullett will be a difference-maker and the enforcer this team needs to take its game to the next level. In the meantime, the Lakers will have to learn how to play together and become a unit, something Patton thinks they’re capable of doing.
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The Lakers will need to go back to simpler ways to play the game, something their coach John Mullett has always preached. However, Mullett has not been with the team this offseason, and he was not in attendance last Saturday. According to the team’s vice president, Campbell Gunst, GVSU will find its true identity once Mullet comes back and gets involved once again.
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Get prepared for next year! Step 1: Check myPath in Banner Step 2: See your advisor Step 3: Register for classes Create the perfect schedule for your success. Jimmy Johnʼs serves from-scratch food made with excellent ingredients. At Jimmy John's, our food is simple; itʼs clean, and itʼs fresh! We use locally purchased produce, which is brought in fresh and hand sliced daily. Come in or order online to enjoy our freaky-fast subs! Pennzoil gives all GVSU students and staff $5 dollars off any full service oil change with no appointment needed. Visit your local Pennzoil!
It's Time to register for classes! If you do not know your registration date check gvsu.edu/register 22nd Annual Student Scholars Day! Celebrate the scholarship and creative work performed by GVSU students on April 11, 2018 from 9:00am-6:30pm. Located in Henry Hall Atrium, Kirkhof Center, and Mary Idema Pew Library
Grand Rapids Community College offers easy transfer, quality education, and saving on tuition. Get ahead on your degree this summer starting May 7 to August 15. For more information visit grcc.edu/summer
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Looking for a sublet in 48 west. 4 bedroom 4 bath, Rent is $465, Move in MayJuly. Willing to pay the utilities for the rest of the lease. Contact Morgan at (248) 463-0404 if interested.
Conifer Creek Townhomes Has the lowest cost in town!! $415 a month with cable, internet, and laundry in every unit. Walking distance from Main St. Pub and bus stop. For more information call 616-780-1234 or checkout their website.