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Lanthorn
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STUDENTS PROTEST FOR 4/20
Grand Valley
lanthorn.com/multimedia
The STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER AT GRAND VALLEY
Thur sday, Apr il 14, 2011
w w w. l a n t h o r n . c o m
hero L a k e r b e co m e s A
What’s inside A&E SPRING DANCE CONCERT PREVIEW
a f t e r s av i n g m a n ’s l i f e Courtesy Photo / Kate Kaurich
Students, faculty to demonstrate talent in year-end concert
GVL / Anya Zentmeyer
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Pursuit of knowledge: Matthew Boeve stands beside his “Visual learning and discrimination of abstract shapes by crayfish” project. Boeve was one of more than 600 participants.
lanthorn.com
2011 Annual Student Scholars Day provides ‘framework for discovery’ Senior Matthew Boeve thinks research is a lot like “Miracle Grow for your brain.” As a biomedical science major at Grand Valley State University, Boeve said research has not only helped him grow as a student and a scientist, but also improved his work ethic. Boeve is one of more than 600 students that participated in the 16th annual Student Scholars Day Wednesday. Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, Student Scholars Day is an event that showcases student research and scholarship at Grand Valley State University. Boeve first started his research under Dan Bergman, an associate professor in the biomedical science department. Boeve is studying pre-med and will head to Kentucky in August to start medical school. After Bergman showed him an article about fish capable of recognizing and reacting to symbols, Bergman wanted to see if crayfish could do the same, so Boeve got on board. His presentation was titled, “Visual Learning and Discrimination of
“I would love
to tell my kid someday that I met the person who cured cancer when he or she was still studying fly brains.
”
-Matthew Boeve SSD presenter titled “Does Gender Still Matter?: Women Physicians’ SelfReported Medical Education Experiences” used in-depth analysis of self-reported experiences of 25 women physicians from multiple specialties from semi-structured interviews Butler conducted. Through her research, she identified
See Scholars, A2
Courtesy photo / Eric Coulter Courtesy photo / Bryan Celano
Life-saving act: GVSU student Bryan Celano pulled an unconscious man out of an overturned vehicle (pictured) after the driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer on Lake Michigan Drive. Celano was alerted to the scene at 12:30 a.m.
LAKER LIFE
By Dan Spadafora
NOTES FROM ABROAD: SPAIN
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GVL Staff Writer
y rescuing a man from a submerged vehicle, Bryan Celano did exactly what he was trained to do: save lives. Celano, a certified EMT and a criminal justice major at Grand Valley State University was driving home on M-45 at around 12:30 a.m. on April 6 when he was flagged down by a wet and wounded Charles Denman. Swerving to avoid deer, Denman lost control of his vehicle on 136 Avenue near M-45, which landed upside down in an irrigation creek. With the car filling with water, Denman struggled but managed to escape the car out of the shattered rear window. However his friend Joel Apol, who was not wearing a seat belt, was knocked unconscious and remained trapped in the car. “I start crying, and I pray and yell out to God, ‘God help us, God help us,’” Denman said. “God in heaven please. I don’t want to die tonight. Then I start to think, my friend’s about to die. Either I get out or I drown trying to get out.”
Courtesy photo / Hayley Otman
NEWS GVL / Eric Coulter
Valley hero: Bryan Celano (pictured) is a certified EMT. Driver Charles Denman described Celano’s arrival at the scene as a miracle that saved his friend’s life.
GVL News Editor
JACKSON
A former U.S. Cabinet member and the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have something in common: they have both been chosen to address Grand Valley State University graduates at the 2011 winter commencement ceremonies, which will be held on April 30.
BASEBALL
“I start crying, and I pray and yell out to God,
‘God help us, God help us. God in Heaven please, I don’t want to die tonight.’Then I start to think, my friend’s about to die. -Charles Denman Driver Celano followed Denman to the scene, and once Celano arrived he gave Denman a phone to call 911. Celano grabbed a tire iron and a screwdriver from his truck and plunged into what he said felt like 40-degree water.
”
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute president Shirley Ann Jackson will address morning graduates followed by former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta in the afternoon. Jackson acted as chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and held a number of other highlyregarded positions in industry, research and higher education. After being named president of RPI in 1999, she was appointed by President
Courtesy photo / Eric Coulter
Lakers win four game series, outscore opponents 32-4
With the windows and doors fully submerged, Celano could not break the passenger door window to reach Apol, who both Celano and Denman were not sure was still alive.
See Hero, A2
renowned speakers to give commencement addresses By Anya Zentmeyer
Women win first, men place sixth in Knecht Cup
Barack Obama in 2009 to serve on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Mineta, who now serves as global vice-chairman of international communications Consultancy Hill & Knowlton, was appointed secretary of transportation in 2001 by former President George W. Bush. During his tenure, Mineta helped establish the largest mobilization of a new federal
See Commencement, A2
What’s Inside
A B
A3 Opinion A4 News B1 Sports B4 A & E B5 Marketplace
me
GVL News Editor
Abstract Shapes by Crayfish.” “At first I was, ‘Crayfish?’ But I talked to Dr. Bergman, and the more we talked and worked together, I began to understand that there is a lot of interesting things that a person can do with an simple-minded invertebrate,” Boeve said. “Well, interesting to me anyway.” Senior Katherine Butler’s research
yc le
By Anya Zentmeyer
NEWS WOMEN’S ROWING takes the GOLD
Plea
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A2 Hero
continued from page A1
Luckily, Apol landed with his head in an air pocket and the rest of his body under water. Celano managed to get the driver side door open, and he pulled Apol out of the car by his ankles. Celano carried Apol out of the water and to the shore. The ambulance arrived to the scene a short time after Apol was out of the car. “In a normal situation, you don’t want to pull anyone out of a car that has been crashed,” Celano said. “But since it’s life over limb, he had to get out of the car before he drowned or hypothermia set in.” Celano credits his training with how he responded to the situation. “It made me think through the different situations and de-
News
GRAND VALLEY
cide what was best,” Celano said. “It definitely helped with stress and how to handle yourself in that situation.” Besides the fact that Apol happened to land in an air pocket, Celano and Denman both said many things happened in their favor that morning. “It was all God’s blessing that all that worked out,” Celano said. “Sometimes I can get home from (GVSU) without seeing another car on the road.” For Denman, the event was so incredible that he said he thinks divine intervention saved him and Apol and brought Celano to the scene. “I remember crying on the way to the hospital and looking up at the sky and saying, ‘God does exist,’” Denman said. “You talk about miracles that happen throughout the world, and I don’t know it’s just crazy.
There are people out there that think there isn’t a God. I just don’t know how you say that.” Both Apol and Denman said they are forever grateful of Celano and how he handled the situation, and although Apol does not remember the event, he is grateful to still be alive. Apol and Denman have since met up with Celano for lunch and are now friends with each other on Facebook. Looking at the situation, Denman said people need to recognize and try to emulate everyday heroes like Celano. “How are you going to respond? You never know until a situation hits you like that,” Denman said. “In my heart, I hope they respond like Bryan did because every second counts, and it can determine whether somebody lives or somebody dies.” dspadafora@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
Student Scholars continued from page A1
areas of improvement for medical education to increase the delivery of quality health care for women. Since the completion of her research, Butler has presented posters at two national conferences and had her abstract published in the March 2011 issue of the Journal of Women’s Health. “Participating in the Student Summer Scholars program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career, and I hope to continue research throughout my medical training,” Butler said. Susan Mendoza, director of Undergraduate Research and Integrative Learning, said through the research experience, Student Scholars
Day teaches students to learn how to ask questions and how each of the disciplines can provide a framework for discovery. “This is why we are here, for learning and scholarship,” Mendoza said. “Graduate schools and employers value this type of work. Student Scholars Day gives us an opportunity to showcase it.” Boeve said he encourages students to get on board with Student Scholars Day not only for the experience but also for resumé rights, especially upperclassmen in the sciences who will enter the workforce. “Besides,” he said, “I would love to tell my kid someday that I met the person who cured cancer when he or she was still studying fly brains.” news@lanthorn.com
Courtesy photo / flickr.com
Distinguished guest: Norman Mineta, former Secretary of Transportation speaks at a past event. Mineta will speak at GVSU’s commencement ceremony.
Commencement continued from page A1
federal agency since World War II with the creation of the Transportation Security Administration. Teri Losey, secretary to the Board of Trustees and special assistant to the president, said both speakers were recommended to the Board of Trustees by president Thomas J. Haas, who has worked with Jackson in the past and has a great deal of respect for Mineta for his role in the
Grand Valley Lanthorn Volume 45, Number 57 The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community. For additional copies, please contact our business offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to Grand Valley Lanthorn, 0051 Kirkhof, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor in Chief EMANUEL JOHNSON Managing Editor SAMANTHA BUTCHER News Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Assistant News Editor MOLLY WAITE Sports Editor GREG MONAHAN Assistant Sports Editor DEREK WOLFF
A & E Editor ELIJAH BRUMBACK Laker Life Editor SUSIE SKOWRONEK Photography Editor ERIC COULTER Multimedia Editor DAN KETCHUM Copy Editors SUSIE SKOWRONEK COREY FINKBEINER
Layout Editor ALANA HOLLAND Layout Staff KENDALL GILBERT VALERIE WALDBAUER KAYLA KOENIGSKNECHT
Web Team
JON ROOST CATHRINE RAFTERY JOSH KOVACH
Bush administration during Sept. 11. “Mostly because of Grand Valley’s 50th anniversary, administration felt like they wanted some distinguished speakers,” Losey said. “So the president recommended a couple of people we thought were very distinguished and important for our parents and students to hear from.” Since approved by the Board of Trustees, both speakers will also receive an honorary degree from GVSU. The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the College of Community and Public Service, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing and Seidman College of Business. The 3 p.m. ceremony will include the College of Education, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Honorary degrees will be given to Robert Thompson, president of the Thompson Foundation and CEO of McCoig, LLC. and former military intelligence officer Donald Merkle, who donated his collection of U.S. intelligence materials to GVSU’s special collections library earlier this year. More information about 2011 winter commencement can be found online at www. gvsu.edu/commencement/. news@lanthorn.com
ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager KEVIN HAUSFELD Advertising Reps Kim VERELLEN DANIEL TOMOVSKI AMANDA VILLARREAL
Advertising Designers MATT TYNDALL VALENTINA VALDES Faculty Adviser LAWRENCE BEERY
BUSINESS STAFF
Business Manager KIM SANDER Assistant Business Manager DAVID FINK Distribution ADAM RASHID JEFF DIMITRIEVSKI MICHAEL VASILOVSKI Receptionists Carian White ANGILEENA GIBSON
BRIEFS 1
GV NEWS
OSL Recognition Awards on April 21 The Grand Valley State University will host the annual Student Life Recognition Awards, when individuals, programs and organizations will be awarded for their effort and impact. The ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. next Thursday in the Grand River Room of Kirkhof Center. The GVSU community is encouraged to attend this free event, where refreshments are provided. The Student Organization Review Board members will present 26 awards, which include Most Innovative Program, Outstanding Cultural Program, Outstanding Faculty Member, Best New Organization, and Most Promising Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Leader. For more information, please visit www.gsvu.edu/ studentlife.
2
Student Food Pantry to host benefit luncheon The Student Food Pantry at Grand Valley State University will hold a soup and salad fundraising luncheon, “Feeding Success,” on April 25. The luncheon will raise money for the Student Food Pantry, a program provided by the Women’s Center to meet the short-term challenges some students face when it comes to having enough food because of financial difficulty. Feeding Success will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Women’s Center, located in Room 1201 of Kirkhof Center. Attendance at the luncheon is by donation, and a $10 contribution is encouraged. RSVP for the event online at www.gvsu. edu/women_cen/. For more information about the Student Food Pantry or the luncheon, please contact the Women’s Center at 616-331-2748.
3
Haas speaks at SUNY Cobleskill Early in April, Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas was invited to speak at the State University of New York Cobleskill as the college continued to celebrate its centennial year. Haas, an internationally recognized expert in higher education leadership and strategic planning, served as Cobleskill’s president from 2003 to 2006.
The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published under the authorization of the GVSU Newspaper Advisory Board.
Corrections At the Lanthorn we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible. If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors in fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling (616) 331-2464 or by e-mailing editorial@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
A3 EDITORIAL
Opinion Editorial and your opinion
Right and Wrong
see LANTHORN.COM
to view Andrew Justus’ blog >> THREE CHEERS FOR CONGRESS
EDITORIAL CARTOON
There may not be a villain in the administrative pay debate, but being better than others doesn’t mean being right
I
n the last few weeks, I’ve been caught up in the world of higher education administration - in the politics and rhetoric, the terms and definitions that walk fine, yet poignant lines. I’ve spent a lot of time lately trying to walk those lines, engaging in that rhetoric and those politics of a world that is so foreign to me. After running circles around six-figured salaries with the rest of West Michigan’s mass media, I am standing here today ready to make a claim that I’m sure those who are much older and much wiser than me believe I am not qualified to make. And in my foolish and prideful youth, I’m ready to lay down some serious knowledge on Grand Valley. You want to know what I think? I think everyone is right. But I also think that, in this case, being right does not necessarily mean being not wrong. Confused yet? Stay with me. To quote a fellow Lanthorn editor, “this is going to get worse before it gets better.” I’d like to think that as a pretty engaged college journalist, I’m involved enough in the inner workings of Grand Valley to be able to spot a bad guy. And that’s the thing – from where I’m standing, I honestly don’t see any. We’re lucky enough to have a university largely run by some very well-intentioned individuals, and I think our growth and success as a still-budding university speaks volumes to that. We are grossly underfunded by Michigan, nearing the bottom of the state appropriations list while, at the same time, we’re turning out top performances that rival those of our older, larger and more generously funded neighbors at U of M and Michigan State. When it comes to administrative pay, GVSU rolls in at number six, cast in the shadow of the astronomical numbers of our aforementioned counterparts. So yeah. All things considered, we are doing well. In fact, we are doing better than a lot of others. I do believe that at GVSU, we are “being frugal” and “living within our means” and all of that other well-rehearsed language that has been ceaselessly recited to us by university officials and advocates. And although I am growing tired of that boiler-plate language, that is the part where I think everyone is right. However, consider this – just because we are “not as bad as” other universities, can we justify the insane numbers posted by some of these administrative salaries at Grand Valley on that basis alone? This is the part that I believe everyone is, to some extent, still wrong about. So here’s the other thing: this problem of pay inflation. It’s nothing new, and it’s not unique to GVSU. It’s not unique to universities, to Michigan or even to the United States. What we have here is a systematic flaw. This is a trickle-down of the growing dichotomy between the rich and the poor, one that we ourselves have fostered through greed and nearsightedness – the product of imbalanced wealth and perceived power and all of those other horrible, liberal rants that I won’t continue because I’m not Michael Moore. But to offer you an example: In an analysis done by Forbes that looks at America’s 500 biggest companies, the average CEO paycheck was about $10.9 million. That makes $237,385 look measly, maybe even modest. Still, I don’t think we can justify our own wrongs by pointing out the wrongs of others, or by simply reasserting the things we have done right. And hell, maybe our administration deserves it – they work hard enough after all, especially President Haas. But if that was the case in this world, then I think a lot of deserving, hard-working people would be a lot better off, don’t you? Nothing is that simple, and nothing is black and white. So if you ask me, that’s where the administration at Grand Valley find themselves: treading in the waters of that allconsuming grey area, swallowed by a beast of a system that speaks in no certain terms and plays by no certain rules.
By Anya Zentmeyer GVL News Editor
The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University
Editorial Page Board
Emanuel Johnson Kim Sander Samantha Butcher Anya Zentmeyer
Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor
Valley Vote
GVL / Dan Sills and Shaun Morton
YOUR THOUGHTS
Would you be willing to help a person in a life or death situation?
“I would perform a risk/benefit analysis and determine if it would benefit me.”
“Yes, because I don’t think I could live with myself if they didn’t survive.”
“Yes, because I would like someone to do the same for me if I were in trouble.”
“Yeah, I’d be comfortable with it. I’d hate to stand by and watch somebody die.”
Dave Mortimer Junior Criminal Justice Hanover, Mich.
Sarah Kuklish Senior Biological Psychology Fishers, Ind.
Amina Mamaty Sophomore Broadcasting Paris, France
Phil Stone Senior Health Professions Kincheloe, Mich.
“Well, I would like to say yes, of course, but I think it’s really hard to say how anyone would actually react in a real situation. I don’t know if someone can truly know the answer.” Erika Kolean Senior Anthropology Arvada, Colo.
GVL STUDENT OPINION
Campus superstitions are no laughing matter Chris Slattery GVL Columnist
As many of you likely noticed, yesterday was Wednesday, the 13th. And while there are no slasher movies based on a Wednesday (even though the adult entertainment industry has certainly capitalized on the phrase “hump day”), there is the ever-present unluckiness with any 13th day of the month. I myself am a very superstitious person. I carry an entire rabbit with me (because simply carrying a foot displays a lack of commitment to the idea) and haven’t gone home in the three years since my mother brought in a stray black cat from the harsh Michigan climate. College campuses are also full of superstitions. While some other (lesser) universities have hocus pocus stories about star-crossed lovers meeting at some random landmark, Grand Valley State University has legitimate mythology that students should take very seriously. For instance, GVSU has the Transformation Link — a massive, metal, barn skeleton that could eas-
ily join the Blue Man Group, if its auditions were open to inanimate sculptures. Legend has it (and by ‘legend,’ I mean ‘freshman orientation’) that anyone who walks through the Link backwards (that is, from completed end to uncompleted end) during finals week will fail his or her exams. It’s similar to walking under a ladder, except that campus security doesn’t haul you away for climbing to the top of a ladder. I seldom even look at the Transformation Link these days, wary of its mighty powers. I am certain of the science behind this bold claim as it is so obvious that academic success depends on where one walks. Moseying through a dismantled structure only ensures that the mind dismantles itself and any knowledge attained through studying evaporates. Why do you think the protesters preaching underneath have a problem with forming logical arguments? Another solid legend revolves around the Robinson/Copeland/ Kistler buildings and their collective sordid past. A little bird told me that these buildings used to be used for a prison. The little bird went on to claim, “I did, I did taw a puddy tat!” but that was less helpful.
The narrow windows were meant to deter prisoners from escaping (which, as we found out last year, does not discourage drunk girls evading DPS), and the curved hallways provide some kind of… something — I’ll leave the explanation to the architecture majors. Now, this was not simply some lame allegory comparing school to penitentiary. For one, we all know that a metaphor like that is ludicrous, although “Saved by the Bell: The Prison Years” would have been a much more entertaining show. The superstition says that anyone who announces a “10 p.m. lockdown” within the walls of one of the buildings will be woken in the middle of the night with the disembodied voices of insane men shouting. And it won’t just be your noisy neighbor watching “Everybody Loves Raymond” either. My point is that we should respect the history behind these stories. They may seem silly to you (and we’ll see how silly it is when I don’t get shanked in a dormitory), but they are a part of the ongoing narrative of GVSU. And now it’s time to eat some Lucky Charms cereal. You never can be too careful. cslattery@lanthorn.com
Is the online criticism Rebecca Black has recieved for ‘Friday’ warranted?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Yes: 63%
Lanthorn has gaping hole in news coverage: Moths
This week’s question: Are you concerned about moths in your closet?
No: 37% Vote online at Lanthorn.com
GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community. Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn. The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses. Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person. Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn. Letters appear as space permits each
issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced. The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity. All letters must be typed. The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors. The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.
As the temperature raises so does my temper every new Lanthorn issue. It seems as if the Lanthorn has missed a huge yet obvious fact. Spring is here and so are moths. Who cares about Student Senate, budgets, or “Too Unsafe to Walk Here” when you have to go to class naked because Mr. Moth decided to have a feast. The Lanthorn has a hole bigger than the woolliest sweater this spring by not publishing an article warning GVSU students about the threat of closet moths. Too bad these moths aren’t bagel moths because maybe there would be more work done on Friday mornings if everyone was starving! The nightmares of monsters in the closet you had when you were younger were real. As you wake up in a cold sweat and turn you head to the closet, a billowing haze creeps out. The dust storm was created by the wings of Tineola bisselliella, mating and dancing on the dinner
table of cashmere cardigans. Closet moths are a reality. If you thought moths were for grandmas, think again. Closet moths are here and hungry for a new nest. And if you think you can dodge this one by playing the “I don’t have any wool” card, you are an ignorant fool. Aside from the preferred entrée, wool, closet moths will dine on cotton, linen, silk, and fur. They crawl into the dark corners and under the molding to take refuge. Not grossed out yet? The moth eggs are on your clothes and when the larvae hatched it will feast. After a full belly is achieved a graceful moth arises leaving only a gaping hole strategically placed over your nipples. Mothproof your life before it becomes a crisis (especially if you shop at boutiques like Goodwill or Salvation Army). Cedar lined closets repel infestations but won’t cure a current problem. The wonderful, aromatic mothballs will remind
you of grandma and will kill off moths—a win-win situation, but not so good if you have babies or pets (well, what’s the difference?). Dry cleaning or extreme heat and cold will also send larvae to the grave. Most importantly vacuuming is key to keeping a clean closet and home. And if entomology doesn’t bug you, Ichneumon wasps can bring a nice solution to a moth predicament. These wasps will lay their own eggs next to those of the moths and once the wasps hatch, the moth’s larvae become a tasty treat. Coincidentally, Ichneumon wasps are harmless to humans AND clothing. Moreover they will flee the closet a few weeks after all the moths are eaten. Claire Belebender GVSU Student
Want us to publish your thoughts? Email us at editorial@lanthorn.com
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
A4
News GRAND VALLEY
Anya Zentmeyer, News Editor news@lanthorn.com
More than 100 students, faculty honored for outstanding achievements By Samantha Butcher GVL Managing Editor
Grand Valley State University’s finest undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members gathered Monday night for the university’s annual Awards Banquet. “These are some of our best and brightest of our students and faculty at Grand Valley,” said Gayle Davis, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Presenters at the event, which included deans from all of the university’s colleges, doled out about 120 awards. The majority of recipients were students recognized in the Departmental Honors Awards, which rewarded one student per major for academic excellence. Eight students received Thomas M. Seykora Awards for Outstanding Contribution. The 33rd-annual Kenneth A. Venderbush Award was awarded to senior Kristen Zeiter, a women and gender studies and political science major. Students are nominated for the award on the basis of outstanding involvement in student life, and the final three candidates are interviewed by a panel. Zeiter served on Student Senate and performed in the “Vagina Monologues,” among other achievements. Two undergraduate students, two graduate students and three faculty members were recognized with Glenn A. Niemeyer awards, the campus’ most prestigious award. The annual awards require that student recipients maintain a 3.7 GPA, demonstrate a love for learning and participate in extracurricular activities. In his keynote address, Jeffrey Chamberlain, the director of the Ni-
emeyer Honors College, shared advice given to him two weeks prior by his choir director while waiting to take the stage of Carnegie Hall as a Holland Chorale member. “Tonight is a rare, rare opportunity,” he said. “Think of the moments when you’re out there, remember some of the good things that happen. Take away something from the experience, something you can put in your mind, fix in your mind, for as long as you live.” Davis said the night was a “great moment” to reflect on academic accomplishments throughout the year. “We are here tonight to celebrate our students’ outstanding academic achievements as well as their leadership expertise and contributions they’ve made to our community,”
she said. “We also honor our faculty for the excellence in the areas of teaching, scholarship and professional service.” Throughout his address, Chamberlain advised those in attendance that their success in the future hinged on two factors: recognition of their talent and a lack of pretentiousness. He encouraged the award recipients not to lose sight of their achievements in false modesty. “I wanted to say to all of you honorees tonight, bravo. This is your moment. This is the moment you should be aware, take stock of, remember. Because this is no small thing, this is a major achievement you have honored for because you have put in the time and effort and done a marvelous job.” managingeditor@lanthorn.com
Around campus
see LANTHORN.COM
to view an online exclusive >>GV ALUM STARTS DETROIT FOOD PANTRY
Happenings
GV MARCHES ON DAY OF SILENCE
GVL / Eric Coulter
Silence for equality: GVSU students, faculty and staff participate in this year’s Silent March, part of the annual Day of Silence. Each year, participants go a day without speaking to bring attention to the prejudice experienced by LGBT students on campus. After the March, the Gender Neutral Housing Coalition met with administrators to discuss how current housing policy silences on-campus residents.
REAPER REAPS HAVOC ON CAMPUS
GVL / Eric Coulter GVL / Nicole Lamson
Best and brightest: Faculty, students and families gather for a catered dinner during the awards ceremony. About 120 individuals were recognized for their accomplishments.
Scare tactics: A student dressed as the Grim Reaper approaches a smoker. In recognition of Grand Rapids’ first-annual Smoking Awareness Day, The Social Standard organized the event Wednesday afternoon. GVSU student Sara Wahlund said the group hopes the event will bring awareness to the negative effects of smoking.
B Section
SPORTS SHORTS Briauna Taylor
PLAYER OF THE WEEK Sophomore shortstop Briauna Taylor earned her first GLIAC Softball Player of the Week Award on Monday after posting terrific offensive numbers during six games last week against Northwood University and Lake Superior State University. Batting .667 with 14 base hits and scoring seven runs, Taylor helped GVSU to a 6-0 record in those games as she became the third Laker softball player this season to earn the honor of player of the week. She had one home run and totaled eight RBI while owning a 1.048 slugging percentage and a .682 on-base percentage. Taylor and the Lakers begin their weekend games at Tiffin University tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Sports GRAND VALLEY
see LANTHORN.COM to view online exclusive >>BASEBALL RECAP
Greg Monahan, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com
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Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
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Scholarships University awards equivalent of 133.7 full-ride
BRIAN KELLY WINS
ULTIMATE BRACKET
Today: M/W TAF at Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif. Friday: M/W TAF at Dave Rankin Invitational in West Lafayette, Ind. Friday: M/W TAF at Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif. Saturday: M/W TAF at Dave Rankin Invitational in West Lafayette, Ind. Saturday: M/W TAF at Long Beach Invitational in Long Beach, Calif.
Men’s Tennis:
Friday TBA: GLIAC Tournament Saturday TBA: GLIAC Tournament Sunday TBA: GLIAC Tournament
Women’s Golf
Saturday: W. Golf at Northwood Invitational in Midland, Mich. Sunday : W Golf at Northwood Invitation in Midland, Mich. Men’s Lacrosse Saturday 3 p.m.: Men’s LAX vs. University of Dayton
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Track and Field
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Saturday 1 p.m.: Baseball at Tiffin (DH) Sunday noon: Baseball at Tiffin (DH)
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Baseball:
Coach Salaries $3,558,965
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Softball:
Friday 3:30 p.m.: Softball at Tiffin (DH) Saturday 1 p.m.: Softball vs. Wayne State (DH) Sunday noon: Softball vs. Findlay (DH)
Operations $1,689,467
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Schedule
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Former GVSU and current Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly won the first Grand Valley State University Ultimate Bracket last week after tallying 1,203 votes to beat a formidable final four. Kelly narrowly defeated the 2010 National Champions Women’s Soccer team, which finished with 1,136 votes. The 2002 National Champion Football team was third with 1,074, while track champion Mandi Zemba compiled 1,008. Kelly, winning twice in 2002-03, led the Lakers to two consecutive national championship games during his tenure at GVSU.
Student Wages $149,595
GV sports turning out big success on slim budget
T
By Greg Monahan GVL Sports Editor
here are 20 varsity sports teams at Grand Valley State University, many of which are at the elite level of competition in NCAA Division II. Laker athletics have won seven straight Director’s Cups as the best varsity sports program in Division II, and GVSU is well on its way to its eighth-consecutive Cup. Setting and maintaining the proverbial bar at such a high level is not easy, but it is not as expensive as some may expect. GVSU Athletics is allocated less than 2.5 percent of the university’s overall budget, a ratio that is on par with similar, though less successful, Division II programs. “The average is usually around 2.5 percent, and ours is traditionally less than that, usually around 2.2 or 2.3 percent,” said GVSU Athletic Director Tim Selgo, who is in his 15th year as the head of the Laker athletic department. “In those terms, I think our institution gets a pretty good bang for its buck in the intercollegiate athletic program.” The majority of the money spent on GVSU varsity sports comes from the university’s general fund. In the 2010-2011 academic year, Laker Athletics received $5,378,025 from the school. This total is higher than most Division II schools, putting GVSU into the top one-third of Division II athletic programs in money received directly from their school. But in terms of overall expenditures, GVSU is among the top in Division II due to its ability to raise money on its own. “What we’re budgeted, from the university’s general fund, is not in the top 10 or 20 percent (in Division II),” Selgo said. “With our general fund money plus what we generate on our own, that is what puts us in the top 15 percent or so in Division II.” Through ticket sales, merchandise and sponsorships, GVSU Athletics is able to add significantly to its overall budget. “We started Louie’s Locker Room this year, and that’s been big for us this year,” said Charlie Read,
GVSU assistant marketing director. “That’s the game day store at football, basketball volleyball and other games, which is a way we’ve been able to generate revenue that we didn’t have before.” By generating revenue on its own, the athletic office is able to add about $1 million in added revenue to the available budget. This affords teams some discretionary spending, such as sending the track team to meets in California or the golf team to an outing in Pennsylvania. Selgo added that the teams themselves are also responsible for helping out in the fundraising efforts. “The money we generate ourselves allows us to do the ‘extras’,” Selgo said. “So maybe our soccer team will go to Florida for a tournament, and they’ll fundraise for that and bring dollars in to cover the costs. Many of our programs put on camps in the summer. A good portion of the revenue from their camps goes toward the operating budgets.” The biggest chunk out of the athletic budgets goes straight to the Laker coaching staff. GVSU spends more than $3.5 million each year on coaches, including assistants and graduate hires, a total that is in the top 10 percent of all Division II programs. The top earner is GVSU head football coach Matt Mitchell, who pulls in $138,061 per year. He is followed by men’s basketball coach Ric Wesley ($112,078) and women’s basketball coach Janel Bur-
GVL / Rane Martin
Fiscal frugality: Charlie Read, assistant marketing director, reviews the sports budget. The department generates $1 million of its budget through ticket sales and merchandise.
gess ($107,259). “Our salaries are probably near the top because we have the best coaches in the league, by far,” Selgo said. “So we have high salaries, but our programs are very good and competitive, as a Division II program should be.” Not included in the budget is the value of athletic scholarships. GVSU handed out the equivalent of 133.7 full-ride scholarships to more than 300 of the university’s 550-plus student-athletes who played in the 2010-2011 year, which accounts for a more than $2 million in free tuition, room, board and books for student athletes. However, Selgo said there is a misconception that the majority of athletes on campus are getting their entire education paid for by the university. “A very minute amount of student athletes have ever been on a full ride,” he said. “Almost all of our student-athletes are on a partial scholarship, and some more than most – it often depends on the sport. In football, when you have 36 scholarships to divide amongst 90 to 100 guys, you can do the math. We have not had many on a full ride at all.” Selgo added that life as a student athlete is especially difficult because only a part of their schooling is covered, and it is very rare for an athlete to have time for varsity sports, academics and a job during the school year. “The scholarships help fund part of their education, but the rest of it is funded just like other students on campus,” he said. “They’ve got to take out loans like every other student. Or somehow, someway have it paid for, whether it’s their parents or summer jobs helping them pay for their school.” And in a time period where GVSU has to be as stringent as possible in its finances, Selgo said he knows that now more than ever it is his responsibility to keep costs low, but continue to keep performance on the field at an elite level. “We watch every penny,” he said. “We don’t do anything that I would even come close to categorizing as extravagant. Every one of our teams is going to stay at a motel that has a free breakfast, if they don’t have a free breakfast then we’re not staying there, because it saves us money.” sports@lanthorn.com
Sports
B2
GRAND VALLEY
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
MEN’S LACROSSE
Future pro plays out final season with GV Leading the undefeated Lakers in goals and points, Cam Holding awaits first professional season with Edmonton Rush By Jon Adamy GVL Staff Writer
GVL Archive / Andrew Mills
Semi-pro: Senior Cameron Holding plays on Saturday against Calvin College. Holding returned to GVSU for his final season of collegiate play before going pro.
While other students scramble for job internships and interviews, Grand Valley State University senior lacrosse player Cameron Holding’s performance on the field was the only résumé he needed to land a job after college. Holding’s journey to professional lacrosse has led him back to GVSU after he was chosen by the Edmonton Rush during the fourth round of last September’s National Lacrosse League draft. He originally started his collegiate career at GVSU before transferring to Florida Southern College to try his skills at the NCAA level. Last year, Holding’s former summer league coach and current head coach of the Rush recommended he enter the National Lacrosse League draft. One stipulation for entering was that Holding could not be playing a NCAA sport, which left him with the difficult decision of staying to play at Florida Southern or transferring to a club team to finish out his senior year. “Definitely it was hard, but just last summer I started my own lacrosse company, so I mean this is my fourth year in school so I’ve got bigger things to worry about, not just, you know, one more season of lacrosse,” Holding said. “Given the opportunity to get drafted and playing at the highest level I can, I felt like that was the best choice.” Holding said the Rush are expecting him to play as a fast-paced and vocal transition player, meaning he will play both offense and defense. Holding has been the key to the Lakers dominance on the field. With Holding back on the team this season, GVSU has outscored opponents 17751. His 52 goals and 72 points are the most in Division II so far this season, and the team is currently ranked No. 1 in the national polls. Junior long stick mid-
fielder D a n M a c Donell s a i d Holding is always h u s tling HOLDING a n d working hard for the team’s wins. “He’s a scrapper, he’s a fighter,” Mac Donell said. “He’s obviously a huge asset to our team, and we probably wouldn’t be the No. 1 team in the nation without him.” Even though he’s already been drafted, Holding is looking to finish his business management degree at GVSU next fall. Holding is already putting his business skills to work, with plans to coach his own lacrosse camps in Florida, Michigan and Tennessee this summer. Mac Donell said Holding’s experience and knowledge of the sport allows him to think about the game in different ways than other players. “It’s almost like having another coach on the field, he knows the game that well,” Mac Donell said. “He can take any scenario and look at it through his eyes, find two or three certain way to go about a certain play, and find a way to put the ball into the cage.” Putting the ball in the cage has been Holding’s specialty this season. In a 16-5 blowout of rival Davenport University Holding poured in seven goals, outscoring their entire team, which was ranked No.2 in the nation at the time. Holding has scored at least two goals in every game so far this season. Holding will play senior A lacrosse with many other NLL players this summer in preparation for starting his lifelong goal of playing professional lacrosse. “It definitely has been a dream of mine,” Holding said. “Ever since you were little and you’re one going to the games, to be the one playing there will be absolutely amazing.” jadamy@lanthorn.com
FOOTBALL
Spring game to preview 2011 Laker football
GVL Archive
Spring in their step: A defensive player takes down the offense during a past game. The Saturday match will give fans a chance to see the team in action.
Saturday game will give team the chance to showcase their growth from first practices By Brady Fredericksen GVL Senior Reporter
While spring cleaning and exams have dominated the minds of students at Grand Valley State University recently, the GVSU football team is there to save the day. With its regular season opener against Western Oregon University still months away, the team’s spring game on Saturday will give fans a chance to get out and see the Lakers in action. After an uncharacteristic 38-6 second-round playoff loss to Augustana College ended the Lakers’ season in 2010, this year’s team will look to reload on the fly by filling holes on both sides of the ball with underclassman. “We’ve got to solidify two starters on the offensive line and develop some depth there. That’s the number one spot,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell, who enters his second year at the helm. “After that, we’ve got a lot of different guys competing at safety, so figuring out who’s playing back there will be a good competition.” Last season’s veteran-dominated team led the Lakers to their sixth-consecutive GLIAC title, but this season’s group, with only 14 seniors, will be relatively inexperienced on the offensive side of the ball. Replacing quarterback Kyle McMahon and running back Justin Sherrod will be key for the GVSU offense. As Mitchell said, the importance of replenishing the offensive line, which starts with replacing potential NFL draft pick Cameron Bradfield, will also be a top priority. The connection between the potential quarterback and the offensive line will dictate what kind of damage the Lakers’ offense can do this season. “It’s critical, we have to be good on defense and be able to run the ball for our quarterback to be successful,” Mitchell said. “We can’t expect to win games 50-45, so it’s the job of our defense and offensive line to help our new quarterback as he progresses.” That competition is something Mitchell has stressed throughout the early part of the year. The team’s upperclassmen have taken a step back this spring. While they have continued to practice, the coaches have cut their reps, which allows younger players to get
the necessary practice they will need to be prepared for the upcoming season. “It’s more about the reps. The spring game isn’t a real game situation, but the coaches do a good job to make it feel that way,” said senior wide receiver Greg Gay, who caught a teamhigh 50 passes last season. “We get a lot of reps in that, so keeping it at high-pace, high-tempo game will provide more plays for the young guys.” Despite not always getting their usual practice time, the upperclassmen have compensated by acting as coaches on the field – using their experience to give the younger players another voice to hear.
“I want to see
some guys that haven’t played at GVSU before catch some balls, get hit and for the defense to run around and hit.
”
-Matt Mitchell GVSU head coach
“This is the way we’ve done it since I got here,” said senior defensive back Zack Breen, who recorded 101 tackles last season. “When I was a freshman, I had guys like (Dan) Skuta looking out for me, and that’s basically what I’m doing now: watching the younger guys like the coaches are, just us older, veteran guys are out there helping out.” As Saturday approaches, Mitchell hopes to see more improvement from his team. Having 14 practices under its belt, the team should be able to come out during the spring game and give fans a preview of what’s to come in 2011. “I want to see some guys that haven’t played at GVSU before catch some balls, get hit and for the defense to run around and hit,” Mitchell said. “We’re going to throw some young guys out there to get a good feel for who can make some plays. Some of them have made strides in practice, so it’s time to see what they can do with the lights on.” bfredericksen@lanthorn.com
Sports
B3 GVSU’s Ultimate Bracket ‘worse than the BCS’ GRAND VALLEY
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lakers’ 64 greatest athletes pitted against each other in NCAA-style bracket, but Final Four results were unfair
GVL Sports Editor
Brian Kelly is apparently the greatest sports figure in Grand Valley State University history. All right, I can live with that. In GVSU’s “Ultimate Bracket” - where the Sports Information department took 64 of the greatest Laker athletes, teams and coaches in the school’s 50year history, and matched them up head-to-head in an NCAA Tournamentstyle bracket – fans had the chance to determine the greatest Laker ever, and Brian Kelly beat out the rest of the field for the ... title. There were teams. The 2002 GVSU football team (the top overall seed). National Champs. 14-0. Outscored opponents 654-231. More recently, the 2010 GVSU women’s soccer team. Also national champs, back-to-back in fact. 22-1-2 overall, didn’t allow a goal at home all season, nor in any of their five NCAA tournament games. There were coaches. Brian Kelly. Chuck Martin. Enough said. There were athletes. Jamie Hosford. Rushed for 3,157 yards in his career (1973-1976). Played three varsity sports, earning 12 varsity letters in four years. Mandi Zemba. Eight-time national champion distance runner. Set 17 school
Steven Adams Ryan Addis Kathy Agee Molly Aldridge Kaifa Alsoofy Rebecca Anderson Colin Appleford Natalie Armstrong Jim Bachmeier Heather Baron Elizabeth Barry Chelsea Bashore Paul Bealafeld Jeanine Beasley Kate Behrens Ricardo Benavidez Kelly Berendsen Anita Bikowitz Andrea Blanchard Jessi Bonczyk Darryl Da Booker Gregory Borja Grace Borton Andrew Bossick Megan Boundy William Bovee Ryenn Boychuk Alex Brenner Carter Brown Ariauna Brown Luanne Brown Teddie Buchner Melissa Bunde Mitch Burdick Ester Es Burns Samantha Butcher Trijntje J Buursma Maria Cristina Cabrera Megan Cadle Dyana Calvisi Jenna Carrigan Brian Carter Phil Catlett Eileen Chamberlin Marada Chau Tina Chirco Erin Clauson Kirsten Clemans Angela Cluley Zachary Conley Callista Cook
Rosemary Cool Chelsea Cooper Lisa Copeland Kathryn Costantini katherine Costello Sara Cowles Tom Coy Kelsie Crawford Travis Cree Breanne Cross Alexis Croswell Kelsey Curlett Kristin Cyranoski Karlee Davis Linda Davis Kristoffer de Villa Laura Dean Kate DeGraaf Nicole DeHaan Pamela DeJong Derek DenHartigh Steven Depolo Christine Deppen Danielle DeWitt Lauren DeYoung Janay Donaldson Shawn Driggers Aaron Ducharme Aaron Duddles Karissa Dyda Craig Eby Jr Danielle Eisenhauer Amy Elya Elizabeth Eubanks Bunmi Fadase Emily Fairless Deyanira Farber Teodora Fatchikova Erica Fedewa Jaclyn Fincher Caitlin Fiscus Megan Fish Jacie Fountain Jenna Fredrickson Amanda Geha Adrienne Gibson Chad Gier Rebecca Gold Justin Gray G Dan Greer Anel Guel
“It was all in fun, but the concept of
measuring a team’s success versus a coach’s success is like asking, ‘Which do you like better? Cookies or laundry detergent?’ They’re both quite good, but in their own, completely different, way.
”
department decided to ditch the head-to-heat format and go straight to popular vote. In their words, “The (Final Four) champion was then determined by the total number of votes each one accumulated over the course of the tournament.” But wait, that’s not fair. If you’re going up against an opponent that is still famous here, that opponent is going to take away more of your votes than if you were going up against someone or some team that was relatively unknown. Brian Kelly would get just about every vote if he were going against No. 5 seeded 1976-77 men’s basketball team, which not many students have a vivid recollection of, but put Kelly up against ever-popular No. 9 seed Chuck Martin and it’d be a closer tally. So it really all depends on who you played. Can you imagine if that’s how it worked in the real Final Four? “Hey UConn, you would stomp VCU if you were to actually play basketball against each other, but since they scored more total points in the tourna-
Tom Haas Janel Hackbardt Lacey Hamilton Nicole Hammer William Hannay Jennifer Hardoin Kathrine Harold Ann Hartlieb Erica Harvey Amanda Harvey Ellen Hensel Ariana Herrera Katelyn Herron Allison Hinsman Danielle Hoberman Leah Hoezee April Holder Hannah Hollandsworth Jarod Holt Kailee Howard Aaron Hoxworth Angie Huddleston Brittani Hudson Kelly Hughes Megan Hurley Lan Huynh Linh Huynh Cory Jackson Philip Jackson Kate Johnson Chelsie Johnson Kayla Johnson Malia Johnson Sue Johnson Julie Johnston Johns Kayla Jones Tiffany Jones Valerie Jones Javon Jordan Allie Karagozian Philip Kaseska Sumandeep Kaur Michael Kaurich Anna Kegel Erin Keon Erin Kephart Vechaith Khim Kevin Kimball Tyler Kinch Johnathon Kisner Natalie Klackle
ment (it was 440 to 406, VCU), we’re just going to go ahead and give them the trophy. Thanks for playing.” This is worse than the BCS. I was pulling for the 2010 women’s soccer team, which came just 67 votes away from the title (1203 to 1136). So, in the GVSU Sportswriters’ Ultimate Bracket Poll, the women’s soccer team edged out Brian Kelly, 1-0, for the championship. Congratulations to Dave DiIanni and his entire 2010 squad. sports@lanthorn.com
Karianne Klein Karenda Klosowski Elizabeth Koltonow Melanie Kom Stephanie Koprince Tiffany Korican Anne Kornelis Marlene Kowalski-Braun Matt Kuivenhoven Conor Kuriwchak Laura Labonte Sarah Lambdin Trevor Lamson Ian Lang Cain Larkins Diane Laughlin Lyndsey Lawhead Joshua Lee Laura Lemerand Brenda Lindberg Katie Locricchio Jennifer Lopez Teri Losey Rhonda Lubberts Carly Luke Stephanie Ly Nancy K Mack Jackie Main Jac Erica Marshall Megan Marthens Karen Martin Spencer Masiewicz Rayanne Mason Linda Masselink Catherine Mavis Jennifer McCaul Michelle McCloud Elizabeth (Betsy) McInnis Tania Melton Brittney Mestdagh Kelly Meszaros Keegan Michel Philip Miller Danielle Mosier Nick Mucha Jennifer Mullins Kalena Murphy Amber Myers Christanh Nguyen Ch Ashley Nickels Eric Nodge
Courtesy photo / Google Images
Head of the pack: Former head football coach Brian Kelly (pictured) led the Lakers to two national championships and was inducted into the GVSU Hall of Fame in 2010. Kelly won the GVSU Ultimate Bracket.
26 Sheldon BLVD
By Greg Monahan
records at GVSU. That is exactly 17 more than I set. Okay, to tell the truth, I didn’t know either of those athletes existed before the Ultimate Bracket started, which is pretty embarrassing as Lanthorn sports editor. So you might not have known them either, but those are some crazy numbers. It was tough to pick. Really tough. It was all in fun, but the concept of measuring a team’s success versus a coach’s success is like asking ‘Which do you like better? Cookies or laundry detergent?’ They’re both quite good in their own, completely different, way. I liked this bracket, and the arbitrary and unquantifiable nature of picking the tournament comes with the territory. If nothing else, it taught me about the Mandi Zembas and Jamie Hosfords of the GVSU athletic world. Who knew we had a pole vaulter named Bryant Wilson, a two-time NCAA All-American, who once vaulted 17-feet-5.75-inches? To compare, I personally vaulted 11 feet in high school. And I thought I was sweet. Turns out I am not. In the end, the Ultimate Bracket played out completely different from this year’s actual NCAA tournament. Three of the four No. 1 seeds made the final four, with the lone other seed being Brian Kelly, who came in as a No. 2. But Kelly wasn’t necessarily the deserving winner — once the final four was set, the athletic
Christine Nowak Mark Ogren Melissa Ok Corey Oostveen Sarah Opdycke David Pacini Amanda Paison Jordan Palladino Ankitkumar Patel Jill Patterson Katie Peden Emily Pellerito Sam Perry Ashley Peterle Alyssa Petersen Danielle Phillips Tanner Pike Ken Poczekaj Benjamin Pohl Jennifer Pope Amanda Praznik Ashley Raden Abbigail Rausch Cheslie Reuwer Rommel-Edward Reyes Ulandra Reynolds Esther Ricco Ariel Rojo Amber Rudolph Nick Ryder Genevieve Sabala Elizabeth Sanford Garrett Sawyer Dana Schmidt Kayla Schuiteman Jason Schwab Jacob Sciacchitano Carolyn Shapiro-Shapin Kevin Shaw Catherine Sheroski Erikka Simpson Lisa Sisson Allison Smith Kimberly Somerville Lena Spadacene Adam Stefaniak Brandi Stewart Kate Stoetzner Mike Stoll Caitlin Stoltman Amber Stout
Carrie Subelsky Victoria Sun Allison Supron Sarah Swietlik Jacob Szocinski Linda Teng Christine Thomas Ch Lauren Thomas Alison Tibble Alyssa Tierney Ashley Timm Kate Tippett Trisha Tomkins Rachel Toward Lindsey Upchurch Michelle Vader William Van De Car IV Brian Van Doeselaar Jessica Vandenbrink Kristen VanNoord Zachary VanOsdol Zacha Alex VanOverloop Liz Veeneman Jordan Veenstra Eric Villafuerte Alondra Vizcarra Christine Vo Katy Voorhorst Michael Walenta Maribeth Wardrop Jo AnnWassenaar Kate Weir Alyssa Werner Emily Wiest Danielle Williams Sarah Wilson Lauren Wiltshire Mareisha Winfrey Shelby Woodby David Yaeger Raymond Yeow Simonne Horman Ho Amanda Yik Hillery York Michael Zervos Robert Zinger Jolynn Zirnhelt Grady Zuiderveen
a &e
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
Elijah Brumback, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com
arts
B4
entertainment
Gala concert to celebrate music department’s 50th By Rebekah Young GVL Staff Writer
To commemorate the university’s 50th anniversary, Grand Valley State University’s music department will host a gala concert featuring more than 250 of its current vocal and instrumental performers. “This is a fabulous school with a strong history in the band program, and we’re building the orchestra program,” said GVSU Symphony Orchestra Director Henry Duitman. “The students have progressed tremendously. This event gives the audience a chance to see what the students have done. It’s a celebration of the student ensemble.” The celebration concert will be held Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Grandville High School auditorium. It will include performances by the Symphony Orchestra conducted by Duitman and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Barry Martin and guest conductor John T. Martin. “I’ve seen wonderful growth in this department, not only in quantity but also in quality,” said Martin, who has served as a professor and the director of bands for 17 years. “The different between the early years and now is so
50th Anniversary Celebration Performers
KOZACHIK
DUITMAN
VANDERMOLEN
great. The students are playing at a very high level.” The evening will also feature GVSU’s 2011 Concerto Competition winners Michelle Kozachik and Kelly VanderMolen, who will be performing solos accompanied by the ensembles. Kozachik, a senior education major from Kentwood, began to play saxophone under the teachings of her father in sixth grade. She continued to play throughout high school. While at GVSU, she has been studying with assistant professor Jonathan Nichol. She has performed with GVSU’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, New Music Ensemble, Saxophone Studio and the Shades Quartet. “It truly feels that the hard work and dedication to my instrument has paid off,” Kozachik said. “I will be able to show my passion for the music and the saxophone.” Kozachik, who will perform movements one and two from the “Concerto for Saxophone” by Ingolf Dahl, said she is both honored and excited to perform at the concert. VanderMolen, a senior music performance major from Grand Rapids, first picked up the violin as part of her middle school’s music program and continued to take lessons in high school. She is currently studying with assistant professor Gregory Maytan. Over the last two years, she has served as the concertmaster or coconcertmaster of the GVSU Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. “It is an honor to play in a concert that is celebrating fifty years of excellence for Grand Valley and showcases so many of the different musical talents that we have here in the GVSU student body,” said VanderMolen. She will perform the first movement of “Violin Concerto” by Samuel Barber with the Symphony Orchestra. The concert will also feature Alexander Borodin’s “Polovetsian Dances” as performed by the Symphony Orchestra and 150 voices of GVSU’s combined choirs. “It’s a larger experience, the piece that we’re doing with the choirs,” Duitman explained. “It’s something bigger than we can do here on campus. This will really give people the chance to experience the size of the department.” The University Arts Chorale and Select Women’s Ensemble conducted by Ellen Pool, the Varsity Men conducted by John T. Martin and the University Singers conducted by Janice Dudley will all be part of this performance. “It might be a song people recognize,” Duitman continued. “It has a lot of beautiful tunes, and it ends with a big shout. It’s very celebratory for a gala concert.” The concert is free and open to the public. Alumni, parents and students are encouraged to attend. “There is going to be a variety of music performed, something for everyone to enjoy,” Martin said. “It’s a rare opportunity to have all these groups perform together. It’s a special thing for the music department and the university.” ryoung@lanthorn.com
Courtesy photo / knbp.org
Innovator: Filmmaker Ken Burns shoots a scene. The documentarian pioneered the use of movement on still images in his Emmy award-winning films.
HISTORICAL LENS AND THE CRITICAL EYE
Innovative filmmaker Ken Burns to speak on what the next 50 years may hold By Tara Aday GVL Special Contributor
As a filmmaker and producer who specializes in American history, Ken Burns will help educate Grand Valley State University students about the future of our country as a part of the university’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Burns will hold a question and answer session next Thursday at the Cook-DeWitt Center at 1 p.m., and his main lecture, titled “The Next 50 Years in the United States,” will be held at 7 p.m. at the Pew Campus’ Eberhard Center. GVSU film and video professor Jim Schaub said Burns, who has covered subjects from the American Civil War to more recent work on national parks in his 30-year experience as a documentary filmmaker, is an authority on America’s future. “(Burns’) ability to understand and appreciate history gives him a solid basis for looking into the future,” he said. “He does
meticulous research and delves deeply into a subject and is driven to get to the core of the issue he is presenting.” Burns is the third and final lecturer of GVSU’s Distinguished Academic Lecture seBURNS ries. The lecture is free and open to the public and will consist of a discussion on the American experience. It will end with a question and answer session about the U.S., and the next 50 years. The Ann Arbor native has earned numerous film and television awards, including four Emmy Awards. GVSU associate vice president Jon Jellema said Burns’ work, which captures a wide range of America’s diverse history, made him a good choice for the upcoming lecture.
“Burns’ documentary films have all been backward looking,” said Jellema, who is also the head of the subcommittee in charge of selecting the lecturers. “We asked him to use the insights he has gained from looking back in our country’s history to make some observations about what the next 50 years may hold.” Film and video professor Margo Greenlaw said Burns’ attention to detail and his background in an array of subjects logically translates into him being an engaging lecturer. “(Burns’) work relates to many departments at GVSU including communications, film and video, broadcasting, history, American studies, anthropology and so on, which echoes Grand Valley’s model of providing students with a liberal arts education,” Greenlaw said. “Many people across disciplines know and appreciate his work, so I believe he’ll draw an enthusiastic and diverse crowd.” arts@lanthorn.com
More than 250 local artists convene for
Art.Downtown. 2011
By Patrick Nothaft GVL Staff Writer
More than 80 years ago, trolleys cruised the cobblestone streets of downtown Grand Rapids, and the red streetcars will make a comeback for Art. Downtown. 2011 on Friday. The one-night event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and will feature local artist galleries at some of the city’s most prominent art hotspots, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. There is no cost to ride the trolleys, and most venues are free and open to the public. Admission to the GRAM is $1 when you show an Art. Downtown., map, which is available for download on the event’s website, www.artdowntowngr.com. Sixty event volunteers will also distribute maps at the trolley stops and at the 29 venues on Friday night. Art.Downtown. coordinator Jenn Schaub said she expects the event to draw a crowd of more than 3,000 in its third year. “Hopefully (Art.Downtown.) brings us together and shows us how broad the fine arts community is,” she said. “Artists will be able to con-
Courtesy photo / gvsu.edu
Trolley ‘round town: Art.Downtown. features more than 250 artists at 7 venues (pictured). Locations include the UICA and the GRAM, which will have a $1 entry.
nect, share ideas and see what they can do when they come together.” With more than 250 local artists displaying their work on Friday, Schaub said art enthusiasts will not be able to see everything in one night. “I attended Art.Downtown last year and couldn’t spend
enough time there,” said GVSU film and video student Ryan Gajewski. “In the end, I had to skip a few venues because there was just so much to see.” This year’s event represents one of the last chances to visit the UICA before it moves from Sheldon Boulevard to the intersection of Fulton Street and
Division Avenue over the summer. As part of Art.Downtown., 2011, GVSU’s Civic Studio, a public art project offered as part of the visual studies emphasis in the Department of Art and Design, will display its final exhibit of the semester in the UICA’s Front Gallery The exhibit focuses on the art institute’s move from the building it has called home since 1998, said Civic Studio member Amber Stout. “The work will consider beginnings and endings and the overall history of the space,” Stout said. “From their recent clean up of the Sheldon building for an upcoming garage sale, we have an abundant amount of found material and objects that are at our disposal.” The combination of creative thinking and community ties is one of the event’s biggest draws, Gajewski said. “Not only does (Art.Downtown.) encourage art and artists, but it exposes people to ideas and perspectives that they can’t find surfing channels at home,” he said. “Whether you know every artist or none, there’s a reason to check it out. This is what community building is all about.” pnothaft@lanthorn.com
B5
MARKETPLACE
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Announcements Congratulations Graduates! Carrabba’s will be opening early for your convenience on April 30th. Reservations acRESERVED FOR ADVERTISERS cepted 12-4pm, call ahead INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? seating after 4pm. (616) CONTACT INFO NICK 261-3020 ALL CAMPUS INQUIRIES: ROB Exam Cram at Ugro, April 20th-27th, open until 1am or later. Featuring the bottomless cup for only $5. Located in The Village at 48 West. Want GVSU news now? The Lanthorn has it covered. Visit our website, Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter for the latest GVSU campus and sports news. www.lanthorn.com
Roommates Roommate Wanted for a home in a quiet family subdivision in downtown Grand Rapids. 5 minutes from Pew campus and downtown, easy access to I-96 and I-196. $300/mo. harrimar@mail.gvsu.edu
Services Experienced Attorney 3 Miles from Campus. 616.895.7300. www.davidknoesterplc.com 616-895-7300 Need a student loan? Community West Credit Union offers the Credit Union Student Choice loan. Visit www.communitywestcu.studentchoice. org or call 877-298-6274 for information.
Employment College Pro is now hiring painters all across the state to work outdoors with other students. Earn $3k-$5k. Advancement opportunities. 1-888-277-9787 or www.collgepro.com
Work on Mackinac Island. Make lifelong friends. The Island House Hotel and Ryba’s Fudge Shops are looking for help in all areas this summer: Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff, Sales Clerks, Kitchen, Baristas. Housing, bonus, and discounted meals. (906) 847-7196. www.theislandhouse.com
Housing 5 Bed 2 Bath, House for Rent. Clean, recently painted, washer & dryer, stove, refrigerator, basement storage. Close to GVSU Downtown GR. 302 Gold NW $1000.00/mo plus utl. 616-454-9666 Grand Valley’s best kept deal. University Townhomes & Apartments guarantees the lowest price per person. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere with a variety of home styles to choose from less than 2 miles from campus. Call Tim today 616-477-5511 Livin’ Large. Copper Beech townhomes and apartments have up to 2000 ft of square space. Enjoy big style without the price. Call 616-895-2900 or visit www.copperbeechtownhomes.com
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Grand Valley Lanthorn
Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 14, 2011
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B6 rts & Entertainment Spring Dance Concert to show growing program strength Renowned choreographers, faculty to feature variety of dances in year-end show By Elijah Brumback GVL A&E Editor
For senior Kelly Kerastas, this year’s Spring Dance Concert by the Grand Valley State University dance program will be the culmination of four years of intensive training and learning. Kerastas, along with many others in the dance department, is looking forward to Friday’s performance as she approaches graduation this April. “This is the last concert that I will be performing in as a member of the GVSU Dance Ensemble,” Kerastas said. “So this concert is reigns of great importance to me.” Preparations for the concert have been ongoing since the beginning of this semester. “We bring in 3 national guest artists at the beginning of the semester and hold auditions during the first 3 weeks of classes,” said Shawn Bible, GVSU dance professor and concert organizer. “We begin rehearsals the first week of classes each semester and continue to rehearse for approximately three and a half months. ” Bible said the concert offers the GVSU community and Dance Program dancers a
Culture at Grand Valley
chance to dance for nationally and internationally acclaimed dance professionals. “Our guest artists for this concert are highly acclaimed dance professionals throughout the world,” Bible said. While these guests as well as costumes and lighting are of considerable cost to the program, Bible said there is much more to gain with this “masterfully crafted” production for the dance program and the public. “The dance concert this spring highlights our growing dance program. As the years progress, the GVSU Dance Program features larger numbers of student performers with amazing technical ability,” he said. “GVSU’s reputation in comparison to other dance university programs nationwide is tremendous.” Bible said GVSU is now considered one of the strongest university programs in Michigan and is beginning to gain a national reputation because of its ability to work with world-renowned guest artists. This year’s guests include Karen Milligan of the Milligan School of Balletin in Dearborn, Mich., Melissa Thodos of Thodos Dance Chicago and Mark Santilliano, SoMar Dance Works director and former Pilobolus dancer. “We had some very talented choreographers come and set pieces on us this semester,” Kerastas said. “This concert is very diverse as far as forms of dance as well as talent.”
Featured dances will include styles in ballet, modern, contemporary jazz and pointe variations. “Each piece usually tells a story or has a message of some kind,” Kerastas said. “However, the choreographers do not always want the message to be known and would prefer the audience has their own interpretation.” To prepare for the concert, Kerastas said the first thing learned is the choreography, followed by a stretch of intensive practice. “It’s always difficult to learn new dances and have them look and feel 100 percent, but if you have the passion to dance, you make it work no matter how difficult the entire process may be,” she said. Bible said exposure to GVSU is the most amazing aspect of the dance concerts for the department. “As all art forms, dance continues to strive to bring the most talented students and choreographers to Grand Valley,” he said. “We want to share our personal experiences working with such amazing talent with the public.” His hope for this concert and the hard work of the program is to continue to pull in new audiences. The performance is Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Performing Arts Center. Admission is free. arts@lanthorn.com
GVL / Kate Kaurich
Program preparation: Briana Buck and Brandon Harneck get spotted for a backflip. The Spring Dance Concert will be held this Friday and Saturday.
Courtesy photo / hollywood.com
A woman’s touch: Filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow (pictured) was nominated for a best director Oscar for her 2009 film “The Hurt Locker.” The UICA and the Chiaroscuro Film Series are showcasing works by female directors in this year’s program.
Chiaroscuro Foreign Film Series presents films from Iran at the UICA By Kevin VanAntwerpen GVL Staff Writer
With Kathryn Bigelow’s nomination for best director at the Academy Awards in 2010, the minds behind the annual Chiaroscuro foreign film series decided it was time to explore the idea of women behind the camera. “We thought it would be a good idea to try to tell the U.S. and Grand Rapids that there are other things going on beyond the confines of U.S. territory,” said founder Gretchen Minnhaar. “Female directors are far, far more common outside of the United States.” This Sunday, the sixth and final film in the series, the 2000 film “The Day I Became a Woman,” will play at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids, and like all films in this year’s series, it was directed by a woman – in this case, an Iranian woman named Marzieh Makhmalbaf. “The Day I Became a Woman” tells three stories about Iranian women and the pressures put on them by the Iranian culture. One of the stories deals with a young child, who must lose her best friend, a boy, on her ninth
birthday because she “becomes a woman.” Another tells the story of a cyclist whose husband wants her to forfeit a race. The final story is of a widow who inherited money and wishes to buy all of the possessions she was never able to own before. “We chose this film because Iran in general is sort of an unknown place in the world despite its long history.” Minnhaar said. “Women are treated like second-class citizens there. Not just in the way they dress but also by the career options available to them.” After the screening of the film, a panel of experts, including a professor from Grand Valley State University, will take questions from the audience and discuss the social conditions in the film. Minnhaar founded the film series in 2005 alongside Grand Valley State University professor Zulema Moret with hopes to broaden the horizons of filmgoers in Grand Rapids by exposing them to foreign films. “I would like the audience to become enamored with foreign films,” Minhaar said. “ ... I’d like people to see that these films are not so complicated, and you can enter a very beautiful world and
see things that are completely lost to many people.” A locally-made independent film, “Public Museum,” will be screened prior. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday and admission is free. The UICA is located at 41 Sheldon SE in Grand Rapids. kvanantwerpen@lanthorn.com
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Branches in Hudsonville, Kentwood and Wyoming. Membership open to those attending GVSU. For more information on Community West Credit Union, visit our website at www.communitywestcu.org.