Issue 59

Lanthorn G R A N D VA L L EY

T H E S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R S AT G R A N D V A L L E Y. W W W. L A N T H O R N . CO M R E A D T H E CO L U M N :

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

R E A D T H E B LO G :

‘IF YOU’RE BROKE, YOU’RE LAZY?’ WHY BEING BROKE ISN’T YOUR FAULT

SUMMER MUSIC SCENE SCOPES OUT FESTIVALS AND MORE

‘CHASING THE SKY’ CONTENT HELPS GREAT WRITING

www.lanthorn.com/editorial

A&E I B4

www.lanthorn.com/editorial

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 19 , 2 01 2

‘What a way to end the year’

Winter Commencement Behind the scenes

GVL Archives

Ready, set, graduate: President Thomas J. Haas welcomes graduates during the fall 2011 commencement ceremony. This years’ commencement will take place at Van Andel Arena on April 28.

BY Lizzy Balboa GVL NEWS EDITOR

W

ith winter commencement ceremonies fast approaching, many students are beginning to relax and slack off. However, those working behind-the-scenes at Grand Valley State University are still chugging along—and will be doing so until the last student steps across the stage.

Dean of Students Bart Merkle said a team of staff members has been preparing for the upcoming ceremonies since January.

Although the team is primarily led by the Office of Student Life and the Dean of Students Office, members also collaborate with other departments at GVSU. “It’s a university effort to pull this off,” said Bob Stoll, director of the Office of Student Life.

Merkle said the involvement and input of various departments truly helps pull off a high-quality ceremony.

“We have a lot of people working on it to be certain we are putting on a ceremony that the students are going to enjoy and their families are going to enjoy,” Merkle said, adding that the team meets on a weekly or biweekly basis throughout the semester to plan for the

event. However, the frequency of meetings increases as the ceremonies draw nearer.

“There’s a lot of details in planning commencement,” said LeaAnn Tibbe, assistant director of the Office of Student Life, as she flipped through a ten-page timeline of things to do for the Grand Rapids commencements, alone. “I don’t think students realize all the behind-the-scenes work that goes

on to make it go flawlessly.”

The team performs various tasks from developing programs and brochures in the office to collaborating with staff at the Van Andel Arena to ensure that the graduation scene is set as the university wants it. Tibbe said she and the others involved also attend an annual commencement conference SEE COMMENCEMENT, A3

Committee created to better campus climate

BY ANYA ZENTMEYER GVL MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy Photo / News and Information Services

Outstanding work: Bart Merkle, dean of students at Grand Valley State University awards senior and Student Senate President Natalie Cleary at Monday’s Venderbush Awards ceremony held on the Allendale Campus Monday.

Awards recognize students, faculty

BY Andrew Justus

GVL Assistant News Editor

All students at Grand Valley State University work hard to accomplish their life goals, but some go well beyond what is expected of them. At Monday’s Venderbush Awards Ceremony, 102 undergraduate and graduate students came to be recognized for being among the best in their degree program.

Recognizing academic excellence is important at a school so widely known for its athletic prowess.

“It really represents what the

institution stands for,” said Glenn A. Niemeyer, GVSU Provost Emeritus. “This is first and foremost an academic institution, it’s what we’re all here for.”

High academic achievement takes patience, and at the same time determination and grit. Many of the student awardees expressed their gratitude as well as the joy of having their countless hours of humble coursework publicly acknowledged.

“It’s great to be recognized for hard work, and an honor to be surrounded by GVSU’s greatest minds,” said Casey O’Guinn,

a senior who earned departmental honors for marketing.

For Senior Mike Cousins, the award was more about being a productive member of a team of talented broadcast students he works with every week for his CBR 484 news production class.

“It’s a great honor because I worked hard each week to make my professors and my class proud,” Cousins said.

At least one non-traditional student also won a departmental award. Sherry Bouwman, who SEE VENDERBUSH, A3

Grand Valley State University is seeking students, faculty and staff members to help embark on the next step in the myGVSU Campus Climate Study with the newly-created Campus Climate Implementation Committee, that will be made up of three subcommittees: the faculty subcommittee, staff subcommittee and student subcommittee.

Dwight Hamilton, assistant vice president for affirmative action, said the CCIC will be tasked with identifying and recommending action items based on the findings from the myGVSU Campus Climate Study, the results of which were released in the fall.

“The information will be used to generate recommendations for the university to further improve the campus climate,” Hamilton said.

Tammie Luce from Campus Dining and Debbie Morrow from University Libraries will chair the faculty subcommittee; Kate Stoetzner, director of international students and scholars at Padnos International Center along with Aaron Haight, assistant director of Student Life, will chair the staff subcommittee and the student subcommittee will be chaired by Marlene KowalskiBraun, director of the Women’s

HAMILTON

Center and Colette Seguin Beighley, director of the LGBT center.

“Each subcommittee will focus of the following issues: short-term/ action, qualitative results, marketing/image, racial issues and LGTBQ/women issues,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said they’re not sure how many people will make up the committee in the end, but said that students, faculty and staff members are all welcome to join their respective subcommittees.

“No stipulations, other than being willing to meet at least once a month and to carry out action items for each meeting,” he said.

Those who are interested in joining one of the CCIC’s subcommittees should contact Krystal Olson at 616-331-2672 or at olsonkry@ gvsu.edu. managingeditor@lanthorn.com

A2 NEWS

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

N E W S E D I TO R L I Z Z Y B A L B OA

NEWS BRIEFS GV named to ‘Greenest Colleges’ list Grand Valley State University was named one of the country’s most environmentally responsible colleges by “The Princeton Review” for the third year in a row. The university is included in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition.”

Released days prior to the April 22 celebration of the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, the guide focuses on institutions of higher education that have demonstrated an above average commitment to sustainability in campus infrastructure, activities, programs and initiatives. Areas of evaluation included the university’s commitment to building at LEED standards, environmental programs, the use of renewable energy resources and recycling and conservation programs.

“Being named a ‘Green College’ for the third year in a row continues to position Grand Valley as a leader in sustainability,” said GVSU President Thomas J. Haas.

“It demonstrates the progress we continue to make, and shows how students, faculty and staff members have an interest in and understand the importance of applying sustainable practices every day.”

GV hosts women’s political workshop Grand Valley State University student Aubrey McMahan won’t graduate until next year, but she’s laying the groundwork already for a possible political career.

McMahan, from White Lake, will be among the attendees at a workshop hosted by GVSU’s Women’s Center that prepares women to run for political office.

Ready to Run Michigan is set for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center on GVSU’s Allendale Campus. Cost to attend is $125; some scholarships are available. Visit www.gvsu.edu/women_cen for details or call 616-331-2748.

Ready to Run is a national, bipartisan program that targets states with low numbers of women serving in elected office. In the Michigan legislature, four women serve in the Senate (out of 38 seats) and 27 serve in the state House (out of 110 seats).

McMahan is an international relations major. She attended the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island in September and said she was amazed at how much preparation and fundraising are involved in campaigning.

Children’s Enrichment Center hosts art show The Children’s Enrichment Center at Grand Valley State University held its fourth annual Art Show and Reception Wednesday.

Art created by children from the center was showcased and auctioned to raise funds for the center.

Funds raised will go toward the Children’s Enrichment Center scholarship endowment fund, which was established to assist student parents with child care costs.

WHAT’S INSIDE SECTION A News Opinion

SECTION B A2 A4

Sports A&E Marketplace

B1 B4 B5

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS In the article “Laker for a lifetime,” published in the Monday, April 16 edition of the Lanthorn, the sentence “Haas said GVSU did have to raise tuition specifically for the project” should read “did not have to raise tuition specifically for the project.”

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year.

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POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to Grand Valley Lanthorn, 0051 Kirkhof, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401

EDITORIAL STAFF

ADVERTISING STAFF

Assistant Sports Editor

Advertising Manager KEVIN HAUSFELD

JON VAN ZYTVELD

Asst. Advertising Manager KIMBERLY VERELLEN Account Managers MICHELLE SCHEFFERS TYLER SCHNEIDER ANGELA CAROLLO Ad Designers RANDI FORD NATALIE PATTERSON

BUSINESS STAFF Business Manager ALEX HOUSEMAN Receptionists SHANTI COLLINS ANGILEENA GIBSON Distribution DUSTIN FURNEY STEPHEN PRATT STEVEN MERDZINSKI

Editor-in-Chief SAMANTHA BUTCHER Managing Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Web Managing Editor HALEY OTMAN News Editor LIZZY BALBOA Assistant News Editor ANDREW JUSTUS Sports Editor BRADY FREDERICKSEN

Laker Life Editor RACHEL MELKE A & E Editor BRIANA DOOLAN Image Editor ERIC COULTER Assistant Image Editor ROBERT MATHEWS Copy Editor HALEY OTMAN Layout Editor VALERIE WALDBAUER Layout Staff KAYLA KOENIGSKNECHT SOPHIA HERCZEG JULIE SHEERAN Web Team TY BAILLIE THOMAS LEE

By Sarah Hillenbrand GVL Staff Writer

W

ith the end of the school year fast approaching, students and professors all over the country are frantically prepping for final exams.

And even if the class final is not a formal test, Grand Valley State University requires all classes to have a last faceto-face meeting.

“University policy states that all classes must meet for a culminating experience during final exam week, on the appropriate scheduled exam day and time,” said Mary Schutten, the associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

All the departments of the university are required to meet during exam periods for a final, whether it is an exam, paper, project or other class activity. The policy is not specific on what the format has to be, whether a cumulative, a test on recent material or other final projects, but demands only that it be some kind of culminating experience, said Anthony Nieuwkoop, the chairman of the biomedical sciences department.

Although some on campus do not agree with this policy, others think it is a good one to have.

“Students are paying per credit hour,” said Joseph McCargar, a broadcasting professor in CLAS. “If they don’t meet for that number of hours, students are paying for more credit hours than the professor is giving them. The professor has an obligation to give their time for their students.”

The university has no way of monitoring whether all professors follow this policy, but it is expected of all professors to do so, Nieuwkoop said.

“It’s a fair policy to have,” Nieuwkoop said. “It’s making sure everything is complete and wrapping everything up,” he said.

Schutten said professors who do not follow the finals policy are first informed that they are not complying with the university policy, but after the initial warning, the offense would be handled at the

n ow hi ri n g

Lanthorn Volume 46, Number 59

In-class finals required no matter the exam format

GVL / Allison Young

No exception: A GVSU student waits for a class to be released. University policy states that professors must hold some sort of “culminating experience” during the exam period.

department level. She said she believes that the policy is in the best interest of the students.

“It is certainly in the students’ interest,” Schutten said. “We do our best to make sure students are successful.”

There is value in a having a final face-to-face meeting, McCargar said.

“It gives a chance to summarize the course and gives exposure to the material,” he said. “It’s a great time to sum up the course both academically and aesthetically.”

While some students might prefer using non-exam culminating experiences as study time for other finals, professors are required to

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meet one last time as a class to give some type of evaluation for their students to see what they learned and got out of the course.

McCargar said part of the reason he thinks it is a good policy is because the last class meeting gives the professor a chance to find out what the students’ plans are, collect suggestions for future courses, and give guidance for improvement and overall success.

“It’s just one of the things we all get to do to finish up the semester and mark it done,” Nieuwkoop said.

Shillenbrand@ lanthorn.com

“It’s a fair policy to have. It’s making sure everything is complete and wrapping everything up.”

anthony nieuwkoop chair biomedical sciences

NEWS A3

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

VENDERBUSH continued from A1

works at GVSU News and Information Services, earned departmental honors in behavioral science in her 12th and final year at the university.

“For any student it’s great to be recognized, and I have worked at this a really long time,” Bouwman said.

Bouwman enrolled at GVSU in 1999 at the urging of her oldest son, who had just graduated from high school and would also be attending the university. Bouwman’s time as a student at GVSU was long enough for two of her sons to graduate from the institution.

Parents of some award recipients were also present.

“If you come to GVSU and apply yourself and take advantage of opportunities lots can happen,” said movement science professor John Kilbourne, whose daughter Zoe received a departmental award from the Frederick Meijer Honors College.

Other students were recognized for their leadership efforts and outstanding academic con-

“For any student it’s great to be recognized, and I have worked at this a really long time.”

sherry bouwman gvsu student

tributions. The climax of the night was the awarding of the Glenn A. Niemeyer Awards for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students and for outstanding professors. Two people were awarded in each group.

Management and business professor Ashok Kumar was one of two faculty members to receive a prestigious Glenn A. Niemeyer award for outstanding faculty. Kumar has taught at GVSU since 1992 and is a Fulbright Distinguished Chair.

“Everyone from top to bottom said I deserved [the Niemeyer Award], it means a lot,” Kumar said. assistantnews@ lanthorn.com

LANTHORN.COM FOR DAILY SUMMER EXCLUSIVES GVL Archive

Final goodbye: Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas congratulates a new graduate as she crosses the stage during the 2011 fall commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena. GVSU will send off 12,000 Lakers during this years’ ceremony.

COMMENCEMENT continued from A1

to prepare for GVSU’s many ceremonies.

Although the Grand Rapids event takes a lot of effort to plan, Tibbe said the group has “less pressure” to organize the Traverse City commencement on May 3 because it has fewer students walking.

And the coordination of students is one of the hardest parts to get down.

“How do you tell 12,000 students what to do and when to do? That’s really key,” Tibbe said. “Its hard to get that information to students.”

However, the team pulls off smooth ceremonies year after year through the dedication of its staff and the fund-

ing of the university.

Merkle said he thinks the winter commencement ceremonies cost somewhere around $100,000, which is split between the two ceremonies in Grand Rapids and the one in Traverse City.

The cost varies from year to year based on the cost lighting, sound and all other set-up factors, though.

However, when the stage is up and the procession begins, price is not a significant concern for those involved.

“Every time we start down the aisle and the processional with all the music [starts], I really get a chill down my spine,” Merkle said, adding the ceremony is a good “culmination of all the work and time students have put in [over the years].”

At this time, the upcoming celebrations face only one impediment: the roads adjacent to the arena are riddled with construction.

Stoll warned students to allow extra time for arrival and set-up.

The ceremony will feature James Brooks, vice chair of the Grand Valley Founda-

tion, as the morning keynote speaker, with Juan Williams, political analyst for Fox TV, as the afternoon speaker.

Other than the physical roadblocks, nothing is stopping the show from going on.

“What a way to end the year,” Tibbe said. news@lanthorn.com

A4 OPINION

Grand Valley Lanthorn thursday, APRIL 19, 2012

L A N T H O R N O P I N I O N O N L I N E AT L A N T H O R N . C O M R E A D T H E B LO G : “CHASING THE SKY”

BY KEVIN VanANTWERPEN

VA L L E Y VOT E : Have you ever bought an eBook for a class?

L AST I S S U E ’ S Q U E ST I O N : Do you think non-prescription Adderall use is a problem at GVSU?

www.lanthorn.com/blog

Vote online at lanthorn.com

Y E S 55% N O 45%

EDITORIAL

KEEP IN TOUCH S ummer vacation is (nearly) upon us at Grand Valley State University, and as we cram for exams and polish off our final papers, the thought of summer is what drives many of us toward the semester’s end. And while you all depart on what we hope will be a summer full of opportunities and new experiences, we encourage you to

No matter where your summer takes you, keep up with the latest GV news with your friendly neighborhood newspaper

stay connected with the university through the Lanthorn’s summer print editions, website and social media.

This summer, the Lanthorn will be increasing its summer publication schedule, publishing twice-monthly through July in hopes of giving you the best coverage possible. Those of you who will be on campus

QUESTION OF THE ISSUE

can pick up our print editions on newsstands on both the Allendale and Pew campuses, while the articles will be available online for those who are spending their summer away from the Allendale area. We will also be updating our website, www.lanthorn.com, daily to keep you up to date on all of the news, sports and features that happen on our

campuses while you work on your tan.

For news on the go, stay plugged in to the Lanthorn’s Twitter and Facebook accounts for announcements, reminders and links to our exclusive web content. And if you have a suggestion, question or comment for us, don’t hesitate to drop us a line and let us know.

GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON I GVL ARCHIVE

What are your plans for the summer?

“Working at WGVU and working an internship possibly, too.”

Rory Rux

Senior, broadcasting major Illinois

“I am going to finish my construction of a teleportation machine that I am building with cardboard boxes and am going to use it so that I can travel the world all summer and be home by dinner.”

Matt Finelli

Senior, biopsychology Grand Rapids, Mich.

No more pencils, no more books

“Lots of work, school work and squeezing in as much fun as I can.”

BY CHRIS SLATTERY Joe Kargula

Senior, math and secondary education Novi, Mich.

“Coaching, working, going to the beach, traveling, saving up money for school.”

Alex Jouney

Freshman, biology Plymouth, Mich.

“My plans for this summer will be doing spring classes and for the rest of the summer I will be the director of Sailing Club.”

Robert Declerca

Junior, marketing and management Grosse Point Park, Mich.

GVL COLUMNIST

If you want to know a weird feeling, sit in a classroom during your last week of class. Another weird feeling: stepping on a puddle of peanut butter barefoot, but let’s just stick to that first thing for a second.

Since the age of five or six, school is really all I’ve known (aside from that two week chicken pox hiatus), so when I sit down at a desk and listen to the professor drone about how crucial it is to stay focused at the end of the semester,

Lanthorn

EDITORIAL PAGE BOARD Editor in Chief Managing Editor Web Managing Editor Advertising Manager

GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community. Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses.

Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person. Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

Letters appear as space permits each issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced.

The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity.

All letters must be typed.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors.

The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons.

The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.

cheers for their acceptance of a piece of paper. And the hats. The flippin’ hats…

But, you know, realizing that there is no more school is bizarre. Half of my brain wants to ask, “You really want me trying to function in society?” while the other half just screams in various pitches the theme song to “Dawson’s Creek.”

School has always been more than a safety net; it’s been my life. Not in the studious sense, of course.

I just don’t know what I’m going to do with myself for the next 60 to 80 years (hopefully). Or, the next eight months, if the Mayans have anything to say about it.

Now I have to be a real adult. I’m not a student anymore. I can’t technical-

ly get “student discounts” (although I’m not just holding onto my GVSU ID for safe keeping). I will have to become a professional. Sorry, Greasy Pete and J-Dawg, but I’ll probably have to start calling you by your real names.

Don’t blame me, blame societal values.

It’s time to go be my own person, I suppose.

Meh, I’m getting a nervous rash. It kind of feels like the chicken pox. Which would explain why I accidentally dropped that jar of peanut butter a few minutes ago…

Wait, OATMEAL gets rid of chicken pox itches?

So I’m covered in peanut butter for no reason?

I think it’s time to become an adult now. cslattery@lanthorn.com

Talk serious to me, baby

The student-run newspapers at Grand Valley State University

SAMANTHA BUTCHER ANYA ZENTMEYER HALEY OTMAN KEVIN HAUSFELD

I can’t help but feel a little sorry for them. I’m about to finish up with school forever, and I wouldn’t come back even if you paid me. Professors, on the other hand, felt differently.

But this isn’t a column about how hard it is to concentrate (been there) or what I’m doing on the other side of finals week (done that). Instead, I want to focus on this weird feeling. I should be able to describe it, probably with some colorful adjectives and whimsical adverbs, but I’m drawing a blank (which, as it turns out, does not fly in an art class).

I mean, graduation is already quite a ridiculous spectacle when you think about it. Hundreds (or thousands) of robed people sit in a room while a crowd

BY Christine Colleran GVL Columnist

I think being serious is sexy. Now I know what you’re thinking and, no, I don’t lie awake at night fantasizing over Steven Hawking and Bill Gates. I am talking about the ability to be serious in moderation, an ability that I don’t see a lot of in my collegeage peers.

In a time of internet memes and “Tosh.0” we don’t put much stock in earnest conversation or thoughts, and it seems many of us (myself included) are afraid to be considered “too serious.”

We shy away from hard issues and touchy subjects

in favor of discussing the merits of Kirkhof burritos (so good, but so stingy with the chicken) or our record keg-stand time (my PR isn’t worthy of publication).

Outside of the classroom, trying to introduce a tough topic of conversation (i.e. welfare, race, political issues) to college students is like trying to feed a baby that orange mystery mush.

They are going to close their mouth, turn their head and get distracted by the nearest shiny object. We force babies to eat, its good for them — but we’ve grown out of our highchairs and can’t force each other to think critically.

I often run into fellow students who chose not to have opinions on certain “messy” subjects. That line of thinking is a betrayal to ourselves, and the healthy minds we’re lucky to have.

We don’t stop eating ribs because we get sauce everywhere. No, we put on a bib, grab some Wet Ones and dig in. Difficult

subjects of conversation should be no different.

Our minds have appetites too, and we need to feed them or risk losing them all together.

That being said, we shouldn’t try to force seriousness into places where it doesn’t belong. I would be supremely disappointed if Zach Galifianakis shaved his beard and joined a monastery. Or if the show “Jackass” went wholesome and focused on raising donkey awareness rather than shooting large objects at cast member’s crotches.

We just can’t forget that it’s simply entertainment, and that the success of those seemingly ridiculous people can probably be credited to hard work, serious thought, and making connections.

Trust me, your future boss may be tickled by the fact that you can recite every word of the movie “Stepbrothers,” they might even have a beer with you because of it — but they

will still promote your critically-thinking colleague. If you can do both, however, you might just have the world at your fingertips.

All that I ask is that you don’t shy away from a little bit of heavy thinking. You should investigate what confuses you and not be afraid to feel passionately about something. You don’t need to win a Pulitzer Prize to be seriously sexy.

Now that I’ve gone wise sage on you, young grasshoppers, my work here is done. I think I’ll go watch “The Voice”, or rather, watch Adam Levine. Hey, I am all about rewarding a little hard work. ccolleran@lanthorn.com LANTHORN.COM READ “IF YOU’RE BROKE, YOU’RE LAZY?” ONLINE www.lanthorn.com/ editorial

NEWS A5

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

Textbook buyback kicks off Monday UBS: Sell early, in good condition for most money back

BY Samantha BUTcher GVL Editor in Chief

F

GVL / Amalia Heichelbech

Plugged in: GVSU student Julianna Colle uses her Nook to do a reading for class before finals.

eBook sales hit all-time low at GV

BY Samantha Belcher GVL STAFF WRITER

EBook sales at Grand Valley State University are at an all time low due to price point and unpopularity. Although eBooks allow students to download and store all of their textbooks on one lightweight device, whether it be a laptop, iPad or other digital reading device, students still prefer hard copies of their books. “[EBooks provide] much more dynamic learning but students are still wanting hard copy books,” said Tony Glaab, textbook manager at the University Bookstore.

Glaab said price point is one reason why students are not interested in eBooks, adding that this is a trend he has seen throughout the college bookstore industry.

Publishers of eBooks increased the prices by 30 percent from the fall to winter semesters. After this price jump, the UBS store decided not to sell eBooks for the winter semester because students would not benefit from them.

“If prices stay where they are students will not buy them,” Glaab said.

He added that one incentive of using hard copy books is that students can buy them used and sell them back when the books are not needed anymore. Students cannot, however, sell back eBooks and receive money in return because of their expiration

“If (eBook) prices stay where they are, student will not buy them.”

tony glaab textbook manager university bookstore

dates on tablets.

Glaab said UBS is actually losing money on eBooks, from which sales the store receives 8 percent commission not including admission costs.

Brian Page, owner of Brian’s Books, agreed that eBooks are not as popular as hard copy books at GVSU. “They [eBooks] have been a colossal flap,” Page said.

Brian’s Books offers a limited number of eBooks, but there is no demand for them because, as Page said, they are often too expensive for students.

Page added that another reason why eBooks are not popular is because they are not consistently priced. Some eBooks are comparable to the price of used or rented books, while other eBooks are comparable to new books.

“I don’t think it [eBook] is as good as the original products,” Page said.

Glaab said eBooks were introduced at universities about ten years ago and were in demand for only about five years. He added that at

one time, UBS sold about 40 eBooks in one school year.

However, in the last two years, eBook sales have declined.

“They are gaining no traction,” Page said.

Of the students who have used eBooks, Glaab said some love the devices while others have had problems. He added that some students said they did not like the eBooks because they were not userfriendly.

“I think the rental is a better avenue than the digital version,” Page said.

Glaab said the goal of UBS is to provide affordable products for students and that eBooks might make a comeback if the cost of them benefits students financially.

“If costs makes sense again for students we’ll put them out again,” he said.

Page added that he believes there will be more of a push for eBooks in elementary and middle schools, and if children get used to eBooks at a young age, the demand will increase over time. “There is no doubt it will grow,” he said. sbelcher@lanthorn.com

inal exams mark both the most wonderful and most harrowing time of the spring for many students, and the stress and anticipation of book buyback can be an unwelcome hassle for many.

With the University Book Store’s buyback period beginning Monday, Tony Glaab, UBS textbook manager, said students should sell back early to get the best prices for their books.

“The best thing to do is come in early during finals week,” he said. “Sometimes we have a quota, so let’s say if there were five sections (of a class) this winter and only two next fall, we can only buy enough at the higher price for those two sections, so the earlier you get in during those finals week, the better.”

Glaab said even if the quota has not been met yet, there are a number of factors that can make a book ineligible for buyback, including excessive damage and water damage. UBS also does not purchase international editions or faculty desk copies.

“You have to think like a consumer — if it’s something you wouldn’t want to buy, we won’t buy it back,” Glaab said.

While many students are unaware of the value of their books until they enter the buyback line, this year UBS began offering guaranteed buyback rates on certain books — 100 titles in the fall and about 75 titles this semester. The list, organized by department and course number, can be found on their website, ubs. gvsu.edu.

Growing numbers of students are opting out of purchasing textbooks in favor of rentals. Rental businesses like Chegg and eCampus have become appealing to cash-strapped college students because of their lower up-front prices. However, despite an increase in the number

GVL Photo Illustration / Eric Coulter

Selling back: The University Bookstore will be buying back books on the Allendale, Pew and Meijer campuses.

of colleges and universities offering textbook rentals through their bookstores, Glaab said UBS does not plan to offer rentals, adding the bookstore reviews the value of rental books each year.

“Not always the best option, you may save money up-front — which is important to some people — but according to some of our data, we’ve seen in up to 90 percent of cases, it’s cheaper (to buy),” Glaab said. “... By having used books available and buying them back aggressively for good prices, students are usually saving 40 to 50 percent by buying the book.”

Andrea Blanchard, a GVSU senior, said bad experiences renting last year put her off of rentals.

“I’ve had better luck buying than renting,” she said. “... When you buy, you can use and abuse your textbook however you want, but with renting you must be cautious.

And there’s no cash back with a rented book. For me, renting wasn’t worth the hassle.”

About half of UBS’

stock of textbooks is made up of used books each year, Glaab said, compared to about 30 percent at other university bookstores.

“We have a mandate from the university, we are university-operated,” Glaab said. “We’re not Brian’s Books, we’re not a third party, we’re not here to make money — our mandate is to make books as affordable as possible.”

Textbook rental begins Monday and ends Friday, with purchase locations on GVSU’s Allendale, Pew and Meijer campuses. In Allendale, students can sell books back in UBS every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or in Kleiner Commons Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Grand Rapids, students can sell books from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday or Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in DeVos Center.

UBS representatives will also be on the Meijer campus Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit ubs.gvsu.edu editorial@lanthorn.com

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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

B SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

sports@lanthorn.com

S P O R T S E D I TO R B R A DY F R E D E R I C K S E N S O F T B A L L

S P O R T S

SHORTS

Woods’ winning ways

Skuta re-signs with Cincinatti Bengals

Former Grand Valley State University football standout Dan Skuta signed a one-year offer with the Cincinnati Bengals worth $1.26 million on Friday. While his first three seasons in the NFL have seen him playing largely backup roles, Skuta did start three games last season at middle linebacker following the injury of starter Rey Maualuga. He finished the season with a careerhigh 34 tackles. While he’s said he would prefer to sign a long-term contract with the Bengals, Skuta plans to become an unrestricted free agent after the completion of his contract.

W. golf takes first at Oak Terrace Invite

The Grand Valley State University women’s golf team placed first at the Oak Terrace Spring Invite with a score of 319, winning by seven strokes last weekend. After being rained out on Saturday, senior Sarah Hoffman won medalist honors with a two-under seventy, the only under-par round of the tournament. Veronica Ryan tied for sixth with a score of 80 (+8).Cassady Kauble tied for 19th and recorded her second-best round of the year and her best ever finish with an 84 (+12).This was the sixth win for the team this season. The Lakers will play next at the GLIAC championships on Monday and Tuesday at Currie Municipal Golf Course in Midland, Mich.

G V S U

SCHEDULE Baseball Saturday at Findlay, 1 p.m.

Saturday at Findlay, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday at Findlay, noon Sunday at Findlay, 2:30 p.m.

M. Golf Saturday at Ashland Invite, All Day

Sunday at Ashland Invite, All Day

M. Tennis Friday at GLIAC Tourney

(Midland, Mich.), All Day Saturday at GLIAC Tourney (Midland, Mich.), All Day Sunday at GLIAC Tourney (Midland, Mich.), All Day

M. Track and Field Friday at GVSU Al Owens Classic, noon Friday at Mt. San Antonio College Relays, 1 p.m.

Saturday at GVSU Al Owens Classic, 9 a.m.

Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College Relays, 1 p.m .

Humble Woods hits 800-win career milestone

Courtesy Photo / GVSU Sports Information

The “doc” is in: Doug Woods, Grand Valley State University head softball coach, gives team members pointers following Friday’s game against Ohio Dominican.

BY Jon Van Zytveld

GVL Assistant Sports editor

W

hile all career milestones take an exceptional deal of time and effort to achieve, some are more significant than others.

With last Friday’s 4-2 win over Ohio Dominican University, Grand Valley State University softball coach Doug “Doc” Woods hit 800 career wins, an achievement that he is both proud of and humbled by.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a big deal,” Woods said. “It was great to get that milestone. The team was excited for me; they gave me a jar full of 800 pennies. But, in the end, the wins are more about the players than they are about the coach.”

The milestone has been 22 years in the making for Woods, who began coaching the Lakers in 1991 and boasts the longest tenure of any Laker softball coach. During his time as head coach,

T R A C K

7 p.m.

Saturday at Adams State, 4 p.m.

Softball Friday at Lake Superior

State, 3:30 p.m.

Friday at Lake Superior State, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday at Lake Superior State, 1 p.m.

Saturday at Lake Superior State, 3 p.m.

W. Tennis Saturday at Hope College, 2:30 p.m.

W. Track and Field Friday at GVSU Al Owens Classic, noon Friday at Mt. San Antonio College Relays, 1 p.m.

Saturday at GVSU Al Owens Classic, 9 a.m.

Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College Relays, 1 p.m.

ing on that number for him,” Hurd said.

“Hopefully we can even hit 900. We were very excited for him; he is a great coach and a fun coach to play for.”

As his career as a Laker coach continues, Woods remains happy to see his team coming together and improving.

“My favorite part has always been practices and being able to watch the players improve as the season goes on,” he said. “Seeing the improvement come to fruition in the games is great.”

However, Woods emphasized the fact that this milestone does not mean that the team’s work is done.

“We have got to play a little bit better defensively,” he said. “We always hit the ball well, but we need to focus on defense. There’s always fielding things that we can work on, but overall, I’m very satisfied with our work so far.”

After last weekend’s six GLIAC home games, the Lakers will return to

A N D

“But, in the end, the wins are more about the players than they are the coach.”

doug woods head coach

the road on Saturday and Sunday for two double-headers at Lake Superior State University.

While the Lakers will miss the home-field advantage, they believe the quality of their play will continue to be strong no matter where they play.

“We’re definitely ready for this weekend,” said junior in-fielder Maggie Kopas. “It will be a challenge being away from GVSU, but we can handle it.” assistantsports@lanthorn.com

F I E L D

Honoring Al Lakers prep for Al Owens Invitational, Mt. SAC Relays

W. Lacrosse Friday at Lindenwood,

Woods has amassed a sizable list of accomplishments, which includes leading the Lakers to the NCAA Tournament in nine of the last 13 years and an 804-369-3 career record. He is only the 16th coach in Division II history to reach the 800-win milestone.

When asked about what the experience of coaching has been like for him, Woods stated that it has been a great experience and that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I still enjoy it,” he said. “People ask me what having 800 wins means, and I tell that it means that we’ve had a lot of good players on our team throughout the years.”

The Lakers were overwhelmingly supportive of him, Woods said, and the team seemed excited for their coach to gain such an honor.

As GVSU pitcher Kayla Hurd said, this milestone is far from the end.

“We’re just going to keep on build-

BY Zach Sepanik GVL staff writer

More than 30 years of dedication to Grand Valley State University athletics has earned Al Owens historic recognition, as Friday and Saturday will mark the first annual Al Owens Classic for the men’s and women’s track and field teams at the new Laker Track and Field Stadium.

“I consider it a big honor,” Owens said. “Usually it is a memorial instead of a classic, so I’m glad it’s not that. It is a great honor to be recognized and I am humbled. It is just great to be involved with all the great kids that go through the program.”

Owens, currently the game operations assistant for the Lakers, has been an official at GV track meets since the Fieldhouse Arena was opened in 1982 and has helped run the scoreboard for football and basketball games. Upon deciding to retire in 1999, GVSU athletic director Tim Selgo offered him a part-time position, a spot Owens has occupied for 13 years now.

“Al has been around GV athletics for quite some time now and is someone that is always willing, and able, to give a helpful hand,” said GVSU men’s and women’s head coach Jerry Baltes. “He has always been great to our track and field program especially, whether as an official or someone just pitching in and helping out, and we wanted to honor him in return.”

The Lakers will look to continue their strong performance in the outdoor season, hoping to hit more provisional and automatic qualifying marks in their last home meet before hosting the GLIAC Championships in early May. Following a victory at the fourteam Hillsdale Invitational last Saturday, in which the No. 1 GVSU women’s team won 11 events, the squad will use the home atmosphere to push themselves.

“We are more familiar with the track so things will go more smoothly,” said sophomore sprinter Kalena Franklin, who ran a personal-record 14.05 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles last weekend. “We have a better chance to hit those faster times since we are at home. It is one of our last home meets before conference and we are excited, but it is getting down to crunch time.”

The No. 10 men also took first-

GVL Archive

Up and over: GVSU sophomore Kalena Franklin clears a hurdle at a past meet.

place at the Hillsdale Invitational, winning 10 events to edge out Hillsdale University by three points. The team hopes to continue its progression toward its goal of placing at the 2012 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships.

“We just have to keep making that progress as we move closer to the GLIAC Championships, and on to the NCAA Championships,” Baltes said.

“I think we are in a positive spot and just have to keep working hard. Even though it hasn’t been beautiful to start the season, it has been a little bit better than last year. Really we just have to be ready for anything.”

GVSU will also be sending 17 student-athletes, primarily the dis-

tance crew, to Walnut, Calif., for their annual trip to the Mt. SAC Relays.

The meet, which will take place from Friday through Sunday, will provide favorable weather and a deep field for the athletes to compete in and hopefully hit their fastest marks of the season.

“It is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to get out in great conditions and great competition, and hopefully race fast and earn trips to the NCAA Championships,” Baltes said.

As for Owens, he will be the starter for this weekend in Allendale, continuing his run as a Laker for life. zsepanik@lanthorn.com

B2 SPORTS

DOPE GAME

BY Brady Fredericksen GVL Sports Editor

R

aise your hand if you know someone who smokes marijuana — you know, pot or weed.

Chances are your hand went up, and chances are it’s no big deal that it did. You’re in college, that’s just part of college life for some — athletes included.

As a fan, athlete or just a general bystander of collegiate athletics, is it any sort of surprise that marijuana is prevalent in college athletics?

Take it from a college student, it’s not a surprise, and the only people who actually would be surprised by this are unbelievably naïve.

If you haven’t seen it yet, ESPN The Magazine will feature a piece on marijuana use within the University of Oregon football team in their issue on April 20. The story details the teams’ general love for the ganja — in this case, the night after the team’s Rose Bowl win over the University of Wisconsin

in January.

Maybe it isn’t that surprising at Oregon.

One of their best defensive players, cornerback Cliff Harris, did get kicked off the team mid-season after repeated run-ins with police.

But really, I’ll ask again, is the idea of marijuana being prevalent in college sports a surprise to anyone? Of course, it is against the rules and is tested for, but some students (athletes included) smoke. That’s a part of the lifestyle; it’s just a matter of who partakes.

According to the NCAA’s Health and Safety website, 61 percent of Division II schools administer drug tests in some form, and Grand Valley State University is within that percentage.

Speaking of testing, the school’s policy on drug testing is, well, random. The school focuses on administering random tests to all student athletes during the academic year; testing anonymously, multiple times per semester with a three strikes and you’re out policy.

Sometimes, a sober athlete can luck into the chance to pee in a cup during all or most of the testing cycles, and if you are smoking, you can sometimes luck into not testing in a cycle at all.

“Each test is done separately, with a trainer outside of the stall,” said a former GVSU athlete. “It takes around two weeks for the results; no news is good news.”

Just look at college sports in the last

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

For all the good college athletics bring to the table, the culture of drugs and drug use is also apparent month and you’ll see that marijuana isn’t juana; it’s the fact that smoking marijuana is something that just joined the party. Michi- kosher in the eyes of many college students. gan State University basketball player Der- Not that every college student or student athrick Nix was found with marijuana at a traf- lete smokes, but there is a pervasive mindset fic stop earlier this month. among young adults that there really isn’t That’s tame compared to Central Michi- much harm in smoking marijuana. gan University football players Austin White When compared to underage drinking — and Joe Sawicki or even drinking and who, according to driving — is smokCentral Michigan ing marijuana really Life, currently face the all-damning vil“Not that every college charges of manufaclain some see it as? turing and delivering Being on a campus student or student narcotics, possession where both underage athlete smokes, but and maintaining a alcohol consumpthere is a pervasive drug house. tion (and students’ Now, I don’t fear of a date with mindset among young mean to point to Judge Post) and drug adults that there really that example as beuse (the Derek Copp isn’t much harm in ing the poster child debacle) have been for drugs in college seen, would drug use smoking marijuana.” sports. That’s just a here really be that case of two athletes much more surpriswith about as much ing than what’s hapcommon sense as pened at Oregon?

Carlos Mencia has Some athletes are funny jokes. going to smoke and My point is this is drink. Some students a dilemma you see in are going to smoke nearly every sport in nearly every college. and drink — it’s college, it’s a culture and Even GVSU isn’t safe from the possibility it’s just how things go for kids who, for that some athletes may enjoy partaking in what it’s worth, are more young and stupid some reefer – better that then snorting bath than you’d hope. salts, am I right?

The problem isn’t athletes smoking marisports@lanthorn.com W .

R U G B Y

National stage

Courtesy Photo / Bob Richthammer

Ohio-bound: The GVSU women’s rugby team players fight for the ball on the field during a past game. The Lakers’ will head to National Collegiate Playoffs at Ohio State University.

Women’s rugby heads to Nationals for first time

BY Jon Van Zytveld

GVL Assistant Sports editor

It is a big deal for any sport to make it to the national level.

This weekend, for the first time in its history, the Grand Valley State University women’s rugby club will join the ranks of the numerous other GVSU teams that have made it to their respective national tournaments when the club attends the Division II women’s rugby National Collegiate Playoffs at Ohio State University.

“Our emotions fluctuate from nervous and excited,” said sophomore center Krissy Smith. “We’ve never been this far, and it is a huge honor for us. We have worked so hard since our fall season ended; now that it’s only a few days away, it’s slightly surreal, but it is more exciting than it is nerve-wracking.”

After returning from their split season, which ended in October with a first-place regional championship ranking, the Lakers are gearing back up and rediscovering the elements that make their team work.

As GVSU coach Bob Richthammer said, one of the most important aspects of the Lakers is their unity.

“During the first half of our split season, we got bet-

“We’ve never been this far, and it’s a huge honor for us.” krissy smith sophomore center

ter each week and developed as a team,” he said. “We gelled as a team, and that’s ultimately more important than having great athletes.

You can have all the best athletes in the world, but if they don’t play as a team, it will be difficult to win.”

On Friday, the undefeated Lakers (11-0) will face off against the University of Pittsburgh, and the team is preparing for a difficult game.

“Pittsburgh is a big, physically fit team,” said scrum half Emma Pesci. “We tend to be on the smaller side, so it will be a challenge, but we have good speed and really good ball movement, so I feel like it will be a challenge that we will be able to overcome.”

As Pesci said, their team has felt the support of its fans, and wants to win for GVSU. “We’ve gotten a lot of support emails and positive feedback,” she said. “Alumni players are as excited as we are for us to accomplish the dream.”

With both games and fi-

nals approaching, the Lakers are finding themselves somewhat rushed, and Richthammer said the fact that the team still finds time for their sport is inspiring.

“They are all moving their classes and labs around so that they can accommodate their rugby schedule,” he said. “When they get back on Monday, they’ll have finals. That’s what makes college athletes special.”

The Lakers feel prepared for the tournament, and in recent weeks, they have made efforts to analyze their mistakes in order to get ready for the important games to come.

“We’ve been working pretty hard,” Smith said.

“We’ve been watching game films and looking at the differences between our play then and how we are now. In the end, it comes down to just playing our game. When we do that, I don’t think there are many teams in the country that can beat us.” assistantsports@ lanthorn.com

SPORTS B3

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 C Y C L I N G

D O D G E B A L L

Keepin’ on keepin’ on

GVL / Eric Coulter

Momentum: Kollin Currie readies a throw during a recent Lakers’ dodgeball practice at GVSU.

So close, but so far Courtesy Photo / Peter Beels

Wheels keep on turnin’: The GVSU cycling club (pictured), which currently has 10 active members, primarily focuses on races and on promoting recreational cycling.

Semifinal loss leaves dodgeball empty handed

BY Melanie Huhn GVL STAFF WRITER

Despite low participation, cycling club keeps pedaling

BY Bryce Derouin GVL STAFF WRITER

One of the most desirable aspects about the Grand Valley State club sports program is that it gives students the opportunity to compete competitively in the sports they love. Students don’t have to stop playing the sport they enjoy, even if it isn’t offered by the university.

Since 1995, the GVSU cycling club has given students the opportunity to pursue a competitive cycling. There are various goals that the club has set.

“If you’re asking me, it is racing,” said senior Peter Beels. “It’s also to raise awareness and promote recreational cycling around the college and the community.”

The GVSU cycling club has a total of 20 members, with 10 currently active.

The club is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference, which holds meets at various colleges including Ohio State University, the University of Purdue and Lindenwood University.

Aside from being a member of a competitive conference, the club also takes part in fundraisers and they occasionally

ride recreationally.

“There are often casual rides we take in the fall,” Beels said. “Including the cystic fibrosis ride, where we ride and raise a bunch of money for cystic fibrosis awareness.”

The club would also like to see them become more competitive in the races. However, that is not currently the situation right now.

“We like to be a competitive club, but currently we are more recreation,” said club president Thomas Beebe. “Our goal is to be competitive in the collegiate conference. We’re struggling to produce a lot of competitiveness which decreases our effectiveness. Other teams have a lot more people so they can attack and hold positions better than we can.”

There are a couple issues the club is currently facing. The club doesn’t have the numbers to compete with the larger cycling teams, and funding has been a constant issue.

“In the spring we’re competitive,” Beels said.

“We’ve not had a huge amount of people this year.

It’s expensive because we can’t use college funds for driving or lodging. As a whole, the people who

have showed up have been successful, but we’ve had low participation compared to other years.”

Even with the struggles the club has faced this year, they continue to show improvement in the meets they have been able to attend. The cyclists hope to continue to remain competitive and improve at each meet they attend. ”We’ve been improving as much as we can expect with the training we’ve been getting in this spring,” Thomas said. “We’re definitely getting faster, but we don’t have much to work with.”

While the club may not be as competitive as years past, they have managed to find silver linings throughout the year.

“We’ve done better this year compared to past years as far as organization and meeting deadlines,” Beels said. “With racing, we’ve had successful races, some things we’ve done better but some things we have not.”

The cycling club’s next meet is the Midwest Collegiate Cycling Road Conference Championship, which takes place Saturday and Sunday at the University of Notre Dame. bderouin@lanthorn.com

I

t came down to overtime, and a one-player advantage, for the Grand Valley dodgeball club to be ousted in the semi-final match last weekend at the NCDA national tournament versus Saginaw Valley State University.

Hoping to come back with the title, the young team fell short after the host Cardinals caught and threw the Lakers out of the tournament, taking the 2-1 overtime victory and sending the Lakers to a third place finish.

“Playing at Saginaw, we knew it would be tough to play in their house and their court,” said senior Brian Savalle. “It truly came down to if we would have made one more catch or hit one more person, little minuscule things like that. We put everything on the court.”

The semi-final match wasn’t the Lakers only tough match, they faced the toughest playoff field that any Grand Valley team to date has had to play and according to junior team captain, Mike Trippiedi, it was some of the best dodgeball they have played all year.

On Saturday, the Lakers finished undefeated 3-0,

outplaying their competitors. GVSU took out Bowling Green University, 1-0, Northwestern State (LA), 6-0, and DePaul University, 4-0. Trippiedi was happy with how the team played the entire tournament, but it just came down to tough playoffs that made the Lakers falter.

Starting off well Sunday, they easily won their first round against Western Illinois, 8-0. It wasn’t until the quarterfinal that they saw their first real competitor and a rematch of last year’s national title game against, Central Michigan University. Controlling the game most of the way the Lakers won, 2-1.

“It was a tough task,” Trippiedi said. “It was physically and mentally draining but it was one of the best games of dodgeball I have had the pleasure to be a part of.”

Only a few violations and minor mishaps caused the Lakers to fall early in the semifinal against Saginaw.

They fought back and were able to tie the game, forcing it into a 10-minute overtime.

It came down to the first team to score or whichever team has the most standing in the end. When the time expired, the Lakers had 11

players to Saginaw’s 12 on the court helping them advance them to the finals.

“It was really tough not to make it to the championship,” Trippiedi said. “The strides the team has made since the Michigan Dodgeball cup have been amazing.

The hard work ever member of the club has put in made this national finish possible.”

Trippiedi couldn’t have been happier with the changes the club has made this year, but he wanted to send the four seniors out with a national title.

Even though the sting of the loss still hurts, the Lakers are looking forward to next year. Returning 16 of the 20 players on the national roster next year, they will be more than ready for revenge when the championships roll around again.

“We graduated all three of our captains last year and had a national roster filled with mostly first and second year players, because of these reasons we placed much higher than we were expected to,” said junior Dylan Fettig. “We had an amazing group of freshman this year and we are all looking forward to next year.” mhuhn@lanthorn.com

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a&e

Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

arts@lanthorn.com

A R T S & E N T E RTA I N M E N T E D I TO R B R I A N A D O O L A N

Photography show highlights students’ passions

BY Stephanie Allen GVL STAFF WRITER

G

GVL / Robert Mathews

On display: Senior photography majors at GVSU will display artwork, like the pieces pictured above, in the PAC gallery for their “In First Person” exhibit. Photographers were inspired by projects important to them.

rand Valley State University’s seven-member senior photography thesis class is showcasing their final projects with an exhibition opening tonight in the Art Gallery located inside the Performing Arts Center on the Allendale Campus.

The reception, beginning at 5 p.m., gives viewers a chance to talk with the photographers about their individual, unique pieces.

And each has a personal connection to the students, not just because it’s their final senior project, but because they chose pieces that they were passionate about.

Kelly Trisch’s piece, “Nature Deficit,” focuses on research she found about the problems children face when they don’t spend enough time outside. Her six images bring children and nature together to fill the missing connection, she said.

“I was raised in a small town, my house is in the middle of a field and I spent most of my free time outside,” Trisch said. “Currently living in a subdivision is something new to me, and I feel that I can’t really connect with nature the way I used to.”

Because it’s an issue that strikes her, she was able to create something that she hopes will bring awareness to people about how much time children spend inside

with technology and how beautiful nature is in her photographs.

For Jared Talcott, his original idea wasn’t working and he realized it was because he wasn’t passionate about it.

“I was taking great photographs, but I didn’t really have any passion behind them,” Talcott said. “Had this idea where I wanted to destroy negatives and eventually it turned into a mystery. It was a bit last minute, but still something I would be able to do and have meaning behind it.”

His installation piece took on a darker effect, and makes viewers look at it for a mystery in a detective-like way. Because he’s burning the negatives, using photographs of his friends over the past few summers was “creepy and a little bit odd,” he said, but gave him a stronger personal connection.

Rachel Herbert also used personal photographs, some of which she is in. Hers is also an installation piece that features photographs from the last four years of her life, suspended inside mason jars.

She didn’t take any new photographs for her piece, but chose old ones to draw out personal memories — and although the pictures are of her friends and family, she wants viewers to be able to see themselves in them.

“I wanted to kind of display the idea of pre-

serving a memory because memory is something that is very dear to us and a memory is very kind of scattered, there’s no organization to it,” Herbert said.

“That’s where the mason jar came into play, when I thought of preserving this, you know keeping it from fading away, or keeping my memories from being forgotten, and putting them in jars and hanging them from the structure.”

She said it’s the unorganized clutter of a memory that inspired her, and creating the project has helped her face good and bad memories from the past for years at GVSU. The exhibition is a showcase of the skills that the students learned during their college careers and how they can translate them into professional work with personal connections.

For Misha Grubbs, the exhibition not only showcases her piece Rays of Cal City, which features photographs of abandoned buildings in her hometown Chicago, but also shows how much she has grown as a photographer.

“I have doubted myself many of times, thinking that [photography] is something I can’t do, but seeing my work on the wall of a gallery and seeing people look at my work is proof that I have a bright future in this career and motivates me to do bigger and better things,” Grubbs said. sallen@lanthorn.com

GV student-, facultymade film to premiere

BY Brian Ledtke GVL STAFF WRITER

While many dream of seeing their work on screen, either in front of the cameras or behind the scenes, a group of Grand Valley State University students will have that chance when the film “Message Sent” debuts at Celebration Cinemas North on April 27.

Last summer, students and faculty at GVSU participated in the Summer Film Project, in which a group of students work with staff and industry professionals to create a short film.

“For students to join forces with faculty members and industry professionals really hammers home the idea of this being a real production,” said Caian White, the film’s producer and GVSU alum. “This is certainly a far cry from a normal ‘class’ and everyone is learning from each other as well as from the faculty.”

Pre-production work and production take place during the summer semester, and then is edited during the following school year. The completed film is then premiered in the spring at a local theater.

The program is now entering its 18th year and is financially backed by the School of Communications. A meeting is held every March for film and video production majors in which they can sign up for the positions in which they are interested. Although they may not re-

Courtesy Photo / capitalradio.com

Red hot music: The Red Hot Chili Peppers (pictured) will play at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on May 26.

Courtesy Photo / John Philbin

Message sent: GVSU student Adam Rock films on set.

ceive their first choice, the student is likely to obtain a role on the film, as long as they’ve completed the required courses.

“It is amazing the amount of knowledge and experience students can gain through their participation,” said Emily Johnston, assistant director. “The more each student puts into the project, the more they will get out of it.”

The film tells the story of a vagrant who finds a cell phone full of trouble.

It is about redemption, second chances, and family.

“The craziest night of filming was when we waited through a three hour rain storm in the wee hours of the morning and then continued filming until the sun came up to make up for lost time,” said John Philbin, director of the film.

Philbin said the timeintensive process is a great learning experience and that everyone bonds and becomes like family.

“The idea of viewing

and treating everyone as your co-worker is really strived for,” White said.

“This experience is about learning how to work with your crew no matter what their age or professional status may be.”

This program is especially important to students, they said, because it gives them the opportunity to not only work with a larger crew, but also to have the challenge of being assigned a specific role and learning to thrive in it.

“I learned more in that course than I did in any at GVSU,” Johnston said.

“The experience has also proven to be an essential addition to my resume and has helped me to obtain paid work.”

“Message Sent” is premiering at Celebration Cinemas North on April 27 at 8 p.m.. Admission is $5, cash only. Following the film, a short “making of” will be shown to showcase the program and behind the scenes of the production. bledtke@lanthorn.com

GR music scene heats up

BY Chris LaFoy GVL STAFF WRITER

The absolute best time to go to concerts in West Michigan is during the summer and from outdoor festivals to arena shows, Grand Rapids is gearing up for a loud season.

The biggest collection of music fans in West Michigan will be found at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury. This three-day festival starts on June 28 and should be attended by about 50,000 fans. Headlining the festival will be jam-band String Cheese Incident and electronic groups Bassnectar, STS9 and Thievery Corporation. This annual festival includes much more than music including art, camping and sports.

Two large festivals will be hosted in downtown Grand Rapids this summer. The Prospecto Music Showcase and the Rock the Rapids festival will both be returning to the streets and venues of West Michigan. Neither of these festivals has announced lineups or dates yet, but both have set a precedent of bringing big names in their short histories.

Founders Brewery will continue their yearly takeover of Downtown Grand Rapids to host the 2012 Founders Fest. On June 23, national and local acts including Four Finger Five, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus and the Crane Wives will play on a stage constructed in the middle of Grandville Avenue.

This festival has quickly become a local favorite.

The newest player in the Grand Rapids festival game is the Pyramid Scheme. This venue has easily been on the forefront of bringing national groups to town during their short existence and their plans for their first outdoor show is no different. On June

16, a stage constructed on Oakes Avenue will be populated by groups including Dead Prez, the Men, Pinback, El Ten Eleven and Frontier Ruckus.

The Pyramid Scheme is also planning multiple must see shows for the rest of the summer.

The Orbit Room has focused on bringing nation hard rock acts to Grand Rapids throughout the summer. On May 6, Marilyn Manson will bring his always controversial and always popular show to the Orbit Room. On May 17, ex-Guns n’ Roses guitarist Slash will also perform at the Orbit Room.

The Summer Concert Series at the Frederick Meijer Gardens announced its summer schedule last week and it is packed with big names. On June 1, the pop act The B-52’s will open the concert season to a surely packed house. Multiple Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge will perform on June 8.

The rest of the schedule includes names such as Foreigner, Rufus Wainwright, Fiona Apple, Huey Lewis and the News, O.A.R., Brandi Carlisle and Gov’t Mule. Ticket prices and dates for all of these shows are available at www.meijergardens.com.

Two of the biggest shows of the summer will be at the Van Andel Arena. On May 26, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will put on their high-energy show and on June 6, former Pink Floyd rocker Roger Waters will be bringing back the hugely successful show the “Wall.”

Obviously there are too many shows to preview here for the summer. Grand Rapids is blessed with some great venues and even better music fans. On any night of the week there is a great show on a stage somewhere in town, go out and enjoy this city. clafoy@lanthorn.com

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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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Grand Valley Lanthorn THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012