GRAND VALLEY
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M O N D A Y, A U G U ST 2 0, 2 0 1 8 // VO L . 5 3 N O. 2
SPOTLIGHT
Grand Finish Grant, summer enrollment propel larger graduating classes BY JAMES KILBORN JKILBORN@LANTHORN.COM
a new system in place to pay for student travel and how organizations can request funding for trips. Previously, registered student organizations used OrgSync, a website where students would connect with their group or club. This is now being replaced with a new system that Aller believes is “more advanced and user friendly.” The new system is called LakerLink, a site that has been named and
Enrollment at Grand Valley State University during the spring/summer semester continues to grow as students choose to expedite their time toward obtaining a degree. Following a recent campaign to encourage students to take additional classes between winter and fall, 8,479 students enrolled, a four percent hike over the previous year’s numbers. Mary Eileen Lyon, Associate Vice President of University Communications, highlighted not only the university’s social media campaign in enticing students to enroll for the spring/summer semesters, but also the administrative staff that worked to ensure that students with unique schedules would be accommodated. “The deans and administrators worked hard to schedule classes this spring/summer semester,” Lyon said via email. “[They] included online options so students who could benefit from picking up classes would find it convenient to do so.” In taking the six or 12-week classes, students are afforded the opportunity to obtain their bachelor’s degree faster, often within a four-year period. The Grand Finish Grant, a university grant awarded to students who have completed 90 credit hours at the beginning of their fourth year, works to encourage students to pursue completion of their degree within the four-year period. Lyon stated that the university is focused on ensuring students succeed in their academic goals and career aspirations, and the Grand Finish Grant assists students who have been working towards a degree to help them finish their schooling. Students who complete 15 credit hours during their first term are 26 percent more likely to graduate in four years than those who don’t, while students completing 90 credit hours during their first three years are an astonishing 294 percent more likely to graduate in four years. The grant incentivizes students to continue pursuing their degree in a timely manner.
SEE ORGS | A2
SEE GRANT | A2
PROMOTING: Sarah Warniak uses a megaphone to attract students to the running club as they explore over 400 different clubs offered. GVL | LUKE HOLMES
Student orgs will see changes in funding, applications BY MCKENNA PEARISO ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM
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ach year, usually during winter semester, Grand Valley State University sets its budget for the succeeding year. The university’s student senate then budgets and allocates this money to various campus programs, organizations and more. Several changes have been made to the Student Life Fund, the system to request funding, and how the
budget will be disbursed among group members that the student life team is excited to include in this upcoming school year. The Student Life Fund gives funding to registered student organizations, student media, spotlight productions, club sports and many other parts of campus. The student senate finance committee works to meet with these groups to better understand their needs financially. Senate also allows for registered groups to re-
quest funding for events, trips and more from the budget. Student life finance assistant Carly Aller said that the finance committee has noticed an annual increase in travel requests for organizations and, in turn, the travel budget has grown steadily each year. The travel fund for the 2018 to 2019 school year is now 85,300 dollars; a 42 percent increase since the 2015 to 2016 year. This year, the larger travel budget is also being accompanied with
SPOTLIGHT
CAMPUS
24th Summer Film Project, “Down by the River”
Mary Idema Pew Library Welcomes Students
BY JENNY ADKINS NEWS@LANTHORN.COM
On July 22, Grand Valley State University wrapped up production on their 24th Summer Film Project, titled “Down by the River.” This year, the film is about a young boy growing up during the Great Depression. As he combats bullying, he’s left with a choice: either run away or stay and defend his family when it matters the most. Since 1994, GVSU has implemented this program into their curriculum. Not only are students able to see what it’s like to work on a professional film set, but they are able to work alongside professionals from all over the country. This year, the crew included a handful of Grand Valley students and faculty members as well as actors and directors from Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Lansing and west Michigan. During the first six weeks of the winter semester, faculty and staff typically hold auditions for their next film or web-series. In the next six weeks, the crew will hold class sessions. They meet three times a week as a class, so they can learn the roles and departments of the film. The last 14 to 15 days is when the film is actually shot. Senior Affiliate Professor Joseph McCargar was the supervisor for the SEE FILM | A2
Exhibit ‘aims to decrease common feelings of homesickness and loneliness’ BY AMY MCNEEL LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM
The start of the 2018-2019 school year is just days away, and with a new school year comes thousands of new Grand Valley State University students. Throughout the next few weeks, new students will have many opportunities to explore the GVSU campus and familiarize themselves with college life. One of these opportunities is being held at Mary Idema Pew Library. Each fall, the library holds an interactive welcome exhibit for students. “The exhibit aims to decrease common feelings of homesickness and loneliness and create a relevant introduction to the library,” said Erin Fisher, Library Program Manager for Grand Valley State University Libraries. This year, the exhibit is called Lift and is centered around helping students to take flight. “We are using kites as a metaphor for the college experience,” Fisher said. “Participants will get to leave their mark by responding to prompts on cut paper. The paper shapes will be hung to create garland akin to kite tails, filling
KNOWLEDGE: The Mary Idema Pew Library is one of GVSU’s focal points on the Allendale campus. GVL | AMY MCNEEL
the room to create an immersive representation of our collective and individual interests.” The prompts on the cut out paper will include questions about what students are excited for, what they are nervous about and what makes them feel at
home and more. Through taking this time to reflect and connect with other GVSU students, the library staff hopes to make the transition into college life easier for new students. “It is a common myth among first year students, in particular,
to think that you are the only one with questions and that everyone else has figured this whole college thing out,” said Emily Frigo, liaison librarian. “Like any phase
Monday on newsstands and 24/7 at lanthorn.com!
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AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
A2 | NEWS
ORGS
NEWS BRIEFS
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LOT CLOSINGS FOR FALL MOVE-IN
Freshman move-in has already begun which means there will be closures across campus so incoming students can situate into their new living arrangements. Beginning Aug. 18 several parking lots and roads will have limited access. Lot C and D of North Campus will be closed Aug. 18 to 22. All designated parking areas in North Campus are closed during the move-in process. Lot M of South Campus will be closed Aug. 18 through 20 and Lot N will also be closed on the 20th. During peak move-in hours, expect traffic and limited vehicle access on North Campus Drive/West Ravine Center and South Campus Drive/Calder Art Center. Regular access will resume at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22. Questions about move-in parking and access can be directed to Parking Services at parking@gvsu.edu.
WELCOME EVENTS FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Over 6,000 students will be moving to Grand Valley’s campus Aug. 20 to 22. President Haas and his wife Marcia will serve ice cream to families and new students on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Kleiner Commons on Allendale Campus. President Haas will also deliver his annual Faculty and Staff address at 10 a.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre on August 24. Following the address, a Convocation ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena.
FIRST REC EVENT OF THE YEAR
Grand Valley’s Campus Recreation invites students to it’s first ever Live Eat RecFest event. Students can come and learn more about Campus Recreation, Housing, Campus Dining, and more. Live Eat RecFest will take place on Aug. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. with lots of free food, giveaways and group exercise classes. To learn more about Campus Recreation or see a class schedule visit gvsu.edu/rec.
GVSU RECEIVES ACCLAIM
Grand Valley State University has received several high rankings as a university in various publications. The university was named by The Princeton Review as one of the “2019 Best Colleges: Region by Region”. The Seidman College of Business was also named a “Best Business School” by The Review. Schools that were selected for this ranking were based primarily on academic programs as well as student feedback taken from individual surveys. Grand Valley was also included on Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges in America”. The university ranked 385 of over 700 public and private colleges and universities across the country. Grand Valley came in fourth in Michigan universities, being ranked behind the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Michigan Tech.
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and dedicated to Grand Valley’s needs specifically. Similar to OrgSync, students can log in and register for their organization, communicate with fellow members as well as the executive board and view a campus calendar of events. One new change LakerLink offers is an easier way to request funding that everyone with a LakerLink account now has access to. The funding request page on OrgSync proved to be too hidden for organizations to find. Aller has said this change makes LakerLink “a lot more advanced and streamlined.” The way in which group travel is funded has also been altered. Taking a more individualized approach, each student will be responsible for submitting their own funding application rather than relying on one application for an entire group. “This will ensure efficiency and accountability,” Aller said. This will also help student senate and the Office of Student Life see the actual impact the travel funding can make on individual students. Annually there are 100 to 200 travel requests, however this number only identified the organization as the request and not each student partaking in a trip. Now requests will reflect each student rather than the group they belong to. “The
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“The shorter time it takes to earn a degree, the more money is saved,” Lyon said. “We award the $1,000 Grand Finish grant to students who are on track to graduate in four years as they
COMMUNITY: Campus Life Night is a great way to meet new people and get involved. GVL | ARCHIVE
fund is to benefit as many students as possible,” Aller said. Trips must be considered academic and related to the mission of the registered organization to be approved for funding. This includes domestic travel to professional events, conferences, competitions and other educational trips. While the travel fund is not meant to cover an entire trip, there is now a cap of 500 dollars per person to use toward an approved trip. Grand Valley’s student senate finance committee did their research to see how other universities handle their travel funding. Their findings showed that among 30
different schools, including all universities in Michigan, most do not have the same sort of support for student travel. “Grand Valley is one of the only schools that funds travel at all,” Aller said. A new student organization support page has been added to the Grand Valley website so all information for registered groups can now be found in one place. This ‘one stop shop’ includes a LakerLink tutorial, links to various applications, funding guidelines, budget breakdowns and minutes from student senate deliberations and meetings. In order to educate student organizations across
campus about these new changes, the Office of Student Life is holding a resource program called “Ignite”. The program will cover funding, LakerLink, new policies and procedures as well as other information regarding student organizations. The Ignite event will take place Sept. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand River Room. The Office of Student Life also offers open advising from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year for students to come in and discuss anything student org related. “We want to set students up for success,” Aller said.
begin their fourth year. More than 13,500 students have received the grant since the program started in 2011.” Enrollment for the Spring/Summer semester also highlighted GVSU’s increasing diversity amongst its student body. Students of color marked a 14 percent
increase in enrollment over last year’s numbers, as well as an 11 percent increase in students coming from outof-state or foreign countries. These changes enable students from various backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives, creating a more enriched learning environment for students and faculty on campus. The university set another milestone this past year by awarding the highest number of graduates in its 58-year history. A total of 5,730 degrees were awarded, with bachelor’s degrees accounting for 80 percent of them. Approximately 891 students of color received their degree--15.5 percent of the total graduating class—another university record. Increasing enrollment coupled with increasing graduation rates illustrates a bright future for the university and local communities.
“The university’s mission is to focus on student success and awarding degrees,” Lyon said. “We want the students who begin at Grand Valley to finish strong.” Far from the graduating class of 1966-67 with 136 graduates, in the past five decades, Grand Valley has become the third-largest university in Michigan. Once a small commuter school located amongst the cornfields of Allendale, the university now hosts over 25,000 students, all coming from unique backgrounds with a variety of experiences and skills to share with others. The university continues to pursue higher graduation and enrollment rates, enabling students to complete their degrees in a timely and cost-effective manner remains a top priority and will benefit both the university and the workforce, in which the recent college graduates will enter.
ration,” Shaw said. “You need people who can work together. I wasn’t confident when I first came in, but working on a set that requires communication prepared me for my returning year on the set. “I’ve been saying for two years now that the Summer Film Project is the most important educational experience at GV. You won’t learn until your on set. Our classrooms and lectures, as well as small projects we are assigned aren’t at the same caliber. For me personally, it’s a great step for moving on after college. Networking is huge in this industry—it can be super daunting, but at the same time I’ve met super awesome
people, that still contact me to help assist them on projects.” During the fall semester, students take hours of footage and cut it down to approximately 30 minutes to tell the story just the right way. Following the winter semester, students in the sound design class will create the soundtrack and mix the picture and sound together. The process ends in April, so the overall making of the film typically takes one year. In April 2019, there will be a red-carpet premiere located at Celebration! Cinema North & IMax in Grand Rapids, Michigan where the crew will be recognized with an award ceremony, followed by a big soiree.
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Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief BRADY MCATAMNEY Associate Editor MCKENNA PEARISO Associate Editor LAUREEN HORAN News Editor JENNY ADKINS Sports Editor KELLEN VOSS Laker Life Editor AMY MCNEEL A&E Editor
Layout Editor RACHEL SPRING Layout Designer MAX GELDHOF
CELEBRATION: Students revile in excitment as their time as a Grand Valley laker comes to a bittersweet end. GVL | KEVIN SIELAFF
PROMOTIONS Promotions Manager HOLLIE PICKLEMAN ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager IAN BORTHWICK Account Executive RACHEL MOORE BUSINESS STAFF
NICK MORAN
Business Manager ALEXIS LAMB
Image Editor SHEILA BABBITT
Asst. Business Manager RACHEL RUTGERS
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sound recording team, with this being the ninth film he has successfully worked on. Since McCargar arrived at GVSU in 1980, the overlying goal of the program is to teach students how to work in and create a well-organized and collaborative work setting. “I think that anybody that has worked on a professional film set, which is what we try to emulate, they learn that there are a huge number of movie parts in a production phase of a film,” McCarger said. “There are lots of different individual
goals and agendas and that’s a huge thing. They learn to collaborate even though their agendas may be at odds with others. You learn to collaborate effectively. If you can act as one, that is the learning key. That’s the most important lesson.” Furthermore, this was the second year Margaret Shaw worked in the program, a recent graduate of GVSU with a degree in photography and home and video, who served as the camera operator for the film. “A lot of what it comes down to is that there are a lot of ‘c-words’: Communication, commitment, collabo-
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: The setting of a film is vital in getting the plot across. Students and professional diectors work alongside railroads and trains located in west Michigan to tell the story of a young boy growing up in the Great Depression era. GVL | SALLY HOERR
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of life, college involves many developmental transition points; some more comfortable than others-- and it all takes time. We hope the exhibit makes your transition to college and the new school year a bit easier.” The use of kites to symbolize college life not only represents the difficulties of college transitions, but also the end-
less support and helping hands available along the way. “When I think of the title, I not only think of the kites or flying, I also think about being a member of our community and that ‘Lakers lift,’” Frigo said. “Behind each building on campus, there are people and services to support you on your journey. When we lift each other up, we are stronger together.” The exhibit will provide an opportunity to explore, learn and get involved with
the Laker community; it is an easy first step in the immersion process into GVSU life. “Getting involved isn’t just fun, it is strategic,” Frigo said. “When you feel engaged and feel you belong, everything else is a bit easier.” Overall, it is hoped that students who attend this event will leave with a better sense of belonging on campus. “The start of the school year is hectic, nerve-wracking, and exciting,” Fisher said. “We hope students realize
that everyone on campus-including faculty and staff in our libraries--is here to support them in their endeavors.” The Lift exhibit is an all-day event located in the Mary Idema Pew exhibition space. It will be running every day until Sunday, Sept. 23. In addition to the Lift exhibit, the library is also hosting two related events: Kite Flying on the Lawn and Pew Grand Rapids Campus pop-up.
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
NEWS | A3
CAMPUS
GVSU Art Gallery fills new Finkelstein Hall with more than 280 pieces of art
ART FOR THE COMMUNITY: The five-story building houses 16 teaching laboratories and 90 faculty and staff offices. COURTESY | GVSU.EDU
BY NICK MORAN ARTS@LANTHORN.COM
Extensive directional meetings, selecting art out of a sizeable collection and installing over 280 pieces of artwork may seem daunting, but it’s standard work for Grand Valley State University’s Art Gallery. Their latest masterpiece involved filling the halls of the newly completed Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, a canvas that gave way to floors of powerful, themed art.
With buildings being constructed and renovated every year, Art Gallery Project Manager Alison Christensen said that the gallery is always busy over the summer. Despite that, the process to select art is a lengthy one that begins with one goal in mind: to choose pieces from GVSU’s collection that serves the needs of the students. “We really try to make sure that whatever artwork is going into the building can be utilized for the students and that it re-
lates to the programs that are happening inside the building,” Christensen said. “It should work for how students may use the art in those spaces.” For Finkelstein Hall, an initial art advisory committee formed to determine criteria for artwork to be featured just over one year ago. The committee, which included members of the Art Gallery, determined the various artistic themes featured on each floor. “The halls of the lower level, which focus on sonog-
raphy and cardiovascular sciences, feature artwork with imagery based off of those fields; the committee selected work that is inspired by these sciences, not direct depictions,” Christensen said. “The first floor is full of windows, exposing the community, so art was selected to reflect local artists and GVSU’s new presence in the neighborhood.” The art for the second floor features California artist Ted Meyer, who partners
with medical patients to create prints using ink and their scars. Christensen said a committee member brought up his work and the team was inspired by his storytelling. “(Meyer’s work) helps students see different types of patients, understand their story, and I also really like these works of art because it was a partnership between the medical patient and the artist rather than the patient being objectified,” Christensen said. “They both wanted to be able to have their stories of their medical conditions displayed in an artistic way.” The third floor houses observational labs, where children will make up the majority of patients. The art reflects this, with some art being purchased from the neighboring Coit Creative Arts Academy. GVSU selected art created by students, with profits allowing their teachers to purchase school supplies. Juxtaposed to this work is art from a GVSU charter school in Flint, where students reflect on the effects of the city’s water crisis. “(The pieces) are pretty powerful because younger kids don’t really hold back what they’re feeling,” Christensen said. “It’s a serious topic but a very approachable way to think about that crisis and how we can make improvements moving forward.” While the fourth floor is mostly offices and collaborative spaces, it also features an ex-
pansive view of the surrounding neighborhood. Working with the Grand Rapids archives, the gallery printed historic images of the surrounding Belken neighborhood. “Since Grand Valley is a new neighbor in this neighborhood, we wanted to be able to show the growth in the neighborhood and promote the idea that we’re part of the growth,” Christensen said. While the total number of pieces of art installed may seem immense on paper, head preparator Andrew King said that it’s what he has been doing annually for Grand Valley since 2003. King and his team prepare works with UV reflecting glass and mount them to protect the variety of 2D and 3D works on display. For the Finkelstein Hall project specifically, King said he was on board from the very beginning of discussions, with the final instillation taking three weeks. “Usually, we’re so exhausted by that point that once it’s on the wall, we’re happy,” King said. “But if everything looks good and nothing is damaged, that’s success.” With every project – whether it be a renovation or new construction – the art the fills each building is meant to be meaningful and intentional. While the art itself may be beautiful, it mostly provides the tools that allow students to see worldly, inspiriting perspectives.
GOVERNANCE
Michigan primary results put Schuette and Whitmer in the running for governor BY MCKENNA PEARISO ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM
Michigan state governor primary results are in, and the selections for who will be on the ballot this November have been decided: Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Bill Schuette have been chosen as the candidates for Michigan’s governor race. Schuette and Whitmer received close numbers for Kent County, but Schuette’s votes in Ottawa County were much higher. Whitmer served on the Michigan House of Representatives from 2000 to 2006. Schuette has been Michigan’s State Attorney General since 2011. Both candidates have received support from their primary opponents in an attempt to unify their political parties. Primary candidate for the Democratic nomination Abdul El-Sayed finished well behind Whitmer in both Kent and Ottawa County primary votes. ElSayed held a rally in Grand
Rapids two weeks before the primary election that had an exceptional turnout for the progressive democrat. Tuesday night following the primary results, ElSayed endorsed Whitmer and said the goal now in place for Michigan democrats is to defeat Schuette in the November election. Schuette managed to pull 50 percent of the primary vote that beat out his opponent, Brian Calley, the current Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, who received 25 percent. Calley and Schuette had close numbers in Kent and Ottawa County, but Schuette had a large amount of support from Michigan’s eastern counties. Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow ran uncontested for her seat in the Senate, a position which she first won in 2001. Army veteran, John James, won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate and will be challenging Stabenow for the seat she has held for the past 17 years. A GOP “unit rally” was held in Grand Rapids following the primary results where many
Notice Grand Valley State University is seeking comments from the public about the university in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The university will host a visit on November 5th and 6th, 2018, from a team of peer reviewers representing the Higher Learning Commission. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Grand Valley has been accredited by HLC since 1968.
high-ranking republicans were present. Several of these participants included Schuette, Senate nominee John James and Vice President Mike Pence. Current Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was not present at the rally and has not endorsed Schuette. Grand Valley and its neighboring city of Grand Rapids are commonly a “red” area in the state of Michigan, often voting for the republican candidate. However, with the city continuing to grow and as more students fill Grand Valley’s campus, this election season remains up in the air for west Michigan and the rest of the state. Following the 2016 presidential election, many Grand Rapids residents took part in protests and demonstrations in response to candidate, Donald Trump, winning the presidential race. Two years later, many are curious to see who Michigan will choose for their representation this time around. Michigan’s 2018 gubernatorial election will be hold on Nov. 6, 2018. This election will decide the next Governor of Michigan and the state’s U.S. Senate seat. GO TO: www.michigan.gov/sos
UNITY: Govenor candidate, Gretchen Whitmer, stands left to opponent, Bill Schuette. COURTESY | MPRN
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Comments must be in writing and must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Submit comments to HLC at www.hlcommission.org/comment or mail them to the address below. All comments must be received by October 4, 2018. Public Comment on Grand Valley State University Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411
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A4 | OPINION EDITORIAL
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON
Student organizations offer vital experience for future careers
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As the upcoming school year draws near, over 25,000 students will be making their way to Grand Valley State University with the excitement that a new year brings. The once quiet campus of summer will now be filled with the familiar hustle and bustle as students return to their classes, clubs and organizations GVSU is home to over 400 registered student organizations that spans from the Archeological Society to Yoga Club. These organizations help give students a way to be a part of the university in new and different ways. Every organization fulfills a unique role among campus life which continues to make the university thrive. Many of these organizations also helps give student members a sense of self-worth as they take part in initiatives that help not only Grand Valley but many other communities as well. Habitat for Humanity assists in the fundraising and physical building of homes throughout Kent County to provide housing for those in need. Every student organization has its own way of giving back. Greek life makes up a large portion of student organizations with various chapters. Each chapter has its own values that coincide with a charity or foundation that members work closely with to bring awareness to. For example, the sorority Delta Zeta partners with the Starkey Hearing Foundation—a fundraiser that gives hearing-impaired children devices. Students arriving on campus oftentimes have trouble finding friends with similar interests as them, especially if they are into niche topic, like acapella or beekeeping. For-
tunately, there are clubs for those too, allowing just about everybody to find anybody for anything. In addition, these organizations give students more opportunities for networking, personal growth and the possibility to take on leadership roles. The skills and experiences students obtain from these clubs can also benefit them even once they have graduated. In today’s education system, beyond the stress of school, students are realizing that they must set themselves apart from other graduates upon entering the workforce. Future employers are looking further into a student’s experiences and abilities that come from outside a classroom; a degree simply isn’t always enough. This is just one reason why students should look into how these organizations can benefit not only themselves but their future careers. Grand Valley’s organizations help students find where they belong and establish themselves in the university while also working towards a common goal. These organizations have a world of possibilities thanks to the student life fund which allows them to hold events, fundraise and organize trips. Being a part of a club or group ensures students are getting the most out of their college experience. According to Grand Valley’s student org website: “The most successful students are those who spend the 70 percent outside of the classroom wisely.” With 400 clubs to choose from students are able to shop around at each semesters Campus Life Night to find the group that is right for them. Even with all of the clubs Grand Valley offers, a student can still begin their own club if they can’t find one that’s right for them.
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Is keeping Papa John’s in Allendale worth it?
BY BRADY MCATAMNEY SENIOR JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM
By now, you’ve probably heard that ‘Papa’ John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John’s Pizza, has stepped down from his position as CEO as the company after it was reported that he used a racial slur and referenced derogatory comments against African Americans.
Since this news broke, multiple universities and major businesses have cut ties with the chain, including University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and Major League Baseball while Oregon State University suspended their partnership. While Grand Valley State University may not be ‘best friends’ with the company and put Schnatter’s face on tickets or billboards alongside their own brand, there is a Papa John’s store on-campus in Allendale. Now would be the perfect time to change that. No, having their business with our school may not be directly promoting or enabling racism, but there have certainly been ties severed for lighter offenses. If the man himself had to leave the company that he turned
into a multimillion dollar chain he created, then things are probably not going well. If the school were to issue a brief statement referencing the ‘recent events’ going on within the company followed by a statement that Papa will no longer be producing pizzas for Lakers. Not only is the business’ latest PR situation not good, but their pizza isn’t either. Don’t get me wrong - I’ll eat their food. It could definitely be worse. However, why would we continue to allow a chain with ties to racism with mediocre pizza at GVSU when we could get a Michigan staple in Little Caesars, home of the best prices in pizza and home of the famous Hot ‘n’ Ready? Why not Hungry Howies, home of the best pizza overall with an incredible
flavored crust and a new classic in stuffed crust? Seriously, there are numerous better options. Domino’s anybody? How about Cottage Inn? Why not let Peppino’s tighten their grasp on the collegetown market and allow students to use meals and debit dollars at an oncampus location? Frankly, it should be completely obvious at this point. End the collaboration with the troubled company - this isn’t Papa John’s first media snafu, after all - and bring in something else that does not have loads of baggage. Let the Lakers eat good pizza. This could be your last hurrah or maybe even your lasting legacy, President Haas (okay, not really. Please don’t leave us). Let’s make it happen.
Students should think before getting pets
Editor-In-Chief Associate editor Associate editor News editor Sports editor Laker Life editor A&E editor
WHAT IS A LANTHORN?
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GV L EDI TORI AL B OA R D BRADY MCATAMNEY MCKENNA PEARISO LAUREEN HORAN JENNY ADKINS KELLEN VOSS AMY MCNEEL NICK MORAN
By Max Geldhof
BY MCKENNA PEARISO SENIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM
As the summer winds down and students return to campus they are also bringing along some of their furry friends. Students are beginning to bring their cats, dogs, bunnies and other animals to their pet-friendly off-campus apartments. But are these students ready to take on a responsibil-
ity that will likely span longer than their academic career? Every year many students who decide to move off of Grand Valley’s campus become so enticed with their newfound freedom that they embark on adventures with a new furry friend. Some of these animals are family pets, others are adopted from nearby shelters and some are purebred presents. The upside to a family pet is there is another home that can take in the animal if the student finds they can not properly take care of it. The latter of the animals, however, do not have any option besides the shelter if their owner can’t take care of them. This is why students need to evaluate their choice to get a pet before diving into the endeavor. Being a student means juggling classes, homework, clubs
and sometimes a job. Bringing an animal into that kind of environment can prove difficult to both the pet and the owner. Some student pet owners realize this difficulty and are quick to take their animal back to the shelter, or just give up on them entirely. Stray, forgotten animals currently roam the area of Allendale that surrounds Grand Valley’s campus. Cats can be seen darting through parking lots, lost dog posts can be found all over Facebook and even rabbits have been left outside to fend for themselves. Local shelters take care of animals until they are brought into new homes, but once the animals have left there is little they can do. Many shelters have also begun to do events like “Free Pet Adoption Days” and “Empty the Shelter Days”
as a cheaper incentive to increase adoptions. Shelter hours have even been extended to accommodate working people and social media pages have been added to promote the animals still looking for homes. While these are great measures to get more animals adopted, it is not ensuring that these animals are going to quality homes. Regardless of student status, many pets are going into homes that aren’t prepared for the responsibility. These animals will often be returned within weeks with little to no explanation. Students should be made aware of the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner before bringing an animal home. This will help them be better prepared to take in an animal and also provides the pet with a forever home.
VALLEY VOTE
THIS ISSUE’S QUESTION
QUOTE
What is your favorite summer activity?
Are you a part of any student organizations?
“Being involved in the well-
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being and advancement of one’s own community is a most natural thing to do.”
Clarence Clemons
ARE YOU A PART OF ANY STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS?
ERIN HIGH
CARIAE JAMES-BUI
“None because I’m a freshman and I want to explore what is out there.”
“I don’t know yet, but I know there’s a lot to choose from.”
YEAR: Freshman MAJOR: Nursing HOMETOWN: Oak Park, Michigan
YEAR: Freshman MAJOR: Criminal justice HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MORGYN JOHNSON
REBECA BARAJAS
“I’m a part of YBBW (You Beautiful Black Women), BSU (Black Student Union) and Royal Dancers.”
“I’m in Laker Familia and the Margins Poetry Club.”
YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: Pre-med and biomedical sciences HOMETOWN: Flint, Michigan
YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: Behavioral neuroscience HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, Michigan
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS
NEWS | A5
CAMPUS
2018 Fall Arts Celebration to offer art, music, poetry to GV students BY ARIE NIENHUIS ANIENHUIS@LANTHORN.COM
For years, the Grand Valley State University Fall Arts Celebration has been a massive annual series of art in all forms. With events such as art exhibitions, concerts and lectures, the celebration has steadily provided enriching cultural experiences to anyone attending. The 2018 series is no exception, as the upcoming events aim to offer a variety of fantastic experiences to anyone interested. This year’s events include a classical music performance from the Tesla Quartet, a “celebration of African dance” from Kari-
amu and Company, and a lecture from accomplished author William Deresiewicz and literary critics. The Fall Arts Celebration also features an art exhibition, as well as a set of poetry readings from Ada Limón and Carl Phillips. The featured art exhibition of this year’s event is “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” and is the first event available for the public to attend. The exhibition focuses on the planet Mars, as well as the numerous scientific and cultural effects the planet has had on modern society. Joel Zwart, Curator of Exhibitions at GVSU, explained the content of the exhibit
A geology student will be interested in Mars itself, a visual studies student could be interested in the art, and a pop-culture focused student could be interested in some of the other content,” Zwart said. “Mars is fixed into humanity, and has been for many years. It symbolizes the next place to go to.” JOEL ZWART CURATOR OF EXHIBITIONS FOR GVSU
will reach beyond a physical embodiment of Mars. “The exhibit combines both cultural and scientific depictions of Mars. There will be pictures of Mars, but there will also be objects associated with it,” Zwart said. “Martians and aliens, for example. That narrative comes from Mars itself. You’ll also see a movie poster from ‘War of the Worlds’ as well as memorabilia from the film.” Aside from the fascinating nature of the content itself, Zwart sees the exhibit’s crossover of science and art as being a major appeal for many students. “A geology student will be interested in Mars itself, a visual studies student could be interested in the art, and a pop-culture focused student could be interested in some of the other content,” Zwart said. “Mars is fixed into humanity, and has been for many years. It symbolizes the next place to go to.” “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” is just the first event for students to experience in the upcoming Fall Arts Celebration, with many more to follow. One event that many students may be interested in is the
RECOGNITION FOR THE ARTS: Author Jefferey Chang stands at the podium and speaks passionately about his new book titled ‘Who We Be” on race in American society today. GVL | SPENCER SCARBER
poetry reading taking place in October. The reading will feature acclaimed poets Ada Limón and Carl Phillips. Both Limón and Phillips have authored numerous books of poetry and have been the recipients of many awards and recognition for their work. The upcoming event will feature both of these poets going through
a number of readings as well as hosting a book signing and reception. “Poetry really needs to be heard live, as opposed to reading off of a page,” said event coordinator Patricia Clark. “You get to hear the rhythm of the person’s voice and often mention a few anecdotes on the experience behind the poem.
Readers are Leaders C a m p u s l e a d e r s re a d t h e L a n t h o rn a n d v i s i t l a n t h o rn . c o m t o l e a d t h e w ay
You get things that are not in the book.” “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” will be available for viewing from Aug. 24 to Oct. 31 in the Haas Center for Performing Arts, and the poetry night will take place on Oct. 18 in the L.V. Eberhard Center.
A6 | LAKER LIFE
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE
ANALYSIS
ARTS AT A GLANCE LAKER KICKOFF PARTY RETURNS
This year’s Laker Kickoff Party is set to take place at the Fieldhouse Arena on Saturday, Aug. 25. The kickoff party is an annual event that celebrates the start of the new school year. Those who attend will have free access to food, games, dancing and giveaways. Music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Mark Witz. This event is open to all Grand Valley State University students, and the doors will open at 9 p.m. For more information about the Laker Kickoff Party, contact lakertraditions@gvsu.edu.
LIBRARY TO HOST EVENT FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS The Lakers Takeover the Library event is being held at the Mary Idema Pew Library on Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is an interactive exhibit catered specifically toward first-year students. Participants will have the ability to look around and have fun in the library before the crowds and chaos of classes begin. For more information, contact Erin Fisher at fisherin@ gvsu.edu.
STUDENT SERVICES CENTER NAMING, DEDICATION TO TAKE PLACE FRIDAY, AUG. 24 A naming and dedication ceremony is taking place Friday, Aug. 24 at the Student Services Building. The Student Services Building, which received an addition last year, will be dedicated and renamed as the Arend and Nancy Lubbers Student Services Center. All Grand Valley State University faculty and staff are welcome to attend the event. Remarks will start at 2:15 p.m. For more information, contact Human Resources at 616-331-2215.
MEET THE GREEKS EVENT SET
Interested in going Greek? The Meet the Greeks Back to School Bash is taking place on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those who attend the event will get to meet members of Greek life and learn about the 30 Grand Valley State University sororities and fraternities on campus. Free food, drinks and games will also be available. Location for the event is yet to be determined, but to stay updated or get more information, contact Santiago Gayton at gaytonsa@gvsu.edu.
GV researcher awarded grant to ensure consumer safety in Michigan BY ELYSE GREENWOOD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM
Grand Valley State University researcher Dr. Kevin Strychar was awarded more than $95,000 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to increase consumer safety in Michigan through new E. Coli research. Dr. Strychar, a researcher from Grand Valley’s Annis Water Resources Institute, has been testing a new method of E. Coli characterization used in the water sprayed on blueberries in Michigan. This project focuses on advances in an imaging flow cytometer, an instrument that characterizes particles in different liquids utilizing laser technology. Unlike other cytometers, this tool includes a microscope that uses a laser beam to gather monitored images, specifically various strains of E. Coli. The benefit of this research is the rate at which the E. Coli could be detected. “One of the drawbacks of (current technology) is that, at the absolute minimum, it takes two hours,” Strychar said. “Why does it take that long when we can do something very similar to that and it would only take us 20 seconds?” The ability to notify farmers within seconds that the water used on crops contains harmful bacteria would
benefit both the agricultural industry and consumers. For example, farmers would have the opportunity to reprocess water samples before contaminating more crops. In addition to cutting farmers’ losses, this research would ensure consumer safety throughout Michigan, especially with the increased number of recalls lately. “I like being a part of a project that influences the region I’m from,” said Darrick Gates, a Grand Valley undergraduate student involved with the project. “Agriculture is a huge industry in West Michigan.” While all crops can benefit from these advances, this research is directed specifically toward blueberries. The main concern with blueberries is the potentially hazardous water sprayed on the plant. “One of the sources of water is from some of the reclamation pots, or the sewage pots,” Strychar said. “They apparently clean everything out and a lot of the water gets dumped back into the Great Lakes, or they use that water to spray on crops. One of the concerns is E. Coli in this water.” Imaging flow cytometry is a relatively new method that was introduced within the last ten years. Due to this recent advance, there are only three imaging flow cytometry machines in Michigan. “Not many people know
STUDIES: Dr. Kevin Strychar is a researcher at GVSU who is studying E. Coli in food and its negative impact on health. COURTESY | GVSU
what cytometry is, and even less know about flow cytometry,” Gates said. “Not too many people know what it is capable of because most testing with it has been done on blood samples in hospitals.” In the future, Gates hopes this field will advance to a mobile flow cytometry unit that could travel to farmers rather than sending samples to labs. Eventually, he believes that this technology could advance to an industry of mobile cytometry units. As research is still in the beginning stages, it is hard
to predict when it will be completed. However, Dr. Strychar hopes to receive initial results by next summer. These results would include a template that would enable farmers to bring samples for testing and obtain results in less than a minute. “When we look at stuff like pathogens on food crops, we’re trying to use high-technology to make improvements for consumer safety,” Strychar said. The money awarded to Strychar will help him to continue his research and increase consumer safety.
MUSIC
How one Laker found her authentic voice
WORK: Lucy Finkel, graduate student, is using her love of music to build a career. COURTESY | GVSU
BY NICK MORAN NMORAN@LANTHORN.COM
Some students go through college with a clear direction of their future while others wade through it confused. Graduate student Lucy Finkel has been on both sides of that fence throughout her career, but has now decided to combine passion, a love for the healing arts and over 20 years of musical experience into a
degree in speech pathology. After studying and receiving a bachelor’s degree in music at Grand Valley in 2005, Finkel moved on to earn her master’s degree at the New England Conservatory of Music. Her career then took her to New York, where she had the opportunity realize her childhood dream and perform professionally. “My favorite moment as professional musician was singing the role of Maria in West Side Story at the Ashlawn Opera Festival,” Finkel said. “I was the understudy for the role and due to unforeseen circumstances was called, last minute, to step into the role. As scary as this was, I rose to the challenge and had one of the most thrilling opportunities of my musical lifetime.” Finkel said that she couldn’t imagine a life without music, being surrounded with song from an early age through her mother’s job as an elementary school music teacher. Going into college, Finkel said the main decision to pursue music was being unable to see herself being happy doing anything else.
“I always wanted to be a performer,” Finkel said. “I loved the freedom of diving into a character and connecting to an audience through the words and music of incredible composers and lyricists.” Despite exhilarating musical opportunities in New York, Finkel said her childhood desire to perform was shadowed by the challenges of being a “starving artist.” “I spent far more time and energy auditioning, taking lessons and working odd jobs to make ends meet,” Finkel said. “I was not contributing to the world in the way I knew I needed to, and this started to weigh extremely heavy on my mind, body and spirit. Having spent over 20 years with this single point of focus, I was pretty lost. I moved home to Michigan and went back to square one.” Once she was home again, Finkel found a yoga practice and began a career teaching yoga, eventually moving to massage therapy and the healing arts. Finkel said this inspired her to explore speech pathology, an area of the healing arts that she could combine with her musical background.
With her love of music still vibrant, Finkel returned to GVSU to pursue her master’s degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology. With her career shift currently in progress, Finkel said that she is proud to be able to create a new career for herself based on her lifelong passions. “I think that what has been the most rewarding part of this process is figuring out that there is not just one path for each of us,” Finkel said. “We all have the capacity to restart, to find joy in the unexpected and use overcoming our own personal challenges to help guide others through theirs.” Finkel said that returning to a career that was all about voice was satisfyingly fullcircle. While she may spend less time on stage performing now, voice will always be in the spotlight for her. “For me, music helped me find my voice because through singing, I found my most authentic voice,” Finkel said. “I think that process of reconnecting (those I work with) to speech or voice is very much the same, although this ability to communicate may not have any connection to music.”
VOLUNTEERING
Your thing? That ultimate playlist. Our thing? Birth control.
Grand Valley Community Service Learning Center to host Beach Clean-Up BY ELYSE GREENWOOD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM
Grab a towel and head out to the Grand Haven State Park on Saturday, Aug. 25 to enjoy the sun while cleaning
the beach with other Grand Valley State University student volunteers. The Grand Valley Community Service Learning Center is holding its second annual Beach Clean-Up. The day will
Visit our Grand Rapids Health Center for birth control, STI testing and treatment, and honest, fact-based information.
Make your appointment online at PPMI.org or call 800-230-PLAN SUNSET: Grand Haven is a popular destination for sunsets. GVSU students can volunteer to keep it beautiful. GVL | Amy McNeel
start with check in at 9 a.m. in the Kirkhof Center room 2204 and buses are scheduled to leave at 9:30 a.m. Students will participate in community service until noon, doing acts such as picking up straws, cigarette butts and other debris on the beach. After the provided pizza lunch, the remaining two hours are scheduled free time when students can choose to have fun on the beach or walk into town. Buses will leave the park at 2 p.m. to return to campus. Partnered with the Alliance for the Great Lakes nonprofit organization, volunteers will be educated on the effects of pollution on the Great Lakes prior to cleaning. Not only is this event informative, it is a great way to serve the community while providing unique opportunities for both incoming freshmen and returning students. “We came up with this
idea as something to do before classes get rolling,” said Liz Collver, event coordinator and assistant director of the office of Community Service Learning Center. “For first year students who just moved onto campus, it’s a great way to stay engaged through the first weekend after transitions. For upperclassmen, it’s a good opportunity to do something meaningful before we get back to class.” Despite the difficulties of marketing events during the summer time, the number of participants has already doubled from last year’s 31 volunteers according to early registration numbers. While last year’s event was a success, the expectations for this year are much higher due to the amount of students. LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
SPORTS | A7
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS FOOTBALL
RECOVERING FROM TRADEGY: Former Grand Valley State running back Martayveus Carter poses in front of the scoreboard at Lubbers Stadium before the 2017 football season. GVSU’s all-time leading rusher was tragically shot in East Chicago, Indiana earlier this summer, and the Allendale community has been sending prayers and offering plenty of financial support for the young man and his family. GVL | EMILY FRYE
Former GVSU football star Martayveus Carter shot, community offers support BY BRADY MCATAMNEY EDITIORIAL@LANTHORN.COM
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rand Valley State football’s all-time leading rusher, Martayveus ‘Marty’ Carter, was shot while at a gas station in East Chicago, Ind. Carter was initially in critical condition but has since pulled through, though his journey to full recovery is far from over as he is currently facing paralysis from a bullet being lodged in his spine. No further updates have been made available by his family. The running back was ruled ineligible for the 2018 season before he
declared for the NFL supplemental draft. Though he went unselected, Carter’s professional dreams were far from over as he had a workout scheduled with the Kansas City Chiefs. “I was shocked… we got the call he was involved in the shooting, it was just like… shocking. Sad. Then you start to think about him and his health – his longterm health,” GVSU football head coach Matt Mitchell said. Carter is a grandson, son, brother, father and friend, and the Laker community realizes his importance, as some of his teammates have set up a fundraising page online to help him and his family financially. The effort has accumulated nearly
$5,000 as of Aug. 16. “We were thinking about putting it into a trust fund so that it could accumulate interest and give his children money to go to college and we were thinking about maybe putting it toward a long term thing so it could help his family more instead of just using it all at once,” kicker J.J. McGrath, who set the page up, said. “We’re not really sure yet, but we want to make sure that whatever we do is going to help the family make the most impact. It’s going to have the most impactful change, whether it’s putting those kids in college or paying for his rehab or whatever. Whatever helps Marty Carter most.” Another group rallying around
Carter and his hopeful recovery is none other than the Lakers’ biggest rivals themselves: the Ferris State Bulldogs. Multiple current and former players and coaches are listed as contributors to the campaign. “It was pretty incredible. It’s a lot like the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry where there isn’t a whole lot of respect,” McGrath said. “That was kind of really cool to take a step back from football and see that they were able to kind of pay their homage to Marty as a football player because they went up against him and he put up a lot of yards on them, they saw how amazing of a football player he was but also
how amazing of a human he is. Beyond the rivalry, he’s a human, he has kids, he has a life beyond football and beyond that rivalry. “The game in October against them will be a lot more fun now. I get to play against some dudes that I have a bit more respect for.” While GVSU is still waiting for the process of investigations to play out before announcing any kind of formal event or tribute to Carter, it would be no surprise to see the Lakers playing with one specific former teammate in mind this season. GO TO: https://bit.ly/2vY5aDt FOR DONATIONS TO THE CARTER FAMILY
PRO FOOTBALL
Where are they now? A glimpse at former Lakers in the NFL BY KELLEN VOSS SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM
As the NFL season gets closer with each coming day, many rookies are looking to prove themselves and earn a spot on an NFL roster. Among those rookies, a few former Grand Valley State football players are looking to establish themselves, whether it’s as a starter or just simply making a team and achieving their dream. Making the NFL seems like a mere prayer for a lot of Division II players. According to Wayne Cavadi of NCAA.com, at this time last year, there were only 90 former Division II players on NFL rosters, with four of them hailing from GVSU. For reference, each NFL roster is allowed 52 players with 32 teams total. That’s 1,664 players. Since the odds are so slim of Division II players making it to the next level, the guys who have made it have worked extremely hard to get to where they are today. When it comes to hard working former Division II players, look no further than linebacker Matt Judon. After an impressive career as a Laker, Judon has proven to be a vital contributor to the Baltimore Ravens defense, racking up 62 total tackles and 12 sacks since joining the team in 2016.
Future hall-of-fame Terrell Suggs isn’t getting any younger. The Ravens have been looking all offseason for a linebacker to carry on his legacy, and Judon may be that guy. He showed flashes of potential in a preseason win over the Rams, posting two tackles and a sack in the 33-7 victory. After getting through two years in the league, that third year is when a many players tend to find their groove and excel in their roles, so look for Judon to wreak havoc in AFC North backfields this season. Judon isn’t the only former Laker who has carved out a solid pro career for himself in the NFL. Cornerback Brandon Carr is entering his eleventh season in the league and has been a key cog in the secondary for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dallas Cowboys and most recently with the Ravens. Even though he has never been a star in the league, Carr has always been a reliable contributor, totaling over 500 tackles, 19 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries in his veteran career. Carr holds a very impressive streak in the league as he has started 160 consecutive games which is currently the second-longest active start-
CHASING A DREAM: Former GVSU tight end Nick Keizer makes a diving catch against Northern Michigan in 2017. Keizer is doing his best to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL, as he is currently fighting for a roster spot with the Baltimore Ravens. GVL | EMILY FRYE
ing streak in the NFL. With the emergence of young corners Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey, Carr’s starting streak will likely end this season. However, he is at peace with it, accepting his new role and proud of the progress the young guys have made. “At this point in my career, I’m just enjoying the game of football,” Carr told
Aaron Kasinitz of Penn Live. “I’m enjoying being back on the East Coast. I’m enjoying being back in Baltimore. This environment is nothing but football-friendly.” While Carr is secure with his place in the league, many undrafted rookies are looking to prove themselves for the Ravens. One of those players is tight end Nick Keizer. Considered one of the
best tight ends to play for the Lakers, Keizer is currently trying to earn himself a spot with the team. After a signing a contract with the team in May, Keizer is fighting to be the third or fourth tight end on the roster, with a potential spot on the practice squad looming. Although he didn’t play in either of Baltimore’s two preseason games, Keizer has
been performing well in seven-on-seven drills in practice and still has a chance to secure a roster spot come September. These three former Lakers are simply chasing their NFL dreams in Baltimore, and it will be interesting to see how their roles evolve as the season progresses. No matter what happens, they have worked hard to be where they’ve gotten today.
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
A8 | SPORTS FOOTBALL
COMMANDER IN CHIEF: Head Coach Matt Mitchell gets vocal in a game against Ferris State in 2017. Mitchell and the Lakers are currently in training camp preparing for the 2018 season. GVL | EMILY FRYE
Practice makes perfect: GVSU football takes the field for training camp, looks to improve from 2017
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Additional FREE parking available at the Walker Fire Station and Meijer in Standale. The parking lot expansion is available for any GVSU student or faculty member. Hop on the Route 50 bus heading Eastbound or Westbound for FREE with your GVSU I.D.
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We’ve solely been focusing on GVSU and the things we can control. The three teams that beat us last year [won] off of self-inflicted errors, and as of right now, I’m more worried about our guys being as good as they can before I pay attention to the opposition” MATT MITCHELL HEAD COACH
Saturday night lights. This team’s main goal for the season is to simply improve from 2017. After finishing the season 8-3, GVSU missed the Division II playoff and had a rather disappointing season by their high standards. The first game of the 2018 season for the Lakers is a rematch with Indianapolis, a team that beat GVSU 2420 last year. As important as this season opener is, Mitchell and his staff haven’t started game-planning for the Greyhounds quite yet since they want to focus on improving themselves first. “We’ve solely been focusing on GVSU and the things we can control,” Mitchell said. “The three teams that beat us last year [won] off of self-inflicted errors, and as of right now, I’m more worried about our guys being as good
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Pizza
as they can before I pay attention to the opposition.” Mitchell sees many areas that the team needs to improve in, such as depth at linebacker and finding playmakers on offense to replace talented players like running back Marty Carter and tight end Nick Keizer. The Lakers have a tough schedule ahead of them, but through hard work, the improvement of the redshirt freshmen and the leadership of the upperclassmen, it wouldn’t be crazy to see the Lakers improve upon their 2017 campaign. “We have four playoff teams from last year on our schedule,” Mitchell said. “We’ve only had a handful of practices, so we still have a lot of work to do.” GVSU opens their season at home against Indianapolis on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
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tors in camp, such as running back Jack Provencher, defensive back Antonio Strong and tight end Jayk Slager. While these young players have put on a show in camp, Mitchell was particularly impressed the leadership he’s seen in his upperclassmen. “We have really good leadership at all three levels of the defense, and I especially love our depth on that side of the ball,” Mitchell said. “We don’t have a lot of leaders of offense, but the ones we do, like (quarterback) Bart Williams and (right tackle) Ben Walling, are quality.” One thing that separates GVSU practice from a lot of other college practices is they play eleven on eleven often. As soon as the team is done stretching, Mitchell loves to get the ball rolling with running plays to wake guys up and get them ready for the
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The dog days of summer have officially arrived and that means one thing: college football is back. Like many college teams across the country, Grand Valley State football camp is in full swing as the players train vigorously for the upcoming season. After getting in condition for the season, the team has been working on situational plays such as third and long, red zone offense and defense, and the critical two-minute drill. These young men are eager to get this season started and are currently working 15 hour days to acclimate themselves to the game again and improve off of a disappointing 2017 season. “We start the day at 7:30 in the morning and we’re done by 10 p.m.,” said
head coach Matt Mitchell. “That’s not just a whole day of practice. There’s lots of meetings, lots of lifting and walkthroughs, it’s a pretty long day for the guys.” Spending almost every hour of the day with teammates allows a bond to create, and Mitchell loves the chemistry that has already been forming with his young team. “We have really good unity, and we’re developing a lot of trust with each other,” Mitchell said. “Elite teams have elite trust, and through our leadership groups and team dinners, we’re continuing to build trust with each other every day.” As of now, Mitchell is fairly certain that all the freshmen on the team will be redshirted, per usual. Mitchell mentioned a few guys who were redshirted last season who have looked like contribu-
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AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
SPORTS | A9
VOLLEYBALL
New Beginnings BY PAYTON MILOSER PMILOSER@LANTHORN.COM
“This year we have six freshmen and we’re working on integrating them into the team” said head coach Deanne Scanlon. “The team works hard on and off the court and we really try to emphasize our core values. The girls seem to really want to learn and have really positive attitudes.” The new freshmen include: Brooke Binkley, Cameryn Brown, Emma Clines, Abby Graham, Fernanda Spengler and Alexandra Thompson.
This upcoming season, we don’t really have one main key player. We mostly have equal contributors all over the court, which makes it hard to focus on one player, and I think that will make us hard to defend against this year” STACI BROWER SENIOR STANDOUT “While we are young and that can have its ups and downs, we also have high energy and a new team chemistry to work with.” said senior Hannah Murdock. “They’re fresh people and they’re really excited to
learn and play with us.” The team also has been working extremely hard on the offseason to get in shape for the 2018 season. The girls have been conditioning in the gym since second semester of the 2017-18 school year and have worked on and off the court with drills and open gym sessions throughout the summer. “The NCAA has very strict rules about what we can and can’t do on the offseason so we really rely on the girls for workouts because it’s really important to stay in shape. It sets the tone for the season. The girls stay motivated and grind when no one is watching.” Scanlon said. Although a young team can come with some positives and some negatives, the Lakers have a strong set of returners both on offense and defense. In the front row the Lakers have returning senior Staci Brower who led the team in blocking and kills during the 2017 season. With a total of 306 kills and 72 blocks, she proves to be a strong offensive and defensive player up front this season. “This upcoming season, we don’t really have one main key player.” Brower said. “We mostly have equal contributors all over the court, which makes it hard to focus on one player and I think that will make us hard to defend against this year, making us a hard team for our opponent.” In the back row, the Lakers have junior Sydney Benchley and senior Kaylene Norris, who led the team’s defense during the 2017 season.
Benchley was ranked first in digs with 341 and Norris was ranked third with 288. Over the 2018 season the Lakers hope to improve their passing and hitting percentages by bringing in more kills and more digs overall. They want to lead the conference both in wins and stats by pushing themselves hard and focusing on a game by game basis. Volleyball is just as much
of a mental game as it is a physical game. With some big goals to meet this season, it is very important that the Lakers keep their energy just as in check as their skills. “We have a lot of high intensity, high energy, and overall a good balance on the team with this stuff. When the energy drops a bit we have those people on the team that know to step
After abrupt ending in 2017, GVSU volleyball is ready to return up and take charge. We focus on the energy as much as the play.” Murdock said. With the Franklin Pierce tournament and the Cavalier Classic tournament coming up and the opportunity to face Wayne State once again on Sept. 7, the Lakers are ready to take back their spot as the number one seed in the division. “This season we really want
to defeat Wayne because they’re ranked first seed and we’re second seed, so to beat them and then to win the GLIAC division championship are our main goals.” Brower said. GVSU travels to Rindge, New Hampshire for the Franklin Pierce Tournament this weekend. Their first game is against Wilmington on August 24 at 2 p.m.
REJOICE: GVSU’s volleyball team celebrates after winning a point in their home gym. They look to improve in 2018. GVL | DYLAN MCINTYRE
GVSU
The CHS/RFH bus stop is also where you will access our newest building, Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall (RFH)
RFH
HASTINGS ST NE
GERALD R. FORD FREEWAY
CHS/RFH stop 50
LAFAYETTE AVE
CHS
MICHIGAN ST NE
Exclusively for Grand Valley State University Students Route 50 will no longer wait/rest at CHS, it will now do so at the Pew stop (by Eberhard/Devos Center)
• deals to deck out your room • free food, samples, prizes and much more • free on-campus bus service to and from the store
Bus service from campus to the Meijer store beginning at 8pm. Buses leave from/return to Kirkhof Center. Last returning bus departs Meijer at 12:30am.
®
At This Location: 315 Wilson Ave., N.W. Grand Rapids, MI
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Park & Ride Expansion
There are now separate Eastbound and Westbound stops at the Pew stop (by EC/DEV). Make sure you get on the right bus!
Take advantage of our park and ride program with expanded parking at the Walker Fire Station stop in Standale
@GVSUbus
EC/DEV Stop
Fri., August 24 8pm-12am
The bus stop formerly located behind the Cook-Devos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) will move to the Northwest corner of the intersection at Michigan St and Lafayette Ave NE
COIT AVE NE
MEIJER BACK TO COLLEGE
CHS/RFH Stop
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
ALL RAPID ROUTES ARE FREE W/ GVSU I.D.
GVSU Bus System
@gvsubus
AUGUST 20, 2018 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS
A10 | SPORTS
CAMARADERIE: GVSU football players get excited and pump each other up before and during games last season. The young men have been working hard in practice these past couple weeks, and are chomping at the bit to avenge last season’s loss to Indianpolis in the season opener on August 30. The game is at Lubbers Stadium and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EMILY FRYE GVL
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