Issue 5, September 7th, 2017 - Grand Valley Lanthorn

GRAND VALLEY

SPECIAL ISSUE: BUS ROUTE SPECIAL A L L E N D A L E & G R A N D R A P I DS , M I C H I G A N ST U D E N T- R U N P U B L I C A T I O N S // P R I N T · O N L I N E · M O B I L E // L A N T H O R N . C O M

T H U R S D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 7 // VO L . 52 N O. 5

EDUCATION

GV alumna awarded Fulbright teaching grant

BY TYLEE BUSH TBUSH@LANTHORN.COM

DOWN TO BUSINESS: GVSU President Thomas Haas speaks to the student senate during its first session Thursday, Aug. 31. Student senate began the process of considering its first resolution of the year with a resolution to support Indigenous Peoples Day, replacing recognition for Columbus Day. GVL | SPENCER SCARBER

Getting started Student senate considers first resolution of the academic year

BY JOSHUA VISSERS NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

G

rand Valley State University’s student senate began the process of considering its first resolution of the year with a resolution to support Indigenous Peoples Day, put forward by student senator Joe Cadreau and added to next week’s agenda for consideration unopposed.

“This is the reason I ran for senate,” said Cadreau, a sophomore at

ENVIRONMENT

GV recognized for sustainability practices by Sierra Club

BY DYLAN GROSSER ASSISTANTNEWS@LANTHORN.COM

No matter what background Grand Valley State University’s students come from, a common concern shared by many of them is how humans are affecting the environment. The U.S. is one of the highest producers of trash in the world and is mediocre in recycling compared to some other countries.

That’s why at GVSU, faculty, staff and students work hard to build a sustainable future on campus. Recognizing those efforts is the Sierra Club, which rated GVSU highly on its list of sustainable colleges in the U.S. GVSU ranked 39 out of 227 U.S. colleges that participated in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) survey in March 2017.

All information submitted by colleges through the STARS survey is self-reported and not checked for accuracy. Every college is asked to answer a set of 62 questions, each assigned a specific number of points. The colleges are then ranked based on the amount of points they received out of 1,000.

GVSU ranked higher on the list than any other college in Michigan and higher than many “top 10” colleges in the U.S. as well. The next Michigan college on the list, Michigan State University, came in 91st place. GVSU received a total of 636.15 points.

Gail Philbin, state director of the Michigan chapter of the Sierra Club, said university students have the SEE SIERRA | A2

GVSU and a freshman senator.

The resolution, supported by many groups, including the Native American Student Association, Black Student Union, Asian Student Union and several others, has already been adopted by many universities and municipalities nationwide.

It formally requests GVSU’s administration to replace recognition for Columbus Day on the second Monday in October with recognition for people indigenous to the Americas.

“This is a chance for each and

every one of us to leave a legacy this year,” Cadreau said, echoing remarks made by university President Thomas Haas earlier in the meeting.

“What would you like to see?”

Haas said. “Do some planning for your legacy.”

Haas and his wife, Marcia, were there to encourage the student senate at the beginning of the year and to take questions about what the year ahead might hold. Several students were concerned about hate groups and free speech on campus.

Grand Valley State University alumna Gabrielle Popp was chosen as one of 35 U.S. citizens to receive a grant from the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for the 2017-18 academic year.

This “Laker for a lifetime” is initiating change in the education system.

“I always knew I wanted to be a special ed teacher,” said Popp, who grew up in a suburb of Detroit.

Popp’s elementary school was one of the first in the state to have an inclusion program for special education students to share the classroom with all other students.

“Growing up, I had a lot of students with varying disabilities in my classes from very early on in elementary school,” Popp said. “When I got to high school, I volunteered with kids with cognitive impairments, and my grandma was a special ed teacher, so I think her story inspired me. I just always knew.”

Popp attended Western Michigan University for her undergraduate degree in special education, then worked at a charter school that was partnered with Grand Valley State University.

This motivated Popp to enroll in GVSU’s master’s program in special eduSEE GRANT | A2

Haas repeated what has been stated in campus-wide emails.

“We have had hours and hours of prepping for this,” he said, reassuring students that the administration is ready, and taking selfies with each senator before he left.

Meeting formalities were observed, such as the swearing in of new senators, as well as the singing of happy birthday to those senators whose birthdays passed over the summer.

SEE SENATE | A2

CHANGE: GVSU alumna Gabrielle Popp receives grant. COURTESY | GVNOW

LABOR DAY

Protests break out at Grand Rapids Bridge Walk Busing contracts, union issues spur conflict

BY JOSHUA VISSERS NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

After a one-year break, the Grand Rapids Labor Day Bridge Walk returned Monday, Sept. 4.

The event started at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids at 10 a.m. and covered a 5-mile radius, which included the crossing of the signature Blue Bridge.

The event began in an interesting way, as protesters supporting the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in its contract struggle with The Rapid disrupted the 2017 Bridge Walk.

About 20 people holding signs and chanting slogans supporting local unions interrupted Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss during her opening remarks. They then proceeded to follow her along the walk’s route until she relented and left the event near the corner of Scribner Avenue and Bridge Street.

“How dare she speak on Labor Day at Labor Fest as a ‘union supporter’ when she is, in actuality, fighting against unions every step of the way,” said Phil Snyder, branch organizer for Socialist Alternative and a 2012 graduate of Grand Valley State University.

The group chanted slogans such as “union busting is disgusting” into a megaphone and held signs reading “Bliss is a Union Buster.”

“We wanted to be sure that point was made and that she wasn’t allowed to speak on behalf of unions today,” Snyder said.

Bliss is on the Board of Directors for The Rapid, which has been in

contract negotiations for more than two years with ATU, the union of mechanics and bus operators working for The Rapid. The negotiations are over retirement plans, overtime policies, health care and punitive attendance measures.

The tensions around those negotiations have come to a peak recently as, according to Snyder, health care costs for workers threaten to surpass $800 a month.

Louis DeShane, a member of ATU Local 836 who was arrested for disrupting The Rapid’s board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 30, was also at the Bridge Walk to protest Bliss.

“Call it what you want, it’s Labor Day,” he said. “She’s a union buster; she does not belong here.”

Barbara Holt, chairperson of

The Rapid’s Board of Trustees, declined to be interviewed but offered a prepared statement.

“We do not believe these agitators represent the sentiments of the majority of local ATU members,” the statement reads.

The board asserts that the union leadership has withheld information about a tentative agreement from its membership and will only let those current in their dues vote to approve it.

“Unfortunately, union leadership failed to act in good faith, and a few individuals were given the power to deny wage increases and relief from rising health care costs to the vast majority of The Rapid employees,” Holt said in the statement.

DeShane is a bus operator with

The Rapid and drives the route 50 bus between GVSU’s Allendale and Pew campuses often.

“We enjoy driving you guys around, especially on Saturdays,” he said of GVSU students.

Anna Verheek of Plainfield Township has done the Bridge Walk every year they’ve had it, and she was happy to see it return this year after its oneyear hiatus but didn’t know what the people were protesting about.

“I thought it was terrible they drowned the mayor out when she was trying to talk,” she said.

Tom, who withheld his last name, was a 2015 graduate of GVSU in biomedical science.

“It’s a little annoying, but they have a right to protest,” he said.

SPEAKING OUT: Mayor Rosalynn Bliss gives her opening remarks during the Grand Rapids Bridge Walk Monday, Sept. 4.

While she was speaking, people began protesting and chanting slogans in support of local unions. GVL | JOSHUA VISSERS

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

A2 | NEWS

SENATE

NEWS BRIEFS

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WASHINGTON MONTHLY NAMES GV A ‘BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK’ COLLEGE IN THE MIDWEST Grand Valley State University has been named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college in the Midwest by the Washington Monthly yet again.

The nonprofit magazine based in Washington, D.C., ranks colleges in the U.S. on cost versus performance rate. GVSU received the 73rd place.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF WEST MICHIGAN HELPS ANIMALS PUT IN DANGER BY HURRICANE HARVEY The Humane Society of West Michigan put out a statement in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, calling for donations to the animal relocation fund to help animals displaced by the natural disaster.

Donations will go toward transporting animals to shelters in West Michigan to provide relief from overflowing shelters in the states affected by the hurricane.

PROVOST TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH GV FACULTY AND STAFF

Maria Cimitile, Grand Valley State University provost and executive vice president for student affairs, has announced her intentions to hold “town hall” meetings with GVSU faculty and staff in order to share her intentions for the 2017-18 school year and answer questions.

In an emailed statement, Cimitile expressed her desire to offer an opportunity to “further dialogue” with campus faculty and staff.

Cimitile will appear on the Allendale Campus Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Kirkhof Center, Room 2215/2216, and Monday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Room 2204. For the Pew Campus, Cimitile will appear in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Room 123, Wednesday, Sept.

19, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cimitile was selected as provost following the retirement of former Provost Gayle Davis last academic year.

This year will be the first for Cimitile in this position.

PROTESTERS IN DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INTERRUPT LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK

Grand Rapids residents were listening to the opening remarks of Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on the morning of Monday, Sept. 4, for the annual Grand Rapids Labor Day Bridge Walk when a group of protesters interrupted Bliss’ speech.

According to Wood TV8 coverage, the group of people were protesting the purported “unwillingness” of Bliss to negotiate a contract with The Rapid bus systems employees. They said The Rapid employees have been working without a contract for two years.

Footage from Wood TV8 shows protesters interrupting Bliss mid-speech, surrounding the mayor with signs saying, “The Unions Make Us Stronger” and “Ignorance is Bliss.” Mayor Bliss at one point was blocked from the crowd listening to her speak by a large red banner that read, “Labor Solidarity.”

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. celebrating the labor movement, which created organized labor unions to help advocate for workers’ rights.

‘GV’S GOT TALENT’ AUDITIONS

Spotlight Productions will host its “GV’s Got Talent” auditions Friday, Sept. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 2259 of the Kirkhof Center.

The auditions are open to any GVSU member with a talent they want to showcase, whether’s it’s singing, dancing or something else entirely. While walk-ins are welcome, interested individuals can reserve a specific audition time in advance by emailing spotlight@gvsu.edu.

The actual talent show will take place Tuesday, Sept.

26, at 9 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/events/ gvs-got-talent-auditions-10/.

VOL . 52

NO. 5

Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief EMILY DORAN Associate Editor JENNA FRACASSI

PROMOTIONS Promotions Manager SHAYNA KOZKOWSKI ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager

Sports Editor ROBBIE TRIANO

IAN BORTHWICK

Laker Life Editor TY KONELL

KATARINA ZOMER

Digital Editor MAITLYNN MOSSOLLE Image Editor EMILY FRYE

Campus Accounts Manager

Account Executive RACHEL MOORE Ad Designer LIAM CARTER BUSINESS STAFF

Layout Editor BECKY OPPMAN

Business Manager SHELBY CARTER

Layout Designer RACHEL SPRING

Asst. Business Manager ALEXIS LAMB

WEB TEAM Web Manager JUSTIN GREEN

Distribution Manager MEGHAN FITZGERALD

At the Lanthorn, we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible. If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors in fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling 616-331-2464 or by emailing editorial@lanthorn.com.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the GVSU community. For additional copies, at $1 each, please contact our business offices.

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

Other initiatives coming up this semester include an openaccess textbook promotion, Queer & Trans 101 meetings, and Constitution and Voter Registration Day activities.

Morgan Mattler, chair of

GRANT

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cation administration.

“It was really inspiring to have professors who were active and knowledgeable in the special education community,” she said. “They were so approachable and helpful.”

Popp now teaches high school students with severe emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns at Beacon Day Treatment Center in Southgate, Michigan.

She adores her position at this school and loves what she gets to do each day.

“It will be a while before I want to leave,” she said.

Matthew Lucas, assistant principal at the treatment center, has worked with Popp for several years.

“Much of what we do at Beacon Day Treatment is therapeutic,” Lucas said.

“However, Ms. Popp recognizes that we are a school first and foremost and our stu-

the public relations committee, is ready to help the student body this year.

“We’re here for them in any way, shape or form,” he said.

Students interested in finding out more about student senate were presented with the opportunity to speak with senators and cabinet members, who

had a table set up at Campus Life Night, which occurred Tuesday, Sept. 5.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, student senate will host S’mores with Senators in the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center Multipurpose Room. There will be a general information presentation followed by

time to talk with student senators and make s’mores.

General assembly meetings take place every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the Pere Marquette Room of the Kirkhof Center.

These meetings are open to anyone who wants to attend.

“We’re very excited for the school year to begin,” Mattler said.

dents deserve a world-class educational experience.”

Lucas also observed the student engagement in Popp’s class.

“Students and parents speak highly of her, and there seems to be a high level of trust with Ms. Popp,” he said. “I observe her teaching four to six times per year officially and drop into her class unofficially as well.

Students are always engaged.”

Sometime last year, Popp heard of the Fulbright opportunity, a U.S. governmentsponsored program designed to create relationships between citizens of the U.S. and citizens of other countries so they can collaborate on and solve global challenges.

With a specific dream in mind, Popp created her proposal and applied for the grant, but little did she know she’d be one of the chosen “Fulbrighters.”

Popp’s application proposal involves studying New Zealand special education school programs and trying to under-

stand how they function in a way that cultivates success and inclusion for their students.

“Unfortunately, in the United States, the kids with behavior problems that I work with graduate and face a low rate of employment, low rate of home ownership and high rates of imprisonment,” she said.

In New Zealand, however, the reality for special education students after graduation is much different. Special education kids in New Zealand have higher rates of success upon graduation and are more included in society.

“I’ve always been intrigued on how do they do what they do,” Popp said. “They really have a lot of inclusion in their society, as well as their school.”

The grant reviewers saw Popp’s proposal and admired her motives, so in January 2018, Popp will leave for New Zealand and spend four months visiting schools, researching, interviewing, surveying and collecting data.

Her ultimate goal is to de-

velop insight and create some type of program to implement in her school, her district or her community when she returns.

Popp is equally grateful and eager for this opportunity. She is proud for the chance to change education, and she encourages other educators to be bold and initiate change in their schools as well.

“Education is changing, and it’s not always changing for the best for the classroom, and that’s hard, but I also go back to my purpose and why I’m there,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s for the kids and giving them opportunities.”

Lucas said Popp was welldeserving of the recognition.

“She goes above and beyond the call of duty to engage some of Wayne County’s most difficult students,” he said. “Ms. Popp is not interested in doing an adequate job—she is interested in doing a distinguished job. She is definitely (worthy) of this honor.”

GREEN LIVING: Students make their way to class on the first day back from Labor Day weekend break Wednesday, Sept. 6. GVSU was recognized for its sustainability practices by the Sierra Club, ranking highly on its list of sustainable colleges in the U.S. GVL | HANNAH HILL

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power to “change the system.” She said having GVSU as a leader in sustainability in Michigan helps pave the way for other smaller entities.

“If a university is willing to step up and make an investment in green technology and reducing waste, that’s key,” Philbin said. “You need to get the decision makers and the players that have money to invest to make big change.”

Yumiko Jakobcic, GVSU campus sustainability coordinator for the Office of Sustainability Practices, said GVSU has made small, incremental improvements in sustainability practices over time, which attributed to GVSU’s high ranking.

She said the ranking is a testament to the work done by students, faculty and staff to make GVSU more sustainable overall.

“I think that it’s such an honor,” Jakobcic said. “It’s wonderful to have so many people working towards sustainability.”

Jakobcic said there are many benefits of being sustainable on campus for both the environment and the people living in it. She said the most rewarding thing for her is seeing students living more sustainable lives.

“My favorite things is to see a student who maybe hasn’t had any introduction to sustainability, and they make some major lifestyle changes by the time they graduate,” Jakobcic said.

The Sierra Club is a nonprofit organization in the U.S. that works to preserve the environment and support so-called “green politics.” The Michigan chapter of the Sierra Club works with volunteers to advocate against the Enbridge Pipeline 5, contamination of the Great Lakes and the operation of many coal factories in Michigan.

The motto for the organization is “explore, enjoy and protect the planet.”

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

NEWS | A3

LEADERSHIP

Making history

BY CELIA HARMELINK CHARMELINK@LANTHORN.COM

The National Governors Association, along with the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, will be hosting “Women and Leadership: The First Conference of U.S. Women Governors� Friday, Sept. 8, through Saturday, Sept. 9. This two-day event will serve as the first time U.S. female governors have been gathered together for a conference of this kind.

The first session will be

held Friday, Sept. 8, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Room 215 of the L.V. Eberhard Center. Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman and former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano will be speaking at this event.

There will also be a public reception to follow.

The next set of sessions will be held in the Loosemore Auditorium of the Richard M. DeVos Center Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 9 a.m. The speakers will include former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, for-

mer Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco, former Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin and former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts.

There will be a complimentary lunch to follow at 11:30 a.m, and then author Deborah Rhode will present on her new book, “Women and Leadership,� at 12:45 p.m.

The last event Saturday will be a panel discussion that starts at 4 p.m. featuring Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place; Maria Cimitile, GVSU provost and executive vice president for academ-

NEW: GVSU’s Hauenstein Center for Presidental Studies, along with the National Governors Association, is hosting the first conference of U.S. female governors Saturday, Sept. 9. COURTESY | GVSU.EDU

US female governors to gather for first-ever conference

ic and student affairs; and Lisa Posthumus Lyons, politician and former Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives. This will be followed by a reception.

These events, which are free to the public, are expected to bring in more than 300 people per day. Registration is required, so interested individuals should sign up online.

Ann O’Keefe, the assistant director of the Hauenstein Center, spearheaded this event.

She believes this conference is very important for female students in particular to attend. “One of the major goals of the conference was inspiring young women to be leaders and to perhaps run for office, because that’s where a lot of change is made, and to give them some tips on how to make that practical and also to perhaps not let them be unaware of the challenges they may face,� O’Keefe said.

Some of the topics that

will be discussed during these conferences will be the differences and challenges women have experienced in leadership roles, how the media responds to female leaders and other gender-relevant issues. “Everyone here has a great story to tell,� O’Keefe said. “Those will be some of the things women share about, the challenges of being a woman versus being a man, while recognizing that great leadership is great leadership no matter who you are.�

Deb Havens, the chair of the planning committee for this event, said she hopes people will realize the legacy to which these women are contributing.

Women have only served as governors in 28 of the 50 United States, and this event will be an opportunity to ask these women what they have learned. “Whether you’re a man or a woman, you need to know how to best work together, and so this is

not male versus female,�

Havens said. “This is we work better together when we understand and respect each other. So, I’m very much excited about the possibility for the outcome of what people can take away from this.�

Havens thinks GVSU should be proud to play a role in this conference. “It’s unprecedented that there has never been a gathering of women governors before,� Havens said. “I mean, it’s just astonishing when you think about it.

The National Governors Association is a partner with Grand Valley. This is the nation coming to this university and saying ‘You are doing something amazing, and we want to be a part of that.’ The university has much to be proud of.�

GO TO: http://bit.ly/2gI8ieh FOR MORE INFORMATION

COMMUNITY

Meet the neighbors GV hosts second annual welcoming program

BY DREW SCHERTZER DSCHERTZER@LANTHORN.COM

Grand Rapids and Grand Valley State University are two peas in a pod, as GVSU’s Pew Campus has existed within the community for decades. However, the Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) thinks there is room to create a better bond between GVSU students and the people who live in Grand Rapids.

For this reason, the Grand Neighbor Orientation (GNO) will take place Thursday, Sept.

7, starting at 5 p.m. in the Richard M. DeVos Courtyard with an optional walk. From 6 p.m. onward at Lincoln Park, participants can engage in many activities and enjoy free food

until the movie “The Princess Bride� is shown at 8 p.m. “Since students live in a Grand Rapids neighborhood for a short time, they don’t always think of the families that live there,� said Liz Collver, CSLC assistant director. “It’s important that students learn how they fit in their community and how the community wants to let them in.�

For the second year in a row, the GNO will seek to bring the GVSU and Grand Rapids communities closer together, Collver said.

According to Collver, there are multigenerational families of more than 50 years that have been in Grand Rapids, and the West Side community is very

friendly, and students would only benefit from getting to make new connections.

In the DeVos Courtyard, students and faculty can congregate and begin learning about the history of Grand Rapids. They will then be given the opportunity to learn about the surrounding areas until everyone arrives at Lincoln Park. “Grand Rapids has a lot of rich history (that) a lot of people look over,� said Matthew Foreman, GVSU student. “Since working downtown, the connections and people I’ve met have been incredible.�

After students, faculty and staff have time to connect with people who live in Grand Rapids and learn about the history of the city, they can make

their way to Lincoln Park at 6 p.m. Collver said there will be 15 informational tables set up from neighboring associations.

There will also be a raffle-ticket system set up for prizes, as well as free food from Two Scotts Barbecue and Vito’s Pizza. To receive this free food, participants need a GVSU ID card.

Some of the local organizations involved in the event are John Ball Area Neighbors, WestSide Collaborative, Rockford Construction and more.

These local companies are teaming up with the CSLC and many Grand Rapids organizations, such as Other Way Ministries and Challenge Scholars, for this event. Schools in the area, such as Grand Rapids Public Schools, are going to be

COMING TOGETHER: Students walk on campus Wednesday, Sept. 6.

The GNO will occur Thursday, Sept. 7., at 5 p.m. GVL | HANNAH HILL

helping with the GNO as well. “This is an event about understanding and building community,� Collver said. “It will teach students history and let them know what it takes to be a good neighbor.�

Collver thinks students will be able to enjoy a fun night, as well as become more educated on the past

of Grand Rapids. She also said students often overlook small details of how to be a good neighbor, like taking care of your lawn or plowing the sidewalk.

Registration is not required but is encouraged.

For more information about the event, contact Collver at collverl@gvsu.edu.

CELEBRATION

Festival of Colors to welcome all students, share Indian culture

BY THERESA MUELLER NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

To further its mission of celebrating religious and spiritual diversity at Grand Valley State University, Campus Interfaith Resources (CIR) is partnering with the

religious studies department to host the Festival of Colors.

The Festival of Colors will be held Friday, Sept.

15, at 4:30 p.m. outside the Student Services Building on the North Lawn. The event is LIB 100-approved.

The festival will serve to

welcome all students and provide them with an opportunity to experience a gathering of various affiliations to celebrate India’s cultural traditions.

The Festival of Colors, or what is traditionally referred to as Holi, is an Indian spring celebration to acknowledge the re-

UPHOLDING TRADITIONS: Professor Brent Smith participates in GVSU’s 2016 Holi celebration. The GVSU community will celebrate India’s spring color festival again Friday, Sept. 15. GVL | KEVIN SIELAFF

birth of nature after a long dark winter. Spring is a colorful time with the blossoming of flowers, and the festival commemorates the vibrant season with a literal throwing of colored powders.

Although the festival is traditionally held in the spring, CIR made the decision to hold the event during the fall 2017 semester, as last April was a bit cold for the event.

Additionally, Abhishek Ghosh, assistant professor of religious studies and cocoordinator of the event, explained that celebrating the Festival of Colors a few weeks after the beginning of the semester would serve as a further commemoration to welcome new students.

In India, Holi is a national festival celebrated by people with various religious affiliations, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians. In

the U.S., the Festival of Colors has gained more popularity over the last 40 years.

The event is open to all GVSU students, as well as any outside friends or family interested in experiencing the Indian tradition, regardless of religious affiliation. “(The Festival of Colors) welcomes people and strangers into a welcoming place,�

Ghosh said. “No matter how different we are, we are one family. ... (The festival) breaks barriers between people.�

Starting at 4:30 p.m., there will be a potluck and music for anyone interested in socializing and meeting people.

The tradition of “throwing colors� will happen at 5 p.m., followed by a scavenger hunt. “By throwing colors on each other, (it symbolizes) the expression of our inner colors,� said Brent Smith, professor of

liberal studies and co-coordinator of the event. “It is a time to take oneself less seriously.�

The colors used are a combination of organic materials such as flour and natural dye. Ghosh recommends attendees wear attire they are willing to decorate.

CIR held this event in the spring of 2016, with approximately 150 students RSVPing and additional students still showing up.

Ghosh expects more people will attend, as CIR has been reaching out to various departments. For students who are interested in attending, there will be an opportunity to RSVP next week. Otherwise, they may simply show up to the event.

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A4 | OPINION EDITORIAL

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Wren Miller

Why GV students should get ‘on board’ with busing

A

t Grand Valley State University, students can get around campus in a variety of ways: walking, biking, longboarding, etc. Traveling between the Allendale and Pew campuses or to the grocery store is a different situation, though, and students are limited either to driving or taking the bus.

For many students, owning and maintaining a car while attending school is impossible. Due to the cost of gas, repairs and parking permits, as well as the small annoyance of finding a close parking spot, owning a car may simply be impractical for a lot of students. That’s where busing comes in.

Thanks to the university’s partnership with The Rapid, students have free access to several bus lines to get around campus, travel from Allendale to Grand Rapids, ride from the off-campus apartment complexes to their classroom buildings and make direct stops at Meijer to shop for groceries.

Riding the bus in lieu of driving offers students a number of benefits ranging from financial to environmental. For starters, students save money on gas and vehicle maintenance when they ride the bus. Check out the statistics from GVSU Transportation Services on page 8 of this issue to learn how much you could save by taking the bus to class instead of hopping in your car.

Riding the bus is also an environmentally sustainable practice that helps cut down on carbon emissions from cars and other vehicles. GVSU has a strong commitment to sustainability, and the vast busing network available to students, faculty and

staff is one practical example of this commitment.

Another benefit of the bus system is that it gets people off campus and outside of their respective living centers.

It can be frustrating at times to not have a car: You can feel a bit trapped with no way to get around besides your own two feet. The Rapid gives students, faculty and staff the chance to explore the greater Grand Rapids area. By simply hopping on the bus, you are able to cruise Grand Rapids’ streets for free, stopping at a variety of popular locations.

Some of these highly requested destinations include The Intersection, the DeVos Place Convention Center, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Civic Theatre, the Van Andel Arena and more.

Visit page 9 for more information on how to get to these places from GVSU’s Allendale Campus.

Along with providing financial benefits, riding the bus can be a more convenient alternative to driving. With our busy school and work schedules, it is increasingly hard to find a free moment to just do nothing. Even when we are driving we are doing something, but sitting (or standing) on the bus gives us an opportunity to get a little relaxation, read a book or listen to music.

It’s important for the university to offer this free transportation option to the campus community, particularly students, as they are paying good money to be here. Tuition was just recently raised by approximately 4.11 percent, so saving money, even if it is just a few dollars a day, is hugely beneficial. Students should take advantage of the busing system to get the most out of their tuition dollars.

9/7/17

editorial@lanthorn.com

Battle for truth in the news

BY HUNTER KAAP RENCIS EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

No matter how engaged each of us feels with our own personal and political beliefs, the way we choose to ingest the wide variety of media outlets at our disposal largely determines what we regard to be the truth.

According to dissection of media bias conducted by the Pew Research Center, this means that as individuals and as citizens, we all have a tendency to gravitate toward media outlets that echo a standard of truth and moral

Editor-in-Chief Associate editor Sports editor Laker Life editor

WHAT IS A LANTHORN?

*0ƫđƫ$+.*Čƫƫn. [old English] Lanthorn is two syllables, pronounced Lant-horn. It is a lantern that was used in midto-late 16th century Europe. It was constructed of leather and a

single lens made of a thin piece of ox or steer horn. It was used for illumination and as a beacon.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn slogan is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

GVL OPINION POLICY The goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn’s opinion page is to act as a forum for public discussion, comment and criticism in the Grand Valley State University community. Student opinions published here do not necessarily reflect those of the paper as an entity.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn aims to be a safe vehicle for community discussion. The Lanthorn will not publish or entertain any forms of hate speech, but will not discriminate against any other views, opinions or beliefs. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty or staff.

Reader submissions on the opinion page appear as space permits, and are reserved for letters to the editor only,

all other reader-generated content can be submitted to the Grand Valley Lanthorn’s YourSpace page by emailing community@lanthorn.com.

Letters to the editor should include the author’s full name and relevant title along with a valid email and phone number for confirming the identity of the author. Letters should be approximately 500-650 words in length, and are not edited by the staff of the Grand Valley Lanthorn outside of technical errors for clarity.

To make a submission, email at editorial@lanthorn. com or by dropping off your submission in person at:

0051 KIRKHOF CENTER GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ALLENDALE, MI 49401 616-826-8276

WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM? HAVE A PROBLEM THAT YOU NEED HELP SOLVING? SEND US AN EMAIL. EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

media outlets have given the people a megaphone to gather support, fund and fuel their message with other like-minded citizens in a way that generations of Americans before us were unable to do.

We engage with our leaders and in the political process like never before.

Thanks to our smartphones and the instantaneous access to assemble, the ability to speak out freely allows us to uphold one version of truth that is our own.

But what about the truth? Is it possible that despite bombarding ourselves with news outlets and social platforms we have diluted the actual presence of historical fact? And if so, what kinds of historical facts will remain after what we have seen since the inauguration of our 45th president?

The point is, whether your news and media diet is backed up by facts or opinions, as young people,

it is important that we take part in the political and cultural atmosphere. We should participate in the battle for moral integrity of our nation as we strive to find our footing during this decade’s transition to the digital age.

Whether you find truth in the value of a free press or believe in the “fake news” hyperbole spun by the White House, facts are real, and they happen every day regardless of our belief in their existence.

In 2016, the Oxford Dictionary deemed “post-truth” as its annual “Word of the Year.” The term, now formally included the dictionary, defines a phenomenon (also called post-factual politics) of “a political culture in which debate is framed largely by appeals to emotion disconnected from the details of policy, and by the repeated assertion of talking points to which factual rebuttals are ignored.” And what a fitting addition to the English language it has been.

Making choices for yourself

GV L ED ITORIA L B OA R D EMILY DORAN JENNA FRACASSI ROBBIE TRIANO TY KONELL

integrity that closely reflects our own beliefs.

As millennials, we have grown up with an unlimited volume of 24-hour media outlets, such as MSNBC, CBSN, CNN and infinite others competing for our attention to fill every hour of the day with headline news.

If you graduated high school at any time during the Obama administration, then it is more than likely you may not even remember a time when the U.S. wasn’t fighting in Afghanistan, and there are many who have become desensitized to the constant haberdashery of “breaking news.”

We, as young people in particular, have aged right alongside the cusp of mankind’s perpetual infatuation with technology and the vast leaps and bounds we’ve taken to integrate it into our lives at the most personal levels.

Our political views on Facebook and other social

BY SHAE SLAUGHTER EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

From the moment we’re born, it seems like we’re in a huge rush to grow up. When we’re toddlers, we want to learn how to walk; when we’re five, we’re ready to go to school; and when we’re teenagers, we want nothing more than the keys to a car. It’s a repeating game of “ready, set, go” for our whole lives, but doesn’t it sound better to just take our time?

College is a perfect example of the race we’re perpetually in. You’re supposed to get in and get out in four

years flat. Sure, that would be nice, but that doesn’t make it realistic for everyone. To graduate in four years, you need to take 15 credits every semester. So, let’s cross your fingers that you don’t have to work full time or want to change your major ever.

My eldest sister took an untraditional route through college. She didn’t go right out of high school, nor did she go full time. In fact, she is seven years older than I am, and I am set to graduate before she does. The funny thing is that she has a full-time job she loves, a house, a dog and is exactly where she wants to be. So, what’s the rush? Why does she need that degree?

This whole idea circles back to being an adult and life in general. No one knows you better than you know yourself.

Don’t let people force you into making hasty and selfless decisions. It’s okay to choose yourself. In fact, I encourage it. I distinctly remember my

senior year of high school because I was on track to go to the University of Michigan. I had been accepted and agreed to go when I suddenly realized it wasn’t what I wanted.

When I withdrew my enrollment, I could tell that my family wasn’t thrilled with my decision. I even had a random classmate’s mom tell me I was “throwing my life away.” In my head, I was so confused; how could something that felt like the right choice to me be so wrong? The answer was simple: I wasn’t wrong. I may have made a mistake by societal standards, but I picked what was best for me. I chose myself.

This same attitude can be applied not only to schools, but also to many other aspects of life, like relationships. Yikes, right? Let’s all silently nod our heads in agreement for the relationships that we’ve rushed or been pressured into. Don’t get me wrong—you live and you learn, but since you’ve

probably already learned, you need not repeat your mistakes.

Of course, it’s awkward when your Aunt Carol asks you if you’re dating anyone at every family gathering you have. Trust me, I know.

That being said, don’t pick some random guy from a frat party to be your new boyfriend if he’s not the right one. You don’t just throw out an “I love you” because it feels like you should. What’s the harm in waiting and doing things when they feel right to you?

College, relationships, marriage, kids: It will all come when it’s supposed to, or it won’t come at all. What do you want? You’re in control, after all. In a world where society guides almost all of our choices, you might as well go against the grain. Forty years down the line, no one will care if you got your degree in four years or if you were married by the time you were 25. Go at your own pace. The rest will follow.

VALLEY VOTE

THIS ISSUE’S QUESTION

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Have you ever engaged with a protester or demonstrator on campus?

How often do you use the busing system at GVSU?

When Hollywood should reboot movies

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By Kevin McCasland 60% 40%

QUESTION OF THE ISSUE

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HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE THE BUSING SYSTEM AT GVSU?

LAURA SCHOEMER

HAILEY MERRITT

“Pretty often. I’ll have to use it once every week to go to class.”

“My freshman year, literally every day. Sophomore, eh, not so much. And now that I’m a junior, I don’t use it at all.”

YEAR: Senior MAJOR: Communications HOMETOWN: Howell, Michigan

YEAR: Junior MAJOR: Public and nonprofit administration HOMETOWN: Louisville, Kentucky

SCOTT KAZMER

MARTIN KAMBEKI

“Five days a week. No, four days a week.”

“Probably not as much as I should.”

YEAR: Freshman MAJOR: Undeclared HOMETOWN: Warren, Michigan

YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: Business administration HOMETOWN: Zambia, Africa

LAKER LIFE | A5

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE

EVENTS

ARTS AT A GLANCE “WONDER WOMAN” SHOWING AT BIG SCREEN THEATRE

For feminists, superhero fans and movie enthusiasts alike, the Grand Valley State University Big Screen Theatre in the Kirkhof Center will be showing “Wonder Woman” from Friday, Sept. 8, through Thursday, Sept. 21, with showings at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“Wonder Woman” is a recent film release from Warner Bros. Studios. The film centers around the superhero before she takes on the persona of “Wonder Woman” and shows her as Diana, princess of the Amazons, as she leaves her home for the first time to fight for others.

For more information, contact Spotlight Productions at spotlight@gvsu.edu.

STUDY ABROAD FIRST STEP MEETING

Grand Valley State University students interested in studying abroad are welcome to attend a study abroad first step meeting hosted by the Padnos International Center (PIC).

Meetings will be held every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and every Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 130 of Lake Ontario Hall. The meetings cover basic study abroad information that students need to start planning their trips, such as program selection, funding, academics and more.

Open walk-in advising hours are offered to students who can’t attend a first step meeting or need more in-depth advising.

For more information, contact the PIC at 616-3313898 or studyabroad@gvsu.edu.

SEPTEMBER SERVICE SATURDAY TO BE HELD SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

Grand Valley State University Alternative Breaks is set to hold the September Service Saturday event Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Those who attend the event will be meeting in Room 2204 of the Kirkhof Center and will have food available to them, as well as transportation to locations where they will do volunteer work.

For more information, contact Emma Steele, vice president of community impact, at gv.ab.comminut@gmail.com.

MOZART’S ‘GRAND PARTITA’ TO BE PERFORMED ON CAMPUS Grand Valley State University is hosting a concert of Mozart’s “Serenade in B-Flat Major, KV 361, the Grand Partita” Monday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre.

One of Mozart’s most famous symphonies, the Grand Partita is a standard composition for an orchestra with a high focus on the wind section, but is unique in its inclusion of bass and basset horns.

GVSU faculty and members of the Grand Rapids Symphony will be conducted by former United States Air Force band conductor Lowell Graham. The event is free to students.

For more information, call 616-331-3484.

GV to host silent disco DJs to play music through wireless headsets on Kirkhof Lawn

BY NICK KONDYLES LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

Events Services and Spotlight Productions at Grand Valley State University are collaborating to host a silent disco Friday, Sept. 8.

GVSU students are invited to attend the headphone rave, which will be held on the North Lawn of the Kirkhof Center from 9 p.m. until midnight.

Three stages will be set up, and a company called Silent Events will set up light fixtures and a smoke machine and distribute headphones.

“The company is bringing enough headphones for everybody,” said Alyssa Jones, director of Spotlight Productions.

“The only thing students need to do to retrieve them is bring along their student IDs to trade as collateral.”

Event Services and Spotlight Productions are collaborating to bring three local DJs to the dance, two of whom are GVSU graduates. Students can choose whichever DJ stage they’d like to tune in to, denoted by three colors, throughout the night.

“I would compare it to going to a concert or a live event that you can tune out of,” Jones said. “Electric Forest has been picking it up, too. Silent discos are getting really big.”

More than 800 students are projected to attend the welcome back event, including

Event Services on something completely different, and so we decided to give this a try,” Jones said. “We both did our own programming, but this event will help both of us to shine a little brighter off of each other

in the setup for the dance, as it takes a lot of manpower and is beneficial to all parties involved for the turnout.”

GO TO: http://bit.ly/2xQbqwf FOR MORE INFORMATION

FLYER: Event Services and Spotlight Productions have been promoting the silent disco for Friday, Sept. 8. COURTESY | GVSU.EDU

ALUMNI

Helping Flint brick by brick GV alumnus hopes to aid city with new housing company

BY JESSICA HARSEVOORT

JHARSEVOORT@LANTHORN.COM

ACTIVISM: Fabian Haywood, a GVSU grad, poses above at his kickstarter launch party. COURTESY | FABIAN HAYWOOD’S FACEBOOK

both returning students and incoming freshmen.

The three DJs, DJ Kung, DJ B-wiz and DJ Composition/2 Bright Guys, are now working as musicians in the Grand Rapids area. DJ Composition has his own radio station out of Kent County.

The dance is open to all students and will be held between the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons and the Cook Carillon Tower.

Wanting to keep the GVSU student body involved and engaged, Event Services has already begun marketing other events for students.

“We gave away 100 tickets this week for the White Caps playoff games, which also included free soda and hot dogs,” said Ryan Neloms, assistant director of Event Services. “There will be free water and soda at the event with a dining dollars raffle. Social events like these help students stay involved on campus.”

The advertising for the silent disco is prominent across campus. Lawn signs, flyers, whiteboards and a banner in the Kirkhof Center are all methods being used to reach the eyes of students. Event Services and Spotlight Productions, out of the Office of Student Life, made a collaborative effort to garnish the highest attendance possible.

“We wanted to work with

With the nation’s focus on Hurricane Harvey, many have forgotten there is an ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. However, Fabian Haywood, an alumnus from Grand Valley State University, knows there is still work to be done in Flint. Because of this, he is currently attempting to aid the community by developing stable housing.

“Sometimes we get trapped in moving from one tragedy to the next because there’s new information and new events going on all the time,” Haywood said.

Moving forward in Flint, Haywood founded Haywood Property Management with the intention of increasing homeownership, redevelop-

ing a sense community and raising the standard of living for city residents.

“Fabian’s passion for his hometown at Flint has helped him figure out his future, which is creating this business,” said Shelby Bruseloff, a GVSU alumna. “Because of his education, I think he’ll really thrive.”

Haywood left GVSU in 2016, having completed his public administration major and Intercultural Training Certificate. Despite being a recent graduate, he is already well on his way to starting his first business.

In fact, Haywood recently celebrated the launch of his kick-starter campaign for Haywood Property Management Saturday, Sept. 2. At the party, he introduced himself and his business to the citizens of Flint and revealed the

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goal to raise $50,000.

The money raised will be used to buy and renovate a multi-unit residential. When that property provides enough income, Haywood will strive to produce additional housing so more people can own a home.

Reflecting on what inspired him to start Haywood Property Management, Haywood looks back on a childhood memory of when his mother received an eviction notice.

At that time, the Salvation Army was offering stipends to help people pay rent, but the line of people seeking aid would wrap around the building. So, Haywood waited with his mother outside all night in the freezing cold to receive a stipend and remain in their home.

“I remember never wanting to be in that situation again,” he said. “After that situation occurred, I wanted to run away from Flint.”

Yet he felt the pull to go back to his hometown after graduating from GVSU. “He always talks about home, and he always talks about his family and how important they are to him,” Bruseloff said.

“So, it was easy for him to decide on going back.”

Haywood returned to Flint only to experience culture shock. Among some of the differences he found, compared to the city of his youth, were a lack of camaraderie and less access to healthy foods.

He also came back to Flint’s water crisis, where those in the

area still don’t have access to clean water. Plus, the effects of lead are not just in homes, but in churches and workplaces, impacting day-to-day operations for every individual.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that would benefit the community, whether it be some sort of scholarship or creating more opportunities,” Haywood said.

Now more than ever, Flint needs aid.

Because of this, Haywood decided he could help by developing affordable housing. With his business, he hopes to address homeownership amongst minorities, millennials and impoverished persons. In turn, he hopes people will stay in the area and help the city flourish.

“I hope they see value in the city of Flint and find a way to do the things they love, while also enriching the community,” Haywood said.

Overall, Haywood wants to combat homelessness, poverty and unemployment in Flint. For those who wish to assist him with his goal, he suggests three ways people can help: continue the conversation about Flint, donate clean water and make a contribution to Haywood Property Management.

“When he finds something he really cares about, he puts everything into it,” Bruseloff said. “He understands the community, and he’s a part of the community, so it couldn’t be easier for him.”

CAMPUS LIFE NIGHT: Two students pose with signs while representing their organization, Camp Kesem, at the annual Campus Life Night Tuesday, Sept. 5. More than 400 organizations and clubs and more than 4,500 GVSU students were present at the event, which took place in Parking Lot H on GVSU’s Allendale Campus.

EMILY FRYE GVL

A6 | SPORTS QUICK HITS

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

FOOTBALL

GV FOOTBALL FALLS FROM NO. 2 RANKING TO NO. 14

Before the Grand Valley State football team began its season, the team was highly regarded around the Division II world and earned the No. 2 ranking in the country, voted by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

However, after the Lakers were upset by unranked University of Indianapolis Thursday, Aug. 31, GVSU football’s overall ranking fell all the way down to the No. 14 spot in the AFCA rankings.

Powered by their explosive running game against the Lakers, Indianapolis went from an unranked team all the way up to the 18th spot, the largest jump from any team in Division II. Taking over the Lakers’ former No. 2 spot is longtime GVSU rival Ferris State University, which has yet to play in a game this season. Ferris State eliminated GVSU from playoff contention last season.

Holding the No. 1 ranking is last season’s Division II Football National Champions, Northwest Missouri State.

The Lakers hope to bring their record to 1-1 and improve their overall ranking as they face Davenport University at Lubbers Stadium Saturday, Sept. 9.

FORMER GV SOCCER PLAYER NAMED NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR TOP 30 HONOREE

Earlier in the summer, former Grand Valley State women’s soccer player Clare Carlson was nominated to be considered for the NCAA Woman of the Year award.

The wait is over for Carlson, as she has been selected as one of the 30 finalists overall for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year award Wednesday, Sept. 6. The award recognizes graduating female student athletes who finished their careers as model NCAA athletes on the field and excelled in the classroom.

Carlson is one of 10 female student athletes selected out of Division II. There were 197 nominations for female student athletes out of Division II this year.

During her time at GVSU, Carlson was a member of a program that won three NCAA Division II National Championships and accumulated a 92-5-5 record with her on the roster.

Carlson’s personal accolades include GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year during her junior and senior year, two-time All-GLIAC First Team selection, two-time NSCAA Scholar All-American, and two-time recipient of the Fall GLIAC Commissioner’s Award.

Off the field, Carlson was a biomedical sciences major with a cumulative 3.91 GPA.

0-1: GVSU football tight end Nick Keizer warms up before the start of the game Sept. 1, 2016. Whether it was their problems kicking the ball, missing easy tackles or failing to get the running game going, the Lakers couldn’t get the job done after losing to unranked Indianapolis 24-20 Thursday, August 31. GVL | LUKE HOLMES

Indy runs over GV

BY BRADY MCATAMNEY BMCATAMNEY@LANTHORN.COM

F

or a team that has already received high acclaim around the Division II football world this season, this wasn’t exactly the start Laker fans were hoping for, or even expected.

Ranked No. 2 in Division II, the Grand Valley State Lakers lost their season opener to the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds by a score of 2420 on the road, putting the Lakers at 0-1 to begin the sea-

son Thursday, Aug. 31.

It was the two teams’ first meeting since 2011, when UIndy won in a similar fashion—by one score at home.

The Lakers started the game off hot, tacking seven points on the board the very first drive of the game on a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bart Williams to tight end Nick Keizer.

The Lakers found themselves back on the scoreboard after defensive back Kalen Dunham forced a UIndy turnover, which let to a seven-yard lob from

Williams to wide receiver Brandon Bean. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, and the Lakers would not score again until the fourth quarter. At this point, the Lakers gathered a 13-0 lead, one that seemed to seal the deal against an unranked opponent.

However, Indianapolis punched GVSU back with 10 answered points in the second quarter off a 27yard field goal and a 4-yard touchdown pass. By the end of the half, the Lakers still managed to maintain their

GV football drops season opener to unranked Indianapolis lead with a score of 13-10.

But the Greyhounds didn’t let the Lakers retain their lead, as they opened the second half with a 12-play, 75-yard drive to find the end zone to obtain their first lead of the game, 17-13 UIndy.

Down 17-13 with 7:11 left in the game, Williams and Keizer connected again on a 10-yard pass for the go-ahead touchdown. The Lakers regained the lead with a score of 20-17.

The Greyhounds responded on the ensuing drive with a 51-yard touch-

down run, which was the nail in the coffin for the Lakers, as they failed to score on their final drive despite finding the red zone.

“Our kicking game is what hurt us,” said GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell. “We got the extra point blocked, so instead of being down three, we’re down four. Instead of playing for field goals, we’re off trying to get a touchdown, we’re down by four. That missed extra point completely changed the dynamic.”

SEE FOOTBALL | A7

SOCCER

GV CLUB DODGEBALL NAMED NCDA FAVORITE THIS SEASON

Having won the past five national championships, the Grand Valley State club dodgeball team was tagged as this year’s favorite in the Michigan Region by the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association.

The Lakers will be returning many veteran players, including junior captain Brandon Meisel, Aaron Krafft, Sam Stockdale and Ray Franklin, who broke out onto the dodgeball scene last year with a 79 mph throw.

Kevin Bailey, a writer affiliated with the NCDA, said in an article, “It is hard to look at the GVSU roster and say they aren’t poised for a six-peat. If they can put together a strong rookie class, they will be a very difficult team to beat.”

The team’s schedule has not been announced yet.

VARSITY SCHEDULE FOOTBALL Saturday 7 p.m. vs. Davenport WOMEN’S SOCCER Friday 7 p.m. vs. Cedarville Sunday 12 p.m. vs Minnesota State-Mankato VOLLEYBALL Friday 12 p.m. vs. Wheeling Jesuit Friday 6 p.m. vs Clarion Saturday 1 p.m. at Indianapolis Saturday 7 p.m. vs. Winona State

ROUGH DAY: GVSU soccer player Gabriella Mencotti (20) advances the play down the field during the team’s 3-0 GLIAC Championship win over Ohio Dominican Oct. 15, 2016. The Lakers, who only lost one game last season, dropped their first two games against Bellarmine and Columbus State University. GVL | LUKE HOLMES

GV soccer starts season on low note, drops first two games

BY ARPAN LOBO SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

To sum it up in simple terms, it was a rough weekend in Kentucky for the Grand Valley State women’s soccer team.

The Lakers dropped both of their games over the weekend, falling to Bellarmine University by a score of 2-1 in double overtime Saturday, Sept. 2, and then losing 5-1 to then No. 3 ranked Columbus State University Monday, Sept. 4.

Both games were played in Louisville, Kentucky.

The contests were originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1, and Sunday,

Sept. 3, respectively, but they were rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Against Bellarmine, GVSU took the lead early in the second half thanks to a goal from Gabriella Mencotti assisted by Makenna Schoolman in the 48 minute. The goal was Mencotti’s first of the 2017 season. She was the top goalscorer in NCAA Division II with 29 goals as a junior in 2016.

The assist marked the first point of the freshman Schoolman’s career.

GVSU was able to hold the lead until the 85 minute when Bellarmine was awarded a penalty for a Laker handball inside

the 18-yard box. Laker goalkeeper Jennifer Steinaway saved the penalty

by Bellarmine midfielder Audrey Van Der Elst but couldn’t stop Van Der Elst from tapping in the following rebound.

Bellarmine would go on to win the game in the second overtime period thanks to a goal in the 109 minute.

Conceding the penalty shot that late in the game was a disappointing pill for GVSU head coach Jeff Hosler to swallow.

“In every match, there are certain moments that can be magnified,” Hosler said. “We really fell short in some of those moments.

Closing out the game in the final five minutes, we talk with our kids all the time about the big fives at the start of halves, end of halves and after goals.

And we obviously didn’t capitalize after we scored; we didn’t seem to have the same urgency to get forward in attack.

We let ourselves down in those moments.”

While Hosler believes the handball penalty call was correct, he was skeptical of the referee’s decision compared to how the match had been officiated up until that point.

“It was a clear handball,” Hosler said. “The only is-

sue I’d have is that it was the only handball called in a game where there were many clear handballs.

Not that those other ones would have created an advantage for either team, but it was an odd time and situation to enforce it for the first time.”

Against CSU, GVSU again opened scoring as junior midfielder Tara Lierman scored in the 13 minute. Mencotti was credited with an assist on the play.

The lead would last until the 18 minute, when the Cougars scored two goals separated by just 56 seconds.

SEE SOCCER | A7

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

SPORTS | A7

VOLLEYBALL

GV volleyball opens season with weekend series split, 2-2 record

BY JAKE CARROLL JCARROLL@LANTHORN.COM

The Grand Valley State women’s volleyball team took its annual trip to Big Rapids, Michigan, on Friday, Sept. 1, hopeful that by the end of the day the team would come out undefeated. However, that wasn’t the case for the Lakers.

After losing their two games to Northwest Missouri State and Upper Iowa, the Lakers seemed to buckle down and regroup for the second day of

contests.Their games Saturday, Sept. 2, against Missouri Western State and Cedarville University went almost entirely the way they wanted them to. They won both games 3-0 and returned to Allendale victorious.

But what caused the sudden spark? What caused GVSU to drop the first two games of their weekend? Senior starter Katie Olson attributed their struggles to something a bit surprising: Brooke Smith, an integral part of the Laker volleyball team, had to leave the team.

“Losing one of our starting

players, Brooke, to the Marines was hard,” Olson said.

Brooke Smith, the player who finished second in digs, third in kills, fifth in assists and fifth in serving aces, is no longer a part of the GVSU women’s volleyball team. Instead, she decided to head on over to the Marines. “(Brooke’s) dad got a call on Tuesday saying that there was a spot open and if Brooke wanted to go,” Olson said. “She talked it over with her parents on Wednesday, and on Thurs-

KEEPING HER EYES ON THE BALL: GVSU volleyball player Katie Olson jumps up and sets the ball as GVSU defeated Northwood in three games in the Fieldhouse Arena Nov. 11, 2016. GVL | LUKE HOLMES

day she showed up and let us all know that she would be going to the Marines in two weeks.”

Smith is a hard player to lose, especially on such short notice. She was a starter and a leader on the floor, so the entire team understands her role on the team will be hard to replace.

GVSU volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon attributed the struggles Friday to something different than the usual excuses. She dismissed the idea that the losses could be because of nerves or excitement for the first two games of the season.

“The other teams are playing their first two games of the season, also, so I don’t see that as an excuse,” Scanlon said. “We just made way too many errors.

I think we’re just a little hesitant with how we’re playing.”

Ask any athlete, coach or fan, and they will all say that simple errors can either make or break a game.

Errors are like cigarettes: If you don’t limit them, they will eventually start doing some real damage.

However, Scanlon was impressed with how the team

bounced back during the competition that took place Saturday. Both MWS and Cedarville are regional games, so they were that much more important to the team.

“I think we realized that we couldn’t lose anymore,” said sophomore Jayci Suseland. “We knew that if we lost to Cedarville, it was harder for us to get into regionals.”

GVSU women’s volleyball will take a trip to Indianapolis for a four-game stint Friday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 9.

GUARDIANS OF THE NET: GVSU volleyball players Staci Brower (21) and Katie Olson (9) jump up to block the ball. The Lakers played four games this weekend and won two of them. GVL | LUKE HOLMES

TECHNOLOGY

GV releases fan-friendly ‘Laker Nation’ mobile app

BY D’ANGELO STARKS SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

The Grand Valley State athletic department recently released a new app for students and Laker sports fanatics who attend GVSU athletic events.

The GVSU Laker Nation app rewards students for being loyal fans, and it allows them to rack up points the more games and other athletic events they attend.

The app is an interactive experience where fans can check in and earn points they can later redeem for rewards and exciting opportunities that have to do with athletics at GVSU. Jared Alexander, the assistant athletic director for sales and marketing, was one of the key contributors in the app’s development and marketing.

“We wanted to create new opportunities to give to our most loyal fans, and we saw this as (an) opportunity to enhance the game-day environment and get people

FOOTBALL CONTINUED FROM A6

The difficulties with kicking were not the only major factor to hinder the Lakers, as running back Martayveus Carter, who led the nation in rushing in 2016, took his 17 carries for only 57 yards. As a whole, the Lakers had 25 carries for 100 yards. Meanwhile, the Greyhounds put the ball on the ground a whopping 55 times for 326 total yards, with a majority of the production coming from Al McKeller (21 rushes for 206 yards and one touchdown) and Andrew Walker (20 rushes for 105 yards).

“They’ve got good backs,

SOCCER CONTINUED FROM A6

CSU added to its lead in the final minute of the opening half and led 3-1 at the break.

In the second half, CSU put two more goals on the board and would go on to take home a 5-1 victory. The two schools had met in the national semifinal in 2016 when GVSU was able to clinch a fourth-straight trip to the national title game with a 3-0 victory.

Hosler said the game

more involved in our athlet- decision to download it. ics,” Alexander said.

“We will be staying in The main goal of the constant communication app is to help create a more with the fans by using email interactive and inclusive blasts, flyers, video boards game-day environment, as and everything that we well as serve as an incen- can to encourage them to tive for those who don’t not only download the app usually attend to follow but to continue to check in Laker sports. week-to-week to stay up to “Download the app,” Al- date on the rewards,” Alexexander said. ander said.

“We will be Alexander releasing new used last week“This is Jared content and end’s GVSU new reward opF o o t b a l l (Alexander)’s brain portunities. It’s Watch Party child. It’s an idea going to be a at Lubbers he came up with week-by-week Stadium as an thing, and we opportunity to to try to engage are hoping for promote the with students in a consistent inapp and get teraction bestudents used different space.” tween us and to using it. the fans.”

“We rolled KERI BECKER In terms GVSU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR it out at the of marketing Lakers kickoff of the mobile party, and we application, the GVSU had it on the video board,” athletic department is ex- Alexander said. “The first perimenting with every check-in event was at the promotional tactic they watch party, and we gained can to help more students a large number of users learn about it and make the during it.”

Keri Becker, director of athletics at GVSU, gives all the credit of the app creation and development to Alexander and the work he has put into it.

“This is Jared’s brain child,” Becker said. “It’s an idea that he came up with to try to engage with students in a different space.”

Becker also spoke about the main goal of the app and how it would relate to attendance at athletic events.

“I don’t think the purpose of it is to drive attendance,” Becker said. “I think the purpose is for it to engage with fans before, during and after the games and hopefully provide a boost in our overall gameday environment.”

Alexander echoed Becker’s point when it came to the reasons behind the app.

“I think at the end of the day, we want fans to come because they love their Lakers,” Alexander said. “If we can add to the love with some new opportunities to get involved, then it’s a win-win.”

their offensive line is good and I think they were just pushing on our front seven,” said linebacker Collin Schlosser. “They were getting good pushes, and they were resetting the line of scrimmage on us.”

Another problem the Lakers defense exhibited was missed tackles, and that was not lost upon the players.

“We’re just going to have to work on our ball leverage because if you have bad leverage, you’re going to miss tackles,” Schlosser said. “We have to remember and play together, and that will help us out also. It’s going back to basic tackling drills at practice because that’ll help us.”

Despite being dominated on the ground, GVSU did perform well through the air.

Williams completed 22 passes on 37 attempts for 303 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Bean hauled in seven passes for 84 yards and a score, while Keizer had six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The offense was without two of its leading receivers, Nick Dodson and Urston Smith, due to injury.

“Obviously, it’s nice to have those guys out there, and they can stretch the defense, but we didn’t have a lack of talent,” Schlosser said.”Austin Paritee made a big play, Brandon Bean showed up, Nick Keizer, Jon-

Marc, there just wasn’t a lack of talent at receiver. Obviously great to have them, but we still have great talent out there.”

Additionally, the Lakers were zero for three on fourthdown attempts, including a pass on their final offensive play of the game, which failed to reach the end zone. They were four for 12 on third down and committed six penalties, which were good for 60 yards.

GVSU will look to get the season back on track when they welcome the Davenport University Panthers (01) into Lubbers Stadium for the season’s home opener Saturday, Sep. 9. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

again came down to certain moments.

“It was a such a back-andforth affair with us creating a lot of good goal-scoring chances, CSU creating a lot of good goal-scoring chances, but we can’t concede a goal right before halftime,” Hosler said. “If we see that half out and go in down a goal, I think we see a very different second half.

But for them to capitalize right before the half and then to score the fourth goal took the wind out of our comeback efforts.”

Starting the season off with consecutive defeats is a drastic reverse from the 2016 season when GVSU only lost once during the entire regular season.

Despite the slow start, Hosler believes playing tougher competition early will be beneficial for a GVSU team that has 13 freshmen. CSU jumped from No. 3 to No. 2 in the Division II Coaches Poll, while Bellarmine entered in at No. 7. The Lakers fell from No. 2 down to No. 14.

“Even with a young, in-

experienced team, we’re not afraid to play the best teams because we’re going to learn the most about ourselves,” Hosler said.

“What we learned is we can compete, we should compete and we should win, but we didn’t do enough to win games.”

GVSU returns to Allendale to host Cedarville University Friday, Sept.

8, at 7 p.m., followed by a visit from No. 10 Minnesota State-Mankato Sunday, Sept. 10, at noon.

The app is not just a reward system: It also has social media aspects that fans can use to interact with other fans at games. The “fan cam” button allows users to take and upload pictures for everyone who uses the app to see. Included is also a calendar that has the

time and place for every home game and event that will be happening this year so the fans always know when and where the teams are playing.

The GVSU Laker Nation app is now available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

SMARTPHONE: GVSU Athletics released a mobile app for fans who attend GVSU athletic events. COURTESY | GVSULAKERS.COM

A8 | BUS ROUTE SPECIAL Frequently asked busing questions Courtesy of GVSU Transportation Services

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN

Money you save by taking the bus Courtesy of GVSU Transportation Services

How much does it cost to ride The Rapid?

15

10.15$

12.15$

105.13$

What do I do if I left an item on the bus?

12

8.10$

9.72$

84.24$

9

6.08$

7.29$

63.18$

6

4.05$

4.86$

42.12$

3

2.03$

2.43$

7.02$

All items left on the bus are taken back to The Rapid Central Station.

How late does the bus run?

Visit GVSU Transportation Services’ website and click “Schedules� to view the latest schedules.

Can I take the bus to _________?

You can take any Rapid bus throughout the city for free. Visit GVSU Transportation Services’ website and click “Take a Busâ€? then “How Do I Get to ‌â€? for a list of frequently requested destinations.

Number of One-Way Trips

The bus is free with a valid student, faculty or staff ID card.

When will the next bus arrive?

Visit www.connect.ridetherapid.org/infopoint to find out.

Download a mobile transit app Courtesy of GVSU Transportation Services

If you want to know exactly when the bus will arrive so you don’t have to rely on the 2020 Information Desk every time you’re waiting at a stop, try downloading a mobile transit app to keep tabs on the arrival and departure times of buses in the area. Real-time bus arrival information is available via the following mobile applications:

RapidConnect

Information is viewable in your mobile browser.

MyStop App by Avail Technologies

0 Route 37 (1.25 Miles)

Route 48 (1.50 Miles)

Bus Route 50 GVSU Campus Connector Weekday Monday - Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekday service frequency is approximately six minutes during peak hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Available for the iPhone

Some Third-Party Applications

Transit App Available for iPhone and Android devices Moovit App Available for iPhone, Android, and Windows devices Transit ~ Directions with Transportation Available for iPhone devices and compatible with voiceover for individuals with visual impairments Google Maps Information is viewable in your mobile browser. Zoom in to your stop to view bus info.

3-!24 345$%.4 3!6).'3 3!6% ON SELECT -ICHIGAN ROUTES 3TUDENT SAVINGS JUST GOT BETTER .OW STUDENTS AGE WITH A VALID STUDENT )$ ARE ELIGIBLE FOR OFF THE LOWEST 6ALUE OR &LEXIBLE &ARE WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR TRAVEL AT LEAST DAYS IN ADVANCE AT !MTRAK-ICHIGAN COM

3EE WHERE THE TRAIN CAN TAKE YOU www.AmtrakMichigan.com

Bus Route 37 North Campus Express (Apartment Shuttle) Monday - Thursday: 5:45 a.m. to midnight Friday: 5:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekday service frequency is approximately six to seven minutes.

Update for fall 2017: Route 37 has been streamlined. It will now continue straight on West Campus Drive at the Children’s Enrichment Center and go directly to the Kirkhof Center.

Route 50 (13.0 Miles)

Bus Route 85 – Apartment Connector (Early A.M. and Weekend/Break) Monday - Thursday: 5:45 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Friday: 5:45 a.m. to 7 a.m.

6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Weekday early morning service frequency is approximately 25 minutes.

Update for fall 2017: The Country Place/Hillcrest stop has been removed due to Route 48 changes.

Bus Route 48 - South Campus Express (Apartment Shuttle) Monday - Thursday: 5:45 a.m. to midnight Friday: 5:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekday service is every four minutes between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., every five minutes between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and every eight minutes between 10 p.m. and midnight.

Updates for fall 2017: Route 48 will have a new stop on the north side of West Campus Drive by Meadows Crossing (between the two 37/85 stops on the south side of West Campus Drive).

Route 48 will now head south on the new road west of Campus West and continue the route on Pierce Street.

Route 48 will no longer stop at Country Place/Hillcrest. Due to the construction of this new road between West Campus Drive and Pierce Street (west of 48th Avenue), the bus can no longer turn around on West Campus Drive, so the Country Place/Hillcrest stop has been removed.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLANTHORN

BUS ROUTE SPECIAL | A9

How to get to popular places in the greater Grand Rapids area via bus Directions courtesy of GVSU Transportation Services Many Grand Valley State University students don’t have their cars with them on campus, and some students don’t have cars at all. Those students who are lucky enough to have their cars with them often opt not to drive to save on gas or preserve miles. Thankfully, there is a transportation solution for every GVSU student, staff and faculty member alike: The Rapid. Still, if you are not familiar with the bus system, it can be a bit difficult to navigate. What many students don’t know is that The Rapid stops at a variety of locations around the greater Grand Rapids area. Below is a list of popular places for students to go and how to get there via bus.

To: DeVos Performance Hall / DeVos Place Conference Center From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

To: Gerald R. Ford International Airport From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131). Stay on the bus into downtown Grand Rapids.

2. Get off at the GVSU Route 50 bus stop in front of DeVos Place Conference Center on Monroe Avenue

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Take the eastbound Route 50 to the bus stop at Monroe Avenue and Louis Street (first stop past Pew Campus stop). Get off here and walk across Monroe to transfer to the southbound Silver Line (Route SL/90) to ride to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off at Central Station.

4. Transfer to the Wealthy/Woodland (Route 5) or Eastown/Woodland (Route 6) bus at Central Station.

5. At the Woodland Mall, transfer to the Woodland Mall/Airport (Route 17) bus.

6. Get off the Route 17 bus at the airport.

To: RiverTown Crossings Mall From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

To: Civic Theatre From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

To: The B.O.B. From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Transfer to West Fulton bus (Route 12) at Pew Campus stop or connect to Silver Line bus (Route 90) along Monroe Avenue. Either bus will take you to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off at Central Station.

4. From here,, transfer to the Grandville/Rivertown Crossings (Route 8) bus.

3. Exit the bus at the stop located at RiverTown Crossings.

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2a. It is a seven-minute (0.3 mile) walk straight east from the Route 50 bus stop at Monroe Avenue and Louis Street: Head southeast on Louis Street to Ottawa Avenue, turn left on Ottawa Avenue to Monroe Center, turn right on Monroe Center to Division Avenue and then turn left on Division Avenue to reach your destination.

-OR2b. Transfer to eastbound West Fulton (Route 12) at Pew Campus stop or connect to southbound Silver Line (Route 90) along Monroe Avenue. Either bus will take you to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off the bus at Central Station.

4. Get on the southbound Eastern (Route 4) or eastbound East Fulton (Route 14) bus.

5. Get off the bus at Fulton Street and Sheldon Street.

6. Walk West on Fulton Street towards Division Avenue.

Turn right on Division Avenue, walk north to the theatre.

7. Civic Theatre will be on your right.

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon (under US-131).

2. Get off the bus at the stop located at Monroe Avenue and Louis Street, just past TGI Fridays.

3. Walk south to The B.O.B.

To: Wealthy Theatre From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus 1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Transfer to West Fulton bus (Route 12) at Pew Campus stop or connect to Silver Line bus (Route 90) along Monroe Avenue. Either bus will take you to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off at Central Station.

4. Get on the southbound Wealthy/Woodland (Route 5).

5. Get off at Wealthy and Barth.

6. From here you will have to walk approximately 1/2 block east to Wealthy Theatre.

To: Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

To: The Intersection From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus 1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Transfer to eastbound West Fulton (Route 12) at Pew Campus stop or connect to Southbound Silver Line (Route 90) along Monroe Avenue. Either bus will take you to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off at Central Station. From there, walk north approximately one block to 133 Grandville Ave. To: Grand Rapids Public Museum From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Get off at Monroe Avenue and Louis Street.

To: Van Andel Arena From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus 1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon (under US-131).

2. Get off the bus at the stop located at Monroe Avenue and Louis Street, just past TGI Friday’s.

3. Walk south to Fulton Street

1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at the bus stop located at Kirkhof Center or Mackinac Hall.

2. Get off the bus at the GVSU Pew Campus bus stop located on Fulton Street at Mt.Vernon (under US-131).

3. Cross Fulton Street at the crosswalk and follow sidewalk north to Front Avenue. Turn right and follow sidewalk along Front Avenue (follow it left at L.V. Eberhard Center).

4. The museum will be on your right.

To: The Rapid Central Station / Greyhound Bus Station From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus 1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at either Mackinac Hall or Kirkhof Center on Allendale Campus or at the Pew Campus (stop on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon, under US-131).

2. Transfer to Eastbound West Fulton (Route 12) at Pew Campus stop or connect to southbound Silver Line (Route 90) along Monroe Avenue. Either bus will take you to The Rapid Central Station.

3. Get off at Central Station.

To: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum From: GVSU’s Allendale Campus 1. Get on the eastbound GVSU Campus Connector (Route 50) at the bus stop located at Kirkhof Center or Mackinac Hall.

2. Get off the bus at the GVSU Pew Campus bus stop located on Fulton Street at Mt. Vernon (under US-131).

3. Cross Fulton Street at the crosswalk and follow sidewalk north to Front Avenue. Turn right and follow sidewalk along Front Avenue (follow it left/north at L.V. Eberhard Center).

4. Continue north to intersection of Pearl Street and Front Avenue.

Park and Ride Stops: Courtesy of GVSU Transportation Services Meijer on Wilson Avenue (bus stop on Lake Michigan Drive at Ferndale Avenue) Walker Fire Station on Lake Michigan Drive (bus stop located behind the fire station, at the north end of the parking lot)

(616) 892-2700 | www.meadowscrossing.net

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A10 | SPORTS COLUMN

Column: Lanthorn staff reflects on Verlander’s time as a Detroit Tiger

BY ROBBIE TRIANO, BRADY MCATAMNEY AND ARPAN LOBO SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

Robbie Triano

Do you ever get that stomach-dropping feeling when you hear something you just can’t bear to believe?

And when you find out it’s actually true, do you fall to your knees and let the harsh reality slowly settle in?

Well, that was the exact reaction I experienced after my hometown Detroit Tigers decided to clean up shop and trade arguably the best pitcher in the past de-

cade, Justin Verlander.

While I’m happy for Verlander that he’s leaving the current dumpster fire (disguised as the Detroit Tigers) for the Houston Astros, World Series contenders, it feels as if a major portion of my childhood and young adult life has now been placed in the rearview mirror.

Since the magical 2006 season, it was seemingly a sure bet that the Tigers would make the playoffs. More specifically, when Verlander was the starting pitcher, my dad would always say, “Don’t

worry: We have Verlander today.” Luckily for my dad, he was never wrong.

For those many years that Verlander was donned with the Old English ‘D,’ fans have been blessed to witness 183 wins, 2,373 strikeouts, two no-hitters, a Cy Young Award, countless playoff moments and an MVP trophy.

To say that Verlander didn’t give his all for the Tigers organization would be a flat-out fallacy. And for that, the only regret I have with Verlander on the roster is that we didn’t win him a World Series

SO LONG: Former Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander waves to the fans as he walks off. The Lanthorn sports staff shares their favorite memories of the former MVP. USA TODAY SPORTS | RICK OSENTOSKI

ring for his effort.

Thank you, Verlander, for giving me and the rest of Tigers nation something to cheer about for 13 years.

But for now, we Tigers fans have to become comfortable in the dumpster fire.

Brady McAtamney

Few fans get to grow up with a favorite player on their favorite team from the time they’re eight years old to 20, but I was honored enough to have that in Justin Verlander.

If it weren’t for Verlander’s breakout rookie season in 2006, which helped the Tigers reach their first World Series in my lifetime, I probably would not be the rabid fan I am today. I was privileged to watch him work his magic; throw no-hitters; strike out a couple thousand hitters; and win a pitching triple crown, Cy Young Award and MVP trophy to help restore the city of Detroit back to what it is today.

I got to meet him several times, shake his hand and thank him for what he has done. Now, he gets to go to another city and bring that same magic with him.

While seeing Verlander in a new uniform will never not be weird, I am eternally grateful for everything he did for us as fans and people. He even fetched us a trio of exceptional prospects (whom I am extremely excited about)

to help our rebuild.

Right-handed pitcher Franklin Perez, who automatically slots in as the team’s top prospect, has monster potential as a 19-year-old already in Double-A. Outfielder Daz Cameron, the son of former All-Star Mike Cameron, has plenty of tools and projects to be the next long-tenured center fielder in Detroit. Lastly, catcher Jake Rogers has the potential to be an elite backup player, due to his ability behind the plate.

Even if Verlander doesn’t throw another pitch for the Tigers, his legacy will continue to shine bright, and I look forward to seeing his statue and No. 35 jersey immortalized in Comerica Park sometime in the near future.

Arpan Lobo

From the outsider’s perspective, Justin Verlander’s departure from the Detroit Tigers may seem like the latest in what has turned into a long line of high-profile departures.

After all, in the past four seasons, devoted Tigers fans have had to watch incredibly talented players like Max Scherzer, David Price, Prince Fielder, Yoenis Cespedes and others leave for more attractive destinations.

Just this July, fan-favorite J.D. Martinez was shipped off to the desert sun, being sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks for some players who have the potential

of being decent. Heck, Verlander wasn’t even the only “Justin” whom the Tigers managed to trade, as just hours prior to Verlander’s departure, All-Star slugger Justin Upton was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels, again, for players most sports fans have never heard of.

But Tigers fans know that losing the hard-throwing Virginia native is different.

Verlander was one of ours. He wasn’t someone that former general manager Dave Dombrowski swindled away from some poor team that didn’t know any better or someone that the late Mike Ilitch dug deep into his pockets to lure during free agency.

No, he was one of ours.

A Tigers draft pick whose rookie season coincided with the first time the Tigers made the playoffs in my lifetime, the former MVP, Cy Young winner and Rookie of the Year was there for both of the organization’s most recent World Series trips.

As the team’s downward spiral continues, part of me hopes that Verlander will be able to finally capture that elusive ring with the Houston Astros, especially after the devastation the city has suffered at the hands of Hurricane Harvey.

The other part of me hopes he doesn’t because I know how much it will sting to see it happen outside of Detroit.

M. SWIMMING AND DIVING

Youth vs. experience

BY BRIANA LEWIS SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

After ending an exciting 2016-17 season, placing first in the GLIAC Swim and Dive Championship meet last year, the Grand Valley State men’s swimming and diving team came into the national meet with more confidence than ever before.

For those who qualified, their spring break plans were put on hold as they prepared to compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships.

The National Championships were held Wednesday, March 8, through Saturday, March 11.

The men’s team managed to place fifth in the meet as their season officially came to an end. The hard work didn’t stop there, as team members like Marius Mikalauskas found time to continue swimming in meets, working diligently in preparation for next season.

“We have a couple (of swimmers) that went to their home countries and swam in their national championships

and did really well,” said Andy Boyce, GVSU’s men’s swimming and diving head coach.

“Marius Mikalauskas was Lithuanian National Champ in the 200 breaststroke this summer, so that was a nice thing for him, but so far it sounds like they’ve worked pretty hard and they’re ready to go.”

Not only are the Lakers getting ready for another season, but the team has also recruited 21 incoming freshmen, allowing the team to become more diverse skill-wise.

“Our team’s a little bigger this year than what they were last year,” Boyce said. “We have some real young talent on the team and (are) excited to see how they are working to our training program and how they can help in the dual meets and in the championship meets as well.”

GVSU swimmers Jared Gregory and Joe Gucwa have both spent all four years on the GVSU swimming and diving team. The two are regarded as some of GVSU’s best divers, as they were rewarded for their leadership with the title

of being the team’s current diving captains.

Being on the team as long as these two have has created experiences for both Gregory and Gucwa, similar to what every freshman goes through.

Becoming captains of the team has pushed them to have bigger roles in the development of the rest of the team members’ careers academically and athletically at GVSU. “Just helping them through and keeping them focused in class and in the pool, being able to balance time management, and be there for them to talk to as a support system and to push them,” Gregory said.

For Gucwa, he feels the pressure to perform better than last season. There is a lot of new talent transitioning on the team, and it is pushing this captain to achieve more for the young crew.

“We have a really good incoming class for freshmen divers, so it’s really going to push me to step up my game,” Gucwa said. “Also, just to help them improve as much as they can. It’s about knowing

GLIAC CHAMPS: The GVSU men’s swimming and diving team takes a celebratory pose after claiming the 2017 GLIAC Swim and Dive Championship Saturday, Feb. 11. COURTESY | JOSEBA HIDALGO

whether to help them or push them when they need it.”

According to Boyce, the team prefers the competition and thrill of racing. Luckily for them, the team’s schedule is packed with a variety of different events. The Lakers will be faced with big challenges this season.

During a trip to Florida to work on training, the Lakers expect to have their first-ever

L A K E R E XC H A N G E Announcements

Housing

Daily Deals Food Outlet recently opened on June 12th in Allendale on Lake Michigan Drive. Name brand groceries at overstock price!

Visit this locally owned and operated business for your grocery needs. Looking for a job? They are hiring as well.

Visit www.ddfoodoutlet.com for more information.

Meadows Crossing is the best off-campus housing in Grand Valley apartments.

Our townhomes and Allendale apartments in Allendale offer modern amenities, comfort, privacy, and a great location.

Conveniently located at the 48th Avenue entrance to Grand Valley State University s Allendale campus. Schedule a tour today and experience the best off-campus, GVS U apartments in the Allendale rental market!

Cat Got Your Tongue?

Free Classifieds for students, faculty, and staff.

Email us at lakerexchange @lanthorn.com for more information

Announcements

GV men’s swimming team a mix of fresh and old faces

Dive Championship.

“I’m super excited just to finish out and just see what the underclassmen can actually do and hopefully propel them in a direction that will keep our streak going in conference,” Gregory said.

The Laker men’s swimming and diving team starts the beginning of its new season Saturday, Oct. 14, against Wisconsin Milwaukee.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF some restrictions apply email lakerexchange@lanthorn.com for more info on restrictions FOR COMMERCIAL RATES EMAIL

lakerexchange@lanthorn.com OR CALL

Miscellaneous

Announcements The GVSU Sailing Team is hosting the annual family weekend golf outing this year! Get your family and friends together for a fun event at Meadows Golf Club on September 23rd. For more information check out https://goo.gl/Pvn2EN or c o n t a c t u s a t sailing@mail.gvsu.edu.

Have you got something to say? Put it in the Lanthorn!

We will post your subleasing ads, employment ads, and for your student organization here in the Lanthorn. Send what you want to say to lakerexchange@lanthorn.com !

Travel the Amtrak! Students age 13-25 with valid student ID are eligible for 15% off the Value or Flexible Fare tickets! See AmtrakMichigan.com for more information!

meets against Division II teams they wouldn’t regularly see.

They are also expecting to have trips that include meets against some of the top 10 teams that were competing in the National Championship last year.

The Lakers should anticipate a busy season, but not one they cannot handle. GVSU swimming fans should look forward to another successful meet at the GLIAC Swim and

In search of one individual to sublease at Hightree Townhomes. It is a 3 bedroom townhouse, with two easy-going male students as roommates.

Rent is $250/month.

Contact me at feltl@mail.gvsu.edu or 231-343-9142 for more information.

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