Issue 59

Basketball teams sign transfers, B1

LANTHORN

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

Grand Valley State University

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Off-campus move-out policies frustrate students Copper Beech, Country Place move-out dates fall during finals week, day of commencement for GVSU students

By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor

With the stress of finals already building, some Copper Beech residents have another potential obstacle to overcome: where to live.

The complex’s residents are required to move out by April 24, although Grand Valley State University’s finals continue through April 30.

GVSU student and Copper Beech resident Kyle Beall said he received a two-week notice by mail regarding the complex’s move-out policies, leaving him with little time to devise an alternate living plan. Beall is required to move out by April 24, but still has classes for another week after.

“I have discussed my options with Copper Beech management and found empathy to be severely lacking,” he said. “The only advice I got was to pay over $100 to stay for one more week ... Instead of spending the little time I have free studying for finals, I will be cleaning and moving.”

Beall does not yet know where he will stay during finals week but said he is “extremely frustrated” with how Copper Beech has handled his lease.

“This is an outrage,” he said.

“Copper services almost exclusively to students and yet they are either too ignorant or do not care about their sole customer base ... The stress of this situation only compounds on the pile of worries that accompanies finals.”

Copper Beech leasing consultant Alison Hardy said the scheduled move-out date was listed on residents’ leasing agreements, but the complex

has offered extensions to current required to move out by May 1 along residents, as long as summer leasers with all my furniture and belongings, agree. only to move back in on May 8. When “We gave the people who were asked what I should do with all my living in Copper Beech now May 7 things over this week, they suggested or May 14 extensions,” Hardy said. a storage unit.”

“The extensions are pro-rated by day Rizzo said Country Place’s moveand it all depends on the people who in policy violates his initial lease are moving in next.” agreement with the complex.

She added the only potential issue “When I re-signed my lease for caused by the move-out policy is next year, the flier they passed out when a townhouse’s next residents explicitly said I could leave my things were scheduled to move in on April over the summer even if I didn’t 30, in which case an agreement would sign up for summer rental,” he said. need to be reached between the current “Considering I did sign up for summer and future residents. Hardy said the rental, I’m amazed that I have to move complex is not involved in helping my stuff out only to move back in ... find alternate living arrangements for Their predatory business practices students who opted leave no other option out of an extension for renters, who are “The stress of this or were unable to locked into a lease situation only reach an extension agreement with no agreement with the compounds on the recourse.” incoming residents.

Country Place pile of worries that office In addition, staff member residents at Country accompanies finals.” Zena said residents Place Apartments returning to the same KYLE BEALL have encountered unit for summer GVSU STUDENT similar move-out leases are welcome to problems. The complex is requiring keep their belongings in their current tenants to move out on May 1, which rooms, but those moving to a different is also the scheduled date of GVSU’s unit for summer must remove their commencement. belongings so the units can be cleaned “Requiring tenants to move and undergo maintenance. She out on graduation day seems like said during this time Country Place an unrealistic expectation for their does not have enough space to store customer base, many of whom are residents’ belongings. graduating that day,” said Michael “We have no place for them to Rizzo, a GVSU senior and Country keep their items,” Zena said. “You Place resident. “Those that are coming can’t please all people at all times.” back next year, like myself, are still news@lanthorn.com

GVL / Jenny Whalen

A fire broke out in an air duct between Manitou and Mackinac halls shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday. Freshman Ronni Magee was in Mackinac Hall when she smelled smoke. She called DPS before pulling the fire alarm. A Grand Rapids Police Officer on the site said the smoke spread through the air ducts, though the fire was small. Once firefighters located the flames, it took less than a minute to extinguish them. No one was hurt.

GVL / Jenny Whalen

Concerns arise over new sign language courses

By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor

GVL / Eric Coulter

Some Copper Beech residents’ leases end before finals week. These residents must find temporary living arrangements.

With the establishment of all new ideas, products or programs, there is always a surrounding buzz of activity; a murmur of agreement or disagreement to accompany every accomplishment.

With the announcement of the spring semester’s newly-added American Sign Language courses came a wave of these murmurs, many of them torn between celebrating this new program while questioning some aspects of its existence.

“Initially, we were very happy to hear that after many years of hard work and working with — and at times, against — the university, that the classes were finally going to be offered,” said Gina Vincenti, American Sign Language and Culture Club president. “However, we have noticed a few issues that we were concerned about and wanted to

be addressed.”

Among those concerns included permanence of the ASL courses come fall of 2010, where many club members worried about the HPR prefix becoming a stationary one.

However, William Seleskey, Student Senate vice president of Educational Affairs, said these classes will remain as HPR classes through the spring, summer, fall 2010 and the winter 2011 semesters whereupon both the classes and the curriculum will be reviewed by a curriculum committee. That committee will then decide the direction of the classes and whether or not there is enough interest to make them a permanent part of the Grand Valley State University curriculum.

“The main thing students should remember is that this is a process,” said Student Senator Laura Stinar.

“Things will fall into place. No

See ASL, A2

Students, alumni fight for ‘ordinary justice’ in Hope’s homosexuality policy Hope College prohibits recognition, support for homosexual behavior; GVSU maintains policy of acceptance, open discussion a homosexual orientation.”

Historically, Hope is associated with the Reformed Church in America, Grand Valley State University has a Reformed Protestant denomination, receivednationalawardsandrecognition and the statement explains Hope’s for its LGBT programs and resources. policy is based on church doctrine.

Now, some of Hope College’s student Rejecting LGBT discussion body and alumni are petitioning their Recently, Hope faced nationwide school’s administration to overturn scrutiny for its cancellation of a its official stance scheduled on-campus “I think the on homosexuality sexuality forum and embrace the featuring openly-gay policy is identity LGBT community Dustin discrimination; it’s screenwriter in a similarly open Lance Black, who won fashion. unjust.” an Oscar last year for Hope’s 1995 his “Milk” screenplay.

Insitutional Statement The film tells the on Homosexuality DON VAN HOEVEN story of San Francisco states that “the college HOPE COLLEGE ALUMNI politician Harvey Milk, will not provide the first publicly gay recognition, financial man elected to political office. After or logistical support for groups whose Hope’s English department invited purposes include the advocacy or moral Black to visit the college for a screening legitimization of homosexual behavior.” of “Milk” and a student-proposed However, the statement also advocates “fair and kind treatment for people with

By Chelsea Lane GVL News Editor

INDEX

A

News..........................A3 Nation/World.............A4 Opinion........................A5 Laker Life.......................A6

B

Sports.......................B1 Marketplace...............B3 A&E.............................B4

See Hope, A2

Courtesy Photo / Hope College

Hope College’s administration will not provide logistical support for LGBT groups.

A2

NEWS

Thursday, April 22, 2010

ASL continued from page A1

matter what happens, students should continue to show support for the program so we can expand it. If these first ASL classes are a success, that is how

they will be kept and expanded on.”

The biggest voiced concern, however, was the program placement of the ASL courses in the health professions department as opposed to the modern languages department.

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With the courses falling under the health professions department, many feel the breadth of their meaning may become bracketed.

“ASL is a language with grammar, syntax, vocabulary and many other characteristics of any spoken language, and the deaf culture is just as rich as any of those associated with spoken languages,” said Elle Gray-Martin, active member of the ASLCC. Seleskey said the reasoning behind the department placement was simple: modern languages was not interested in the courses, while the health professions department was.

“Many other departments on campus that we have contacted and worked with, including the modern languages department, have absolutely no interest in offering ASL courses, which is why it has taken so long to get these courses up and running,” Seleskey said.

Vincenti said she too has worked to get ASL classes into the modern languages department for almost six years,

finding herself “brushed aside” at every attempt.

“We have been told, on numerous occasions, that they have absolutely no interest in having ASL housed in their department for various reasons,” Vincenti said.

As it stands, the ASL courses are not a permanent part of the health professions major. The goal behind the placement was to eventually encompass ASL courses into the audio/ speech pathology programs, which likewise are still being developed at the university.

Completion of the ASL courses does not give a student an automatic ASL certification there is an independent, outside exam that must be taken after.

However, Jean Silbar of health professions has indicated to Seleskey that the ASL course sequence will go a long way in preparing the students to take the exam.

“Any student from any major can take these courses and pursue ASL certification, which is one of the great things about the courses being

Hope

declined the invitation based on the LGBT talk ban.

“The dean of students wasn’t shy about it,” Black said in a blog entry. “He called my brand of ‘advocacy’ hurtful to the student body.

Without ever meeting me in person, without so much as a phone call, he had publicly declared me and ‘Milk’ unholy and unwelcome.”

Alumni join both sides of debate Most recently, a group of alumni petitioned Hope to change its stance on homosexuality. The group of dissenting alumni includes former GVSU President Don Lubbers. In addition, a student group called Hope Is Ready has spearheaded a similar campaign. Hope Is Ready’s own petition currently has more than 400 signatures and its Facebook group boasts almost 600 members.

Hope Board of Trustees Chair Joel Bouwens released a statement in response to the student petition, stating that the issue would be discussed at an upcoming board meeting in May.

continued from page A1

forum on sexuality and LGBT rights, college administrators officially removed the forum portion of the event, fearing the discussion and Black’s participation may be “too controversial” for the campus.

Black, who was in Holland directing the upcoming film “What’s Wrong With Virginia?”, subsequently

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor in Chief JENNY WHALEN Managing Editor LAUREN FITCH News Editor CHELSEA LANE Assistant News Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Sports Editor EMANUEL JOHNSON Arts and Entertainment Editor HALEY OTMAN Photography Editor BRIAN SEVALD Assistant Photography Editor ERIC COULTER

Copy Editors JESSICA PAWLOWSKI BRADY CARLA LANDHUIS KARA DONALDSON Layout Editor MARIANA SAUCEDO Layout Staff ANDREA COLF ALANA HOLLAND MEGAN FLYNN Web Team JON ROOST CJ RAFTERY ERIN VICKERS JOSH KOVACH Web Managing Editor DAN MICHNIEWICZ

GVL / Lindsey Waggoner

Spring semester will be the first time GVSU offers ASL classes.

offered,” Seleskey said. “There is no limitation to who can take these courses. Most importantly, I cannot emphasize enough that these courses are open to everyone at the university, not just HPR students. At the end of the day, what really matters isn’t what three letter code the courses have in front of them, but the fact that for the first time GVSU students can learn to sign as a part of their studies here.”

Vincenti and the rest of the ASLCC are still hoping for some changes in the program before it

progresses into permanency.

“The deaf community is a large, strong and proud group of people who demand as much respect as a culture as any other group,” Vincenti said. “The deaf have been grossly misrepresented and underappreciated in American society, and it is time that their language and culture are treated with the same respect as the other languages and cultures in the modern language department.” assistantnews@lanthorn.com

“Although I find this attempt to promote ambush journalism to be offensive, Hope’s Board of Trustees is not shy about addressing issues which relate to its core values of providing excellent academic programs in the liberal arts and nurturing a vibrant Christian faith,” Bouwens said in the statement.

Some alumni have also voiced their support for the board of trustee’s stance.

“I strongly agree with the (institutional) statement,” Hope alumni Wylie B. Douglass wrote on the Hope College Alumni Association Facebook page. “As alumni, we should question how much power we should grant ‘Hollywood’ to define our institution’s morals and values.

Since Hope is a pronounced private institution, they have rights to define their school’s set of overall functions and standards.”

But Don van Hoeven, Hope Is Ready member, retired reverend and Hope alumni, said while Hope is a Christian college, service to God and LGBT advocacy do not have to be mutually exclusive.

“People that are excluded, people that are treated as though they’re not good enough become, for me, the focus of what I believe what Bishop (Desmond) Tutu called ‘ordinary justice,’” van Hoeven said. “Bishop Tutu said, ‘I will not worship a homophobic God’ and so it is with me.”

Policy of tolerance at GVSU GVSU’s 2010-11 Out N About president Amy Simpson said she has witnessed the positive effects LGBT support groups have on campuses.

“I do believe that it is important that GVSU provide its students with these resources, particularly since it provides other student groups

with those same benefits,” Simpson said. “Out N About and other groups like it, such as the new groups S.A.F.E, E.G.O.T.I.S.M, Graduate Queers and Allies and Transpectrum, let the Grand Valley students see that this is an issue in our community and on our campus. I have personally witnessed people’s surprise when they realize how broad the LGBT community is and how many day-to-day issues there are when you’re a part of it. When people realize this, they are not as likely to engage in discriminatory and hateful behavior.”

Simpson added although ONA has never collaborated with Hope or its student body in the past, she would welcome the opportunity.

Separation of church and state However, ACLU of Michigan LGBT Project attorney Jay Kaplan said ultimately, Hope’s policy is protected by the separation of church and state. Regardless of moral debate over Hope’s policy, he explained, legally the college is exempt from federal or state interference with its chosen policies, so long as Hope relies solely on private funding.

“As a private, religiouslyoriented school, they have the right to do that, to deny recognition to the groups they choose,” Kaplan said.

Van Hoeven said regardless of how Hope responds to criticisms, groups such as Hope Is Ready will continue advocating for the college to change its views on homosexuality.

“It is ordinary justice,” he said. “It ought to happen and it must happen.” news@lanthorn.com

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See more: Visit the Editorial on A5 and Lanthorn.com for an extended version.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published under the authorization of the GVSU Newspaper Advisory Board.

Corrections

At the Lanthorn we strive to bring you the most accurate news possible.

If we make a mistake, we want to make it right. If you find any errors of fact in the Lanthorn, let us know by calling (616) 331-2464 or by e-mailing editorial@lanthorn.com.

NEWS

Chelsea Lane, News Editor news@lanthorn.com

News in Brief

Murray, DeVos to speak at commencement

Health and Wellness earns HERO rating

The Health Enhancement Research Organization, based in Alabama, ranked GVSU’s health and wellness programs, strategic plan, leadership and level of engagement by faculty and staff members – classifying the university as HERO after being compared to other businesses, corporations and universities.

GVSU scored 140 points out of a possible 200, which is higher than the national average on categories such as engagement and programs.

Organizations and companies self submit information to HERO.

Graduate studies introduce Kimboko Award

The Kimboko Award has been established to recognize GVSU graduate faculty who have made significant contributions in distinctive and outstanding teaching, research or creative work and service or outreach in moving GVSU graduate education toward being a more diverse and inclusive community.

The award recognizes the accomplishments of Dr. Priscilla Kimboko, GVSU’s first dean of Graduate Studies, and the spirit of her work in accomplishments by graduate faculty.

The criteria for the award include teaching, research or creative work and service/outreach.

Only full-time regular faculty members engaged in graduate education at GVSU are eligible.

The Graduate and Professional Student Association officers along with the dean of Graduate Studies will evaluate nominations and applications, select finalists and recommend one award winner to be presented at the Graduate Student Celebration held at the end of fall and winter semesters.

For more information or to nominate someone, please contact Mike Soltis, president of GPSA, at soltismi@gvsu. edu.

A3

UAS votes to revise voting eligibility in personnel policy

GVL DIGEST

Former Grand Valley State University President Mark Murray and ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos will speak at GVSU’s May 1 commencement ceremony at Van Andel Arena.

Murray, who served as GVSU president from 2001-2006, is now the president of Meijer Inc., and will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony. DeVos, who masterminded the blend of social networking, art and people in ArtPrize 2009, is scheduled to speak at the 3 p.m. ceremony following.

Both Murray and DeVos will receive an honorary degree for doctor of public services, while community leaders Stuart B. Padnos and Helen DeVos will both receive honorary doctor of arts degrees.

In addition, the Alumni Association will present John Beyrle, a U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work in that state department.

Linda Grinstead, professor of nursing, will receive the Outstanding Educator Award from the Alumni Association as well.

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

By GVL Staff

Courtesy Photo / GV Now

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman, left, signs the agreement with GVSU President Thomas J. Haas.

GV students gain advantage in U-M pharmacy program for 80 openings in its highly-regarded PharmD doctoral program. It is the first collaboration the U-M College For pharmacy students hoping to of Pharmacy has formed with another continue their education, a new opportunity university. may provide them with an edge in “We don’t have an undergraduate finding a graduate school. Last week, the program on the western side of the state,” presidents of the University of Michigan Ascione said. “But this initiative allows and Grand Valley State University us to work with Grand Valley to identify signed an agreement establishing a talented, motivated students from western program that provides a small number Michigan who are eager to pursue careers of GVSU freshmen with in pharmacy. Grand Valley preferred admission to the “... This agreement will identify those highU-M doctoral pharmacy potential students, then we will enhance (GVSU’s) program. will work together to make presence as a “This is an exciting sure they meet our high example of two Michigan partner in Michigan’s standards.” institutions of high The first group of growing health care education working together freshmen participating to address mutual goals,” community.” will be admitted in the fall said Frank Ascione, dean of 2011.

JEAN NAGELKERK of the U-M College of The students must GVSU VICE PROVOST FOR Pharmacy, in a GVSU press complete a program of HEALTH release. pre-pharmacy coursework, The agreement was signed by U-M maintain an appropriate grade point President Mary Sue Coleman and GVSU average and achieve a score on the President Thomas J. Haas at a meeting of Pharmacy College Admission Test that the U-M Board Regents in Grand Rapids. is consistent with the U-M College of In accordance with the agreement, the Pharmacy’s admission standards.

U-M College of Pharmacy will reserve In addition, the students must maintain up to eight positions annually in its four- regular contact with a pre-professional year PharmD doctoral program for the adviser, complete one year of health care GVSU graduate freshmen who complete work experience, volunteer for community a rigorous undergraduate program of service and demonstrate professional pre-pharmacy coursework and other behavior. requirements. This initiative is called the “As Grand Valley contributes to the Pharmacy Preferred Admission Program. development of the future pharmacy “This partnership further expands the workforce, this agreement will enhance breadth of health profession program our presence as a partner in Michigan’s offerings available to students by bringing growing health care community,” together two premier institutions,” said Nagelkerk said. “It also benefits Grand Jean Nagelkerk, GVSU vice provost for Valley’s students, who will have access health, in a press release. to one of the top pharmacy education The U-M College of Pharmacy programs in the nation.” receives about 55 applications annually mwaite@lanthorn.com

By Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter

Preacher man returns to campus

On Friday, the University Academic Senate voted 2714 to recommend a revision to the personnel policy to provide that tenure track faculty be eligible to vote at the unit level in faculty personnel decisions following two years of uninterrupted service at Grand Valley State University.

Friday’s meeting and vote continued the referendum process spurred by the Oct. 16 UAS motion that granted voting eligibility on faculty personnel actions involving contract renewals, tenure, promotions and sabbaticals to only tenured faculty members.

Although the UAS considered six graduated options related to the ongoing discussion of who should vote at the unit level in faculty personnel decisions, only the second option received a clear majority of votes.

A recommendation for revision of the personnel policy based on this most

recent vote has now been passed to President Thomas J. Haas for his consideration.

The UAS also voted unanimously to support adoption of the proposed conflict of interest policy for faculty personnel actions.

The new policy will address instances in which a candidate and voter share a familial or household relationship, when faculty have a financial or business relationship separate from their connection through the university and when faculty members have not had their employment contract renewed or have been denied tenure.

The changes would also grant deans greater flexibility when judging conflicts of interest.

Additional information on the vote, UAS and the referendum task force can be found on the Faculty Governance Web site, http:// www.gvsu.edu/facultygov/, and the task force Web site http://www.gvsu.edu/ referendumtaskforce/. news@lanthorn.com

GVL Archive

Campus Dining will sell the rest of its Pepsi products starting today.

Dining to sell remaining Pepsi products Starting today at noon, Campus Dining will sell its remaining supply of Pepsi products. The pop will be available for sale from a Pepsi truck parked in Lot D1, as well as at River Landing, the Lobby Shop, Fuel, C3 in Mackinac, C3 in AuSable and the Kleiner

C-Store. Prices will be $11 for four 12-packs, $6 for two 12-packs and $4 for one 12pack. Cash, credit and debit dollars will be accepted.

However, the Pepsi truck will accept cash only. The sale will continue for as long as supplies last, but will not take place on weekends.

Construction shuts down I-96 during move-out Large stretches of I-96 will be closed during moveout week due to the “Fix 96” construction project.

The Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety has advised travellers to take 68th Avenue to Coopersville and then stay on I-96 until Lansing in order to avoid the construction.

In addition, DPS reminded movers that if they need to park cars alongside

the dorms to move out larger items, they must first call DPS at (616) 331-3255.

Movers are then allotted 15 minutes to transport their items. Anyone who exceeds the 15 minutes or fails to alert DPS may be ticketed.

For more information on I-96, including construction locations and alternate routes, visit http://www. twitter.com/mdot_i96 or http://www.michigan.gov/ i96.

Courtesy Graphic / MDOT

Part of I-96 will be closed during move-out week, causing a detour.

GVL / Brian B. Sevald

Michael Venyah, co-founder of Soulwinners Ministries International, preached under the Transformational Link this week.

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for a web

exclusive story on a history professor’s Fulbright Award.

A4

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

NATION / WORLD

lanthorn@gvsu.edu

Scars repaired, 13 year old to head back to Iraq warned Mohammed’s mother they would kill her and her Associated Press Writer children if she ever contacted EAST LANSING, Mich. U.S. soldiers.

(AP) — The badly scarred His mother and 19-year12-year-old who arrived from old brother, Yousif, will Iraq last spring with Army be waiting for Mohammed National Guard Maj. David when he and Howell reach Howell has had quite a year the Baghdad airport Tuesday. in Michigan — dressing up They’ll take him back to Raas Batman for Halloween, madi for a celebration with playing video games, getting his three brothers, two sisters pitching tips from the Detroit and extended family.

Tigers’ Justin Verlander and “We’ve missed him a lot being the ball boy for a high and we’re waiting to go pick school soccer team. him up at the airport,” Yousif Mohammed, now 13, also said through a translator has undergone five surger- Tuesday in a phone call from ies to regain the use of his Iraq. “We’re looking forward left hand, rebuild his left ear to seeing how his hair looks and attach skin grafts that re- now, his ear, his nose, those placed his scarred scalp where things that were affecting his hair no longer would grow daily life.” after he was badly burned in The teen also has gained a house fire as an infant. He 26 pounds and grown 3.5 can wear a glove to play his inches during his year in newest American passion, Michigan. He now wears baseball, and close his left glasses, improving the vision eye. He no longer needs a cap in his damaged left eye from to cover his scars.

20/400 to 20/40.

“He’s reH o w ally happy ell set up a “ He overlooks all that he needs foundation these things that a brush,” said and collected Howell, 56, of are challenges for d o n a t i o n s Grand Ledge. him ... He’s a really for Moham“His self-esmed’s hospiteem is way optimistic kid.” talizations. At higher than one point he ZIENA SAEED when he got couldn’t cover MOHAMMED’S FOSTER here.” $18,000; a doMOTHER On Sunnor paid the day, Howell will head back to bill.

Iraq with Mohammed, a shy, “At every step of the way, slender boy who approached someone came forward to Howell at an entry control help me,” Howell said. point in the Iraqi city of RaZiena Saeed, 33, and her madi in November 2008. husband, Dr. Ritha Naji, took Mohammed asked Howell — in Mohammed to live with a Michigan Army National them, their 8- and 10-yearGuard physician’s assistant old sons and the daughter who was serving his second who was born after Mohamdeployment in Iraq — to save med arrived. him and take him to AmeriThey speak the same Iraqi ca. dialect he does, and Saeed, Howell spent a frantic six who wears a head scarf, fremonths getting identifica- quently fixes Iraqi food. But tion and a visa for Moham- he had to get used to eightmed and lining up plastic hour school days and “sitting surgeon Dr. Edward Lanigan at the table having breakfast at Michigan State University together,” she said. to perform free surgery and a Ice also was a novelty.

Muslim host family in East Lansing.

Howell won’t publicize Mohammed’s middle or last names because the boy’s family may still be in danger in Iraq. His father was killed by insurgents three years ago for working as a translator for the U.S. Marines. The insurgents killed his uncle when he went to the morgue to identify and claim the body, and they

By Kathy Barks Hoffman

AP Photo / Al Goldis

Michigan Army National Guard Major David Howell, left, and Mohammed pose after playing catch Tuesday in East Lansing, Mich. After five surgeries during one year to repair burn injuries suffered as an infant, Mohammed will return to his home in Iraq. Howell brought Mohammed back to Michigan for treatment after he was deployed in Iraq and the boy asked Howell to save him.

“Our ice maker broke because he used it so much. That was a treat for him, because he didn’t have it in Iraq,” she said.

While Mohammed is looking forward to seeing his family again, “it’s going to be

hard” to leave Howell’s family and his adopted family in East Lansing, he said.

They plan to keep in touch through phone calls, e-mails

and the Internet, and Saeed hopes Mohammed can come back for a graduate degree.

“Maybe for other kids, having the burns and having

the other things would be really hard,” she said. “He overlooks all these things that are challenges for him. ... He’s a really optimistic kid.”

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OPINION

editorial@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

A5

EDITORIAL CARTOON

EDITORIAL

Hope-ful Hope College’s refusal to recognize LGBT advocacy groups on the grounds of church doctrine rejects the most basic definition of education and the Grand Valley State University community should not let this discriminatory practice go unchecked.

Although media coverage seems to argue the contrary, the situation at Hope College is by no means a novel dilemma.

As our nation settles into the 21st century, it is to be expected that the will of modern society will clash with the teachings of first century religion.

Human beings are curious creatures and it is because of this natural thirst for knowledge we question and explore the world around us.

Yet, as historical and current situations show, religion is not always receptive to such exploration.

In 1633, the Inquisition accused Galileo Galilei of heresy and he was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life.

His crime? He publicly supported the scientific view that the earth and planets revolved around the sun, and in doing so, opposed religious teachings claiming the opposite.

While Galileo lived almost 400 years ago, the conflict between religion and knowledge is no less harsh and oppressive today as it was four centuries ago.

In a university setting, even one with religious affiliation, where does religion end and knowledge begin?

Despite its religious foundation, Hope College cannot limit its students’ education to only those subjects sanctioned by church doctrine.

For students to be able to speak and act intelligently in their postcollege lives, they must be familiar with issues that extend beyond the church yard.

Hope College cites its 1995 Institutional Statement on Homosexuality as justification for why it “will not provide recognition, financial or logistical support for groups whose purposes include the advocacy or moral legitimization of homosexual behavior.”

While an argument could be made for refusing to offer financial support to any organization, refusing “recognition” and “logistical support” nullifies the role of the university as a catalyst of education and exploration.

An institution cannot claim itself as a place of higher education when its practices seek to suppress the core elements of knowledge itself.

Hope’s mission statement boasts a commitment to “educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the context of the historic Christian faith.”

No college or university can claim it prepares its students for a global society when its discriminatory practices restrict and deter the very knowledge and understanding necessary to create an informed citizenry.

The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University

Editorial Page Board Jenny Whalen Eric Lee Lauren Fitch Chelsea Lane

Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor

Valley Vote Should people with a medical marijuana permit be exempt from drug policies?

Yes: 66.67% This week’s question: Did you fill out the Census form?

No: 33.33% Vote online at Lanthorn.com

GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community.

Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

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

Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person.

Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

Letters appear as space permits each

issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced.

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

All letters must be typed.

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

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

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

GVL / Dan Sills and Shaun Morton

YOUR INSIGHTS

What are your plans for summer?

“I’m taking a couple of courses at the local university in my hometown and going to my cousin’s wedding.”

“I’m going to be working three different jobs: one at DTE, one at St. Mary’s and one at a movie theater to pay for bills and school.”

Kathleen McEneaney Freshman Film and Video Rochester, Mich.

Mitchell Diep Junior Public and Nonprofit Administration Grand Haven, Mich.

“I plan to live out here (in Allendale) and find a part time job to help pay for expenses.”

Ryan Kania Sophomore Accounting Pinckney, Mich.

“I am going to be staying here and taking a summer class and hopefully finding a summer job.”

Kara Francis Freshman Biochemistry/ Biotechnology Traverse City, Mich.

“I’ll be working two jobs and going to the beach as much as I can.”

Kendall Vandenberg Sophomore Special Education and Psychology Hudsonville, Mich.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reparative therapy ‘discriminatory and degrading’ to LGBT In (the April 15) issue of the Lanthorn, there was a letter to the editor titled “Benefits of reparative therapy for LGBT community”

by Nathan Ruark ...

His claim of reparative therapy hold no peer reviewed scientific evidence or credibility.

Here are some facts from a peer reviewed scientific article concerning reparative therapy. According to the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing Vol. 23 Issue 1, reparative therapy adversely affects homosexual individuals.

Patients suffered from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and self-

destructive behavior such as suicide attempts, among several others. Additionally, homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders more than 30 years ago, clearly supporting that being homosexual is not an abnormality or disorder.

In addition, Michael Bussee, co-creator of EXODUS International, a religious-based reparative therapy association, stated that within the therapy “not one of the hundreds of people we counseled became straight… instead, many of our clients began to fall

apart-sinking deeper into patterns of guilt, anxiety, and selfloathing” ...

Aside from Ruark’s claims being incorrect, reparative therapy is discriminatory and degrading to the LGBT community. The word “reparative” suggests that a sexual identity can be unnatural, abnormal, or broken.

This perspective uses heterosexuality as a standard to which all humans should be molded into ... Human traits like race, culture, hair color, behaviors and personalities are fluid, and sexual identity and sexual expression are no exception ... Instead of

helping them discover who they are, he is harming these youthful thinkers by insinuating that homosexuality is wrong and abnormal.

Homophobia, transphobia, hatred, bigotry and any form of discrimination have real human faces behind them ... S.A.F.E. is an organization of students driven to shape a society free of oppression, dehumanization, subordination and denigration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.

S.A.F.E. members GVSU student organization

Biblical support for legalization of marijuana Given that cannabis (marijuana) prohibition laws were made as legal discrimination from the beginning, it’s no surprise there are certain people insistent on continuing the discrimination (GV’s Policy Outlaws Medical Marijuana, April 18, 2010) as long as possible.

If sick citizens are

allowed to use the full array of pharmaceutical drugs which are highly addictive and have side effects which include death, then patients should be able to use the relatively safe, God-given plant cannabis.

Another reason to quit discriminating against sick citizens who use cannabis is

because it is Biblically correct since Christ God Our Father, The Ecologician, indicates He created all the seedbearing plants, saying they are all good, on literally the very first page (Genesis 1:11-12 and 29-30). The only Biblical restriction placed on cannabis is that it is to be accepted with thankfulness (see

1 Timothy 4:1-5). And “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (see 1 John 3:17).

Jesus Christ risked jail to heal the sick.

Stan White Dillon, Colo.

GVL STUDENT OPINION

Pour some sugar on the written word

Zee Fossett GVL Columnist

In the movie “Brown Sugar,” the main character, Sidney, is the editor of XXL magazine. The film depicts her struggles as both a writer and a romantic.

“Brown Sugar” reaches climax as Sidney is forced to choose between marrying Kelby, her fiancé, or letting herself fall for Dre, her childhood friend.

Sidney learns Kelby has never read her work and Dre can recite it line by line because he loves it so much. Immediately she is no longer torn

between the two but convinced she’s in love with Dre as a result of his infatuation with her personality and prose.

As a writer, the presence of an audience comforts the belief we have in ourselves.

Realizing that ears have heard or eyes have read our work is to illuminate our identity as craftsmen (and women) of words and magnify our distinctiveness as well.

A good number of individuals agree with me. From a small survey of fellow writers, I am pleased to share the following information: o Writers say random things out loud sometimes and write “beyond the confines of necessity.” Writers have “the guts to publish their imagination in words.”

o Writers value good pens and new notebooks with blank pages. o Self critique, experimentation, seeking feedback, accepting constructive criticism and learning the craft are critical elements for the development of a writer.

My experience as a writer has taught me it’s about reaching your own level. Everyone’s brain is crafted differently and I believe that fact manifests itself in all writing, no matter the genre. I know I’m a writer because every day, all I can think about is writing.

The survey revealed a good number of writers feel they cannot survive in life or in words without inspiration. This same

concept is the struggle Sidney contended with as she felt content with Kelby but elated and stirred with Dre. She chose the option that fulfilled her as an individual and a writer.

It’s been said that “whoever tells the stories, defines the culture.” To all readers, thank you for reading my thoughts and responding as best you saw fit. I hope I’ve served my cultures well.

To all writers, craft your definition with respect to who you are and the passion you have for life. There is a light to be seen in the body of your talent.

There are Froot Loops waiting to be eaten.

There’s oatmeal ... and brown sugar. zfossett@lanthorn.com

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Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

LAKER LIFE

lakerlife@lanthorn.com

Sociology class to pay it forward with GV time bank Project will create barter system of services for members of GVSU community starting in fall 2010

By Brittney Mestdagh GVL Staff Writer

GVL Archive

A past GVSU event handed out cotton candy. Lakerfest will provide similar treats on Friday.

Lakerfest celebrates culmination of semester allows Spotlight to provide free food and fun at this year’s Lakerfest.

Operating under the theme “Life’s a Beach,” As summer vacation summons students with Lakerfest is a celebration of the last day of warm gusts of wind and sunny days to laze in classes before finals week and the spring/ the sun, some GVSU students might want to summer semesters begin. work on their tans instead of their studies.

The Hawaiian theme represents the coming Spotlight Productions encourages students of final exams, Auvenshine said. Students can to schedule an afternoon break enjoy lais, fresh-squeezed from the books. The student “Lakerfest will lemonade and Hawaiian organization will host Lakerfest, decorations in preparation for celebrate the last a period of free food and fun vacation. activities, from noon to 4 p.m. day of classes Last year, Spotlight Friday in the Kirkhof Center Productions offered a before people have lobby and lounge.

Lakerfest on a minute scale, to buckle down All components of Lakerfest providing food and beverages will be available to students before exams.” for students before finals free of charge, and Spotlight OLIVIA AUVENSHINE week. This year, Auvenshine members encourage students to SPOTLIGHT ETC. CHAIR said the student organization leave for classes several minutes has made the event larger, early Friday to grab a bag of popcorn or a sno bringing more novelty items to campus. cone.

“Lakerfest will celebrate the last day of “For everything we are doing, we’re classes before people have to buckle down using companies from Grand Rapids and the before exams,” Auvenshine said. “Everyone Allendale area,” said Spotlight Etc. chair Olivia loves free items.”

Auvenshine. “We’re keeping it local.”

Spotlight Productions will also have a small For example, the Henne artist is Stephanie information table for students interested in Mayne from Urban Boheme Henne in East joining the student group next year. Students Town. Family Friendly Entertainment from can help with such events as guest singers and Grandville will provide the caricature artist. comedians and the homecoming show.

Auvenshine said the local entertainment sskowronek@lanthorn.com

By Susie Skowronek GVL Staff Writer

Along the lines of the movie with Haley Joel Osment and Kevin Spacey called “Pay it Forward,” a time bank emphasizes an exchange of actions toward building a stronger community.

Professor Jen Stewart challenged her sociology capstone class to create a time bank for the Grand Valley State University community to start in the fall of 2010.

“A time bank is a network of people who exchange services instead of products or money,” said Brianna Middlewood, a student in the class.

The GVSU time bank will be run online where users can create a profile listing services they can provide. Services can be anything from giving rides to baby-sitting to giving swing-dancing lessons; anything a person feels he or she has expertise in, she said.

How it works, Middlewood said, is Person A is in need of a ride and searches for someone offering that service and contacts Person B. Once Person B provides the ride, Person B earns a time credit.

With this credit, Person B can contact someone else who offers a desirable service Person B needs, such as fixing a computer.

“It is like a barter system with time,” Middlewood said.

For every hour a person spends doing a service for another, that person earns one time credit. The giving and receiving of credits help make the time bank continuous instead of for one-time uses.

Students in the class are continuing to work on the project during the summer to introduce it in the fall semester. Throughout the semester, students have attended meetings and presentations with people who have created time banks in their communities.

According to the Web site http://timebanks.

org, there are two time banks in Michigan — Lathrup Village Time Bank and Washtenaw Talent Exchange. Time banks are also widely used in the United Kingdom, Middlewood said. According to the Web site, time banks span 22 countries and six continents.

The class also conducted research by interviewing students on campus to see how to make it helpful for them, said Colin Fischer, a student in the capstone class. Some services students said they needed were rides, cooking, cleaning, mentoring and moving.

One of the main obstacles the project had to address was how to incorporate the university’s fluctuating population, Fischer said. Many established time banks serve communities, not university campuses. The class made the GVSU time bank inclusive of students, alumni, faculty and staff.

“Everyone always needs something and everyone can always give something,” Fischer said. “It perpetuates itself.”

Senior Lesly Pollina, another student in the class, had never heard of a time bank before but said she loved the idea from the start.

“I could, personally, benefit a lot from the time bank because I have children and own a home,” Pollina said.

She noted the time bank is beneficial to students, but more beneficial for alumni because they have the same needs she does.

“They will have more to do, and less time to do it,” she said, citing families with homes and careers.

Students, alumni, faculty or staff who are interested in participating in the GVSU time bank are encouraged to look for the network launch on the sociology department’s Web site at http://www. gvsu.edu/soc-dept starting in the fall of 2010. bmestdagh@lanthorn.com

GVL Photo Illustration / Brian B. Sevald

Members of the GVSU community will be able to exchange services through a new time bank.

Screamfest invites students to de-stress at midnight

By Sarah Wiltenburg GVL Staff Writer

GVL / Eric Coulter

Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, director of the Frederik Meijer Honors College, gets pied in the face by a student in the ampitheater behind the Niemeyer Learning and Living Center on Wednesday.

Finals make everyone want to scream.

The second annual Screamfest, hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Active Minds, gives everyone 10 seconds to do just that.

“Screamfest is a part of National Stress Out Week, which is put on by the national headquarters of Active Minds in Washington, D.C.,” said Mary Pritchard, Active Minds president. “Schools all over the U.S. host events throughout the week that provide stressrelieving opportunities for students that are about to face

the end-of-the-year hell that is finals week.”

Pritchard said Active Minds chose to host Screamfest as a way to give students a chance to scream out some of that pent-up anxiety and stress about finals.

Everyone who is a part of the GVSU community is welcome to come out.

Participants are asked to meet at the Cook Carillon clock tower on the Allendale Campus at 11:45 tonight.

When the clock strikes midnight everyone will scream for 10 seconds. After “the scream” everyone will be able to enjoy a free ice cream

sundae.

The group will be there until at least 12:45 a.m and encourages others to stay and socialize. For those just needing the quick stress break, Pritchard said there is no problem leaving right after “the scream.”

Last year, 200 people came out for this unique study break.

“We think it’s a really great way to get information out to students about stress and anxiety, as well as giving everyone a good outlet to take a break, meet some new people and get free ice cream,” Pritchard said.

Active Minds is a service and advocacy group designed to spread mental health awareness on campus and to stop the stigma of mental health issues.

Pritchard said they accomplish this by “hosting fun events for students to come and relieve stress, play games, get free food and also pick up some brochures, pamphlets and other information about mental health concerns and resources on campus.”

“We want to change the conversation about mental health in a positive way,” she added. swiltenburg@lanthorn.com

SPORTS

Emanuel Johnson, Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

B

Mental focus evident in golfer’s winning streak Tennis players earn conference honors

Three tennis players on Grand Valley State University’s men’s team recently earned All-GLIAC honors. Sophomore Marc Roesslein earned a spot in the AllGLIAC first team after finishing the season 15-15 (2-4 GLIAC) at the No. 1 singles spot. Junior Phillip Claus was named to the second team after finishing 20-9 on the season (4-2 GLIAC), and senior Brock Plangger finished 15-12 (5-1 GLIAC) to pull down an honorable mention.

Men’s basketball holds awards banquet

The GVSU men’s basketball team recently held its annual awards banquet.

Junior forward Justin Ringler was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year after leading the team in points (13.4 per game), rebounds (6.9 per game) and assists (87).

Sophomore guard Alvin Storrs earned Defensive Player of the Year after leading the team in steals (63) and tallying 8.6 points per game.

Soccer finishes spring season

Fresh off of a National Championship run, the GVSU soccer team finished its spring season this past weekend. The Lakers went 4-1-2 against a handful of non-conference opponents. This past weekend’s slate of games saw the team defeat Alma College (5-1), Spring Arbor University (5-0) and Western Michigan University (2-0).

Weekend in Sports Today:

- Softball at Northwood (doubleheader), 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Friday:

- M./W. Track at Hillsdale Multis (Day 1), 4 p.m.

- M./W. Track at Ashland Alumni Open (Day 1), 4 p.m.

Saturday:

- Baseball at Saginaw Valley State (doubleheader), 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

- Softball at Wayne State (doubleheader), 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

- M./W. Track at Purdue Open, 10 a.m.

- M./W, Track at Aquinas, 10 a.m.

- M./W. Track at Ashland Alumni Open (Day 2), noon - M./W. Track at Hillsdale Multis (Day 2), noon.

- W. Golf at GLIAC Championship (Big Rapids, Mich., Day 1), all-day event

Sophomore Sarah Hoffman gains new confidence after winning 3 consecutive golf tournaments

By Jared Greenleaf GVL Senior Reporter

In the sport of golf, mental toughness plays a big role in a player’s success. During the past four weeks, a strong mentality enabled sophomore Sarah Hoffman of the women’s golf team to consistently lead her team on the course.

Since late March, Hoffman has been nothing short of spectacular in winning three consecutive tournaments and leading No. 2 Grand Valley State University into the postseason this spring.

Her latest win came at the Ashland Invitational last weekend where she finished one stroke ahead of junior teammate Allie Tyler. Her previous wins were at the Drury Lady Panther Shootout in Missouri on April 11 and the Buccaneer

Invitational held in Miami, Fla., back on March 30.

During that span, Hoffman has also been named GLIAC Athlete of the Week twice.

Hoffman “She has a ton of confidence right now, and she’s just rolling with it,” said GVSU head coach Rebecca Mailloux. “She comes every week prepared to win and expecting to win, and she expects nothing less. It’s a good mindset that she’s in right now.”

For Hoffman, a Saline, Mich., native, positive benefits have helped her gain an aggressive mental edge over the field.

One week before spring break, Hoffman, along with her coach and teammates, traveled to Phoenix to take part in the Division 54 Golf Seminar. The seminar is designed to help golfers improve upon the mental aspects of their games.

“I’ve really implemented that (seminar) into my game,” Hoffman

GVSU rowers navigate southern waters

By Aaron Brandt GVL Staff Writer

Once again, the Grand Valley State University rowing team traveled across the country in search of top competition.

Last week’s travels found the team in Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship Regatta last Saturday and Sunday.

GVSU entered several races, including the men’s and women’s Varsity 8. GVSU head coach John Bancheri said he was impressed with the men’s varsity team, which finished fourth place overall.

“Our varsity men rowed a fabulous

race, only a few seconds off of the medals,” he said. “They don’t have quite the horsepower or the crew from last year, but these guys really have heart. I don’t think they could have given anything more than what they gave that race.”

The women’s varsity team moved up to the Division I race, where it finished in second place behind Mercyhurst College. Sophomore Christina Turner commented on the crew’s performance.

“It was disappointing not to take first place, but we did gain some time on Mercyhurst from last year,” she said. “We put everything we had out there, so I was happy with that.”

Bancheri, however, said he had

Sunday:

- Baseball at Saginaw Valley State (doubleheader), noon and 2:30 p.m.

- Softball at Saginaw Valley State (doubleheader), noon and 2 p.m.

- W. Golf at GLIAC Championship (Big Rapids, Mich., Day 2), all-day event

GVL / Eric Coulter

GVSU’s varsity men rowers took fourth place overall in the SIRA regatta.

GVL Staff Writer

now on

Follow LanthornSports on Twitter for up-tothe-minute coverage of Laker games, players and coaches

hoped for better results from the little getting used to,” he said. “Our women’s crew. reactions have to be quicker, since it’s “The varsity women did not live less forgiving than a well-worn boat.” up to what I believe their capabilities Not only will the women’s team are,” he said. “They had a great work to get used to their new boat, the semifinal, but in the rest of the program final, it looked like we will improve their “This week is spun our wheels, just speed and fitness. when we’re going Senior Jerry Jarvis taking a lot of strokes instead of powerful, commented on the to go out and do long strokes like we are team’s approach. a workout which capable of doing.”

“We need to race is basically 45 One possible like it’s the grand explanation could be final every time minutes of hell.” found in the team’s from here on out,” JOHN BANCHERI brand new boat, which he said. “We need GVSU HEAD COACH came as a result of a to work on our form $35,000 donation to the so that we can give rowing program. Bancheri explained it all we have every single race, every the period of adjustment that comes single time. We have to improve our with any new boat. rate, power and focus.”

“A brand new boat is a lot stiffer, In order to reach those goals, so you really are going to feel it and Bancheri will put his team through a hear any reaction to it, which takes a rigorous week of training to get them ready for the final push of the season.

“As we go into our speed cycle, our athletes will learn to adapt technically and keep up with the speed of the boat,” he said. “This week is when we’re going to go out and do a workout which is basically 45 minutes of hell.”

The workout consists of intervals where the team will row at full power for a set amount of time, then back off GVL / Eric Coulter slightly for an equal amount of time.

The varsity women finished in second. abrandt@lanthorn.com

Notre Dame transfer signs with Lakers

By Curtis Kalleward

LANTHORN

said. “Even when I’m practicing or “I like to win individually, but when I’m playing, I’ve been really then again, I’m a part of the team,” focusing on that and that’s helped Hoffman said. “If our team ends me overcome stretches where I’m up winning, I could care less who not playing as well. It’s helped me wins individually.” regain focus and really focus on With the GLIAC Championships what I need to be doing.” coming up this weekend, Hoffman Not only has the focus been and her teammates will get consistent for Hoffman in her wins, their shot to capture their third but her positive work ethic has consecutive conference crown. been evident in practice sessions.

Hoffman will go for her fourth “She’s been working really straight victory, yet she said she hard and you can remains uncertain tell she’s very about the feat.

“If our team ends passionate about the “I think I can,” up winning, I could Hoffman said. “I game,” said senior Ashley Smith. “She care less who wins don’t know if I will does everything and or not. I’m definitely individually.” anything you can going to go in there think of and asks with confidence people anything she and we’re going SARAH HOFFMAN can think of that to go in there with GVSU SOPHOMORE will help her figure confidence as a something out. team. If I do win, it’d She’s very focused and loves to be great. If one of my teammates observe things that someone might wins, it’d be awesome.” not. She’s always watching to see The GLIAC Championships will if she can pick something up.” be played at Ferris State University Hoffman said she has enjoyed and begin on Saturday morning. the success of winning, but she has Play will finish on Sunday. remained sold on the team concept jgreenleaf@lanthorn.com rather than individual accolades.

The future just brightened for the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team.

The Lanthorn first reported two months ago that sophomore Kellie Watson had verbally committed to GVSU after being granted release from her scholarship at Notre Dame. On April 15, the school formally announced her official signing.

“It speaks well to Grand Valley that a player of her caliber is interested in coming to our school and playing in our program,” said GVSU Athletic Director Tim Selgo. “Grand Valley is a program where students who are playing at a major Division I conference would be interested in if things don’t work out for them.”

Watson said while leaving Notre Dame was a tough decision, it was one she ultimately felt was best.

“It took me a while to decide on whether or not I wanted to transfer,” Watson said. “It ultimately came down to Notre Dame not being the right place for me anymore. I always thought that Grand Valley was probably a good place for me to go and I had pretty much known when I left Notre Dame that I wanted to come here.”

Watson, an Ionia High School graduate, was named Michigan Miss Basketball her senior year for the 2007-

08 season after culminating a career in which she set the school career points record for both boys and girls basketball at 1,529.

“Our conference gets solid transfers all the time,” said GVSU head coach Janel Burgess. “Kellie brings a strong character on and off the court that will better our university as a whole. We’re excited to get her to the court and help her mature.”

Watson appeared in 31 games as a freshman for the Fighting Irish, winning the Big East Conference’s Freshman of the Week award twice in the process. On one occasion, she tied Notre Dame’s Joyce Center for a record six 3-pointers against No. 24 Michigan State University, displaying her talents against some of the nation’s top athletes.

“She has a wide range of skills,” Burgess said. “She’s a 6 (foot) 2 (inch) very pure shooter who has the ability to create shots for everyone else. She’s versatile and has a good feeling for the game.”

Watson could not escape the injury bug, having repair work done on both shoulders in high school before going under the knife once again last season.

She saw action in only one game before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery but said her training and conditioning have put her injuries in the past.

“I haven’t felt any shoulder problems

since high school,” Watson said.

“Obviously, I had a lot of them then but not since I left. I’m not worried about my shoulders anymore. I just had my knee taken care of in November and it’s been completely fine since then, so I’m not worried about my injury history.”

Joining a squad seeing only one senior graduate from this past season, Watson’s experience at a high level of play is expected to be a crucial

part of what she mixes with her new teammates.

“Everybody’s excited to be able to add another piece to our puzzle of being successful and making each other better,” Burgess said. “That’s what our kids are focused on, and whoever that is, they’re going to welcome with open arms. They’re ready to enjoy the journey.” ckalleward@lanthorn.com

AP Photo / Joe Raymond

Kellie Watson, right, will transfer from Notre Dame to join GVSU’s team next year.

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SPORTS

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Men’s basketball team inks GRCC transfer Junior James Thomas brings 3-point shooting talent to Laker basketball team

By Greg Monahan GVL Staff Writer

After struggling mightily all season from the 3-point line, the Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team entered the offseason searching for a threat from behind the arc.

After announcing the addition of junior college transfer James Thomas, they have addressed that need.

Thomas is a 6-foot-3 inch shooting guard from Grand Rapids and has spent the last two seasons playing junior

college ball for Grand Rapids Community College. Last season, he averaged 21 points and shot 47 percent from the field for GRCC while averaging just more than seven rebounds a game.

The Lakers will welcome in his 3-point shooting ability, as last season the team shot 29 percent from the 3-point line. GVSU head coach Ric Wesley said Thomas, or “J.T.” as he is often called, should help everywhere on the floor.

“He’s a good all-around player,” Wesley said. “He handles the ball, passes it quite well, he’s a good rebounder for his size and he’s a good athlete who has the ability to defend on the perimeter. I feel like he can help us in a number of areas, but the No. 1 thing is his outside shooting.”

Thomas s a i d considering t h e proximity and quality of the team, his decision to come to GVSU was Thomas relatively easy.

“I wanted to go to a winning program, first of all, and Grand Valley has to be one of the best DII programs around,” he said.

“And I’m from Grand Rapids, so this is my hometown and all my family and friends will still be able to watch me play as if I was still in high school.”

Joining a team that averaged just 63 points per game last season, Thomas added he knows his main focus will be on the offensive side of the ball.

“I’m coming in to be a shooter,” he said. “Because that’s what Grand Valley has lacked in, their shooting and

their 3-point percentage. So I’m coming in to hopefully get that shooting percentage up and get that ball in the basket for them.”

Though Thomas will play DII basketball for the first time, he is already familiar with some players on the GVSU team. In high school, he played against sophomore guard Wes Trammell, who is from Jenison.

Trammell said he is excited to have a pure shooter on the team and looks forward to seeing how Thomas’ ability will help the offense.

“I think he can stretch the defense, which will open up the lanes for a bunch of other guys,” he said. “It’ll make things so much easier because teams pack it in so much against us because we have so many drivers, so having another shooter makes everything easier.”

He also noted he hopes his past experience with Thomas as an opponent will help both players as teammates.

“I played against him all

Courtesy Photo / GRCC Collegiate

James Thomas takes a shot. He will transfer to GVSU next year.

through high school and middle school, so I know his game and he knows mine,” he said. “So we’ll have some chemistry right off the bat, just because we’ve seen each other play. I think it’ll

be an advantage.”

Thomas will start school at GVSU in the fall; basketball season starts in early November. gmonahan@lanthorn.com

Lakers beat Thunder to take 2-0 series lead

By Beth Harris AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant had been waiting for a breakout game, the kind of highscoring effort he’s made his reputation on. He got it just in time.

Playing with a broken finger, sore knee and bum ankle, Bryant scored 39 points, carrying the Lakers in the fourth quarter when they lost the lead three times, and Los Angeles beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 95-92 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series “What did Mark Twain

say? Rumors of my demise or whatever,” said Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who predicted before the game that Bryant would strongly return to form.

Bryant was 13 of 15 from the free throw line, but just 12 of 28 from the floor in front of his dad Joe, who sat next to the Lakers’ bench.

“My free throws felt good,” Bryant said. “I put in a lot, a lot of work over the last month fine-tuning my stroke and trying to get it back to being consistent.”

Bryant ran off eight straight points the first time the Lakers fell behind by one, with the referees turning a 3-pointer into a 2-pointer that put them back in front by three.

“He made the tough shots. He got to the free throw line and that’s what

great players do,” said the second straight game.

Kevin Durant, who led the “That was about as well Thunder with 32 points but as we can play and we came had eight turnovers. up a little short,” Thunder Russell Westbrook added coach Scott Brooks said.

19, making all eight of his “Two games in a row we free throws. gave the effort defensively.

T h e We’re still T h u n d e r trying to “(Kobe Bryant) made figure packed the out the tough shots. He how to win paint and disrupted got to the free throw these close Lakers’ big games.” line and that’s what men Pau Game 3 Gasol and is Thursday great players do.”

A n d r e w in Oklahoma KEVIN DURANT Bynum, who City.

The THUNDER PLAYER had combined Lakers are for 32 points 39-1 all-time and 25 rebounds in Game when winning the first two 1. games of a best-of-seven This time, Gasol had 25 series. points and 12 rebounds, “That place is going to and Bynum six points and be rocking and rolling,” 10 boards for the defending Bryant said. “The last time champions, who failed to we were there they did a sustain their strong start for number on us.”

AP Photo

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday to take the lead in the series.

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Get the HPV vaccine at the Ottawa County Health Department. College students may qualify to get the vaccine at little or no cost to them Find out more at miOttawa.org/health

Bartenders wanted. Up to $250/Day. No Experience necessary. Training provided.

Age 18+ Okay. Call 1-800-965-6520. ext. 226.

The Village at 48 West. Stop in Today! Rates starting at only $395! 616.895.2400 or www.48west.com for more info

College Pro is now hiring painters all across the state to work outdoors with other students. Earn $3k-5k. Advancement opportunities.

1-888-277-9787 or collegepro.com

Copper Beech Townhomes...the most space for the best price! 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom units! Located in Allendale on 48th Street. Call 616-895-2900 or visit copprbeechtownhomes.com for more information.

MOVING? Penske Truck can help ! Reserve your truck online and receive 10% off! call 1-800-GO-PENSKE or visit GOPENSKE.COM for more information

OPPORTUNITIES Attend the LIFE 101 event presented by the GVSU Young Alumni Council! Network with your alumni, food and drink and life skills sessions Visits gvsu.edu/alumni/events for more info

INTERNSHIPS Social Media and Marketing Intern IPA Management, a local property management company based in Grand Haven, is looking for a Social Media and Marketing Intern for the Summer/Early Fall 2010. For more information on the position, and to apply, please visit www.rentipa.com/careers.

MISCELLANEOUS Hungry Howie’s in Allendale has AMAZING specials just for GVSU! Look inside the paper to find them! WE DELIVER! Call 616-895-6777 or order online @ hungryhowies.com Save money on household items, clothing, and more at Love INC the new to you store in Allendale on 60th Ave off of Lake Michigan!

Moving? We except gently used donations The Northview Little League is looking for experienced umpires. If interested, please contact Nikki4745@comcast.net

Your source for cool places to live in West Michigan.™ © 2009 rentGR.com Owned and Operated by GVSU Alumni Go Lakers!

Subleaser Needed- Rent $325 Male roommate needed to move in May 1- August 31 Beautiful condo located 10 minutes from GVSU please contact me with questions wellsdv@mail.gvsu.edu I''m looking for someone to sublease from may-august. I live in Heritage Hills on Prospect SE street, Grand Rapids. Rent would only be $330 a month.

This includes all utilities and internet access.

The apartment consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a spacious dining area, a living room, a large laundry room, a basement, and a small screened in porch. Parking is readily accessible on the road or driveway. If you''re interested you can contact me at cbruning@live.com.

Looking for two roommates to live with me in a duplex in Jenison. Rent is 267.50 each with water included. Utilities run about $45 in the summer and $80 in the winter months. Dogs are okay. For more info contact my email: pfeiffej@mail.gvsu.edu

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

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Leaser for Fall 2010. $419/month at Meadows.

Contact Erica at 568-556-0140 Full-time Leasing Consultant.

Join IPA Management as a full-time Leasing Consultant at the Village at 48 West Apartments & Town Homes.

Duties include: sales, marketing, outreach and general leasing administration. Excellent benefits package, including rent discount and paid time off. Interested applicants should apply online at www.rentipa.com/careers Looking for subleaser this summer at Meadows Crossing for $325 a month but is negotiable. Room is spacious and includes full size bed, nightstand, desk, chair, tall dresser and a connecting private bathroom. Lease from May 1st through July 22nd!

Includes washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, cable, and internet. Not included is Electric and Gas. Kitchen and living room fully furnished as well.

146 Gold NW Close to downtown campus Two possibly three bedroom house with basement Totally remodeled with new kitchen offstreet parking $650 plus utilities 616 7196505 Taking summer classes and need a place to stay?? sublease my apartment at Conifer Creek.

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A&E

Grand Valley Lanthorn Thursday, April 22, 2010

Haley Otman, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com

Being bad never looked so good Tom Powers becomes one of first anti-heroes in ‘The Public Enemy,’ released 79 years ago

On April 23, 1931, Warner Brothers released what would become one of their most influential films, “The Public Enemy,” starring the great James Cagney as Tom Powers.

For a film that’s too old to be seen on American Movie Classics or Turner Classic Movies, its legacy has lived on more than three-quarters of a century later.

Without “The Public Enemy,” we’d have no Martin Scorcese, no Michael Mann, no “Sopranos.”

Cagney’s performance is iconic in his menace and disregard for law and order.

Similar to Brooklyn’s very own Robin Hood, he will steal from those who have enough and give it to those who don’t, always saving a pretty penny for himself.

In fact, it could be argued that Tom Powers was the first anti-hero of cinema or at the very least, the mold by which the gangster-hero archetype was cast.

Tony Soprano watches Cagney’s performance with a particular sense of fascination during one episode, creating a surreal moment as the present day mobster admires the man he would have been in Prohibition-Era America.

While many praise “Goodfellas” for glamorizing a life of crime, it just so happened to arrive at a time when society was ready to embrace the villain instead of ostracizing

him. The working class is described as “schmucks,” while the man who cuts corners and breaks the rules is living the life we’re all supposed to. In essence, he is free, and we are not.

What’s appealing about these bad guy characters is that they dare to do what most people do not.

They pursue the American dream by whatever means necessary, while the rest of us settle into trying to be upstanding citizens and contributing members of society. We must ultimately learn to give up the life we envisioned growing up.

No white picket fence or two-car garage, but instead, a small apartment shared with a lover or friend until we find careers and pay off our insurmountable debt.

So, what is the purpose of flaunting the glitz and glam of those who make their dough unlike the rest of us trying to make an honest living?

Dillinger, Powers, Hill, McCauley and Soprano — they all wind up alone, walking the streets with their heads on a swivel and battle sleepless nights, always facing the disappointment of the friends and family they’ve hurt.

That’s the moral dilemma we face as people.

Do we want to leave the world better than we left it?

Or do we want to go after what’s owed to us? You can apply for that Bridge card, or you can get a job like the rest of us.

Then again, as far back as you can remember, what did you want to be?

Yeah, I wanted to be a gangster, too. clevandoski@lanthorn.com

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for

upcoming movie and music releases

Courtesy Photo / grsymphonyshowcase.org

The Wilcox estate is a historic structure located in East Grand Rapids. The GR Symphony renovated the estate for its fundrasier.

Fundraiser held in local mansion GR Symphony opens Wilcox Estate to variety of entertainment as fundraiser

By Elijah Brumback GVL Staff Writer

Beginning May 1, the Grammy Award-winning Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and its partners are literally opening their doors to the palatial Wilcox Estate in hopes of marshalling community support for the symphony and its associates The almost monthlong event will feature self-guided tours, fashion shows, concerts and design seminars, beginning with an inaugural preview party on April 29, all of which are hosted by the Grand Rapids Symphony Women’s Committee.

“In recent years the arts and the symphony have lost a lot of state and federal funding,” said Gina Paul, showcase co-chair and local architect. “Our goal for this event is to help regain some of that lost funding while also inviting people to share in the local history of Grand Rapids.”

The Wilcox Estate, built in 1923-24 by famed Grand Rapids architect, Kenneth

W. Welch, epitomizes the were clandestinely prosperity of ‘20s and prejudicial for women on was originally constructed their own. for the Wilcox families’ Since then the estate has personal use as primarily remained mostly devoid of a place for gathering activity. It was the 16-month the extended family. effort of the Women’s The building originally Committee, 350 volunteers featured a conservatory, and out-of-pocket expenses living quarters for the head of several local renovators gardener and his family, and designers that has a swimming pool, squash allowed for this event. court, laundry facilities “This is the first time in and accommodations 10 years since we’ve taken for numerous vehicles. on project like this,” Paul Recently, the said. “Every current owner room had “This is a very has turned this a different unique historical impressive designer, structure each one is structure many into a singlepeople have often atake different f a m i l y on the wondered about.” history of residence.

Parties this beautiful GINA PAUL were a space.”

SHOWCASE CO-CHAIR staple of N o entertainment alterations at the Wilcox Estate and were done on the exterior were akin to pages ripped façade of the building, and straight out of an F. Scott the structure remains true Fitzgerald novel.

The to the stunning original sprawling courtyard and architecture, Paul said, ivory covered walls set the though rigorous landscaping classic scene with cigars is currently being done to and champagne lasting well refresh the courtyard and into the night. once bountiful gardens.

Though, the estate’s “This is a very unique history is by no means historical structure many frivolously indulgent. For people have often wondered many years the complex about,” she said. “Now they played host to graduations will be able to come inside and weddings. For a period and experience the visual it was also a living center for and historical significance working single women, at a of the building in the time when social standards community.”

Cook Carillon tour offers students look inside landmark

By Nicolle Martin GVL Staff Writer

For 16 years, the Cook Carillon has rung students to class each day with the same reliable tune every 15 minutes and the occasional hearty melody in the evening.

This weekend, music professor and campus carillonneur for 10 years, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, will allow students and the public to tour Cook Carillon Tower and see all its inner workings.

While it is no Notre Dame and there is no Quasimodo, the Cook Carillon Tower is a recognizable fixture of the Grand Valley State University Allendale Campus and a symbol of university pride.

“A tower stands on each campus and I imagine that students wonder what it is really all about,” Vanden Wyngaard said. “One doesn’t usually have access to the towers and when the opportunity is presented, one should participate.”

Vanden Wyngaard chaired the GVSU music department from 1984 to 1996 and has been the principle carillonneur since the tower’s dedication in 1994. In 1999 Vanden Wyngaard completed the requirements and gained member status to the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America.

“I began my study with Margo Halsted at the University of Michigan and went on to complete my studies at the Netherlands Carillon School and currently hold a diploma from that school,” Vanden Wygaard said. “One usually doesn’t study or have a big interest in the carillon until there is an instrument near. We got the Cook Carillon Tower in 1994 and the Beckering carillon in 2000. Now that I have two of them to play, my interest is very keen.”

The Beckering tower is located on the Pew Campus and the Cook Tower is on the Allendale Campus.

When Vanden Wyngaard was a full-time professor in the music department, she taught music theory, a music intro course and private lessons on the carillon.

For the past several years, Karen Meyers, director of the Regional Math and Science Center, has studied carillon with Vanden Wyngaard.

“The carillons are wonderful assets to

the campus community,” Meyers said. “It there is a person up there playing. complements the campus structurally as a However, carillonneurs will only take requests landmark and culturally as a for special occasions. tradition, yet is a very unique “Hopefully this open tower “(Cook Tower) instrument with a rich history and will pique their interest and they complements the beautiful sound.” will return on subsequent Sunday Both Vanden Wyngaard and campus structurally evenings to enjoy local and guest Meyers believe the open tower artists from around the world,” as a landmark gives students a behind-theMeyers said. and culturally as a scenes opportunity to view the The tour is June 27 at 7 p.m. instrument, understand how it There will also be a series of tradition ...” works and appreciate the artistry carillon concerts.

KAREN MEYERS required to play it.

The Allendale series begins on CARILLONNEUR Though Vanden Wyngaard is June 20 and will continue every not a composer, most carillonneurs often make Sunday at 8 p.m. through August 22. The series arrangements of pieces they want to play. on the Beckering carillon is only during the The hour strikes and the Alma Mater song month of July on every Wednesday at noon. is programmed into the computer and played. nmartin@lanthorn.com Otherwise, if you hear music from the tower,

Paul encourages the public to come see the passion and talent the many local vendors responsible for the renovations have, while also being treated to the myriad of other features that will take place during the month of May. Paul said guests can “take a step back in time and fill their senses with beautiful architecture, design and music, as well as help us support our passion for the Grand Rapids Symphony and its education programs.”

The estate is located at 701 Laurel Circle, off Lake Drive in East Grand Rapids.

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. ebrumback@lanthorn.com

A&E Briefs

Choral auditions

Students with any major are welcome to contact Professor Ellen Pool, director of choral activities, about joining one of the five choral ensembles for the 2010-11 school year.

The five ensembles are University Arts Chorale, Select Women’s Ensemble, University Singers, Cantate Chamber Ensemble and Varsity Men. Each has openings but preference is given to male vocalists.

Contact Pool at poole@ gvsu.edu by semester’s end for more information.

Founder’s Fest

Downtown Grand Rapids will welcome Founders Fest for the third time on June 19, featuring local beer and local entertainment. It will take place on Grandville Avenue between Cherry and Bartlett from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Lotus serves as the headliner, while local and some national bands will also play. There will be local food vendors and a Local Artists Row in addition to the beer from Founders Brewing Company. They expect 4,000 people to attend the event, and tickets can be purchased in advance for a discount. Guests must be 21 years of age. For more information, visit http:// www.foundersbrewing. com.

St. Cecilia welcomes Argentine pianist for show

GVL Archive

Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, the university carillonneur, demonstrates the carillon inside of the Cook Carillon Tower on the Grand Valley State University Allendale Campus. The Beckering Tower stands on the Pew Campus.

Pianist Ingrid Fliter will perform May 6 at St. Cecilia Music Center in downtown Grand Rapids.

She will perform pieces

by Beethoven, Bach and Schumann. Fliter’s resume includes playing in Atlanta, Toronto, Dallas and other North American locales in addition to at her home South American events.

She won the 2006 Gilmore Artist Award and will play in collaboration with the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased through St. Cecilia’s box office or online at http://www.scmconline.org.