ISSUE 61

GV Lanthorn S U M M E R

D I G E S T

June/July 2010

0 3 4 1 1 1 Fourth of July Check out a list of local events to celebrate Independence Day

Coast Guard

Festival

Grand Haven hosts annual festival to reconize service in Coast Guard

LZ Michigan

GVSU collaborates with community to honor Vietnam veterans cover by Stephanie McCarthy pen and ink

GV Lanthorn

Table of Contents

S U M M E R

ON THE COVER

0 13 14 1

Fourth of July Variety of local events

D I G E S T

DIVERSIONS

3 .....Best beaches 8.......Festival fun 17 .....Crossword

Find out the best features of all the local beaches

summer festivals offer food, entertainment and fun

Coast Guard Festival

Annual festival recognizes Coast Guard service

NEWS

4 .....On-campus construction 5.......Children’s Enrichment Center 12 .....Board awaits new appointments

LZ Michigan

Update on variety of renovations

Event to honor Vietnam veterans

CEC earns re-accreditation

F E AT U R E S

6 11.......Canine companions 17.......Researchers make use of NSF grants 18 .....GVSU professor reflects on Kalamazoo Promise

previous appointments to Board of Trustees

.....Sustainable business in Ghana GVSU honors student spends summer in Ghana developing more sustainable business practices GVSU fraternity raises record amount for charity GVSU receives almost

$1.1 million in grants for research and starting graduate programs

Miller-Adams publishes book on regional impact of Kalamazoo Promise scholarship

GVSU reacts to Senate’s rejection of

Michelle

SPORTS

7 .....Lakers in the NFL 16.......Rowers win ACRA nationals

Two former GVSU football players sign with the NFL

compete in Henley Royal Regatta in England

19 M A R K E T P L A C E About the Artist:

Team will continue season with trip to

Grand Valley Lanthorn Volume 44, Number 62

Stephanie McCarthy

Medium: Pen and Ink

Stephanie McCarthy is entering her fifth year at Grand Valley State University as an art major with an emphasis in illustration. McCarthy said she always knew she wanted to be an artist, and after graduation she hopes to travel overseas to get more inspiration for her work before opening her own boutique and possibly a bakery where she can create food art. Her favorite medium is pen and ink and she draws inspiration from all areas of life to make it more interesting.

Her idea for the cover came from the old Laker mascot, which McCarthy said she likes better than the new one.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community.

For additional copies, please contact our business offices.

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

Grand Valley Lanthorn

DIVERSIONS

June / July 2010

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Lakeshore luxuries Escape the summer heat at West Michigan’s most beautiful beaches

By Haley Otman GVL Lakerlife Editor

As temperatures continue to rise and the summer weather becomes more permanent, more and more people will make their way to the beach to cool off. There are a number of local options when looking for some surf and sand, so take a look at the unique features of each to find the perfect summer spot for you.

Grand Haven State Park The Grand Haven State Park, at 1001 Harbor Ave., is one of West Michigan’s most beautiful locations.

It not only boasts an amazing coastline, but also offers concessions, a beach house and picnic area and a playground for the children. Admission costs $6 to $8. Call 616-847-1309.

Grand Haven City Beach For a free option, the city beach is also great.

It also has a concession stand and beach house, and is located on Harbor Drive. For more information, call 616-842-3210.

Kirk Park This county park south of Grand Haven is absolutely beautiful. It costs $4 to $6 to get in and has a picnic area and playground in addition to the beach.

Kirk Park is in West Olive.

For more information, call

Courtesy Photo / michigan.org

South Haven beach is about a 30 minute drive from Holland.

616846-8117.

Holland State Park The Holland State Park is a statewide favorite for its beautiful beaches and lovely downtown area. It has concessions, a beach house and picnic area, spots for fishing and a playground.

Admission costs $6 to $8, and more information can be found by calling 616-399-9390.

Millennium Park For an option really close to campus, visit Millennium Park, located at Maynard Avenue and Butterworth Street in Grand Rapids. It has concessions, a beach house and picnic area, spots for fishing and hiking, a playground and more. It is also affordable at $1 to $3 for admission.

For more information, call 616-336-3697. lakerlife@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / michigan.org

The Grand Haven pier is a popular site for anglers, swimmers and pedestrians. Visitors can access the lake in Grand Haven through the state park or for free at the city beach.

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NEWS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Summer renovations underway on Allendale Campus Grand Valley State University receives a revamp in preparation for the next school year

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

Though the majority of Grand Valley State University’s student body is on break during the summer months, the campus remains active. Various construction and renovation projects take place during the summer on the Allendale Campus.

James Moyer, assistant vice president of Facilities Planning, briefed the Lanthorn on what projects are currently underway.

Moyer said the amount of work is similar to what is accomplished most summers. The projects are determined and assigned priority according to need.

Kirkhof Center After an extensive remodel and addition to the Kirkhof Center last year, this summer brings correction to a water leak. Both of the main entrances to Kirkhof have been under construction for the past few weeks. Moyer said the goal is to create

a safer environment for students. The work should be completed by the end of June.

Soccer Field The soccer fields along West Campus Drive are being resurfaced to replace the grass with off-weather turf. The project is budgeted at $990,000, which will come from the university’s capital improvement account. With an estimated completion date for the end of August, the newly-surfaced fields will provide students with a better playing surface that will last farther into the season.

Learning-Dining Center/ Living Center 2010 The new LearningDining Center and the Living Center 2010, located in Lot P, are both on schedule to be finished and ready for use in August. Papa John’s and summer classes are already making use of LearningDining Center while workers complete some exterior

work. The $7,400,000 building and furnishings will include Fresh Food Service, a convenience store and seating for 289 people as well as four classrooms and a study area for 93 occupants on the second story.

The final interior and exterior work on the Living Center should also be completed in time for students to move in for the next semester. The complete project was budgeted at $45,000,000 and will hold 604 beds in 1-, 2- and 4-bedroom floor plans.

Commons Bridge The Commons Bridge, located just north of the Little Mac, is being resurfaced. Moyer said portions of the 30-year-old bridge have reached the end of their service life. The construction will provide a new walking surface, new handrails and bring the bridge into compliance with new regulations. editorial@lanthorn.com

GVL / Eric Coulter

Workers fix a water leak near the main entrances of the Kirkhof Center.

GVL / Eric Coulter

The Commons Bridge is being resurfaced to bring it into compliance with new safety standards.

GVL / Eric Coulter

The Learning-Dining and Living Center in former Lot P are on schedule to be finished by August.

NEWS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

June / July 2010

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Children’s Enrichment Center earns re-accreditation National Association for the Education of Young Children recognizes CEC’s high standards in child care

By Sarah Wiltenburg GVL Staff Writer

With a slogan of instilling “grand beginnings,” the Grand Valley State University Children’s Enrichment Center has provided child care and education for the offspring of GVSU faculty and students for many years. The National Association for the Education of Young Children recently noted just how grand the CEC is by granting it re-accreditation.

A year-long process, the reaccreditation means the CEC has been recognized for modeling the best practices in early

care and education. Part of the accreditation process is to be scored on several standards: relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment of child progress, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment, leadership and management.

Sharalle Arnold, director of the CEC, has seen many changes since she began as assistant director in 2004, though the biggest milestones have been the center’s name change and new re-accreditation.

“According to our scores, the academy attributes a large part of our success to the

teaching and relationships that our teaching staff establish,” Arnold said.

Along with the positive feedback, the NAEYC also said improvements could be made in the physical design of the building.

“Our building was not originally designed for three rooms, so we lack some of the basic essentials needed to compliment our shift from an open floor-mixed aged play approach to a more enriching early learning environment that supports a traditional preschool,” Arnold explained.

Still, Arnold said the group

GVL / Eric Coulter

Children enjoy the playground outside the Children’s Enrichment Center on the Allendale campus.

effort put into earning the reaccreditation was worth it.

She said the whole process required a dedicated staff.

“My program assistant, Jessica (Miranda Bevier), is tremendously gifted,” Arnold said. “I could not have done this without her ... The accreditation process under the new standards was more stringent than our initial effort; nonetheless, both experiences have caused us to evolve as an organization.”

Arnold credited support of the families enroling their children at the center, financial support throughout the application process and the staff’s willingness to implement the best practices as sources of the center’s success.

Though the accreditation is complete, Bevier said the center will continue to work to improve its policies.

“The implementation of and play experience, being accreditation standards in a space for children to enjoy our program were not only each other’s company,” Arnold in place just said. “Now during our the center is “The accreditation accreditation appropriately process under the visit but have called the new standards was C h i l d r e n ’s become an integral part of more stringent than Enrichment our program Center ... our initial effort ... ” e n r i c h i n g as we continue to improve the lives of SHARALLE ARNOLD and change Grand ValCEC DIRECTOR our program,” ley’s youngshe said. est students.

The changes throughout This name change came about the years have not only come as a result of the philosophiin program development but cal shift and the creation of even the center’s name. three learning rooms that are The Children’s Enrichment designed to meet individual Center was called the Chil- needs based on research, dedren’s Center when Arnold velopment and interest.” first started as a part-time asFor more information on sistant director. the Children’s Enrollment “(The Children’s Center) Center, visit its Web site at offered drop-in care and oper- www.gvsu.edu/child. ated as a mixed-age learning swiltenburg@lanthorn.com

FEATURES

6 June / July 2010

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Honors student promotes sustainable business in Ghana Senior Ross Ezinga spends summer abroad on servicelearning project

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

Though many may not consider developing sustainable business practices a pressing need in their everyday lives, Grand Valley State University senior Ross Ezinga deemed it important enough to travel to Ghana and spend three months of his summer focusing on just that.

Ezinga, an honors student majoring in product design and manufacturing, has been working with the University of Cape Coast

since the middle of May to help the Ghanians develop better ways of doing business.

“The goal is for them to stop importing and develop products here from locally available materials,” Ezinga said. “We’re building relationships to see what needs there are.”

Ezinga traveled to Ghana as part of his engineering co-op, an internship necessary for him to graduate. Usually, the coop is done with a company in Michigan. Ezinga is the first one to travel outside the country to fulfill this requirement.

“I like trying new things and meeting new people,” Ezinga said. “It’s an adventure.”

Mentoring Ezinga in his work at UCC is Dr.

Ezinga said the GhaKofi Sam and GVSU’s Dr. nians have been open to Shirley Fleischmann. their adS a m vice so has been “It’s hard to explain far as working how much it changes long as it with lodoes not cal entreyou and what it does preneurs interrupt to a person (to visit a their culin Ghana developing country).” ture. and con“ W e tacted the JANAAN DECKER n e e d honors STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR OF THE HONORS COLLEGE to lead college in by exsearch of ample,” a student interested in helping with Ezinga said. “We have to prove it will work.” the project.

So far, the team from Janaan Decker, student GVSU has met with a services coordinator for number of different en- the honors college, collabtrepreneurs and is still orated with the Padnos Inassessing the best way to ternational Center to orgahelp develop their prod- nize Ezinga’s trip. Decker ucts, which include the worked in Ghana last sumproduction of palm oil and mer and also plans to reroofing tiles, among other turn for a couple months things. this summer to work on

another project.

“You bring back a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Decker said.

“It’s hard to explain how much it changes you and what it does to a person (to visit a developing country).”

Many students were inspired to get involved with various service-advocacy projects after hearing about Decker’s experiences. She said the trips support GVSU’s goal to develop its students into global citizens and strong leaders.

“It’s so exciting to be working with students and giving them the support they need,” Decker said.

She plans to continue to develop the servicelearning program within the honors college for future years.

Though relatively early in Ezinga’s trip, he said he has already learned a lot, which he anticipates will help him in his future career ventures.

“It shows my sense of independence and that I’m not afraid to take risks,” Ezinga said. editorial@lanthorn.com

Decker

Courtesy Photo / studyabroad.com

Cape Coast is on the southern edge of Ghana, Africa.

Courtesy Photo / Ross Ezinga

Ross Ezinga tries his hand at making roofing tiles from locally available materials as an alternative to importing raw materials.

Courtesy Photo / Ross Ezinga

Ross Ezinga works with local women to make palm nut oil.

Grand Valley Lanthorn

SPORTS

7

June / July 2010

Former Lakers receive NFL contracts Todd Carter, Nick McDonald sign with Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers

By Emanuel Johnson GVL Managing Editor

Despite being bypassed in this year’s draft, two former Lakers will still get the opportunity to live out their NFL dreams.

Kicker Todd Carter and offensive lineman Nick McDonald each recently signed free agent contracts to play in the NFL. Carter will see action with the Carolina Panthers while McDonald will play for the Green Bay Packers.

Carter, who graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2008, had a less-than-stellar career in terms of field goal kicking. He finished at GVSU having made only 15-of-24 attempts (62.5 percent) with a career long of 43 yards.

But GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell said it was Carter’s strong leg that enticed the Panthers into of-

fering him a contract. tion, and that’s a valuable asset at “He was one of the top reasons any level of football.” that we were good on kickoff when McDonald finished his career at he was here,” he said. “In the NFL, GVSU after a disappointing 30-23 there’s been more of a trend to have loss to the Northwest Missouri State a different guy for kickoffs because University in the NCAA Division II it saves the extra-point/field goal National Championship game last guy’s leg, and that role fits Todd season. The 6’5”, 310-pound guard perfectly. I don’t know that he’s was recruited as an offensive linequite at the level to man although he had make field goals in not played on the “... When scouts the NFL, but they line in high school. come to Grand signed him for his “Nick was a bigValley, they know leg strength.” ger, athletic tight The Lakers cerend coming out of they’ll find players tainly missed that high school,” Mitchwho are used to leg strength last seaell said. “We brought son as the kickoff winning and used to him in, red-shirted team gave up more him and he just kept success.” than 20 yards per working hard and TIM SELGO return as well as two putting on weight.

GVSU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR touchdowns on the Everything that he’s season. getting right now is a “Carter had probably the stron- credit to the amount of work he put gest leg of any kicker we’ve ever in for us.” had at Grand Valley, and profesThe pair join Kansas City corsional scouts love that,” said GVSU nerback Brandon Carr, Cincinatti Athletic Director Tim Selgo. “A defensive tackle Dan Skuta and strong kickoff means fewer runback Detroit wide receiver Eric Fowler opportunities and better field posi- as the current GVSU representation

in the NFL. Carr, the most successful of the bunch, has started all 32 games since signing with the Chiefs and has tallied 126 career tackles and three career interceptions.

Selgo said that having athletes move on and thrive at the professional level is a great asset when it comes to recruiting power in that it softens the stigma that some recruits have against Division II athletics.

“Young people coming out of high school like to know that they might have a shot at professional athletics, however realistic the chance may be,” he said. “The fact that we’ve had some athletes go on and prove themselves in the pros is a testament that professional scouts will find you if you’re willing to work hard. And when scouts come to Grand Valley, they know they’ll find players who are used to winning and used to success.”

Carter will see preseason action when Carolina takes on Baltimore on Aug. 12. McDonald will begin his preseason efforts as Green Bay takes on Cleveland on Aug.14. managingeditor@lanthorn.com

GVL Archive

Nick McDonald makes a play during a past game. McDonald will now play as an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers.

MCDONALD

CARTER

GVL Archive

Todd Carter kicks in a past GVSU game. Carter graduated in 2008 and has now signed to play with the Carolina Panthers.

DIVERSIONS

8 June / July 2010

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Summer events worth stepping out for

Put on your best slacks, tip that hat and don’t forget your dancing shoes because the best of the summer is surely on its way. With plenty of art, music and entertainment, Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas aren’t letting anyone down, no matter the taste. Here is an early line-up of some of the events to be featured this summer:

By Elijah Brumback GVL A&E Editor

FOUNDERS FEST: June 19 will mark the third annual Founders Fest celebration.

Founders has distinguished its brand among other microbreweries across the country and their specially-crafted beers have the awards to prove it. With a huge selection of ales to choose from, everyone’s parched palette should be able to find something to his or her liking. Not only will there be enough beer (and food) to rival the Dionysian orgies of Greek lore, but there will be music too. The band line-up features Lotus, Frontier Ruckus, The Wildfire, The Riley Brothers, DJ Spydre Murphy, Larry & his Flask and the FBC All-Stars. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m at 235 Grandville Ave. Go to http://www.foudersbrewing.com to purchase tickets now.

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LOCAL FIRST STREET PARTY:

The seventh annual Local First Street Party is June 12 and Founders Brewing will co-sponsor the festivities. With more than 10,000 attendees last year, the celebration is sure to draw an even larger crowd. Local First supports locally-owned businesses and this is their premier event of the season. There will be food, drinks and free music from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Bands slated to play this year include: AB! Conconut Brown, Chance Jones, DJ Super Dre, Four Finger Five and acclaimed Grand Rapidsnatives The Verve Pipe will headline. You might remember them from their radio hit “The Freshman” or their 1996 release Villans. The party will take place outside Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave. About 1

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Last year this event brought more than 5,000 people to the streets of downtown Grand Rapids and for one day people were legally allowed to tag the streets and alleyways with the vibrant colors of chalk. Rob Bliss, the man behind the idea, will once again bring more than 20,000 pieces of chalk to Rosa Parks Circle for everyone to enjoy. Bliss is a local artist known for his creative concepts. Last year Bliss was also one of the lead creative minds behind the “Reassembling the Bracelet Collaborative,” which took pieces of a large canvas painting and sold them, with some pieces eventually making their way to places overseas with the idea to later reassemble them at Art Prize. The focus for his work has been revolving around community initiatives and getting recognition for the arts in the city, no matter y Martin the form. The Chalk Flood is a prime example of that effort. The flood will rush e n d o R Photo / Courtesy s. d Rapid in June 13 at noon. n a r G d in

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

DIVERSIONS

June / July 2010

Weekends at the GRAM The Grand Rapid Art Museum will host a slew of events each week and weekend all summer long. This week starts GRAM on the Green. The museum encourages everyone to come downtown and spend some time at the Downtown GR Bazaar. Every Friday night on the GRAM terrace there will be live music, outdoor sketching, games for all ages and food and drinks. Merchants will also sell a variety of unique items around Rosa Parks Circle.

Summer reading at the Grand Rapids Public Library: June begins the GRPL summer reading program. The 10 chosen books this year either feature Michigan as the setting or are by Michigan authors.

The titles were selected by the staff and should offer a varying degree of insightful reading. The program will also feature a multitude of activities inspired by the books. On June 17 New York City-based teen author Kekla Magoon will speak at the GRPL. She is the author “The Rock and the River” and several other volumes. She will host a writing workshop on The Gr and Ra the day as well. To register visit: http://www.grpl.org/register. pids

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UICA’s Final Exhibitions on Sheldon Boulevard:

A The UIC

On June 11, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art will display the art of Rebecca Murtaugh, Bryan Leister, Justin Webb, Nicole Vruwink, Chritopher Gauthier and the group exhibition dis.place.ment. The mediums stretch from installation work to painting, each with its own theme. Liester’s piece, titled “Transit,” explores landscape and combines projection animation, sound and 3D print sculptures. With Colorado as his focus, Leister depicts layers of representation. Vruwink’s piece, titled “To you. From me. Love Nicola,” explores the ephemeral nature of things in society with interest in being alone in the urban landscape. Her work is comprised of crocheted cassette tape.

Dis.place.ment is the work of more than 30 artists in a effort to rouse emotional and physical displacement in broad contexts including social, economical and political ideas. The exhibit will be open from 6 p.m. to UICA Photo / Courtesy 9 p.m. Admission is free and food . levard on Bou ld e h S and drinks will be provided. its on as exhib

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DIVERSIONS

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

Celebrating independence

By Haley Otman GVL Lakerlife Editor

Join in local Fourth of July festivities in appreciation of our nation’s freedom

Grandville Grandville’s 39th annual celebration takes place at both the Grandville Middle School and Wedgewood Park. There are events all day long, beginning with the pancake breakfast at the middle school at 7 a.m. and the flag raising ceremony at the park at 8:30 a.m. There are contests, activities and live music all leading up to the fireworks show, which will take place at dark at the middle school.

Allendale GVSU will host a parade at 10 a.m. to kick off the Fourth of July in Allendale.

Guests can then take part in family activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., all at the Allendale Township Park. Fireworks will begin at dusk, with free admission.

Carillon concert on campus Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley State University’s carillonneur, will play a patriotic concert on July 4 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, and the concert will still take place even if the weather does not cooperate.

Grand Rapids’ “Family Fireworks” celebration Grand Rapids is taking over Ah-Nab-Awen Park downtown from 5 p.m. onward to celebrate the fourth. There will be multiple musical and other performances, including the Native American Drum and Dance Troupe, and there is also a kids area available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 10:30 p.m., the fireworks will begin. The Grand Rapids Public Museum also invites guests to visit before or during the fireworks for “Front Row for the Fireworks.”

East Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids will be activity-packed all day long, beginning with a community parade and continuing with live music, activities for children, food vendors and more until the fireworks. The fireworks will begin at dusk at John Collins Park, located at Reeds Lake Boulevard and Lakeside Drive in Grand Rapids.

Cascade The Ada/Cascade Township area begins its July 4 celebrations a night early, with fireworks taking place at dusk on July 3 (at 7590 E. Fulton, across from Amway).

Then on the fourth, there will be a parade at 10:30 a.m. and a street fair and library book sale. Admission is free. lakerlife@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / mlive.com

Fireworks light up the night sky over Grand Rapids. Local communities will each host their own Fourth of July activities this year, many including fireworks to begin around 10:30 p.m.

FEATURES

Grand Valley Lanthorn

GV fraternity raises record $12,000 for canine companions

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

In the past 15 years, Grand Valley State University’s Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity has biked a total of 18,000 miles, all for the purpose of raising money to help train canine companions for people with disabilities.

This year, the eight-day bike trip proved to be their most successful event yet as the group brought in $12,000.

Their year-round fundraising efforts culminated in the bike trip from May 2-9, which took the 14 bikers on a 1,200 mile route from the Carillon Clock Tower on the Allendale campus around Lake Michigan with a stop in Chicago.

“We try to be good role models,” said Tanner Pike, a senior and president of Alpha Sigma Phi. “This shows what we can do when we all work together … It shows how much college students actually care about various organizations.”

The organization of choice, Canine Companions for Independence, has five regional offices that coordinate the raising and training of about 200 companion dogs across the nation each year.

Jane Henry, executive director of the CCI North Central region office, estimated an assistance dog costs about $45,000 total for training and care throughout its life. CCI places its dogs free of charge to the recipient, which makes

donors such as Alpha Sigma Phi extremely valuable.

The decision to adopt CCI as Alpha Sigma Phi’s main charity occurred in 1996.

Pike said the founding fathers wanted to do something unique and a few of the 55 current brothers still have personal ties to the organization as some of their family members require guide dogs.

To date, the fraternity has raised a total of $85,000 for CCI, which makes it one of the biggest contributors of GVSU’s Greek life community.

Each year, the route for the bike trip is about the same circling Lake Michigan. The group stops at a CCI office in Chicago for a reception with some of the trainers and recipients of the dogs where Alpha Sigma Phi hands them a check and also gets to witness what the dogs are capable of.

Kyle Bibby, a junior in Alpha Sigma Phi, was in charge of planning the bike trip this year. The riders split into teams of four so one member of each team could bike for about an hour and a half at a time, which would cover around 20 miles. Collectively, the group would travel about 100 miles in a day before stopping at various churches, schools or friends’ homes to sleep along the way.

Bibby said the best part of the trip for him was meeting the individuals who get the dogs.

Alpha Sigma Phi is currently accepting donations for next year’s bike trip, and those who would like to give can contact Pike at tpike21@ gmail.com.

For more information about CCI, visit www.cci.org. editorial@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Kyle Bibby

The participants in the 2010 bike trip gather with the CCI dogs.

June / July 2010

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12 June / July 2010

NEWS

GVL Archive

Matt McLogan and Dorothy Johnson go over their notes at a previous Board of Trustees meeting.

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Courtesy Photo / GVSU

Dorothy Johnson’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2010.

Courtesy Photo / Google Images

Doug Crim was originally chosen as a new trustee.

GVSU awaits new governor to make board appointments Former appointee, Douglas Crim, disappointed not to serve university after Senate’s rejection

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

The Board of Trustees at Grand Valley State University continues to wait for the appointment of its new members following the state Senate’s rejection of the first round of appointees.

“We are thankful for their willingness to serve,” said Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations, of the former appointees. “But this process is out of the university’s hands.”

He added there is nothing the university can do except wait to see who the new governor will appoint.

The Michigan Senate voted 21-17 on April 28 to reject the appointments made

by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Granholm had made 14 appointments to the boards at seven state universities including GVSU. Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Oakland County) said the

appointments should be reserved for the Douglas Crim of Haslett and Matthew next governor.

Tomasiewicz of Grand Rapids were However, the governor’s office was Granholm’s appointees to the GVSU disappointed to see her nominations board, though now they are no longer rejected. slated for the position.

“The citizens of this state and our state McLogan described them both as “fine universities are the real losers today,” said men.”

Liz Boyd, Granholm’s press secretary, in a Crim said he was disappointed to statement. “Sen. Bishop be able to serve the “During my service, rejected qualified university. appointees to serve “I’m not someone I have never taken a our state universities, who’s a political position for the good making them nothing appointee who has no of GVSU based on my more than partisan tie to the university,” political pawns.” political views, nor have said Crim, who Sen. Bill Hardiman attended GVSU on a I observed any other (R-Kent County) voted wrestling scholarship against Granholm’s and since has served board member do so.” appointments. He said as head of the Alumni the appointments are Association and also DOROTHY JOHNSON typically made by the as a member of the GVSU TRUSTEE governor who will be Wrestling Association. serving during the time “I actually have a very of the board members’ long history with the terms. Granholm’s term university.” will end at noon on Jan. 1, 2011 and the Crim described the situation as “very new board members would not begin their political” and said he is unsure whether he terms until then. He added Granholm has very good odds of being reappointed would likely make appointments in by the next governor. support of her political ideology.

“If the next governor wants to appoint “It has nothing to do with the quality someone with a significant relationship of the appointees or against the school,” with the university, I might stand a Hardiman said. chance,” Crim said.

There are two soon-to-be-vacant spots on GVSU’s Board of Trustees as the terms of Dorothy Johnson and Lucille Taylor expire on Dec. 31, 2010.

Johnson has served on the board for 15 1/2 years, or about two terms. During her time on the board, Johnson saw the appointment of two GVSU presidents, Mark Murray and Thomas Haas.

Though she said she would have been honored to be reappointed, Johnson also said the previous appointees would have been good additions to GVSU. “There were many fine people recommended for service,” Johnson said.

“I regret that by the Senate’s rejection, they can no longer be appointed.”

Johnson said she does not think political bias has a very big impact on the board’s decisions.

“During my service, I have never taken a position for the good of GVSU based on my political views, nor have I observed any other board member do so,” she said.

Johnson and Taylor will finish out their terms for the fall semester at GVSU before the next governor’s appointees take over in 2011. editorial@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn

FEATURES

June / July 2010

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Coast Guard festival to recognize importance of service, safety on lakes GVSU President Thomas Haas brings ‘always ready’ Coast Guard mentality to university

son said.

Commander Mike Smith, the festival’s executive director, said the Most people have some of idea event has become much more of a of what the Coast Guard represents community celebration and though and does, but few actually realize honoring the Coast Guard is the fothe broad load of active mission cus, the city, lake and people have they attend to daily; not to mention made the festival into what it is tothe idea that they consistently face a day. foe that has no conscience or mercy.

Grand Valley State University’s Mother nature as an enemy is with- president Thomas Haas was once a out a doubt unpredictable and cer- member of the Coast Guard and it tainly unforgiving. The Coast Guard would appear that the same commitknows this better than any and for ment to preserving natural resources this reason we celebrate their ex- has carried over as he continues to treme understanding of the elements helm the university, with notable and the lives they save with that success in GVSU’s green operaknowledge. tions.

West Michigan has faithfully In its mission, the festival seeks honored the Coast Guard since 1942, to honor the service, achievements and throughout time the Grand Ha- and duty of men and women such ven Coast Guard Festival has grown as Haas, who have pledged their cainto an immense occasion. Given the reers to making strides toward betvast multitude of resources and the ter communities and those who risk out-of-doors culture of the region, it their own lives to save others in desis no wonder that thousands travel perate times. from far out of state to witness the “It takes a certain type of person pristine waters and enjoy a commu- to take up with the Coast Guard,” nity unlike many others.

Smith said. “The ‘always ready’ “I think a lot of mentality will stay people only know with you forever.” “ It takes a certain type the Coast Guard from The festival will of person to take up what they’ve seen on run from July 30 to television and in the with the Coast Guard. Aug. 8 and a variety movies,” said loyal of events will take The ‘always ready’ festival attendee place each day culKevin Anderson. mentality will stay minating in a grand “But jumping out of show of fireworks. with you forever. ” helicopters and resOther notable events cuing people, while MIKE SMITH include the Grand being a pretty imporCOAST GUARD FESTIVAL’S Parade, drive-in car tant part of what they EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR show and a series of do, it doesn’t always musical performancmake up the majority of their re- es. sponsibilities. They protect far more Grand Haven plays host to one than just the lost and stranded.” of the largest Coast Guard ports in Anderson is also a member of the the region. For the occasion a few Grand Rapids Yacht Club, so he is vessels will be on hand and will exfamiliar with boat and water safety tend invitations to regale the general to an extent. He made sure to men- public with tours of these ships. tion though that no one could hold a For many years the citizens of candle to the abilities for which the the United States have heralded Coast Guards trains so rigorously. their veterans’ bravery and courage “Knowing that someone is out upon their return with adoration and there to keep us all safe and help us thanks, and still the form has not in a moment’s notice if we run into changed. Though the Coast Guard is danger makes it so much easier to not a weapons combative force and enjoy being out on the lake,” Ander- their enemies are not often men, the

By Elijah Brumback GVL A&E Editor

Courtesy Photo / visitgrandhaven.com

The Coast Guard Festival includes many forms of entertainment such as live music, a car show, water ski show and a craft show. The annual festival runs from July 30 to Aug. 8 in Grand Haven.

risk and danger are unaltered as they battle the elements.

Retired guardsman and now Arizona resident, James Johnson, and his wife have been returning to the festival for several years. Johnson said he gets a little too dried out living in the desert and has to come back every year to dip his feet in the water.

“The festival is a tradition to us, probably for a lot of people,” Johnson said. “I’m surprised by how many people keep coming to the festival, but there’s a real draw to this area that sucks people in to the landscape.”

Johnson is only one among many retired guardsmen who continue to visit the festival each year. He said the celebration always makes him feel his service is respected and appreciated and that he wouldn’t want the festival to ever change its truly American traditions.

For a complete list of events visit http://ghcgf.org arts@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / grandrapidspress.com

The crowd watches a ship demonstration at the Coast Guard Festival.

14 June / July 2010

FEATURES

Grand Valley Lanthorn

GVSU joins forces with community for belated thank-you to Vietnam veterans Fifth Third Ballpark, WGVU, Veterans History Project to host event recognizing sacrifice of Vietnam veterans officer stood by and saluted. Similar greetings met the group every 20 miles or so, and Oakes said the whole trip brought tears to his eyes.

People from across West Michigan will gather at The reason this return had such an emotional effect Fifth Third Ballpark on July 3 to attempt to remedy the on Oakes was because he had to reconcile it with the wrongs committed more than 35 years of a much colder reception “Just by showing up memories ago against the soldiers returning from when he returned from the Vietnam War the Vietnam War. (to the event), you 36 years earlier.

The event, Landing Zone Michigan, Oakes was 18 when he enlisted as say, a little belatedly, will be an important step in the healing a radio field operator for the Marines that what (the process of one veteran, Ron Oakes, who during the Vietnam War. He returned in has helped organize the project as a veterans) did does 1969 at the age of 20, though that time member of VFW post No. 702. there were no sirens to mark the occasion matter.”

In 2005, Oakes returned from serving and no one saluted the soldiers for their JAMES SMITHER 11 months in Iraq as part of the Michigan sacrifice and service.

DIRECTOR OF VETERANS National Guard. He and 56 other soldiers In 1969, the bus driver told the soldiers HISTORY PROJECT were bused to Detroit at the end of their to change into civilian clothes as soon as service. they could so as not to draw attention to the fact they Oakes said the first thing greeting them as they had been in the military. crossed the state line into Michigan was a state trooper “A lot of it went over my head,” Oakes said. “I was pulled into the median with the car’s sirens on as the

By Lauren Fitch GVL Editor in Chief

just so glad to be back home and out of combat.”

Still it was not life as usual as Oakes struggled to readjust to civilian life, yet was forced to deal with the experiences alone for fear of the negative reactions people had to the military at that time.

One example of rejection Oakes shared was when he went to ask out an old Dang girlfriend after returning from the war. Though the two had dated for a while before he enlisted, this time the girl’s father told Oakes to stay away because he did not want his daughter around a Marine.

Emotions ran high during his reminiscence as Oakes teared up and pulled close his wife, Kathie, who is also a Vietnam veteran and will speak at the July 3 event.

He cited these and many other examples of the poor reception Vietnam veterans have dealt with as reasons why the LZ Michigan event is so important.

“America should have been proud of (the Vietnam veterans) from the start because they are a remarkable group of men and women,” Oakes said. “To this day, most people don’t understand the true facts of the war and the credit due to the veterans.”

Sponsored by WGVU, Grand Valley State University and Fifth Third Ballpark, LZ Michigan will begin at 3 p.m. on July 3 with a motorcycle rally. The main program will start with different speakers, recognition and music before the

Continued on next page

Schedule of Events July 3 at Fifth Third Ballpark:

Courtesy Photo / GVSU

Vietnam veteran Ron Oakes shares his story at a press conference for the LZ Michigan event, which will take place on July 3.

1 p.m.: Motorcycle rally forms at Deltaplex and cruises to Fifth Third Ballpark 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Displays featuring Vietnam wall replica, traveling memorial wall and the “Living history of Vietnam” will be available for viewing as well as some military vehicles.

7 p.m.: The main program begins including a variety of speakers, singers, bands and other presentations.

10: 30 p.m.: Fireworks according to www.lzmichigan.org

Grand Valley Lanthorn

FEATURES

June / July 2010

GVL / Lauren Fitch

A motorcycle rally will be the first part of the LZ Michigan event on July 3.

GVL / Lauren Fitch

Veterans presented the flag during a promotion for LZ Michigan at Fifth Third Ballpark.

them for their service and sacrifice so many years ago.

In preparation for the event, many speakers shared the personal significance of the project.

Connie Dang, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at GVSU, shared a story of how the soldiers in Vietnam saved her family. Dang was a young girl during the war who took cover with her family in Saigon after North Vietnam forces started bombing the city. She credited the soldiers for sacrificing to keep her family safe and secure.

Also instrumental in organizing the event is the GVSU Veterans History

GVL / Lauren Fitch

Members of the VFW post No. 702 pose with Sen. Bill Hardiman at the press conference.

project. The Veterans History project, “This is not a group who’s come started in 2001 to work with the forward in large numbers to their Library of Congress, stories before,” “To this day, most is an oral history Smithers said. with the goal of He said GVSU is people don’t sharing the stories of a good partner for understand the true veterans from World the LZ Michigan facts of the war and War II on. event because the James Smither, university has the credit due to the director of the the manpower, veterans.”

Veterans History resources and RON OAKES Project, said he has networking to reach VIETNAM VETERAN been recruiting many a lot of veterans, of the thousand of and it supports the veterans now living university’s goal of in the West Michigan area to come giving back to the community. forward and share their experiences.

“We can take our skills and

resources and do something for people who most certainly deserve it,” Smithers said. “Just by showing up (to the event), you say, a little belatedly, that what (the veterans) did does matter.”

Tickets for LZ Michigan are $10 for general admission and veterans get in free. For more information on the complete schedule of events and to order tickets, visit www.lzmichigan. org. editorial@lanthorn.com

15

16 June / July 2010

SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Rowing team 3-peats as national champs, continues to England

By Emanuel Johnson GVL Managing Editor

For the third straight year, the Grand Valley State University rowing team managed to capture the overall team points trophy at the American Collegiate Rowing Association Club National Championship regatta.

Yet, despite having reached such a significant milestone, GVSU head coach John Bancheri, who has been instrumental in building the program into a national contender since his arrival in 2005, said the outing was less than ideal.

“At ACRA, we had to win on the success of the entire program,” he said. “Our individual varsity boats did very well but not as well as they were capable of. It was sort of like a track meet whereas we didn’t win the main event, but we did so well elsewhere that we made up for it.

It was the strength of the program that brought us a third straight ACRA championship.”

Each boat, however, will soon have the chance to redeem itself. The team will send a group of more than 30 athletes to England to tour the countryside and take part in the Henley Royal Regatta, the oldest rowing event in the world.

“Going over to Henley will be a chance

Courtesy Photo / Facebook

The men and women rowers gather with their trophies after winning the ACRA regatta.

for us to further put our name out there in the rowing community,” Bancheri said. “Every couple of years since Don Lubbers started the tradition in the early ‘90s, we’ve sent a group over there. But I think that this will be strongest group that we’ve ever sent.”

The women, who captured the women’s team points trophy at the ACRA championships, will depart on Saturday and spend two weeks in a rented house during their stay.

Senior Kathryn Phelan said the Henley

competition should bring out the best in the team.

“We’re very definitively happy with the ACRA results as the end of our national season and the end of the season for a lot of our teammates, but England is just a whole different game,” she said. “The training is different, the races are different, the atmosphere is different – to me it seems like its own separate mini-season at the end of a very successful mini-season.”

The women will compete in the Women’s

Henley Regatta, the Senior Women’s Eight and the Senior Women’s Four with coxswain.

The men will depart on June 21 for the same house once the women have finished their tour.

Bancheri said the men were in a period of rebuilding in the past, but in England they will have the opportunity to pick up some extra experience in their boats. U.S. rowing rules mandate that only undergraduates may participate in collegiate races, but British rules allow for graduate students to participate as well.

Because of this, GVSU assistant coaches Mark McllDuff and Geoff Sadek will participate in the action in England.

Sadek, who graduated from GVSU as team captain last year, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to once again row as a Laker.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” he said. “I never really stopped training since last season ended, so I’ve gotten faster and stronger on the water since then. I’m looking forward to the high level of competition and the tradition, as well as the opportunity to put on a demonstration for our rowers.”

The men will compete in the Men’s Henley Royal Regatta, the Temple Challenge Cup and the Jesus College Men’s Spare Pair. managingeditor@lanthorn.com

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DIVERSIONS

Courtesy Graphic / NSF

The National Science Foundation gave GVSU $1.1 million.

June / July 2010

17

GVSU uses $1.1 million from NSF for research, graduate programs

BY Molly Waite GVL Senior Reporter

Researchers at Grand Valley State University were honored by the National Science Foundation this past March with multiple grants totally at almost $1.1 million to fund work in biomedical engineering, math education, aquatic plant life and fossil record research in South Africa.

In the few months since receiving the funds, the recipients have been hard at work putting them to use.

“I am extremely pleased and proud of the efforts of our faculty resulting in this grant from NSF,” said GVSU President Thomas Haas. “It demonstrates the active scholarship of our faculty in very relevant areas of study. I know that NSF has the confidence in Grand Valley State University to deliver on the promises of our research.”

Dana Cruikshank, a spokesperson from the NSF, explained the difficulty in selecting who would receive these grants.

“It is a very competitive process, selecting the programs that we fund,” Cruikshank said. “Based on the recommendations of their peers, the folks that applied for funding with us submitted proposals that were of a high enough merit and quality to get funded. Most proposals that are submitted are not funded, so the ones that are deemed to be of high enough merit and are funded should be considered pretty strong quality projects.”

According to a university press release, John Farris and Samhita Rhodes from the School of Engineering were awarded $699,997 to develop a new master’s program in biomedical engineering. The program applies mathematics, science and engineering expertise to medicine and health to increase understanding of areas from molecules to organ systems.

“The master’s program in biomedical engineering, the only one of its kind in West Michigan, is designed to educate engineers in developing innovating, marketable products for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation and for improving health,” Rhodes said.

Paul Plotkowski, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering and

Computing at GVSU, said in a GVSU press release that this program will make a much-needed contribution to Michigan’s b u r g e o n i n g Rhodes biomedical sector by preparing students for work in the medical device industry, for medical school, health care management or careers in research and development.

“This program provides the only opportunity for graduate biomedical engineering education in the region,” Plotkowski said. “The program will ensure the continued development and growth of Michigan’s workforce and help make the region a leader in health sciences.”

Three other projects at GVSU also received NSF awards.

Ryan Thum, assistant professor at the Annis Water Resources Institute, received a $7,000 supplement to a previous grant for his research into hybridization in a rapidly expanding aquatic plant species – a high priority for research into invasive species.

Thum’s project has received a total of $142,000 in grant support.

Justin Adams, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, received a $84,939 grants for his fossil record research near the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa.

William Dickinson, associate professor of mathematics, received a three-year, $228,314 grant to continue a program that provides students with first-hand knowledge of the process of conducting mathematical research with nationally-recognized mathematics professors.

“Having this program at Grand Valley is an honor and this increases our national reputation for being a leader in the area of undergraduate instruction,” Dickinson said. “Having this program makes a degree from Grand Valley more valuable.”

Associate professor Jonathan Hodge was the co-principal investigator for the mathematics program. mwaite@lanthorn.com

18 June / July 2010

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GV professor investigates power of Kalamazoo Promise Michelle Miller-Adams shares insights on importance of scholarship in creating opportunities for students, strengthening economy

By Anya Zentmeyer GVL Assistant News Editor

Dr. Michelle MillerAdams, Grand Valley State University assistant professor of political science, has spent the last 4 1/2 years researching the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship, writing a book about it and helping other communities learn how to build similar programs.

The Kalamazoo Promise is a scholarship designed for graduates of the Kalamazoo Public Schools that was announced in November 2005 and is funded entirely from anonymous donors.

Students who attend KPS for kindergarten through 12th grade receive a 100 percent tuition/fees scholarship, while those who attend from ninth through 12th grade receive 65 percent (with a sliding scale in between). The program is set up to continue in perpetuity, and students have 10 years after graduation to use their scholarships.

Miller-Adams said she thought it was important that someone told the story of the origins of the scholarship and the impact that it made initially. After receiving a grant

from the Upjohn Institute for said. She said GVSU could Employment Research in be the school to make sure Kalamazoo, she wrote her these students are successful book and now works there as in college. a visiting scholar in addition to Other communities across her position at GVSU. the state have developed “I had the idea of writing a programs modeled on the book about the Promise literally Kalamazoo Promise, Millerthe day it was announced,” said Adams said. Michigan recently Miller-Adams. “I realized that auhorized 10 “Promise Zones” a program that replicate of this key features “I realized that a magnitude of the program of this had the program. potential to Still, magnitude had the transform the fact the potential to transform donors of the Kalamazoo Kalamazoo in many in many scholarship different a r e different ways ...” ways — anonymous MICHELLE including is unique to MILLER-ADAMS g i v i n g Kalamazoo GVSU PROFESSOR tremendous and has opportunities for students, become rather atypical in attracting new families into the today’s society, according school district, strengthening to Joel Orosz, professor of the economy and changing the philanthropic studies. public perception of the school “It is certainly true that district.” anonymous giving on the scale She also said GVSU of the Kalamazoo Promise — could benefit from recruiting millions of dollars per year for the Promise scholarship a period of many years — is recipients. unusual in the extreme and “Many Kalamazoo probably unprecedented,” Promise recipients come from said Orosz. “The desire for lower-income families and anonymity among the seven are the first in their families to donors is sensible given go to college,” Miller-Adams the circumstances. If their

identities were known, it would open them up to a torrent of requests for funding ... In fact, the identities of the donors, if known, could divert the focus from where it belongs, namely on the Promise itself, and the success of the kids it supports.”

The only downside, he said, is that anonymity makes it so the donors cannot advocate for it in Kalamazoo nor can they try to recruit other potential donors to imitate their generosity in other communities.

A native of California, Miller-Adams moved to Michigan in 1994 and has been teaching at GVSU since 2006. Currently, she lives in Kalamazoo with her daughter and commutes to GVSU three times a week, teaching courses in international political economy and international relations as well as sections in the capstone seminar for political science majors.

To learn more about MillerAdams and her book, visit http://michellemilleradams. com, or to read the first chapter online, go to http:// www.upjohninstitute.org/ publications/ch1/pop.pdf. assistantnews@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Michelle Miller-Adams

Michelle Miller-Adams teaches political science at GVSU.

Courtesy Photo / Michelle Miller-Adams Courtesy Photo / Michelle Miller-Adams

A billboard promotes the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship. All students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public School are eligible.

The book, “Power of a Promise” by Michelle Miller-Adams, examines the effects of the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship.

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