Issue 31, Dec. 6, 2012 - Grand Valley Lanthorn

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Software company Corlnet joins MAREC

BY ELLIE PHILLIPS GVL STAFF WRITER

The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center has brought a new specialty business into its ranks. The software development company Corlnet has BOEZAART signed a two-year agreement with Grand Valley State University that allows the company use of incubator space at MAREC locations.

Based in Muskegon, Corlnet has an office in Grand Rapids and develops software for small businesses, government offices and Fortune 500 companies, offering proprietary software products, managed services

and custom software development to clients across the U.S. in locations such as West Michigan, California, Texas and Florida.

Though Corlnet is only two years old, it has public and private sector clients in industries such as education, health care, insurance, aerospace, transportation and manufacturing.

Corlnet’s addition to MAREC was facilitated through a referral and incentive program, through which Corlnet joined another business, Longerdays.com, which also utilizes the incubator space at MAREC. “Business incubators are spaces that are designed to help new and sometimes referred to as ‘start up’ businesses,” said Arn Boezaart, director of MAREC. These spaces offer business support resources and services that help entrepreneurial companies grow during their early stages.

MAREC has a dual function, focusing on not only energy, but also on technology,

Boezaart said. On the technological side, MAREC is part of the Muskegon SmartZone, which is a joint venture with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the city of Muskegon and GVSU intended to promote and attract high-technology business development in Muskegon and the region.

“As part of the Muskegon SmartZone, it’s important for us to support locally based technology start-ups as well as energy-related businesses,” Boezaart said.

Hank Betten, founder of Corlnet, moved the business into MAREC offices on Nov. 1, leading a team of six full-time employees.

“Our company includes software engineers, developers and architects who can build custom software for customer-specific needs, versus other types of companies that often adapt existing ‘one-size-fits-all’ products that may not serve a customer’s

unique business process,” Betten said.

“We’ve had a great year, and I see it continuing. I expect to double our staff to 12 employees in the coming year.”

Although there are many software companies in West Michigan, Corlnet stands among the few owned and centered locally in the Muskegon/Lakeshore region. This location allows Corlnet to have face-toface interactions between clients and the company’s developers.

Betten said Corlnet’s ultimate goal is to revolutionize the marketplace for the information technology infrastructure industry, enabling it to engage more effectively with customers and end-users in developing solutions for their business needs.

To learn more about the business incubator program, www.gvsu.edu/marec/ business-incubator-program. ephillips@lanthorn.com

FLAMES CONSUME HOUSE

SEILER FAMILY | COURTESY

Up in smoke: Following a nearly four hour fight, firefighters were able to put out the fire that consumed the Seiler home.

GVSU.EDU | COURTESY

Happy goodbyes: Over 1,000 GVSU students, like those pictured above, will gradute at Saturday’s commencement.

GV waves goodbye to over 1,000 graduates

BY ANYA ZENTMEYER GVL EDITOR IN CHIEF

Grand Valley State University will send off more than 1,000 graduates on Dec. 8 during the university’s commencement ceremony, hosted at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids.

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, will be the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Ford Bales has held a num-

ber of public service positions throughout her tenure, acting as a global ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the chair of the Betty Ford Center from 2005-10, a board member of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Foundation and the Bosque School in New Mexico.

“Grand Valley had a long-standing relationship SEE COMMENCEMENT, A2

Team rallies around fellow member and his family after fire

By Austin Metz Associate Editor

I

t was in the early morning hours of Nov. 26 that Jake Seiler received a phone call from his mother that would change his life forever.

“I was at my apartment when I got a call at 1 a.m. from my mom, and she was hysterical,” Seiler said. “So she called me and was like, ‘Jake, our house is on fire or she said something like our house burned down, it’s gone, the whole thing is gone.’ I was in shock and couldn’t believe it.”

The fire, which began when some old ashes ignited in a trash can by the side of the house, destroyed the entire house in a matter of hours.

“I was just in shock, I couldn’t even believe it,” Seiler said. “I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? This is a joke. This is not real life. This doesn’t happen to me, this isn’t going

to happen to us.’ It was just a freak occurrence that you would never anticipate happening to yourself.”

Seiler is a senior at Grand Valley State University and for the past three years has anchored the defense for the men’s lacrosse team.

“Jake was a pillar of our defense from my first day at Grand Valley,” said head coach Tim Murray.

“He has just the athleticism and the quickness and just physically the toughness which are huge attributes for a defenseman.”

Although he will be missing this season with a torn ACL, he has still done what he can to help the team.

“Since he has blown out his knee, he still doesn’t miss practices,” Murray said. “We don’t have the best schedule of practices and with the amount classes that happen in the afternoon and evenings, we felt the

only time we could get the entire team there was in the morning.

“Most of those practices came from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the morning, and it was cold and miserable,” Murray said. “Jake was still there handing out water every single day and this just speaks to how important the camaraderie and importance of the student aspect of this lacrosse group is. It’s not that he was just there, it was that he was doing whatever he could.”

Seiler has always been there for the team and now that he needs them, they have been there for love and support.

“I really can’t even describe how they really all feel for me,” Seiler said. “They all have been helping keep me in good spirits over the past couple weeks and have helped SEE FIRE, A2

New policy aims for religious inclusion

By Leah Mitchell GVL Staff Writer

AMY HAMMOND | GVL

Free to worship: GVSU will now allow students to miss religious holidays without fear of missing educational obligations.

At Grand Valley State University, the adjustment from fall to winter semester isn’t the only anticipated change. Recently approved by the univeristy’s Senior Management Team, a new policy has been finalized and is now declared in effect by the University Counsel.

The Religious Inclusion Policy recognizes that, “although the university does not observe religious

holidays, it recognizes that there are a number of religious holidays that affect significant numbers of our students, staff and faculty.”

Through this policy, students, staff and faculty have the opportunity to observe their faith without conflict or penalty of missing educational or professional obligations.

As Assistant Vice President of Affirmative Action at GVSU, Dwight Hamilton’s role is to investigate claims of discrimination and harassment and review policies related to

those issues. It was with those responsibilities in mind that Hamilton drafted the propsal himself.

“I’m hoping that the policies will further make Grand Valley a more inclusive environment, where students can observe their faiths,” Hamilton said. “The next step is getting the word out on (the) policies to the GVSU community. We will also be including information on (the) policies in current and future training.”

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keep my mind off of it. They say their condolences, they say they are sorry. Every single one has offered to help in any way they can.”

Although Seiler was not staying at the house at the time of the fire, his family was all there but was able to get out because of the family’s smoke detectors.

“The fire started right next to my brother’s room, basically, and luckily my dad heard the fire alarms, went to check it out,

DECEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn

went upstairs and saw the smoke,” Seiler said. “He woke up the kids, got them out, got my mom out, everyone out. The fire alarms saved their lives, otherwise my brother might not be here.”

In the days and weeks following the fire, the Seiler family has seen support from students, friends and the community.

“The thing that has helped me the most has been the overwhelming outreach we have received from everyone about the situation,” Seiler said. “So many people have come out to help us. I never would

have imagined this many people would come out to help our family. It’s just a great feeling to know that we have so many friends and family that care about us and are here to support us.”

Not only has the Seiler family received love and support from friends and family, they have also received overwhelming support from those in the lacrosse community.

“They understand that a member from our team is hurting and going through a tough time,” Murray said. “More importantly, it’s

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Different policies at GVSU are subject to review through faculty governance, the Administrative/Professional Committee, the Provost Committee and finally to the Senior Management Team.

The AP Committee, which consists of any executive administrative professional staff, had the opportunity to voice any concerns or ask any questions when Hamilton originally presented the policy. Michelle McCloud, chair of the AP Commit-

Grand Valley State University will send off more than 1,000 graduates on Dec. 8 during the university’s commencement ceremony, hosted at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids.

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, will be the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Ford Bales has held a number of public service positions throughout her tenure, acting as a global ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the chair of the Betty Ford Center from 2005-10, a board member of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Foundation and the Bosque School in New Mexico.

“Grand Valley had a long-standing relationship with President Ford when he was alive as well as his entire family,” said Mary Eilleen Lyon, associate vice president of GVSU’s News and Information Services. “Susan Ford Bales is accomplished in her own right and has continued to support West Michigan, along with her many causes.”

Currently, Ford Bales is a trustee for both the Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy Trust and the Gerald R. Ford

tee, said the policy passed with no questions or concerns and continued to flow right through the system.

“It is really good to clarify things for students and allow them to observe different religious holidays,” McCloud said. “It is a good foundation for students to have in order to be excused from classes and observe their faith. There is now a specific form, and clear process on how to handle these issues, where it may not have been as clear before.”

With policies like religious inclusion which are complicated topics, there have been discussions for

not just a member from the opposing team, it’s a member of the lacrosse community in West Michigan that we are all a part of. I think they see that and they realize that and they will do anything they can to help. They know, if the shoe is on the other foot, we would do whatever we can for them.”

Moving forward, the Seiler family will be staying in a church friend’s cottage until insurance can help to rebuild what was lost.

“It honestly has been a blessing in disguise just knowing that everyone can come so close and that

Presidential Foundation.

This year, for the first time, GVSU will recognize student veterans and active military members with patriotic recognition cords, something Steve

“For the first time, GVSU will be making complimentary recognition cords available to graduation students, faculty and staff with prior military services in the U.S. Armed Forces, who attend commencement. ” STEVEN LIPNICKI

ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS

Lipniki, assistant dean of students, said more colleges and universities in the U.S. have been utilizing in commencement ceremonies since the post-September 11 G.I. Bill benefits began in 2009.

years. Jon Jellema, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, said it has been hard to implement a strong policy that addresses both professors and students in a fair manner.

“For some time, there has been tension when academic obligations clash with religious observation,” Jellema said. “My understanding is that the new policy expands and clarifies the existing language.”

Questions about what students should do when they have classroom obligations that conflict with their religious faiths have been

people are good and people can do wonderful things for each other,” Seiler said.

Murray said that for those looking to help the Seiler family, GVSU’s lacrosse team will host a benefit game Dec. 6 and take on crosstown rival Davenport University at 7 p.m. in the Kelly Family Sports Center.

Those who attend are asked to give a minimum donation of $5 but are welcome to give more. There will also be a silent auction to raise more money for the family. associate@lanthorn.com

“The recognition cords are distributed to identify current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and to acknowledge their service and sacrifice,” Lipnicki said. “For the first time, GVSU will be making complimentary recognition cords available to graduating students, faculty and staff, with prior military services in the U.S. Armed Forces, who attend commencement.”

Lipnicki said about a dozen student vets will cross the stage during the commencement ceremony, which kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

GVSU will award Martin E. Marty, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, an honorary doctor of letters to recognize his role in promoting religious and cultural understanding.

In addition, the Alumni Association will present Kathleen Underwood, director of GVSU’s women and gender studies program and associate professor of history, the Outstanding Educator Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award will go to Maryjean Schenk, vice dean for medical education at the Wayne Sate University School of Medicine.

For more information, or to watch the Dec. 8 live stream, visit www.gvsu. edu/commencement. editorial@lanthorn.com

raised consistently. What happens when examinations are scheduled on Yom Kippur or Good Friday?

Jellema said the new policy provides guidance for faculty and students to help them reach an agreement on how to accommodate religious observance without sacrificing class requirements. Additionally, as a public institution, religious holidays aren’t recognized so university organizations should be familiar with holidays when scheduling campus events.

Specifically in the past, Family Weekend has been scheduled

during the Jewish high holidays, which gave the wrong impression that the Jewish community isn’t a part of the GVSU family. This mistake wasn’t done intentionally, but out of lack of familiarity with the significant holidays of others. The policy suggests that event planners consider religious holidays when scheduling significant campus events to maximize inclusion.

The policy will soon be available in print, located on the Inclusion and Equity website at www. gvsu.edu/inclusion. lmitchell@lanthorn.com

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

Lanthorn Volume 47, Number 31 The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published twice-weekly by Grand Valley State University students 62 times a year.

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Township seeks student input in development

BY ANYA ZENTMEYER GVL EDITOR IN CHIEF

KATE HARMON | COURTESY

Preventative action: New lockers have been installed in the men’s and women’s locker rooms to try to prevent further break ins.

Renovated locker rooms reduce theft

BY RACHEL CROSS GVL STAFF WRITER

Securing your belongings may be the last of your worries when running from class to class. But the less conscious students are about securing their items, the higher the risk of falling victim to theft.

From the end of September to the end of October, an individual stole five wallets from Grand Valley State University students who didn’t bolt their lockers in the men’s locker room of the Fieldhouse Arena.

Capt. Brandon DeHaan, assistant director of the Grand Valley Police Department, said the individual who stole the wallets used cash inside them and had charged credit cards, as well.

“The person who stole the items is not currently a GVSU student, but is familiar with the GVSU community,” DeHaan said.

DeHaan said the arraignment date for the person who stole the wallets will be next year, and that these larcenies were crimes of opportunity.

In addition, he said GVPD encourages people to secure all their belongings.

Some of the common items within the stolen wallets included student IDs, licenses, credit cards, bank statements and health cards. Students missing these items must contact different organizations like the Secretary of State, social security, credit card companies, and so on to let them know about their loss. They can then take the necessary steps to prevent the person who stole the information from stealing their identity.

“It can be a very daunting process to connect to all these different organiza-

tions,” DeHaan said. “Your identity is stolen and the person can pose as you and set up accounts with specific information that one had in their wallet.”

He said people should also never carry a social security card in their wallets because this drives thefts.

“For the most part, we have an excellent student body, where the vast majority of students act and behave very well and don’t engage in larcenies or bad behavior,” DeHaan said.

“However, occasionally we get people, because of crime of opportunity, that engage in bad behavior.”

He added that while it only takes a moment to lock a locker, over 60 percent of larcenies are due to crimes of opportunity.

Kate Harmon, associate director of athletic and recreation facilities, said the Fieldhouse is a high usage building by students, which in turn increases the number of thefts.

She said that last year there were a total of 15,000 different students that used the recreation center, and that they usually see over 330,000 visits in one year.

“There are lots of people that use our services and all it takes is one person to steal,” Harmon said.

In order to prevent these thefts within the locker room, the recreation center has a number of locks that students can check out for free with their student ID if they don’t want to purchase a lock, Harmon said.

“We started (giving out locks) this past summer,” she said. “Students now have options in securing their stuff if they don’t want to spend six dollars on a lock.”

She added that a high majority of

students are taking advantage of the lock service, and that the center has been running out, especially during its busy times. The center recently purchased an additional order of locks.

“We have fresh signage that promotes awareness of locking up items,” Harmon said. “We encourage our staff in also suggesting to students to lock up their stuff with our locks.”

Harmon said the location of the locker rooms are easier to access for any person in the community because there are different entrances, like in the pool deck and two entrances in the hallway within the Fieldhouse. These easy to access entrances are all the more reason for students to take extra precautionary measures in securing their belongings.

She added that the theft issue is not new, and that a couple years ago the men’s locker room was renovated to make it more open and less secluded, thus reducing the likelihood of theft.

“The lockers before the renovation were installed in the 80s, and they bent to the point where people could bend them and break in even if the locker was locked,” Harmon said. “We got some dollars put into new lockers with the highest durability brand that you can buy, and we also reorganized the locker room rows to open up a line perimeter of the lockers so it’s more open.

The rows of lockers allowed secluded thefts to occur more, and this reorganization has dramatically reduced issues of thefts.”

If you, or someone you know has lost items due to larceny, call the GVPD at 616-331-3255. In addition, call the Fieldhouse at 616-331-8940

Allendale Township administrators are asking Grand Valley State University students to participate in an online survey they are conducting in cooperation with the township’s Downtown Development Authority.

Jerry Alkema, Allendale Township supervisor, said any student input they glean from the survey will be important as the township moves forward with public policy.

“Surveys give direction and feedback to what residents are looking for,” Alkema said. “Before we make public policy, we would like as much input at possible.”

Last December, Allendale Township Planning Commission released the results of a 10-question rezoning survey that reported 38 percent of the more than 300 respondents said the most pressing issue facing the township was the impact of GVSU. Forty-seven point seven percent of those respondents, who were asked to check off their three greatest concerns in regards to GVSU’s impact on the area, reported that their greatest concern was with students not being a part of the Allendale Township community, 38 percent with the interaction between local businesses and college students, 36.8 percent with the location of student housing and 29.9 expressed concern that there was too much student housing.

Among a handful of other GVSU-related questions asked on last years’ rezoning survey, 71.7 percent – or 236 out of 329 total respondents – catego-

rized “engaging GVSU as a community member” as an important issue, while 28.3 percent said it was not as important as others.

The current survey, 44 questions long, focuses more on specific questions about respondents shopping habits, restaurant preference and frequency of visits, transportation and recreation activities, along with a few others.

Answers to the survey are strictly confidential, Alkema said, and do not ask responders to provide a name, address, email or any other specific information for the person or residence responding.

“Your input will help with the planning process and efforts to enhance, preserve or expand activities and opportunities in Allendale,” he said.

The results to survey will be available to the public by the end of next month.

To fill out the questionnaire, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/AllendaleResSrvy or go to www. lanthorn.com to view this story online for a direct link. editorial@lanthorn.com

“Surveys give direction and feedback to what residents are looking for. Before we make public policy, we would like as much input as possible.”

JERRY ALKEMA ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

Recreation Fields first certified sustainable site in MI

BY ELLIE PHILLIPS GVL STAFF WRITER

The Grand Valley State University Student Recreation Fields have received the honor of being the first location certified as a Sustainable Site in Michigan, and one of the first in the country to be certified as part of the pilot project SITES. SITES, the Sustainable Sites Initiative, is an interdisciplinary partnership led by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of The University of Texas in Austin, and the United States Botanic Garden. SITES is modeled after the U. S. Green Building Council’s LEED program, and was formed to create voluntary national guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction and maintenance practices.

“This recognition is evidence of our project’s achievement in demonstrating an innovative and successful application of sustainable land design and development practices through the SITES Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009,” said James R. Moyer, LEED AP and Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning at GVSU. “Our participation in the pilot program has been invaluable in testing and improving the SITES rating system with a diverse set of projects.”

The program has only accepted one other site in Michigan as part of its pilot endeavor, and GVSU was the first location to receive its two-star certification.

Other projects involved in the pilot program span 34 U.S. states as well as Canada, Iceland, and Spain.

The fields were selected as part of the pilot program in 2010 and dedicated in Oct. of 2011. More than 150 other projects were chosen as well, to help revise a performance rating system used by SITES. The project was judged on categorical efforts that included site selection, pre-design assessment and planning, water, soil, and vegetation, material selection, human health and well-being, operations and maintenance, and monitoring and innovation.

Encompassing 65 acres of land that include rugby, lacrosse, and two softball fields, a track throws area and 400 meter track, as well as a stormwater management system and picnic shelters, the fields provide increased recreational space for the ever-increasing number of students involved in athletics, sports, and clubs on campus.

This project continues the University’s commitment to remain a leader of sustainable building practices by serving as a research facility for wildlife and storm water study that is beneficial to students in several academic areas. The studies currently in progress include the storm water as it flows through the management system, disposition of water as it flows through the same, and the blue bird habitat.

Storm water studies conducted on the certified land have helped decrease the amount of runoff erosion generated by non-permeable areas of construction

on GVSU’s campus, mainly parking lots and roads. The storm-generated runoff was originally channeled into the Little Mac Ravines, where it caused significant increases in the erosion levels of the ravine and the stream running through it. To control this, Facilities Services at GVSU constructed a wetland area into which to channel the runoff from storms.

“Water will be directed to the wetlands during storm events to allow the water to move more slowly away from campus to the west, eventually joining Ottawa Creek after passing through a series of ponds and wetlands,” said Peter Wempler, Assistant Professor of Geology. “These constructed wetlands will not only provide a beautiful addition to the campus, but they will be a living laboratory for studying ecosystems, hydrology, wildlife, and water chemistry.”

“Both Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds nest in some of the 100 nest boxes mounted on poles on the study site,” said Professor Michael Lombardo of GVSU. “Aside from learning about the biology of Tree Swallows, our re-

ROBERT MATHEWS | GVL

One of a kind: The recreation fields at Grand Valley State University were the first site in Michigan to receive the two-star certification and was only one of two sites to even be accepted.

search has provided dozens of GVSU undergraduates with research experiences.

Several of our students have gone on to earn M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees.”

The addition of the ponds has improved the habitat for nesting Tree Swallows and other species of birds in the area as well, though the Eastern Bluebird population has not seemed to be affected. Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Spotted Sandpipers, Marsh Wrens, and Killdeer have been found at the study site, as well as Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Song Sparrows,

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Savannah Sparrows, Eastern Kingbirds, and American Robins.

“I have seen painted turtles and snapping turtles in the ponds,” Lombardo said. “This summer we saw a mink around the ponds.

The ponds also now support populations of green frogs.”

For more information on how the Student Recreation Fields are helping GVSU and the surrounding area’s stormwater management, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/ stormwater/.

For more information on the Tree Swallows and Bluebirds, contact Michael

Lombardo at lombardm@ gvsu.edu.

For more information on the SITES project, visit www.sustainablesites.org/ pilot/.

To view a virtual tour of the Student Recreation Fields, visit h t t p : / / w w w. g v s u . e d u / homepage/360tour/files/ building/095C311BC C 4 6 - E A D 7 336E7C3C93138587/tour. html. You can also view more virtual tours of campus buildings and facilities at www.gvsu.edu/360tour. ephillips@lanthorn.com

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OPINION

DECEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn

VALLEY VOTE:

LAST ISSUE’S QUESTION:

Do you think students should be excused from class for religious observance?

Have you pulled an all-nighter to cram for an exam?

Vote online at lanthorn.com

Y E S 50% N O 50%

EDITORIAL

PAY IT FORWARD When GVSU lacrosse player Jake Seiler and his family lost their home to a fire, his teammates stepped up. So what’s stopping you?

A

s a university, Grand Valley State University is a community of students, faculty, employees and alumni. However cliche it might sound, a good community is like a family, and as everybody’s favorite Real Housewife of New Jersey Caroline Manzo once said, “let me tell you something about my family, we’re as thick as thieves.”

If we really are a Laker nation, like we’ve all heard so many times recited in speeches and plasted on our bumper stickers, then right now, in the midst of the chaos of exams, we have the opportunity to prove it.

This past week GVSU lacrosse player Jake Seiler and his family were victims of a house fire, which started when fire ashes reignited in a trash can outside the house, destroyed the family house and has forced the family to find temperary housing until insurance can kick in to help cover the cost of rebuilding the family home.

Although the Seiler’s have been able to stay at a fully-furnished cottage for the time being, there is a reality outside waiting for them. From clothing to vehicles to knick-nacks and photographs - nearly all of the Seiler family’s worldly posessions, so to speak - were lost to the fire. Al-

QUESTION OF THE ISSUE

though most of the memories can never be replaced, with a little bit of assistance and a lot of good will, GVSU community members have the power to help kickstart the healing process. There is still a lot of need, and a lot of ways the GVSU community can rally around them.

Today, the GVSU lacrosse team will be playing a benefit match against what head coach Tim Murray called a crosstown rival in Davenport University at 7 p.m. in the Kelly Family Sports Center.

Seiler, who will not be able to play in the match because of a torn ACL, will be on the sidelines helping the team by passing

out water and giving guidance whenever needed.

The game is being put on at little to no cost with even the referees giving their pay for the game back to the Seiler family so come out and show support.

Organizers are asking those in attendence to give a minimum donation of $5, but there will also be a silent auction to help raise more money for the family.

So this holiday season - even if stress has your hair turning grey and your jawline tense - remember that there’s a lot to be thankful for and equally as important, a reason to pay it forward.

COURTESY CARTOON I BY KING FEATURES

Do you think students should get class off for religious purposes?

“Students should be excused from class for religious observance.

If their religion is valuable to them, they should be allowed to excused.”

Marlyss Hutchinson

Freshman, biomedical sciences Macomb, Mich.

“No, religion is a personal choice and students should accept any consequences of their choices.”

Katie Hammond Senior, psychology Grand Rapids, Mich.

“I believe they should, as long as it’s legit (they’re not just using it as an excuse to get out of class) and as long as all religions are consider equally as valid as other religions.”

From dancing in the kitchen to the stage

John Tibbitts

Junior, film and video Muskegon, Mich.

“I think students should be excused since they have the opportunity to openly practice their religion in this country. If a religious observance does conflict with class, then arrangements can be made.”

Angele Yazbec

Junior, psychology and spanish Farmington Hills, Mich.

“Yes, I believe freedom of religion should be able to be expressed under any circumstances. As a diverse university, religion should be included in a students background.”

Joseph Sheperd

Junior, allied health sciences Romeo, Mich.

Lanthorn

The student-run newspapers at Grand Valley State University

BY STEPHANIE SCHOCH GVL COLUMNIST

Stages are intimidating. That moment when the lights are about to go on, the audience cheers and the music starts is like no other.

You have this urge to make sure that your straps are still where they should be, to practice one last time, and knowing that time will continue on and you’ll be forced to perform, you wish that you weren’t so nervous.

Dance Troupe, the largest organization on GVSU’s campus, had their three

Editor in Chief Associate Editor Community Engagement Advertising Manager

BY NATE SMITH GVL COLUMNIST

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.

ing). I thought that I needed more room, but I worked with what I had.

Practices in Dance Troupe were most often in racquetball courts, and although they might seem big with only one person dancing, when there are 30 to 40, it’s not quite so roomy anymore. But, it was comfortable: the only difference was the missing kitchen utensils and the lessened chance of injury.

Getting on stage was a completely different picture.

Walking on alone, you have what seems like miles of space, standing in the dark, waiting to be revealed to an ever-judging audience. Is it the right music, is my costume on right, do I have lipstick in my teeth, do I really

know this dance? And then suddenly the lights come up, blinding, only silhouettes and outlines can be seen, all positioned so that they can stare right at you. At first it seems like a form of public humiliation. But then you turn to the side in order to leap and you see a line of friendly faces, all smiling out at the once-threatening audience, as your sanity slowly but surely returns.

And then, in an instant, the stage is what frees you, the people around you are only thought of supporters, and there is nothing more to do than smile and dance.

Stages are intimidating. But the thought of letting both yourself and your fellow dancers down is worse. sschoch@lanthorn.com

Am I the only one who hates Christmas?

EDITORIAL PAGE BOARD ANYA ZENTMEYER AUSTIN METZ BRIANA DOOLAN ANGELA COROLLA

shows this past weekend, and although I am a biased source, I have to say, they were wonderful. The people, the dances, the music, the amounts of make up covering everyone’s faces and the nerves: it was all a part of an amazing experience that is almost indescribable.

I was always one of those kids that danced wherever I could, the most well known place being the kitchen.

Over the years, I cheated loss of limb and death, twirling around knifes and ovens, leaping four feet forward when I really only had three feet of space. I was always bribed or shooed to leave the room, especially after the Thanksgiving incident of 2009 (there’s still a bit of gravy stain on the ceil-

I hate Christmas. I’m not a fan of snow, ham or hearing the same seven horrible songs over and over every year. Why do I feel so alone on this?

I can’t be the only person who dreads the end of daylight savings time and the dozens of ‘special’ greetings and jokes that come with the end of the year. “Which reindeer had the cleanest antlers?” …Who cares? Shut up.

Please. (If you don’t know the answer, email me so I can tell you to Google it.)

I just feel like every-

thing is so forced now.

With every concerning party having its own agenda, I don’t know what’s real. Companies want me to buy a ton of stuff I don’t need. My family wants me to be nice to relatives I find annoying.

All the while everybody is begging me not to drink, and I’m expected to keep a smile on my face the whole time. How does everybody do it? What am I missing?

Maybe it’s my diet. I feel like everybody is usually still buzzing off of his or her sweet Thanksgiving offerings well into December. I, on the other hand, am a vegetarian.

One that usually finds his plate sporting the two to three specially made side dishes he guilted his family into preparing with the

rest of the food.

Maybe the lack of attention to turkey, and the overall lack of variety makes me lose my holiday buzz. Maybe the turkey buzz is what I need to weather the onslaught of corny and mind-numbingly boring holiday ads that come around every year.

Better yet, maybe it’s the eggnog! Maybe my diet’s lack of that disgusting, yellow, phlegm-like substance is what makes me such a grouch...I doubt it, but I mean...I’ve believed claims much more extraordinary than that.

Maybe my love for the holidays died when I figured out that Santa didn’t really get that Sega Saturn. Maybe my tiny black heart began its gradual withering when I stopped believing that an over-

weight, elderly man was silently breaking into to my house and leaving me presents....Now that I’m putting the thought on paper it seems much more creepy than it did back then...I’m starting to think the idea of Santa Claus is what did it for me.

At any rate I feel as though I’m trapped.

Christmas isn’t going to go away (or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” for that matter) and there’s nothing I can do to fix the situation. I’m either forced to be a buzz kill, or to attempt to mask my immense feelings of indifference I have toward the holidays. Either way… don’t expect anything extravagant in that fancy box I gave you. nsmith@lanthorn.com

YOUR SPACE

DECEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn

BY DAN SMITH

A

lonely man is standing on the corner. From his standstill position, all he feels is dissatisfied. He feels a deep inner need for something more, but no matter how he tries to describe it to himself, the words do not suffice, they cannot suffice. He knows he must eventually do something, unless he is to stand on this corner forever. Feeling some sense of empowerment and inspiration, he steps into the street and begins walking down the centerline. He starts to develop a consistent natural pace, neither too leisurely, nor too straining. Immediately, he is confronted with angry operators of motor vehicles.

Many of them yell and curse at him; ranting about how irresponsible he is, and about what rules he is breaking, and how he has no respect for people’s schedules.

The man pays them no heed, but instead continues to walk down the centerline, without looking back, maintaining his pace the whole while. It is here the man begins to feel his dissatisfaction subsiding. Soon, the man is joined in the street by another man. The first man feels a stutter in the pace, but after a few steps, they are both walking side by side, their steps perfectly syncopated in rhythm. They begin to feel each other’s breathing, and to collude, anticipating each others movements, until

the second man has become just as much a part of it as the first. The spiteful rants of drivers continue and escalate. The two men are then joined by another, and another, and another. Soon the street is so full of pedestrians that the drivers surrender their cursing and ranting, and step out of their vehicles. The drivers then become so engaged and inspired by this new found idea of freedom that they want nothing but to become enclosed in its beauty, to surrender to the “nonsense”. Soon, the drivers too, had become in sync with the rest of the group, as still more continued to join behind them.

This story is a metaphorical or allegorical image of what I consider to be an ideal American. Someone who has thought critically about society and what has been established, and followed their own intuitions, curiosities, and ambitions regardless of whether or not they match up with popular consensus. In addition to showing an image of an “ideal” American, I think the most important overall message this story conveys is the idea that the unity of people behind an idea or inspiration, with dedication and persistence, is capable of swaying the opinions of the ignorant masses.

Dan Smit

is a Grand Valley State University junior/senior from Grand Rapids, Mich, who is majoring in communications.

A5

JESSICA HUNTER | COURTESY

Cover art: This is a digitally rendered piece created fully in Photoshop. Like all of my other pieces I use a tablet to draw rather than scanning in an actual drawing. This album cover was one part of an entire identity package for the band Panthalassa.

Student: Andi Wilt Standing: Senior Major: Psychology Description: This is a collection of photos of my wonderful cat Sufijan that I am entering in various cat photo contests around the country!

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Hark Up Musical Tickets Meijer Giftcards Boardwalk Subs Giftcards 4 GB USB Flash Drives

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A6

NEWS

DECEMBER 6, 2012

N E W S

BRIEFS GVSU signs WSCC transfer agreement

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas and West Shore Community College President Charles T. Dillon recently signed a transfer agreement which will assist students who transfer to GVSU that have completed an associate degree at WSCC. This signing took place on Dec. 4 at Haworth, Inc. in Grand Rapids. This particular initiative is for WSCC students that have finished at least 32 credits but had transferred before getting their associate degree. GVSU has very similar transfer agreements with Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College, Montcalm Community College, Macomb Community College, and Northwestern Michigan College.

High schoolers learn about professions

Several high school students from across West Michigan will be visiting Grand Valley State University on Dec. 6 to learn in detail about different career opportunities in engineering and computing. These high school students will visit the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing’s Project Day, where GVSU students will be presenting their projects that they have worked in all semester in the Kennedy Hall of Engineering. PCEC Project Day will be from 10 a.m. until noon. For further information, call Jonathan Miner, student services outreach assistant, at (616) 3316743 or email minerk@gvsu. edu.

GV Magazine seeks students’ opinions

For longer than a decade, the Grand Valley Magazine has expressed and shared the successes of the school with thousands of readers.

Magazine staff members now want to hear input and feedback from students.

There is currently a reader survey online where the survey asks readers their likes and dislikes as well as what different stories they wish to see in the magazine. To complete this survey, go to www.surveymonk ey. com/s/FHYZHQP. This input would assist GV Magazine is producing stories that students would be interested in reading.

Grand Valley Lanthorn

No place like home for the holidays GV counselors prep students for the transition back home

BY LIZZY BALBOA GVL NEWS EDITOR

With his first semester of college under his belt, Grand Valley State University freshman Tyler Lovell is preparing to head home to Kalamazoo, Mich. for the holidays.

However, he’s not particularly looking forward to leaving his nest in Allendale.

“It’s going to be weird not hanging out with my roommates and my friends pretty much every day,” Lovell said. “With my family, I can’t do the same things that I can do with my friends.”

On top of leaving his new college buddies, he has the responsibilities of his job awaiting him, and he said he’s not very excited for that either.

Lovell is one of many students torn about heading home for the three-week winter break.

Sara Byczek, senior counselor at GVSU’s Counseling and Career Development Center, kept students like Lovell in mind as she hosted Wednesday’s “Transitioning Home for the Holidays,” a program meant to teach students how to take care of themselves over break.

“Going home for the holidays can be a challenging time for students due to multiple reasons,” Byczek said. “Many students are used to living on their own without parental supervision, and the change to being back under a family member’s roof can cause family difficulties. Also, the holiday break can be full of multiple obligations, which may be overwhelming for students. As well, students may not have a great relationship with family and returning home to this can cause stress.”

The counselor distributed handouts at the program that address different concerns students may have about the holidays, including budgeting issues, family stress and “holiday blues.” Participants also took a quiz to help them identify their holiday stress level.

“I think this is a pretty common topic that is addressed at universities since nationally the holiday season can be more stressful for everyone,” Byczek said. “But there are particular issues that college students may face that the population as a whole may not, including the renewed supervision, financial struggles, multiple obligations, connecting with old friends and possibly recognizing that things are

JESSICA HOLLENBECK | GVL

Home for the holidays: Heading home for the holidays can be a stressful time for students who have become adjusted to life on their own. Although it can be difficult, GVSU has counselors who can help better prepare students for the change.

not the same as when they were liv- others get upset or distressed when ing at their home.” something goes awry. Chances are She offered a few words of ad- they’re feeling the effects of holiday vice for students in situations like stress and depression, too.” these.

Fourth, learn to say no.

First, be realistic.

“Believe it or not, people will un“Accept that things aren’t al- derstand if you can’t do certain projways going to go as planned,” she ects or activities,” she said. “If you advised. “Then take active steps to say yes only to what you really want manage stress and depression dur- to do, you’ll avoid feeling resentful, ing the holidays.” bitter and overwhelmed. If it’s realSecond, accept change. ly not possible to say no when your “As families change and grow, boss asks you to work overtime, try traditions and rituals often change to remove something else from your as well,” she agenda to said. “Hold make up on to those for the lost “It’s going to be weird not hanging you can and time.” out with my roommates and want to.

Fifth, friends pretty much every day.

But accept take a that you breather.

With my family, I can’t do the may have “Make same things I can do with my to let go of some time friends.” others. For for yourexample, self,” she TYLER LOVELL a d v i s e d . if your sibGVSU FRESHMAN lings can’t “Spending all gather at just 15 minyour house utes alone, as usual, find new ways to celebrate without distractions, may refresh together from afar, such as sharing you enough to handle everything pictures, emails or videotape.” you need to do. Steal away to a quiThird, set differences aside. et place, even if it’s to the bathroom “Try to accept family members for a few moments of solitude. Take and friends as they are, even if they a walk at night and stargaze. Listen don’t live up to all your expecta- to soothing music. Find something tions,” she said. “Practice forgive- that reduces stress by clearing your ness. Set aside grievances until a mind, slowing your breathing and more appropriate time for discus- restoring inner calm.” sion. With stress and activity levels Finally, forget about perfection high, the holidays might not be con- and accept imperfections in oneself ducive to making quality time for re- and in others. lationships. And be understanding if “Holiday TV specials are filled

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with happy endings,” she said. “But in real life, people don’t usually resolve problems within an hour or two. Something always comes up.

You may get stuck at the airport, your sister may dredge up an old argument, your partner may burn the cookies, and your mother may criticize how you’re dressed—all in the same day.”

Byczek said the concern about winter break is one that really resonates with freshmen because college is typically their first time away from home, so the return home has its own “unique” stressors. However, the topic applies to all students, particularly those who have family stress or negative associations with the holiday season.

“I don’t think there is a group that has more difficulty transitioning than another,” she said. “I think that it matters more what the student’s support system is. If the student does not have a healthy support system in their home area, or their only support is through the university and they do not return back to a family, it can be a difficult time since their support system may not be around.”

For students staying in their local housing instead of returning to their families, Byczek suggested retaining some form of routine and making a point to reach out to social support so that they do not become isolated during the holiday season.

For more counsel about returning home, students can contact the center at 616-331-3266. news@lanthorn.com

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SPORTS

S P O R T S

SHORTS

Brian Kelly named Coach of the Year

After leading the University of Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season and its first-ever BCS Championship berth, former Grand Valley State University head football coach Brian Kelly has been honored as the Home Depot Coach of the Year. It was the second time that Kelly, who also coached at Central Michigan University and the University of Cincinnati, has won the award after being honored in 2009 at Cincinnati.

Kelly has seen success at each stop in his head coaching career, but still remains one of the most successful coaches in GVSU history.

Kelly compiled at 118–35–2 including back-to-back national titles in 2002 and 2003 while at GVSU. Kelly, along with former GVSU head coach Chuck Martin — now Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator — have led the school to its first undefeated season since Lou Holtz led the Irish to the national championship in 1988.

Parise, Botts, Mira honored

Three seniors from the Grand Valley State University soccer team have been nationally recognized.

The Lakers, who finished the season with 20-2-3 following last week’s NCAA semifinal loss, featured a senior class with a career record of 84-4-13.

Three of these seniors were named to Daktronics NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer All-America teams Monday. Goalkeeper Chelsea Parise (first team), forward Ashley Botts (second team) and midfielder Alyssa Mira (third team) were honored.

A day later, the trio also received NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division II AllAmerica Honors.

Parise became the NCAA Division II career shut-out leader this season as the Lakers’ goalkeeper, giving up only 0.41 goals per game. She also received a 2012 Capital One Academic All-America first team selection and a GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Botts earned her fourth consecutive All-GLIAC selection this season with 18 goals and five assists. Her 25 career game-winning goals are the most in GVSU history, and her 157 points are third most.

Mira had three goals and a team-high nine assists this season. She earned All-GLIAC First Team honors twice in her career, and was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of

the Year in 2011.

Frankling honored as athlete of the week

Grand Valley State University junior sprinter Kalena Franklin has been named GLIAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week.

At the Laker Early Bird on Friday, Franklin had a huge day for the Lakers, with topthree finishes in three different events. She also added two provisional qualifying times.

Individually, she finished first in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.64 seconds and second in the 300 meter dash with a time of 41.07 seconds.

In the 4x400 meter relay, she and her teammates finished with a time of 3:54.65, which was good enough for third place.

The Lakers will host the GVSU Holiday Open on Dec. 14 at the Kelly Family Sports Center.

S P O R T S

SCHEDULE M. Basketball Thursday vs. Tiffin 6 p.m.

Saturday vs. Ohio Dominican 1 p.m.

W. Basketball Thursday vs. Tiffin 8 p.m.

Saturday vs. Ohio Dominican 3 p.m.

100

DECEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn

Majerle(s) and Me

Ryan and Jessica Majerle rely on each other at GVSU

BY BRYCE DEROUIN GVL STAFF WRITER

When sophomore Ryan Majerle decided to transfer to Grand Valley State University to play basketball last year, he still had to get approval from one of his family members.

No, not either of his parents, but instead, his sister Jessica Majerle.

After starring as an AllState Second Team selection in volleyball at Rockford High School, freshman Jessica Majerle made the decision to play for head coach Deanne Scanlon at GVSU. Within a week, Ryan Majerle decided he would join his sister at GVSU. “She already committed here at that time,” Ryan said.

“So my parents had me ask her before I came here, and say, ‘Is it was okay if I went to the same school as you?’ and it just worked out.”

A brother and sister continuing their athletic careers at the same college is ironic in it’s own right, but it’s nothing compared to the living arrangements the Majerle’s were assigned to.

When Ryan and Jessica’s mother, Ruth, was looking up GVSU information online, something caught her attention. After looking at her kids’ assigned living arrangements and using a campus map, she discovered that her children would be neighbors at GVSU. “Our coaches set up where we get to live,” Jessica said. “It’s really ironic that we got put next to each other out of all the people.

She (Ruth Majerle) thought it was the funniest thing ever. So it was totally random, but it worked out.”

It would be understandable if the two’s relationship deteriorated after being around each other so often.

Instead, athletics and being at the same university have brought them closer together.

“Now that we’ve grown up, we got a lot closer over

the years,” Jessica said.

“Growing up, we would always play sports outside with our other siblings or our neighbors. It was fun both being in sports growing up.”

Jessica saw action in eight matches in her freshman year. She recorded five kills, five digs, and two assists.

Ryan is currently GVSU’s second leading scorer at 10.5 points per game, averages 3.3 rebounds per game, and leads the team in assists with 14 recorded thus far this season.

“He’s a great kid,” said men’s head basketball coach Ric Wesley. “He’s a real levelheaded kid. He doesn’t have bad days. He’s a pretty happy kid every day and he’s an extremely hard worker.”

Both Jessica and Ryan give credit to their parents for putting them in positions to succeed. Steve Majerle coached his son Ryan while he played basketball at Rockford.

“They’ve always been there for us,” Ryan said.

“We were very fortunate we grew up in a great, caring family. They’re there for us.

My dad obviously being a coach can tell me what I’m doing wrong and help me improve myself. My mom’s there and she knows a lot of mental aspects in sports and off the court stuff and school wise. They’ve just been a great influence on us both growing up.”

Now that the GVSU volleyball season is over, the Majerle’s will be making daily trips to Allendale to watch the men’s basketball games.

“With both of us being here, it’s so convenient for them,” Jessica said. “If we have games, my parents would always come to my volleyball games and Ryan would come, too, so they’d get to see both of us. Now with basketball season, I get to see them as well as Ryan, so it’s been really convenient for them and they both love it.” bderouin@lanthorn.com

ROBERT MATHEWS | GVL

Family matters:The Majerle’s succeed side by side, in a situation that has brought them closer together.

F O O T B A L L

Lelito eyes NFL with help from former teammates

BY BRADY FREDERICKSEN GVL SPORTS EDITOR

While football season is over and the collegiate careers of the Grand Valley State University seniors have come to an end, just because it’s the offseason doesn’t mean the work is done for offensive guard Tim Lelito.

The list isn’t long — actually, it currently has only four names — but the transition of GVSU football players to the NFL has been one that started under former head coaches Brian Kelly and Chuck Martin and has continued under Matt Mitchell.

Now, with only his post-college career ahead, Lelito hopes to follow in the footsteps of former GVSU offensive lineman Nick McDonald, Cam Bradfield along with linebacker Dan Skuta and cornerback Brandon Carr into the world of the NFL. “Those guys set down a legacy here at Grand Valley,” said Lelito, who was named to the 2012 Daktronics Super Region 4 Offensive First-Team. “That’s kind of what I want to leave behind here, just going out there and be as dominant as I can.”

Lelito has seen the success and work of these NFL players firsthand, playing left guard on the same offensive line as McDonald and Bradfield during the 2009 season — the last time GVSU played in the NCAA Division II national title game.

The most notable of the GVSU alumni currently in the NFL is Carr, who signed a five-year contract worth upwards of $50.1 million

prize

Giveaway

this offseason with the Dallas Cow- everything you have, thinking, boys. get better at something every day.

Skuta is currently a linebacker It’s pretty much going in with that and special teams player with the mindset every day.”

Cincinnati Bengals, while McDonAn NFL study found that the ald, who has seen spot duty with the average career length is 6.89 years, New England Patriots this season, which is a number hundreds of playwas a member of the Green Bay ers never stick around long enough Packers’ when it won Super Bowl to see.

XLV. “You never know. For some guys On the other side, Bradfield, a it could be a day, and for some, Ray Grand Rapids native, has seen suc- Lewis is in his 17th year,” Bradfield cess with the Jacksonville Jaguars. said. “It really doesn’t matter what After going undrafted in 2011, the year you’re in or where you come 6-footin, you 4 right just have tackle has to come in s t a r t e d “ It’s hard work. One of our coached with the 10 of the m i n d s et says every day, ‘compete to play, Jaguars’ to work compete to stay.’ Really, you have to 12 games hard.” go in there every day competing for a f t e r Bradmissing field and everything you have, thinking, get two with Lelito both better at something every day. ” an injury talk about early in it — the the seawork ethic son. of those Though who have CAM BRADFIELD he’s seeJAGUARS RIGHT TACKLE made it to ing and the NFL experiis motivaencing the tion. Lelito success that Lelito strives to repli- said Skuta and Carr worked harder cate, Bradfield said the process is than anyone he’s ever seen, and that one requiring total effort on daily type of mindset is what has him prebasis. pared for the rigors of being an un“It’s hard work. One of our derdog ahead. coaches says every day, ‘compete “It’s huge having a great work to play, compete to stay,’” Brad- ethic and being able to out-work field said. “Really, you have to go some of those guys that have the in there every day competing for big names and come form the very

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prestigious schools,” Lelito said.

“That’s one thing that (teammates in the NFL) taught me that, hopefully, helps me later on down the road.”

Bradfield That kind of communication between teammates — Lelito still keeps in touch with guys like Carr and Skuta — is something that’s aided Bradfield’s transition as well.

“Along with Nick, Dan and Brandon, they’ve all had some part in helping me get ready to play before I started in Jacksonville,” Bradfield said. “So, picking those guy’s brains, and asking them what types of things they had to go through — I mean they all played a key role.”

Even with the demanding regiment that comes with sustaining an NFL career, there are aspects of that career that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Like blocking for one of the NFL’s top tailbacks in Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew.

“It’s awesome, I mean, he comes in with a great mindset and he plays very hard as you can see on tape,” Bradfield said of Jones-Drew. “To just know you have somebody back there running the ball that hard makes you want to do your job even more to your ability.” sports@lanthorn.com

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SPORTS

DECEMBER 6, 2012

Grand Valley Lanthorn

T R A C K Hurdling forward: After joining GVSU’s track team as a walk on, sprinter Kalena Franklin has grown and matured from her freshman days as she was one of six Lakers to receive two All-American plaudits last season.

ARCHIVE | GVL

Franklin finds place as hurdler at GVSU

BY JAY BUSHEN GVL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Junior sprinter Kalena Franklin of the Grand Valley State University women’s track team has come a long way since walking on to the team as a freshman.

Franklin, who was one of six Lakers to receive two All-America plaudits at the NCAA Track & Field National Championships last season, did not always thrive as a collegiate athlete.

“I was reckless,” she said. “I wasn’t focused as a freshman. I was getting into some trouble outside of track and didn’t get along with the coach.”

The turning point for Franklin was when she decided to get in-

volved with on-campus organizations.

“I wanted to meet people,” she said. “I started to get involved in the African Student Council and salsa dancing. I wanted to meet people, and was able to connect with just about anybody.”

Once Franklin found her place socially, her athletic career began to take off. Her team-oriented philosophy ultimately brought her to where she is today.

“I run better when I run for my team,” she said. “Everyone gets tired or weak, but when you’re running for other people — anything can happen.”

Sprints and hurdles coach Keith Roberts Jr. said this men-

tality doesn’t end with Franklin, it spreads to the whole team.

“Kalena is able to build off the people around her to represent Grand Valley with a lot of pride,” Roberts said. “She competes her hardest no matter who she is up against, and her competitiveness and confidence spreads to her teammates. She wants to be the best across all divisions.”

After overcoming a concussion early in her career, Franklin excelled as a sophomore. Her competitive nature fueled her as she finished outside the top 10 only three times in 16 events last season.

“I leave everything on the

track,” she said. “I finish hard. If I see you ahead of me, I’m going to catch you. I am very confident with who I am as a sprinter and as a person.”

Franklin had a big day for GVSU at the Laker Early Bird.

In the 60-meter hurdle, she won first place with a time of 8.64 seconds — good enough for a NCAA provisional qualifying mark. She also placed second in the 300 meter dash with a time of 41.07 seconds.

In the 4x400 meter relay, she and teammates Lisa Galasso, Brittney Banister and Andrea Kober finished in third place with a time of 3:54.65.

“Some people get nervous or

scared before events,” she said.

“But I work hard in practice. I don’t know how my opponents prepare, but I know how I prepare.

I won’t allow nerves to impact my performance.”

Franklin’s performance in the Laker Early Bird earned her the GLIAC Track Athlete of the Week award.

“She’s got a big laugh,” Roberts said. “And whenever she does something, she wears it. It’s fun to see her excel.”

The Lakers will compete in the their final event before winter break at the GVSU Holiday Open, which will be Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. assistantsports@lanthorn.com

Hammersmith has big plans for his future beyond college

BY TATE BAKER GVL STAFF WRITER

With plans of enlisting into the military after college, Nate Hammersmith is not your average student athlete. Coming from a small farm town in Ohio, Hammersmith plans on carrying on a family legacy.

“I’ve always felt that part of my calling was to become part of the military,” Hammersmith said. “It’s a way to honor my great uncle.”

Your average college student normally doesn’t have it all figured out. Most students would say they’re more worried about what their plans are for the weekend, not something three to four years down the road. For Hammersmith, his plan is more of a progressive one, as he is focused on the bigger picture.

“I’m using my time here at Grand Valley State University as a stepping stone to my future,” Hammersmith said. “I think that being a part of the track team will prepare me for

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bigger obstacles further down the road.”

If there’s one thing you need most for the military, or being on a collegiate track team, it’s work ethic. According to Hammersmith’s teammates, he has more than enough.

“You look at Nate and he is always leading workouts,” said freshman Zakry O’brien.

“He’s someone that everyone can look up to.”

Hammersmith recently broke his own school record this past weekend in the 300meter dash with a time of 34.62. As many athletes strive for accolades and records, Hammersmith admits that such things aren’t as important to him.

“I don’t look at records too highly,” Hammersmith said. “It’s more of another step towards an ultimate goal of graduating.”

More humble than most, Hammersmith thinks so little of his accolades that he wants to see his younger teammates surpass him when his time is done as a Laker.

“Another one of my goals is to see the younger guys beat my records that I have established here at Grand Valley State University. If that happens, I know I have succeeded in being a leader, and a teammate,” he said.

As Hammersmith has surpassed his midway point of his career at GVSU, his role on

the team has furthermore revolved into an outspoken leader.

“Before, I would simply lead by example,” Hammersmith said. “Now I try to be more vocal.

HAMMERSMITH I am always preaching to the younger kids to listen to the coaches.

Also, that it’s a grind, and it will pay off in the end.

One person who has had a first hand view at Hammersmith’s progress as a teammate and leader is head coach Jerry Baltes.

“He’s one of our go to guys,” Baltes said.

“He’s now front and center for everyone on the team to look up to.”

Whether it’s the 4x400, the 4x100, or any open sprint event, you can see Hammersmith leading his team with the work ethic instilled in him by his family roots. tbaker@lanthorn.com

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SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

DECEMBER 6, 2012

Q&A

B3

with

coach Burgess

BY JUDSON RODRIGUEZ GVL INTERN

ANYA ZENTMEYER | GVL

Game on: GVSU student Amber Hendricks pitches during an intramural game earlier this fall.

Intramural sports provide athletic alternatives

BY ZACH SEPANIK GVL STAFF WRITER

It’s a dream scenario every young kid dreams up when playing in the backyard ­— dribbling the basketball up the court, the countdown of the clock drowned out by the screaming fans, a crossover on the defender before launching a deep 3-pointer and it’s nothing but net. You get carried off the court, people chant your name.

For many athletes, a chance to compete at the collegiate level never comes to fruition. In order to fulfill that childhood dream and perhaps relive those high school glory days, a different route must be traveled. At Grand Valley State University, there is a way to do that: intramural sports, or IMs as they have more popularly been called.

Intramural Sports is a branch of the campus recreation department. It is open for all students, faculty and staff at GVSU and offers upward of 25 different sports and activities throughout the year. This includes team sports, such as basketball, and non-traditional activities, such as billiards.

“You’ll see the high school athletes that come in and they just want to stay involved,” said John Rosick, assistant director of intramural sports.

“We open the door to everybody, yet it is a structured atmosphere. We really try to beat that perception that it is

just organized pick-up.”

Since Rosick joined the IM staff in fall 2003, there has been a steady increase in participation. Overall numbers have jumped 25 percent, from about 2,500 to 4,000 students competing each year. Participation in the fall season is greatest as it features flag football and soccer, which bring in the most traffic, while basketball and volleyball are the popular choice in the winter.

Beyond the typical male, female and coed leagues for each sport, there is a housing league that is in its third year of operation and also a Greek league, which began in fall 2011.

Participating in IMs is a way to let loose, bond with friends and meet new people.

But those who have been there before see one small task as a minor road block to getting the coveted “W.” “It’s not difficult to convince people to commit to intramural sports,” said senior Nathan Krafft, IM coordinator for Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. “It can, however, be a challenge to actually get them to be at the game because we are juggling so many different schedules.

It’s a challenge, at times, to get seven guys for football or 10 guys for softball.”

Whether you are getting a group together to play soccer or volleyball, or even basketball, team fees are $50 and

that money helps support not only the program, but the 80 to 90 individuals employed

by Intramural Sports. This includes officials and event supervisors, who are heavily trained regarding the rules and objectives before picking up the whistle.

Just as each student takes competing seriously, so do the officials and event supervisors in getting things right, continually looking for ways to improve and make the IM experience that much better.

“Throughout every game we are evaluating the officials. That’s one of the major things we do on a nightly basis,” said senior Nate Springer, an event supervisor for Intramural Sports. “The way the office looks at us is we are officials first and supervisors second. We have been there in the tough situations and we use our experience to coach them through whatever circumstances there are.”

For the entire IM staff, there is a great deal of passion in what they do.

“We don’t want our students to lose sight that we are not just throwing stripes on people. It is more than that,” Rosick said.

“I think students need to know how much we believe in officiating. There is a pride aspect.”

The first entry deadline upon return from Christmas break is Jan. 11 for basketball regular season and indoor soccer. zsepanik@lanthorn.com

W

ith the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team off to a 4-1 start to the season, the Lanthorn sat down with head coach Janel Burgess to talk about the team’s early season success.

GVL: What is your evaluation of your team’s (4-1) start?

Janel Burgess: I’m extremely thrilled with the cohesiveness and the leadership displayed in the first five games of the regular season.

We’ve given each other the confidence to play through a variety of situations and still be successful.

GVL: What does opening the

season against Michigan State University say about what you want the program to become?

JB: What we want the program to become is pretty simple. We obviously want to be the best that we can become each and every day. I think opening up against Michigan State on a yearly basis tells us we’re going to be challenged, and some of our weakness will be displayed very early and we’ll be able to grow and respond. Playing a great team like Michigan State each and every year helps us prepare and get ready for the season.

GVL: What do you like best about Briauna Taylor’s game?

JB: I think Briauan Taylor has shown what a true allaround basketball player is about this year. She’s obviously leading us in many different categories. Her presence on both ends of the court — offensively she’s doing a lot of special things

because she’s very talented with the ball in her hand.

On the defensive end, being able to defend oftentimes the best player on the court for as many minutes as she’s capable of doing and being able to rebound on the defensive side of the ball.

I believe she’s leading us in steals also. That encompasses an entire player and that’s not an easy thing to do at any level. For her to be able to do that while a lot of people are focusing on her to be very special means a lot to this team GVL: What did you need more

from team in your loss to Ashland University?

JB: We needed to be focused on both ends of the floor.

We had about a six-seven minute gap in the Ashland game where we totally lost composure defensively as well as offensively. Once we were able to get ourselves back together we really put ourselves in check, and do the simple things for a long period of time we were able to be successful against Ashland. We only got beat by one point in the second half.

We just need to be focused on what Grand Valley does - defensively play as a unit and offensively be patient and take what the defense gives us and get the extra pass to find an open player for a shot.

GVL: How did your time as a

college player at Iowa State make you a better coach?

JB: You know, I really think what really makes you the best coach is the people you surround yourself with after you get done playing. I’ve

ARCHIVE | GVL

Fast start: Janel Burgess has led the Lakers to a 4-1 start.

been very fortunate, I was coached by a great gentleman, Bill Bently, at Iowa State. But working beside Joanne P. McCallie, who now’s at Duke, definitely molded more into the coach I am today than many other people did. Also, the mentors that I have around me now.

Coach (Ric) Wesley mentors me on a day in and day out basis, making me a better coach at Grand Valley.

GVL: Do the players and coaches feel pressure to avenge last season’s 10-16 mark?

JB: We only feel pressure to build on the great things we established at the end of the season. We displayed what true character was, we displayed what great defense was, and the only person that will put pressure on us to do that is ourselves. We just have to make those standards what Grand Valley basketball is all about. I’m very proud of where we’re at now. Defense will stay as the mainstay of the program. One of the things I’m most excited about that carried over from last year is the importance of positive encouragement and building each other up. These young ladies have done a great job, especially these last months. jrodriguez@lanthorn.com

a &e B4

DECEMBER 6, 2012 Grand Valley Lanthorn

Family Force 5 brings holiday tour to GR

ALTROCKLIVE.COM | COURTESY

From humble beginnings: What started as a group of three brothers has turned into the Atlanta based group Family Force 5. After already putting out five albums since 2006, the band is beginning to get more coverage including appearing in the Tim Burton film “Alice and Wonderland,” appearing on the Warp Tour and having a video on mtv.com that become the most commented video.

The band promises to ‘work hard to make something people will like’ BY shelby pendowski GVL staff writer

I

t started with three brothers and turned into a five-man brotherhood.

Family Force 5, from Atlanta, Ga., is made up of Solomon “Soul Glow Activatur” Olds, Jacob “Crouton” Olds, Joshua “Fatty” Olds, Derek “Chap Stique” Mount and Nathan “Nadaddy” Currin.

The band released their first album, “Business up Front, Party in the Back,” in 2006 and has continued to grow since.

They’ve released four more albums that have been featured in films such as Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” the album “Punk Goes Pop 3” and have performed on numerous tours, including Van’s Warp Tour.

“There is an old blues guitarist that’s very famous and someone said, ‘What’s it feel like to be an overnight sensation?’ and he was like ‘Well, oh yeah I was an overnight sensation, but you don’t realize that night was eight years long,’” said lead guitarist Chap Stique. “Our band has been traveling around for really, for seven to eight years … we have been sleeping on a lot of floors and playing in a lot of basements and, you know, eating tuna fish sandwiches, trying to make it

happen. So we are really just excited to play music for a living.”

Family Force 5 is known for its unique sound and performances.

Chap Stique said the band’s sound is “some mean dancey weird electronic beat.”

For the holiday season, they crossed that weird sound with classics for the album “Christmas Pageant,” which includes original songs as well as some holiday favorites.

To go with that album, they’re headlining the Christmas Pageant tour and stopping by The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Dec. 10.

“We are excited about it,” Chap Stique said. “We have all kinds of Christmas gizmos ready, we are gonna have some cool outfits and a little bit of snow and some cool lighting.”

He said the set list has been made and there’s some fun Christmas songs that they’ll be playing, and “we even have a few packages of goodies that we are going to throw to the crowd during our show.”

They aren’t holding any holiday tradition back from this tour, as they’ll be dressed in Charles Dickens style garb with Santa, reindeer and elves to accompany them.

The band, in preparation for the show, has been practicing tricks for the stage.

“We spin our guitars around our heads and try, and we have been practicing our splits so we can jump up and do some cool ninja kicks and stuff,” Chap Stique said.

But they wouldn’t be able to keep doing their crazy stage antics without the support of their fans.

Chap Stique said the fans are one of the most important things to the band, and they love to keep everyone involved.

Family Force 5 recently learned that their music video for “Cray Button” received the most comments on MTV.com.

“We have had a couple of videos on MTV.com lately, that people are talking about,” Chap Stique said. “We are a very visual band and the thing we, I, love about those videos – there is ‘Wobble’ and ‘Zombie’ and ‘Cray Button’ – is the fans” Chap Stique said.

The band tries to involve the fans as much as possible in the production of music videos through social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.

“We made all these videos this year with our fans, and we decided to have them be a part of the videos,” Chap Stique said. “So a lot of the people you see in there are not

just normal extras, there are actually some of our fans from Facebook and Twitter and from our shows.

And we had them all dressed up like in costume and dress up with us and dress up like zombies and bite us and basically dance with us in our video.”

During their time on tour, the band will not only be performing their Christmas album, but also producing a new album.

“That is the main objective of this tour for us,” Chap Stique said.

“We brought one of our friends on as a producer, that has made a lot of our music in the past with us. We are certainly going to go and put on a good show, but before and after the show the whole time we are gonna be writing and recording.”

On top of touring and producing, Chap Stique said the band will be working on a new music video for the song “Crank it like a Chainsaw” as well as posting music to their YouTube channel.

“We are just all over that place, we draw inspiration from a lot of different things, movies to songs to video games to pictures to conversations we over hear,” he said.

“We really get really bored if we play something that is similar, so we challenge each other to write

better stuff and newer stuff.”

The band has produced their albums and singles in a variety of ways Chap Stique said, but the new one will mostly be them in the back of the bus, making noise until the album is complete.

The inspiration for songs can come from anywhere, Chap Stique said.

“Like the other day I was walking home from the bus stop and it literally just popped in my head out of no where, and I pulled out my phone immediately,” Chap Stique said. “You never know, I think it is important to force yourself to be creative, but sometimes inspiration just comes out of no where when you are not expecting it.”

The changing inspiration keeps their sound different, unique and interesting, he said.

“We just gotta keep growing and I don’t know what direction we will end up in. We have been all over the place with our sound and it has been really fun,” Chip Stique said.

“We will have to see what direction it goes next, but I promise you, we will work hard to make something the people will like.” spendowski@gmail.com

Exam Treble?

MidNight Snack gives students winter concert as study break

BY SHELBY PENDOWSKI GVL STAFF WRITER

It’s the type of music that uses just the harmony from a group of voices, no instruments, no background music to assist with pitch and volume. A cappella has grown in popularity the past few years from shows such as “Glee” and movies such as “Pitch Perfect.”

MidNight Snack, an all-female a cappella group at Grand Valley State University, is just one organization that’s bringing the melodic harmonies to campus.

The group of nine women practice twice a week for an hour and a half to perfect both their harmonies and their set list, and on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., MidNight Snack is hosting their winter concert for students to take a study break from exams.

“I really hope that people come,” said member Melissa Houghton. “A cappella has been growing, I hope that gets more people involved and to attend.”

The group will be perform nine songs total, stretching across the spectrum of genre.

“A couple of throw backs will be included...Billy Joel and Backstreet Boys will be mixed in there,” said Bethany Matecun, MidNight Snack president.

And for the spirited attendees, the group will also perform a couple of holiday classics to set the mood.

“We have a good balance of fast and slow song,” said MidNight Snack’s Brianna George.

“They are going to be songs that people know, and know by heart, and there is also going to be songs that people don’t know. There were songs I didn’t even know going into it.”

The group is completely student-run, including musical director Sam Pugia. She said the group voted on the songs they wanted to perform for the winter concert and then she made the musical arrangement for each song.

“I think it’s always cool for people to hear a song they like in a different way, it completely revamps the songs,” Pugia said.

The singing group depends on each girl’s voice to harmonize and create the needed sound. Members said that the group as a whole has put a lot of work into the concert.

“I think we have a nice balance of people who have a good work ethic, but there has to be fun in there, too. Both our director and music director do good at balancing that,” George said. The group started in 2007, Matecun said, but only recently became an official club through GVSU’s Office of Stu-

ROBERT MATHEWS | GVL

If you want to sing out: A cappella group Midnight Snack rehearses before their winter performence.

dent Life. Matecun said the group was started in 2007, but only recently became an official GVSU club. Since then, they’ve performed at events, such as an a cappella competition through GVSU’s Greek Life organizatons, Relay for Life and other community events.

“We try and have as much fun as we possibly can, since we have put so much work into it we aren’t thinking about messing up, but instead how much work we have put into,” Matecun said. Their winter concert was specifically planned around exam time.

“This is going to be a really fun stress buster,” Matecun said. “We scheduled it at the beginning of the week so people can take a break before they have to buckle down.”

For those who have anxiety over taking a break from exam crunch, George said the concert wont take long; and besides - it’s

like your Macbook, only better.

“It is no different than sitting in front of your laptop and listening to music, but it is in front of you,” she said.

Though MidNight Snack reflects the vocal ensembles seen in pop culture, the members said the group is unique, and their music will show that to audiences.

“The people who are going to come are going to expect what they see on ‘Glee,’ the singing and dancing, but the people in our group are talented and know that is a show and that isn’t what a cappella is,” George said.

The winter concert, which is free and open to the public, kicks off at 7 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center’s Pere Marquette Room. For more information contact gvsumidnightsnack@gmail.com. spendowski@gmail.com

a&e

Grand Valley Lanthorn

DECEMBER 6, 2012

Bonding over band

B5

L A K E R L I F E

BRIEFS

Graduate students awarded for work

The Office of Graduate Studies has teamed up with the Graduate Student Association to organize this years Fall 2012 Graduate Student Celebration, which takes place on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. There will be a social hour to start off the night and then the Graduate Dean will present citation awards.

The event will be held in the Loosemore Auditorium, located on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus and all graduate students are welcome.

Winter Wonderland brings Santa to GV SHEALYN MCGEE | GVL

Making noise: After reenrolling in college, Brian Olmstead has joined the GVSU marching band and has been able to play with his two sons, A.J. and Doug Olmstead.

Father, sons, march together in Laker Marching Band

BY STACY SABAITIS GVL STAFF WRITER

Imagine what it’s like marching in the Grand Valley State University Laker Marching Band. Putting in hours of practice during the season on top of classes and possibly a job.

Then think what it is like to be a parent marching in the band, alongside two sons, on top of taking classes, working and taking care of a family.

Brian Olmstead, father of A.J. and Doug Olmstead, did just that this year. He played the sousaphone in the Laker Marching Band for the first time while working as an insurance claims adjuster and taking classes at Muskegon Community College.

While still a busy father, Brian was able to be a full participant in the marching band.

“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be down on the field after watching the kids for like the past 10 years, you know from the stands, and up in the towers with all of their marching band stuff,” Brian said. “And just ironically, I started taking some classes again at MCC, so I was a college student again, and

Doug thought it would be neat if I could do it. So he talked to the band directors and talked them into it.”

Because Brian had to put aside time for band practice, playing at football games and participating in band-related activities, he wasn’t able to be home much.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it, first of all, without the support and help from my wife, Carol,” Brian said. “It would have not been possible at all.”

He squeezed in time between work and classes and being home.

“But one of the things that also made it work for me was because I set my own schedule,” he said. “Being an insurance adjuster is not a nine to five thing, you know, so a lot of times I would have to go do work afterwards, after band practices and stuff on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

He tried to blend in at practices, even though he was older.

“I tried to just fit in and not be a dad,” he said. “It was just like middle school and high school band all over again with everyone hanging out with them, you know.”

Everyone seemed to enjoy his presence, and liked that he was different.

“Everybody thought it was cool, like especially in band camp the first week there, you know, and different guys and ladies would come up to me,” Brian said. “Like I remember one guard lady saying, ‘Man this is so cool that you are here, you know, I wish my folks could do that.’”

Brian’s youngest son A.J., a music education student at GVSU, appreciates his father’s work ethic and said the director recognized it at the band banquet.

“He works really hard,” A.J. said.

“Because of that, like making the sacrifice of work and, you know, just putting work aside, driving all the way out to Grand Valley and being in school and all of that at the same time, they gave him the most valuable player award. And I’m pretty sure that means he’s going to have his name on a plaque in the room. But I mean, the plaque isn’t the most important thing, it’s that they recognized that he worked really hard, so I think that’s pretty cool that they did that for him.”

Doug is also a music education student at GVSU and said Brian has always been a supporter for him and his brother.

Cafe Mahogany brings mix of talents, cultures

BY MATT OBERSKI GVL STAFF WRITER

The Grand River Room was filled Nov. 30 with people in formal attire, bowls with floating candles as the centerpiece of every table, and energy and excitement on everyone’s face. It was the scene of Café Mahogany.

Hosted by the Black Student Union, Café Mahogany provided a night of music, food, and poetry readings and performances from Grand Valley State University students, as well as others from the Grand Rapids area. The night also featured two headlining poets, K-Love and Tebe Zalango, visiting artists from Chicago.

The night included more than 15 performers doing what they do best, whether it was poetry-reading, singing, dancing, rapping or playing music.

Grand Rapids Community College student Deavondre Jones took the stage Friday night with a choreographed dance routine to multiple songs.

Jones started performing in high school, traveling and dancing with a nonprofit organization across the Midwest, and traveled to places such as Los Angeles, Minnesota and New York City.

His songs for Friday’s performance derived from emotions that he wanted to portray. The first song described “courage, and a minority having a dream,” Jones said. The song had harsh words, but a good message complimenting his emotions.

“The last song, the emotion I tried to portray was love, remembrance, hope, something like that,” Jones said. Emotions he derived from a past relationship.

Jones is working to finish up school and working to start

“My dad has always liked being around doing band stuff,” Doug said. “So when I was in high school he was doing, like the band parents and driving the equipment trailer and doing all kinds of stuff like that.”

Brian had previous Marching band experience, so relearning how to march and read music wasn’t as tough for him, Doug said.

“So when he started taking classes at Muskegon Community and the marching band needed a tuba spot, I was like well my dad’s been around band all of his life, like since I started getting into it and he plays guitar so he can read music OK, why not try to get him into playing tuba?”

Doug said. “He’s been a Marine, so he knew the marching already.”

There’s a possibility that Brian will march again next year, but he hasn’t decided if he wants to make it a fouryear gig. As for Doug, he said he would love to have his dad do it again. “He’s my hero,” Doug said. “He’s always been the most supportive person in my music career. He’s been my number one fan and it just fills me with so much pride to be able to say that.” ssabaitis@lanthorn.com

apartments

Interested in getting your picture taken with Santa and Louie the Laker for free this holiday season? Winter Wonderland on Dec. 8 gives guests the opportunity to do just that, all in one location.

The event takes place in the Grand Valley State University Fieldhouse, located on the Allendale Campus, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with getting free entry into both of the games against Ohio Dominican that day.

The men’s team will be playing at 1 p.m. and the women’s at 3 p.m.

StressBusters give students break

Students will get the chance to take a break and relax during exam week with StressBusters’ free events.

On Dec. 10, blood pressure screenings will take place in the Fitness and Wellness Center and chair massages in the Kirkhof Lobby from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Donations, such as glue sticks, baby wipes, crayons, markers, tapes, juice boxes, and more, will be accepted for the Children’s Enrichment Center.

Other events for the week include yoga and zumba.

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Spoken word: Jasmine Broadnax reads a piece of work during the Café Mahogany event put on by the Black Student Union.

a choreography and dance business he calls “Dancespire.”

Closing up the night, poets K-Love and Tebe Zalango took the stage and moved the crowd, with cheers and screams practically competing for the microphone during each performance.

K-Love stirred a lot of audience reactions with her first poem about Sarah Baartman, a native African woman brought to Europe in the late 18th century, who was cast in a freak show and had her body experimented on.

“The poem was very strong, about the woman exploiting her body,” said GVSU sophomore Micah Hopkins.

Though Hopkins was unable to attend the entire event, she said the night and KLove’s readings were “very entertaining.”

Tebe Zalango held a violin as he took the stage while fans cheered. When the crowd settled down, he began to play with a crescendo full of emotion that some audience members did not expect. He sang, recited his poetry and also played guitar while on stage.

His music and performance career started when he was young.

“I think I was 19. I drove

down to Atlanta to try out for ‘American Idol,’” Zalango said.

He had been trying to do shows and perform locally since he was 17 years old and now, when he’s not helping his dad work at his restaurant, Zalango travels and performs across the Midwest, and loves every second of it.

“I always loved traveling,” Zalango said. “It brought peace of mind, being by myself on the highway for 10 hours. It helps me get my thoughts together.”

On his performance at Café Mahogany, Zalango said he had “spiritual responsibility” to try and give something to the audience they can grow and live with.

“If I give to people what God gave to me, and I can shift somebody’s awareness to something that matters, I did a good job,” Zalango said. “To be in a position where I can say anything is a humbling experience, and a blessing for sure.”

For upcoming events hosted by the BSU or more information on any of Café Mahogany’s performers, contact the BSU at bsu.gvsu@ gmail.com. moberski@lanthorn.com

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BRING IN YOUR FINISHED SUDOKU to the leasing office for a special gift

Awesome Amenities!

-Free 24hr theater -Free 24hr fitness center -Free 24hr game room -Menna’s Joint -Individual leases -On site bus stop -Large, fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar -Privately keyed bedrooms -Private bath for every bedroom -Full sized washer & dryer -Stepped up soundproofing -1, 2, 4 bedroom apartments & townhomes

Text 48west to 47368 for quick info! www.48west.com Leasing@48west.com 616. 895. 2400

Located Directly across from GVSU on 48th Ave.

10897 48th Ave. Suite B 400 Allendale, MI. 49401

B6

Grand Valley Lanthorn

DECEMBER 6, 2012

MARKETPLACE

Roomate Needed! January to July. $470/month. Furnished.

Utilities.

Three o t h e r For Sale roomates. Call 734-787-8975 o r e m a i l 2006 Double-wide 3br/2bath wyklem@mail.gvsu.edu mobile home. W/D. Dishwasher, disposable, fridge Roomate Needed! Country central air. 1.5 miles west of Place Apartments. Must pro- GSU. &29,900. Contact (616) vide furnishings for bedroom.

610-6864. Allendale, MI Fun neighbors, new hardwood floors and appliances.

Contact (231) 360-6772.

Internships Subleaser Needed! Winter 2014. Contact me via Marketing Intern, Career call/text (586)453-5945 or Services email Office hours: Mon & Fri 10am yakimaj@mail.gvsu.edu. – 3pm Wed 12-5pm Subleaser Needed! Country Place Apartments. Utilities Grand Valley State University $15-20 month. $1700 for semeser. 3 other female 616-331-6708 roomates. Contact (231) cartint1@gvsu.edu 715-6933

Pondera Advisors, LLC Business Development & Project Management Intern Location: Grand Rapids, MI Salary: 11.50/hr Search Job ID: 15567894 Apply By: December 21, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs Ultimate Fitness and Health Club Trainer Location: Holland, MI Search Job ID: 15567874 Apply By: December 14, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs Burke E. Porter Machinery Company Job Title: Materials Management Internship Location: Grand Rapids, MI Search Job ID: 15567834 Apply By: December 24, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs Herman Miller Insight Marketing Researcher (full time) Location: Zeeland, MI Search Job ID: 15568013 Apply By: December 21, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs

FOR COMMERCIAL RATES CALL 616-331-2460 classifieds@lanthorn.com

L

Ionia Conservations District Marketing and Communications Intern (full time) Location: Ionia, MI Search Job ID: 15567998 Apply By: December 20, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs

POST YOURS FOR

FREE

Hope Network Resident Advocate (Part Time) Location: Lowell, MI Salary: 8.08/hr Search Job ID: 15565772 Apply By: December 26, 2012 For More information visit www.gvsu.edu/lakerjobs

SUBMIT TO

classiieds@lanthorn.com

VISIT lantorn.com/classiied & read marketplace B5 to nd more!

GV MARKETPLACE

Subleaser Needed! Summer 2013 (May1st-August 10th).

Copper Beach. Contact Female Subleaser needed! brunnerk@mail.gvsu.edu Winter Semester. Furnished.

4bedroom/2 bath. Campus View t o w n h o u s e . Employment $430/month plus utilities.

Contact (231) 499-2902 WANTED: Certified Yoga InFemale Subleaser Needed! structors for yoga studio in Copperbeach. $417/month. Allendale, MI. For more inforFurnished. Three stories. Full mation call Heart’s Journey Center kitchen/living. Personl bath- W e l l n e s s room and 2 closets. Contact 616-307-1617 or email dmlucksted@gmail.com or info@heartsjourneywellness.c call 616-638-0509. om

Roommates

FREE CLASSIFIEDS FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF some restrictions apply

Michigan Maritime Museum Several different internships available Location: South Haven, MI Salary: Unpaid Apply By: April 1 For more information visit: www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org

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