Grand Valley Lanthorn vol. 55 no. 10

Looking for Leadership

G R A N D VA L L E Y L A N T H O R N

The Lanthorn’s voter guide on the presidential nominees

‘American Patriot March,’ Ryan Kelley protest draw distinct crowds in Allendale POLITICS

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Hauenstein Center raises political awareness with 2020 Election Panel PRESENTATION | A10

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@ GV L A N T H O R N

LANTHORN.COM

A2 | NEWS NEWS BRIEFS GV COVID-19 CAMPUS DATA UPDATE

Since GVSU began conducting random testing on campus Aug. 27, the cumulative total COVID-19 cases since August 1st is 1,046. The university’s update of data used for this brief was from Friday, Oct. 23.

Through testing results this past week, GVSU’s Virus Action team have so far reported 62 current active cases including 1 faculty member cases, 10 staff members, 6 on-campus students, 25 “off-campus Ottawa” students, and 15 “off-campus Kent” students, 5 “off-campus other” students with active COVID-19 cases.

“Current active cases” is the count of positive cases reported to the Virus Action Team over the past ten days. This is an estimate of those currently in isolation, assuming a ten-day symptomatic period following the reporting of a positive test result. Actual periods of isolation are specific to the individual and determined by the county health department.

Testing and Incidence: GVSU’s own testing program has performed 17,091 tests overall since August 21, for a positivity rate of 0.22% from the latest update as of the last week.

“GV Surveillance” includes the GV/ Spectrum administered programs of: randomized testing, regular testing of high-risk groups, and invited testing of individuals connected to potential clusters. A calendar is available. “GV Total” includes surveillance testing plus all symptomatic/ exposure tests administered by Spectrum.

SEEDS OF PROMISE USES COMMUNITY-FIRST APPROACH TO HELP GRAND RAPIDS

GA Grand Valley State Universitysponsored non-profit organization is looking to help residents all over Grand Rapids with a bottom-up, community-first holistic approach to charity work. Seeds of Promise is a Padnos/Sarosik non-profit organization based on the south side of Grand Rapids looking to help those struggling within the city.

Paula Collier, a Seeds of Promise board member, has been very involved with the organization, which is looking to make a replicable model to help those in poverty increase their knowledge with applicable resources so that those struggling are not relying on government assistance.

“If we teach people how to fish and not give them a fish, it allows people to be independent and not dependent on public resources,” said Collier.

To read the full story, visit www.lanthorn.com

POLITICS

‘American Patriot March,’ Ryan Kelley protest draw distinct crowds in Allendale

BY OLIVIA FELLOWS NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

On Saturday, Oct. 24, supporters of President Donald Trump gathered for a patriot rally drive-through celebration of the incumbent leader behind City Hall in Allendale as part of the ‘National Freedom March.’

Filled with ‘Make America Great Again’ flags, shirts, hats and more, attendees showed their pride for President Trump as they drove through, and more gathered following the drive through to hear from local speakers on stage. There were kids, adults, students and grandparents in attendance, with many choosing to forgo wearing a mask or practice social distancing.

The rally’s featured speakers included Katherine Henry, the founder of the Restore Freedom Initiative and the owner and lead attorney of Katherine Henry PC law firm, as well as Ryan Kelley, a member of Allendale’s Township’s planning commission.

In her speech, Henry defended protestors who went to the Lansing capitol building to express their dissent over the COVID-19 regulations that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has imposed, and also called for the freeing of the Null brothers, William and Michael, who were Allendale locals arrested in connection with the kidnapping plot

LOUD AND PROUD: A pro-Trump rally in Allendale featured a drive-though and public speakers.

Within eyesight, a Justice for Black Lives protest gathered behind City Hall. GVL | OLIVIA FELLOWS

against Governor Whitmer that was foiled earlier this month.

“I don’t care what any of those guys have done as far as what the court of public opinion and mainstream media is trying to do to them,” Henry said. “I can tell you that not a single one of you would ever want to be locked up and thrown away without ever having your day in court, without ever having the right to properly defend yourself.”

The statement was followed with Henry citing that Governor Whitmer is still wak-

ing free, despite many people’s anger with her recent decisions. The statement was followed by cheers of “lock her up” from many attendees. Henry then went on to explain some things that attendees should remember, including that God gave the people their rights, not the government, and that it is the government’s duty to protect those rights.

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LAKER EFFECT

GV alumnae recognized with national public relations award

BY MACKENZIE KELLER NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

GV STUDENTS HELP SMALL BUSINESSES WITH MARKETING, BUSINESS PLANS AS OWNERS NAVIGATE COVID-19 A new program in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business is pairing students with area small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them develop or strengthen their businesses.

The program is called LendGR, offered through the DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI).

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

WINNERS: Alumnae Emily Gagnon and Delaney MacKenzie celebrate a pair of PRSA Foundation Gold Key Awards. COURTESY | GVPRSSA

The Public Relations Society of America Foundation’s National Gold Key Award recognizes phenomenal members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) for their incredible academic achievements and leadership in the organization. The Gold Key award is celebrated as the highest honor an individual within the organization can achieve.

Two Grand Valley State University alumnae, Emily Gagnon and Delaney MacKenzie were awarded this honor and will be celebrated at the Public Relations Society of America International Conference in October. Both women were Advertising & Public Relations majors when they attended GVSU. Founded in the 90s, the GVSU chapter of PRSSA is a pre-professional organization preparing students for their future careers in public relations and others in the communica-

tions industry through speakers, workshops, agency tours, PRSSA national trips, and our student-run firm GrandPR. The chapter had the most award-winning year of its history last year, winning seven national awards.

In order to be eligible for this honor, PRSSA members must meet the following six qualifications: • Be a PRSSA member for at least two years • Be a senior or graduate student, • Have a GPA of at least 3.4 in their major, • Hold a PRSSA chapter or national leadership position • Complete at least one internship (confirmed by an advisor) • Affirm their intention to become a PRSSA associate member within one year of graduating.

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OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

CONTENTS POLITICS

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EDITORIAL

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BUSINESS

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ELECTION 2020

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ELECTION 2020

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THEATRE

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PRESENTATION

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ATHLETICS

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LAKER EFFECT

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VOL. 55

NO. 10

Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF

Layout Editor VIVIANA RUBIO

Editor-in-Chief NICK MORAN Associate Editor KELLEN VOSS

Layout Designer KHOI TRAN PROMOTIONS

Associate Editor XAVIER GOLDEN News Editor OLIVIA FELLOWS

Promotions Manager ALEX DAGOSTINO ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager SHANE MCATAMNEY

Sports Editor ZACK GOODROW Laker Life Editor YSABELA GOLDEN

A3 | NEWS CAMPUS

Student spearheads menstrual supply distribution initiative

BY AUDREY WHITAKER AWHITAKER@LANTHORN.COM

In January 2020, Grand Valley State University Student Senate began a new initiative in supplying select bathrooms and locations across the Allendale campus with free menstrual products for patron use. But was that enough to help higher education students who menstruate?

Alex Hicks, a GVSU student who was involved with the Student Senate at the time, has made this question the cornerstone of their senior project. Over the summer, Hicks conducted a survey of GVSU students and presented their research on access to menstrual products in higher education to a virtual audience Oct. 1.

The event was hosted by Sharalle Arnold, associate director of the GVSU Center for Women & Gender Equity, who introduced Hicks and Professor Laura Schneider, who worked with Hicks on their research.

During their presentation, Hicks shared that they were surprised by the universality of the need for menstrual products among GVSU students, regardless of factors such as gender identity, income or location.

“Regardless of socioeconomic status, regardless of gender identity, regardless of how important you think it is for this university to take this on or how often

EXPANDED EFFORTS: Working with campus partners, research by student Alex Hicks is spearheading a shift to include menstrual products in bathrooms around campus. COURTESY | ALEX HICKS

new work, which campus you’re on and how often you’re there — none of it really mattered,” Hicks said. “Everyone had this need and everyone had experienced it at some point.”

Hicks said that although this issue is so widespread, there is very little research on the impact it has on students in higher education.

“When I started the initiative to pro-

vide menstrual hygiene products in five bathrooms on our campus, I was looking at data and if there had been research about how this affects students in higher education, and there was no research like at all,” Hicks said. “So I decided to do that research myself.”

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BUSINESS STAFF

A&E Editor MARY RACETTE

Business Manager RACHEM MCDOWELL

Image Editor MEGHAN ANDGREN

Asst. Business Manager DAYTON HAMMON

HOLIDAY

GV provides in-person, virtual options to celebrate Halloween

BY TREVOR HUBERT NEWS@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.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published weekly by Grand Valley State University students 31 times a year. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the Grand Valley Community. For additional copies, at $1 each, please contact our business offices.

The Lanthorn is published on recycled paper and is printed with soy bean ink. This means that our newspaper is entirely compostable. Help us do our part to be kind to the environment by recycling or composting this newspaper after you enjoy reading it.

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

TRICK OR TREAT: Whether it be in-person or online, GVSU is still hosting Halloween festivities this spooky season. GVL | BRITNEY WATKINS

As the month of October rapidly comes to a close, the Grand Valley State University community is gearing up for the spookiest day of the year. Just like everything else, Halloween will have a different look and feel on campus in 2020, with virtual and in-person events hosted by the university.

GVSU’s “Haunted Week” kicks off Oct. 26 with costume and pumpkin carving social media contests hosted by the Campus Activities Board. Tuesday features an online performance by magician and comedian Trent James and Wednesday includes a virtual interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Wednesday is also the first day where in-person Halloween events begin, starting with a dance party at Lubbers Stadium. To ensure a safe event, face coverings and an RSVP will be required from those attending.

Events continue into Thursday and Friday with pumpkin decorating at Zumberge Pond and a showing of “Hocus Pocus” at the Kelly Family Sports Center.

Those who are truly in the Halloween spirit can take a haunted walk through the Arboretum on Friday or Saturday night.

The Haunted Arboretum is the first event of its kind for GVSU, and those who are brave enough to attend will come face-toface with zombies, dementors and other spooky characters. Unlike other haunted mazes and houses in West Michigan, this one is free to attend.

While some on campus still have concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems likely that Halloween gatherings will carry on in some form. Whether the guidelines are actually followed or not remains to be seen.

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A4 | OPINION GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

By Xavier Golden

EDITORIAL

Election stress is real, but voting messaging won’t solve it

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10/26/20

editorial@lanthorn.com

Down with the Ship: Flagship phones pick compromises over consumers

BY FABIAN SEGURA SENIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM, FILM & VIDEO EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

This past May marks the 4th anniversary of my phone’s launch, the Axon 7. Yet despite my phone having its fair share of issues, upgrading it to the latest model has become quite the

quandary as a lot has changed in these past four years. In that time we’ve seen the iPhone 7 being “courageous” in removing the headphone jack, the iPhone X come out bringing out the all screen notched design removing Touch ID, fragile glass backs, the return of the megapixel wars of old (remember those?) with multi-camera setups, the move to high refresh rate displays, hole punch cameras, under-screen fingerprint readers, and even a surge of “midrange” phones in the U.S. With all these developments, while it may sound like an easy upgrade, a few things have earned my ire. First up to bat, the justifications for removing the headphone jack from flagships phones ties into the fact that they’re called flagships for a reason. Top of the line and fully featured, but when

companies cite issues with thinness or battery capacity to remove the jack — while simultaneously offering the same chassis in a cutdown model that has one — that standout claim is far less believable.

The removal of the SD card slot from most phones is a tragedy as having the ability to pop in more storage used to be one of the defining features of Android; I just recently put in another 128GB for the low price of $20. In the year of COVID-19 removing Touch ID for Face ID that doesn’t work well with masks seems unfortunate in hindsight.

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Your vote is your voice

BY KAYLA SOSA SENIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

Back in 2016, it was 18-year-old Jocelyn Medina’s first time voting. She

was excited to cast her ballot but was also extremely nervous.

It was intimidating – not only because it was her first time going through the process, but also because the political climate had become so increasingly hostile, specifically through campaign messages like Donald Trump’s about immigrants. Medina, a Mexican American and child of undocumented parents, was a first-time voter in her family.

She went alone and didn’t have anyone to show her the ropes beforehand.

“Just walking into my polling location was frightening,” Medina said in a recent interview on Tea Time, the GVSU Community Service Learning Center’s Instagram Live show. “It’s a very predominantly white area. It wasn’t a welcoming vibe, it wasn’t a welcoming feeling.”

She had tried to get her older sister to come with her, but she wasn’t able to. She still persisted and voted, but that memory lives on in her mind.

Flash forward to this year, Medina is working as a Campus Elections Engagement Project (CEEP) Fellow at the CSLC and is ready to vote this November.

“Now that I get to vote again, my brother is also of age,” Medina said. “He was mentioning to me the other day that he was really scared to go vote in person. Obviously we know we can vote by mail, we can even vote early because in Michigan that’s allowed, but he really wants to go do it on the day of.”

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ote. It’s an encouraging rallying cry to get constituents to get involved in one of the most electric political races in recent history.

It’s an invitation to have your voice be heard, to help keep the flame of democracy lit.

With that, it’s also a source of distress for many. The political turmoil we’ve seen this year has been nothing short of troubling, and while some rush to remedy it, others run away with their hands over the heads to shield themselves from the dizzying stress that stems from it.

Between Americans being hit hard with isolation amid the pandemic and the turbulence stemming from the election, it’s no wonder that there are some people, including students, who want no part in this voting season. There are those who mute words on social media and keep the news off until far after November is over.

That behavior is both absolutely understandable and a call for fundamental change.

To be clear, yes, participating in the election in any way is important — whether it be simply voting yourself, working the polls or canvassing for a candidate you believe in. Voting is the foundation of democracy and your drive to participate in any way is admirable.

This year especially is not the year to stay away from the polls or tune out the candidates. Despite the challenges, it’s our duty to get involved in some way.

But if the election is an added stressor on top of the pandemic, midterms and the way-too-busy lives of most college students, we are recommending that college voters value their own mental health over consuming every piece of information regarding the elections.

If the thought of picking a candidate or following the ruthless flow of politics is leaving you in a state of disrepair, we advise you turn the TV off, step away from the commotion and take care of yourself. Participating in democracy is important, but so is your mental health.

Just like any other election season, the message for young people to get out and vote has been shoved down the throats of college students. While these ads are generally good for our democracy, there needs to be more advocacy in these messages for taking the mental health around voting seriously.

For those who are stressed, take a breath. We know the onslaught of messaging encouraging voting is helpful, but it’s nearly exorbitant at this point as it risks distancing people from the political process.

Understand your rights, be confident in your own beliefs and vote the way you feel most comfortable.

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

The Lanthorn strives to be a safe vehicle for community discussion. With this in mind, the Lanthorn will not publish or entertain any forms of hate speech, but neither will it discriminate against any other views, opinions or beliefs. The content, information and views expressed are not approved by— nor do they necessarily represent those of—the university or its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty

or staff.

Letters to the editor should include the author’s full name, relevant title and a headshot, along with a valid email address and phone number for confirming the identity of the author. Letters should be approximately 500650 words in length, and they are not edited by the Lanthorn staff except to fix technical errors or to clarify. Reader submissions on the opinion page appear as space permits.

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

0051 KIRKHOF CENTER GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

A5 | NEWS

BUSINESS

Plans for local coffee shop with GV ties cut short

BY LAUREN FORMOSA NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

This past summer, when Christiana Stankewitz and her business partner Kendall Gardner decided to take a leap of faith and start a small business at Grand Valley State University, the plan was to open a coffee shop at Campus View apartments. The process began smoothly, but as things got more complicated, their aspirations of owning and operating said coffee shop fell through.

Their journey started when Gardner introduced Stankewitz, who was her new friend at the time, to her father, Brian Gardner. Stankewitz mentioned to him that her end goal was to one day own a coffee shop and, as the owner of Campus View apartments, Brian responded by saying that they could do it.

He had a few food carts from prior investments, and the idea of a coffee cart not only seemed like a good way for his daughter and Stankewitz to have the opportunity to start a business, but also another smart long-term investment on his end. From there, Rose Ridge Coffee was in the process of becoming a reality for the two aspiring businesswomen.

“Since I had already been working towards my dream of owning and operating my own coffee shop, training, and preparing, I was excited for the opportunity that this would present,” said Stankewitz.

The plan was to put the coffee cart on a plot of unused land next to Pierce

Street. Rose Ridge was expected to be a place Campus View residents and GVSU students alike could use as a hangout stop or study area while enjoying fresh roasted coffee and pastries. While it seemed simple enough in theor y, all parties quickly realized that Rose Ridge would be a commitment that would require hard work and dedication on all ends.

“When I said, ‘Hey, let’s do this,’ I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” Brian said. “I thought we were going to take the cart, fix it up, put some gravel down and open it up.”

Both girls spent a month and a half together working out designs for layouts, filing paperwork, meeting with vendors and creating a joint bank account. On his part, Brian worked to handle the financials of Rose Ridge, putting in roughly $70,000 total to get the cart functioning.

The group agreed that Brian would own 100% of Rose Ridge while Kendall and Stankewitz would work as managers until they could evaluate at a later date.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly and they hoped to have Rose Ridge operating in the coming months.

That was, however, until a personal issue occurred between Stankewitz and Kendall.

Kendall had broken up with her boyfriend, who happened to be the twin brother of Stankewitz’s boyfriend. While the girls were still on good terms, both of the boys were potentially going to work alongside them at Rose Ridge and Kendall didn’t feel comfortable with that arrangement.

DRINKING: Christiana Stankewitz and Kendall Gardner were set to open a local coffee shop, but they have since gone their own ways after a personal issue struck. COURTESY | CHRISTIANA STANKEWITZ

When she went to her business partner to voice these concerns about separating them from the business, Kendall said Stankewitz claimed that her loyalties were to her boyfriend and his brother.

After hearing this, Brian was no longer comfortable entering into business with two managers who didn’t trust each other decided to end the partnership.

Since this was an investment for him, he said a business has to have leadership that can depend on each other.

“I’ve started about six businesses in my life and it’s hard,” said Mr. Gardner.

“You can’t start a business like this if you start with a partner who has stated, ‘My loyalty is not to you,’ or, ‘My first obligation isn’t to the business.’”

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POLICE

DUIs increase as semester progresses

BY ADAM TROMBLEY NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

DRINKING: Capt. Stoll said six drunk drivers have been arrested during the first seven weeks of classes. COURTESY | DAVIS LAW GROUP

The number of criminal incidents on Grand Valley State University’s campuses this year have not been out of the ordinary compared to normal years. This year, however, is no normal year.

The Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD), on top of enforcing COVID-19 regulations, has arrested six drunk drivers on campus over the first seven weeks of the school year. With one arrest taking place every week, the GVPD is urging the GVSU community to not put themselves and others at risk by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

“You can’t drive after you’ve been drinking, especially under the age of 21,” said GVPD Capt. Jeffrey Stoll. “It’s too dangerous. You’re putting the whole public at risk by doing that.”

Of the seven individuals arrested over the past seven weeks of school, six of them were under the age of 21. It is clear that not all of the individuals arrested were part of

the GVSU community, but the six arrested all faced unauthorized blood alcohol levels and operating while intoxicated charges. Up to this point, there has been no accidents connected to drinking and driving this year.

“If you are over a .08 (blood alcohol content), it does not matter what your age is — it’s handled the same way,” Stoll said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 51 — if you’re over .08 it’s the same charge. The biggest difference is if you are under 21, obviously you’re not able to have any alcohol in your system.”

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes for deaths among teens in the United States, and even though there has been no crashes caused by driving under the influence, Stoll urges students to have a plan before they go drinking and to take advantage of the services offered around GVSU’s campuses.

He said things like taking the bus, getting driven by friends and using the paid ride share program can help keep people safe around the GVSU community.

“If you drink at all, you need to be very

specific and deliberate in your choices of what you’re going to do after that,” Stoll said.

“For students, they may feel like it’s a short trip, it doesn’t matter how short it is because that whole time you’re putting other drivers at risk.”

The highest blood alcohol level Stoll has seen was a .29, but most of the times when he pulls people over, the numbers are in the low teens. The legal limit in Michigan is a .08, but a person can still be arrested with a number lower than that if the officer believes that the individual is too impaired to drive. If you blow over a .08 or are arrested for being too impaired, there is a major penalty for it.

“You have to appear in court in front of a judge,” Stoll said. “Sentencing is in the ballpark of $1,000-$1,500 in court costs, fines and fees. Also, (there is) the likelihood of a probationary period on top of that.”

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OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

2020

A6&7 | 2020 ELECTIONS

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

BY NICK MORAN, XAVIER GOLDEN AND KELLEN VOSS EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

Election Day is eight days away, but many Americans already have ballots in

hand whether it be through early voting or the absentee process. The country is going to be making some tough choices as the day nears, especially in deciding who will take the helm and lead the country in a path toward economic recovery while fighting issues like COVID-19, racial in-

equity and educational development.

We’ve included candidates that have polled at least 1% in a nationally-accredited poll, which means that in addition to President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden, Liberitarian nominee Jo Jorgensen and Green Party

nominee Howie Hawkins are also included (see page 8).

The platforms presented have been determined using college-age polling data to find the issues most topical to our campus community. For more rationale, read our Oct. 19 editorial.

ISSUES ECONOMIC POLICY Democratic challenger Joe Biden is focusing on bolstering American industry, with plans to pour $400 billion into procurement and $300 billion into research and development to create 5 million jobs over his term.

The funding would support industries like artificial intelligence, automotives, clean energy, medicine and biotechnology, especially those in communities of color. Biden stands by a $15 minimum wage, universal paid sick leave, and 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave. Biden plans to support this with an increase of the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% while vowing it won’t affect those who make under $400,000.

EDUCATION Joe Biden proposes a plan that would forgive up to $125,000 of undergraduate student loan debt and cancel a minimum of $10,000 of student debt per person. He also plans on retooling the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the income-based repayment program in order to reduce or eliminate student loan debt and student loan payments, and enacting legislation that would make it possible to discharge private student loans in bankruptcy.

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH

BIDEN

The former Vice President has been critical of Trump’s response to COVID-19, and has proposed a federal mask mandate. Biden is in favor of Obamacare, as he was in office in the Vice Presidential seat when the plan first rolled out. On Thursday’s presidential debate, he hinted that he would want to expand on it, updating the clauses on pre-existing conditions and possibly re-branding it as ‘Bidencare’.

Biden believes that affordable health care is a basic human right, as the former VP is prochoice, wants the feds to intervene to lower prescription drug costs and end surprise medical billing, and is against leaving WHO.

PROTESTS, RACIAL INEQUALITY AND POLICE REFORM Biden is taking a holistic approach to combating racial inequity, featuring fronts on the economy, education, public health, justice and environmental inequality. Some pillars range from dedicating $150 billion cumulatively to minority-owned businesses and ventures to creating affordable housing opportunities to increase homeownership.

This also includes tuition-free education for students attending historically black colleges and universities from families making less than $125,000. On policing, Biden addressed ensuring prisons are reformative and police reform, including judicial oversight and increased community policing.

ENVIRONMENT Joe Biden plans on instituting several new organizations, regulations and technologies in order to save the environment, including a new Advanced Research Projects Agency on Climate to reduce carbon emissions and a Civilian Climate Corp that will create conservationist jobs. He also plans on reforming tax incentives to encourage energy efficiency and create jobs in clean energy. Biden acknowledges the strengths of the Green New Deal, and plans on folding the framework it outlines into his environmental policies.

FOREIGN POLICY On his official 2020 campaign site, Biden called Trump’s foreign policies “erratic”, saying that Trump’s failure to uphold basic democratic principles has surrendered the U.S.’s position in the world. He’s against the tariffs on Chinese trade, is in favor of easing the embargo with Cuba and is against increasing the military’s budget.

ECONOMIC POLICY President Trump has his sights set on creating 10 million jobs in 10 months, including 1 million new small businesses.

He intends to fuel this by moving jobs outsourced to countries like China back to the U.S. and supporting tax breaks, including the expansion of “opportunity zone” breaks.

In his second term agenda, Trump is relying on tax credits to move businesses back to the U.S. while moving away from Chinese dependence. The final leg of his economic policy includes continuing to roll back regulations on energy production.

EDUCATION

PROTESTS, RACIAL INEQUALITY AND POLICE REFORM In his second term agenda, President Trump emphasised supporting the nation’s police, including fully funding them and hiring additional officers. This includes increasing penalties for assaulting officers and treating drive-by shootings as acts of domestic terrorism. Trump also takes a hard stance on eliminating extremist groups (especially ANTIFA) and cashless bail. During a speech in Muskegon, Michigan, Trump repeated his desire for “law and order,” as a response to civil unrest.

ENVIRONMENT

The Trump administration has challenged numerous education policies since 2017. Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s Secretary of Education, opposed a regulation that would have suspended federal funding of for-profit universities, Title IX mandates that required funding for women’s programs and protections for minority students, and the Common Core curriculum. Throughout his 2020 campaign, Trump has emphasized his support for school of choice programs and vehemently opposed the 1619 Project.

Over the last four years, the Trump administration has had a hands-off approach to environmental policy, opposing regulations that would require power plants and oil and gas operators to reduce carbon emissions and receive approval for fracking from the Bureau of Land Management. Trump has historically been opposed to the idea of a carbon tax and the Green New Deal as well. He has not placed a strong emphasis on the environment in his 2020 campaign.

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH

FOREIGN POLICY

The incumbent president has been vocal about his disdain for Obamacare, as he believes it isn’t good for Americans, and deemed it ‘socialized medicine’ in the last Presidential Debate.

While he does not believe that abortion should be legal in this country, he is in favor of the Feds intervening to lower prescription drug costs and end medical billing, but is in favor of the United States leaving the World Health Organization (WHO), partially due to the health guidelines they have advised throughout the pandemic.

President Trump has imposed tariffs on China, and has said those tariffs will be maintained upon re-election. He is not in favor of the U.S. cancelling or easing our embargo with Cuba, and believes the U.S. should have withdrawn from the Open Skies Treaty, as well as withdrawn troops from the Middle East and Northern Syria in 2019.

Trump is in favor of increasing the military’s budget to improve national security. An envoy of Trump has claimed that the U.S. and Russia are ‘very,very close’ to a nuclear deal, but Trump is opposed to re-entering a nuclear deal with Iran.

TRUMP

A8 | 2020 ELECTIONS

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

HOWIE HAWKINS

JO JORGENSEN

ECONOMIC POLICY

ECONOMIC POLICY

Green party nominee Howie Hawkins has proposed an Economic Bill of Rights, which puts it on the federal government to guarantee: a livable-wage job; an income above poverty; affordable housing; comprehensive health care; lifelong free public education; and a secure retirement.

Liberatarian party nominee Jo Jorgensen looks at the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how government and state mandates stood in the way of small business growth. She supports cutting back regulations from government agencies that may stunt business development, including government zoning and licensing laws. Jorgensen wants to limit government spending and taxing.

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Howie Hawkins is opposed to forgiving all student debt, claiming that working class students should not pay for the tuition of wealthier students. Instead, he proposes free tuition for all public universities, and instituting a loan repayment program that would allow the government to take possession of the 8% of student loans that aren’t already federal.

Jo Jorgenson places the responsibility for the student loan crisis on the federal government, and consequently believes the Department of Education should be eliminated, which would remove the government from the crisis, but would also remove Title IX protections and end any regulation of school curriculum.

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Hawkins aligns with Biden in being pro-choice, and agrees with Biden and Trump on the feds helping to lower prescription drug costs and ending surprise medical billing.Hawkins is in favor of Meidcare for All as a community-controlled national health service and believes the fundamental problem in the current health care system is that it “is designed to create profits for a few rather than guarantee healthcare to everyone.”

Jorgensen aligns with Biden and Hawkins in being pro-choice, and is against a Medicare for All Healthcare system. While she agrees with the three above candidates in having the Feds intervene with lowering prescription drug costs and ending surprise medical billing, she aligns with Trump in being in favor of the U.S. leaving WHO. According to her 2020 campaign website, she believes “Republican and Democratic policies over the past 50 years are the reason health care has become so expensive.”

PROTESTS, RACIAL INEQUALITY AND POLICE REFORM

PROTESTS, RACIAL INEQUALITY AND POLICE REFORM

Hawkins stands by substantial police reform in supporting community controlled policing, which gives power to local constituents who will assemble, legislate and manage their police force. He is also a proud supporter of the federal legalization of marijuana, which is a step toward ending the war on drugs while removing former and future criminal offenses for marijuana use.

Jorgensen takes issue with the amount of prisoners in the U.S., which she largely credits to the War on Drugs. She supports removing laws that prevent item ownership, from guns to drugs, and would repeal minimum sentences for nonviolent offences and pardon nonviolent criminals. Jorgensen would defund federal involvement in policing as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration.

ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT

Howie Hawkins’ proposed environmental policies are rooted in his anti-capitalist, democratic beliefs. Hawkins believes that massive, systemic change is required in order to reverse climate change. He plans on restructuring all sectors of the economy so they are better equipped to be ecologically sustainable. Hawkins’ ecosocialist version of the Green New Deal outlines the changes he believes are necessary to protecting the environment.

Jo Jorgensen’s proposed clean energy strategy is a renewed focus on nuclear power plants, believing that they are the future of environmentally sustainable power. Jorgensen is strongly opposed to energy subsidies, claiming that eliminating them could level the playing field. She is also strongly opposed to the Green New Deal, believing that it will hurt workers and consumers. She says that regarding the environment, the government should provide guidance, not regulations.

FOREIGN POLICY

FOREIGN POLICY

Hawkins is in favor of the U.S. remaining in the U.N. to protect U.S. interests in peacekeeping efforts, but wants the U.S. to leave NATO, which he believes is obsolete and should be abolished. He aligns with Biden and Jorgensen in decreasing military spending, as there is a whole section of his website dedicated to rejecting militarism. He is in favor of withdrawing troops from the Middle East, but opposes withdrawing from the Open Skies treaty.

Jorgensen aligns with Hawkins and Biden on decreasing military spending, and is also in favor of withdrawing troops from the Middle East. Continuing to align with Hawkins and Biden, she is also in favor of re-entering a nuclear deal with Iran, easing the embargo on Cuba, and is not in favor of continuing to impose tariffs in chinese trade.

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLARTS

A9 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS AT A GLANCE

THEATRE

RELIVE LAUGHFEST THROUGH ITS NEW STREAMABLE ALBUM

For anyone who missed out on the 10th Anniversary of Gilda’s Club LaughFest, a streamable album from The Clean Comedy Showcase is now available. The album titled “Seriously Funny” can be streamed on Pandora or Sirius XM’s Laugh USA Channel.

The proceeds of “Seriously Funny” will go towards Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

Gilda’s Club is run entirely on donations and offers free emotional healthcare for anyone who has been affected by cancer or is grieving a loved one who has passed away due to any cause. The nonprofit started LaughFest in 2010 as a fundraiser for their services, 10 years later the event has grown into a community tradition.

Fourteen sets from Four different comedians are featured on “Seriously Funny.” The Clean Comedy Showcase ran from March 5-7 but now selected sets are available for anyone to enjoy for free.

Read the full story on Lanthorn.com

IN-PERSON IMPROV COMEDY RETURNS TO CAMPUS

Subject to Change, GVSU’s improv team, returned for their first in-person performance of the year. On Oct. 23, Subject to Change put on the Improv-oween Masktacular. The team performed in the Cook-DeWitt Center, a change of scenery from their usual stage at Area 51 in the Kirkhof Center. While seating was limited due to social distancing guidelines, students were able to finally experience an in-person improv show.

Improv comedy is a unique form of performance comedy that requires audience participation and performers to think quickly on their feet. Subject to Change’s Halloween special was free to all but asked for a $1 donation. Stickers and shirts were also sold at the event.

NEWLY-RENOVATED SPACE HOUSES NEW THOUGHT-PROVOKING ARTWORK

Lake Huron Hall (LHH) on Allendale’s campus has been renovated and has been filled with intentional pieces of art.

GVSU’s English and Classics departments are headquartered in LHH. The heads of these departments collaborated with the GVSU Art Gallery to find pieces that would further the goals and values of these departments. One of the goals is to promote visual literacy through the artwork.

On Oct. 21, anyone was welcome to tune in to the Art Gallery’s Instagram Live and Facebook Live. For a half-hour session, viewers were given a sneak peek at the artwork and renovations to LHH.

To be or not to be: Shakespeare Festival adapts amidst pandemic

BY MARY DUPUIS ARTS@LANTHORN.COM

This year, Grand Valley State University’s 27th annual Shakespeare Festival looked a bit different than normal.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was only an abbreviated version of the festival consisting of two different events. However limited they may have been, James Bell, Managing Director of the festival and GVSU Associate Professor of Theatre, decided it was essential that the show go on.

Typically the Festival Greenshow would kick off the weekend of Shakespearean shenanigans, and this year was no exception to that.

Even so, instead of taking place on a weekend, it happened in the middle of the week, and instead of a live show, it was a livestream.

The show, titled “The Arraignment of Paris,” was a 10-15 minute script that guided the audience through a competition between the three Roman goddesses that began the Trojan War. It took place on Oct. 21 and was livestreamed on GVSU’s website through Zoom.

There was one performance at 5:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m.

Each actor was in a very simple costume that was either white, navy blue or black, and all were sitting in front of a single-toned background with the light facing them.

The preparations for this midweek show began in the winter semester of 2020 where both

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: Despite a slew of challenges facing it, GVSU’s Shakespeare Festival adapted their live event to a digital format, livestreaming shows to watch online. GVL | KATHERINE VASILE

Bell and the director of the play, senior theatre major Marcus Chapman, had the idea that the performance would be live. “(Bell) gave me five or six plays to choose from,” Chapman said. “When deciding we go through a cycle of shows that rotate every four years. (‘The Arraignment of Paris’) is one I liked most out of the group and we hadn’t done it in about seven years. It sounded like it would be the most fun and

entertaining play out of the bunch, which is the main point of the Greenshow.”

In July, when both realized it would not be possible to hold an in-person performance, they began to make adaptations to the script and plan for a modified event.

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MUSIC

GV alum merges hip hop, Chinese Studies degree

BY CHAVALA YMKER ARTS@LANTHORN.COM

As an eighteen year old, Thomas McSweeney, who goes by his stage name TEEJ, couldn’t speak a word of Chinese. Now, he’s started a second career rapping the language. And it all started with a coin toss.

During the pandemic, the Detroit-based Grand Valley State University alum finally discovered a way to merge his love for music and Chinese and started rapping under the name TEEJ. After messaging bands across Taiwan, he connected with a group named Flack. The col-

laboration resulted in TEEJ’s first single called “Space42” which was released on YouTube a few weeks ago and has over 4,000 views.

When he was studying business in college, TEEJ needed to choose between two classes: one which focused on Japan, and the other on China. He flipped a coin and ended up with China. After that class, he transferred to GVSU so he could enroll in the Chinese Studies program.

While in the program, TEEJ said he “had really awesome professors, and they encouraged me to be the president of the Chinese Culture and Language Club.” As a

part of GVSU’s study abroad program, he was able to visit Taiwan twice where he fell in love with the island.

In fact, he returned to GVSU’s university partner, the National Taiwan Normal University, to get his MBA. “Thanks to Patrick Shan who wrote the most dazzling recommendation letter, I got a scholarship to study there,” said TEEJ. Shan still teaches at GVSU. TEEJ returned to the United States in 2015 and settled into a corporate career.

It wasn’t until quarantine gave him a lot of downtime that his passion for music and Chinese returned to the forefront.

He’d been listening to a lot of hip hop and wondered what it would sound like if he merged that genre with his love of Chinese.

That’s when he met producer Shane Grenier and got involved with 42 Records, a label that aims to provide artists a platform while also ensuring their artistic independence.

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FOREIGN FLOW: Laker alum and rapper TEEJ is using his love of rap and Chinese to make his mark in the music world. He just released his first single and music video, “Space42.” COURTESY | YOUTUBE

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A10 | LAKER LIFE LOOK AT LAKER LIFE AFTER THE ELECTION: DEMOCRACY 101

What’s widely considered to be the most important election of a lifetime is officially right around the corner on Nov. 3, but with the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, many Americans have already cast this historic vote through absentee ballots and early voting stations.

Whether they’ve voted yet or not, many are wondering what the next step for their communities could be.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Community Service Learning Center is teaming up with Campus Democratic Engagement Coalition to provide a virtual event to answer how the GVSU community can stay engaged beyond the election.

The event, which is INT 100/201 approved, will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Zoom.

Those interested can RSVP on Laker Link at gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage.

LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF GRAND RAPIDS POLICING

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Grand Valley State University’s departments of History and Latin American and Latino/a Studies is teaming up to host a presentation from Delia Fernández, a faculty member at Michigan State University. A professor of History and Chicano/Latino Studies, Fernández will be giving a presentation on “Black, White, and Latino Demands for Community Controlled Policing in Grand Rapids, MI, 1965-1973.”

The event will take place virtually from 3-4:15 p.m. over Zoom. The link to the meeting can be found on Grand Valley’s Event Calendar at www.gvsu.edu/events.

HAUNTED WEEK AT GVSU

To celebrate the week leading up to Halloween, the Campus Activities Board is teaming up with several different groups around campus in order to host a series of events in the spooky spirit of the season.

The week of events includes a virtual performance from Magician Trent James on Tuesday, a virtual watch of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Wednesday, Pumpkin Decorating at Zumberge Pond on Thursday, a showing of “Hocus Pocus” at the Kelly Family Sports Center on Friday, and Grand Valley’s first annual Haunted Arboretum tours on Friday and Saturday.

Those interested in attending Haunted Week can find registration for all these events can be found on the Upcoming Events calendar on the Campus Activities Board website. Student Senate will also be hosting their own pumpkin carving and decorating session from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in the Secchia Parking Lot of Pew Campus, which students can RSVP for on Laker Link at gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage.

OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE

PRESENTATION

Hauenstein Center raises political awareness with 2020 Election Panel

BY KATHERINE ARNOLD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

On Oct. 22, Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and the Political Science Department co-hosted a virtual webinar on a very important and pertinent topic: the country’s political landscape and the upcoming election.

“Voting is not only our voice, but both the purpose and test of our democracy,” said Samuel Jacobs, a junior studying political science and Cook Leadership Academy candidate who introduced the panel.

This certainly couldn’t be more true in 2020, a year where it feels like everything people thought they knew is being tested every day. The panel sought to have an engaging and open discussion on 2020’s unique political atmosphere, how to vote in an informed and educated way, and most importantly, how to navigate the current political climate without feeling lost in a place of partisanship wars.

The moderator for the event was the chair of the political science department, Darren Walhof, alongside four speakers; Polly Diven, a political science professor and director of the International Relations program; Matt McLogan, GVSU Vice President of University Relationa and former political journalist; Patrick Miles, attorney and former 2012-2017 U.S. Attorney for Michigan’s Western district;

INSIGHT: A cast of leaders with political experience spoke on the upcoming election during a virtual webinar. The discussion touched on last year’s election, voting and more. GVL | KATHERINE ARNOLD

and Michelle Miller-Adams, a political science professor with many published works, including a new book.

Each speaker had their own topics, using their expertise to highlight the importance of the conversation they brought to the table. For McLogan, this was how knowledge of past elections can inform current knowledge as the country gets increasingly closer to the Nov. 3 deadline.

One highlight from his discussion was how President Donald Trump won the majority in Michigan at only 47.5% of votes — less than half of the state. It is important to consider how significant the amount of third party voters were, even at only 6% of the total vote.

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CLUB SPORTS

Quidditch flies on Allendale campus

BY AUTUMN PITCHURE LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

It’s relatively commonplace for real life sports to be depicted in fiction, but it’s not every day that a game originating in fiction finds its way into real life. What was once a sport for magical beings in the “Harry Potter” book and movie series is now a thriving club sport at Grand Valley State University.

GVSU Quidditch is hoping to expand their team this year as an opportunity to get out and be active during quarantine.

SQUAD: GVSU Quidditch poses together as a team for a photo. COURTESY | RYAN SWANSON

“We can’t fly like they do in the books, but we sure do have fun,” said Quidditch Team President Sarah Maxey.

Matches are played on a large oval pitch with three ring-shaped goals of different heights on each side. Matches are played between two opposing teams of seven players each: three Chasers, two Beaters, the Keeper, and the Seeker.

“It’s kind of a mix of rugby, dodgeball, a bit of basketball and a bit of wrestling,” Maxey said. “There is always a lot going on.”

The Chasers and the Keeper respectively score with and defend the goals against the Quaffle; the two Beaters bat the Bludgers away from their teammates and towards their opponents; and the Seeker locates and catches the Golden Snitch, whose capture simultaneously wins the Seeker’s team 150 points and ends the game. The team with the most points at the end wins.

Typically, GVSU’s Quidditch team plays against schools across the region and even nation, but this year, there are traveling restrictions due to COVID-19. The team can no longer travel and face other teams,

but that hasn’t stopped them from playing.

The Quidditch team still hosts practices on Mondays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. Wanting to keep the game safe during the pandemic, the GVSU Quidditch team has been hosting their practices outside on the GVSU Allendale campus.

“We recognize that people aren’t necessarily comfortable with being around other people,” Maxey said. “But we want to give everyone the chance to do something outside of their apartments.”

The team is wearing masks when they are within ten feet of each other and are trying to keep practices as safe as possible.

“If one of our players were to walk away for a bit, they are allowed to take their masks off and breath,” Maxey said. “If we were in the Kelly Sports Center, we would have to wear masks regardless at all times.”

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OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

QUICK HITS VAN TUBBERGEN EARNS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN HONOR

GVSU senior men’s basketball player Jake Van Tubbergen has been named a preseason All-American by Basketball Times. He was one of two players listed from the GLIAC on a team filled with 24 Division II athletes.

Van Tubbergen had a career year last season as he averaged a double-double.

He led the Lakers in minutes, scoring and rebounds per game. Van Tubbergen finished the 2019-20 season with statistics of 18.4 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game. He also led the team with 43 steals and had 17 blocks on the year.

Van Tubbergen shot 54% from the field and 34% from behind the arc.

So far during his career at GVSU, Van Tubbergen has scored 1,282 points, grabbed 677 rebounds, and has 145 assists cumulatively. He has added 91 steals and 55 blocks on the defensive side of the ball. Last year, Van Tubbergen was an NABC All-American team member. He led the Lakers to a 27-3 record and a division championship in the GLIAC South. After being named as a preseason All-American, Van Tubbergen and the rest of the team will be ready to compete once the 2021 season commences.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES

Rockford 28, Grandville 8 East Grand Rapids 12, Byron Center 8 Hudsonville Unity Christian 42, Allendale 6 Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28, Grand Rapids South Christian 27 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 42, Grand Rapids Northview 14 Muskegon 56, Grand Rapids Union 14

FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS QB: Kyler Murray 158.48, Patrick Mahomes 158.46, Josh Allen 150.74, Russell Wilson 147.38, Dak Prescott 135.64

RB: Alvin Kamara 147.6, Ezekiel Elliott 123.7, Aaron Jones 115, Dalvin Cook 113.3, Derrick Henry 111.2

WR: Calvin Ridley 121, DeAndre Hopkins119.1, Adam Thielen 119, Stefon Diggs 115.5, Amari Cooper 110.1

TE: Travis Kelce 112, George Kittle 81.7, Mark

A11 | SPORTS ATHLETICS

Women’s sports trailblazer honored with Wall of National Championships

BY HOLLY BIHLMAN HBIHLMAN@LANTHORN.COM

Over forty years ago, Joan Boand had a vision for women’s athletics at Grand Valley State University.

She had a vision, and as a result of her efforts, she has helped pave the way for countless women at GVSU, including aspiring female coaches.

Women’s athletics were introduced at GVSU as a result of Boand’s determination in 1968. Men’s sports were around since 1964, and after hearing students’ desire to play collegiate sports, she convinced Charles Irwin, the GVSU athletic director at the time, to fund women’s teams.

“I just think that we’re just very fortunate that people are finally beginning to accept us for the fact that we can all do these things,” Boand said. “It’s very difficult to beat the old establishment, but every once in a awhile you get some men that are thinking not at the present, but looking ahead and are forward-thinking, and you will find that the women get some opportunities that they haven’t had before.”

Boand went on to have a successful coaching career in multiple sports. She compiled a 557-330 record in volleyball and won six GLIAC titles. Her women’s basketball teams also won four straight league titles from 1974-1978.

LAKER LEGEND: Longtime Laker Joan Boand’s monumental impact on women’s sports at GVSU was recognized by the dedication of a brand new Wall of National Championships. COURTESY | GVSU

Boand’s influence is still felt even to this day around GVSU, and without her we probably wouldn’t see as many opportunities for women coaches.

“I think you look at where women’s athletics has come in the last 40 years and it is tremendous,” said women’s basketball head coach Janel Burgess. “You look at what coach Boand did here prior, in the very beginning of athletics here at Grand Valley. I mean, she gave women

the opportunity to compete because we did not have that opportunity.”

While we now see more women involved in coaching collegiate sports, there still remains a lack of women currently coaching men’s sports.

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GOLF

The Meadows golf course record tied by GV freshman

BY ZACK GOODROW SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

Last week, Monday Oct. 19, freshman Grand Valley State University golfer Charlie DeLong tied the course record at The Meadows. He had a score of 64, which was eight shots under par. He now shares the title with professional golfers and GVSU alumni Alex Scott and Justin Hueber.

Andrews 74.3, Darren Waller 73.5, Jonnu Smith 72.4

K: Rodrigo Blankenship 63, Jason Sanders 62, Randy Bullock 61, Justin Tucker 61, Younghoe Koo 60

DEFENSE: Baltimore Ravens 76,

Indianapolis Colts 67, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 61, Pittsburgh Steelers 54, Miami Dolphins 48

SWING: Golfer Charlie DeLong made his mark on The Meadows. COURTESY | GVSU ATHLETICS

“Every time you go out there you have it in the back of your mind that it’s possible to beat the course record,” DeLong said. “I got off to a really hot start and it started to enter my mind. It was cool knowing that I had tied such great players. Those two guys are professionals. It’s a great feeling to be in the same company as them.”

DeLong is technically a freshman but he is in his second year at GVSU. He is a “COVID-19 freshman,” meaning he’s taking an extra year of eligibility during the pandemic.

While he may be listed as a freshman, DeLong knows The Meadows course extremely well. DeLong plays the course almost every day.

Now when he steps foot onto the greens, he’ll be thinking about beating his own record.

The day he tied the course record, the weather was in perfect condition. It was cold out, which let the ball fly right off his club, but it was also sunny with little clouds in the sky.

There wasn’t as much wind as there normally is at The Meadows. All of these factors helped DeLong have his best outing yet on the course.

DeLong feels fortunate to be playing golf during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although

the fall season at GVSU has been cancelled, DeLong has still been able to compete in other tournaments around the state and country. He’s still training and competing with the GVSU golf team in mind, even though he’s participating in non-GVSU events.

On Oct. 6, DeLong and fellow GVSU freshman Nick Krueger tied for third place at the Eagle Eye GCAA Amatuer tournament in Lansing. They both finished the three day event with a score of 213, which was three shots under par.

“The Eagle Eye event was great,” DeLong said. “It was about five minutes away from my home and it felt nice to be able to sleep in my own bed for the event. It was fun and it was a college-only event. It felt like a college tournament even though we don’t have a season this fall. It was nice to get back out there.”

DeLong’s time so far at GVSU has been filled with success. He was named the GLIAC Golf Freshman of the Year and earned a place on the All-GLIAC first team.

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OCTOBER 26, 2020 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A12 | SPORTS LAKER EFFECT

“More than a hobby”: Former student making a living, loving life streaming NBA 2K on Twitch

BY KELLEN VOSS ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM

Much like thousands of young adults in March, former Grand Valley State University student Dyllon Hoover was out of work because of the coronavirus.

After two years of casually streaming, Hoover decided to do what he once considered a hobby full-time, as he now livestreams playing NBA 2K on Twitch 40-50 hours a week.

“When corona hit, I didn’t have work going on, so I was like, ‘Well, I’ve been doing this streaming stuff, why not give it a chance at doing it all the time?’” Hoover said. “I started doing it six hours a day, and I eventually built up a fanbase that got pretty strong. I would say about June I decided to go full-time with it.”

Hoover first got into streaming on Twitch, Amazon’s landmark livestreaming platform, back in 2018 when he saw his roommate making money playing Fortnite there. It took a while for Hoover to build a fanbase, but he now has over 9,000 followers on Twitch, with 7,000 of those joining in the last eight months.

Dropping out with a year to go in his Sports Management degree, Hoover views streaming like any job a young college graduate would get out of school in that it’s a process to move up in the industry.

“I’ve just gotten started with it, so it’s kind of like an entry job,” Hoover said. “You have to build your whole brand up on a streaming

HOOVE OVER: Laker Dyllon Hoover took advantage of COVID-19 free time and started livestreaming more. Now, he is pursuing it full-time to carve a name for himself on Twitch. COURTESY | TWITTER

platform before you have success, so it’s been two years of networking and building relationships with a people, and in the past six months is where I’ve seen all the growth.”

Now streaming 8 hours a day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoover is set to make $24,000 a year at his current pace.

The 22-year-old averages 75-100 viewers on the average stream right now on Twitch.

The platform is free, but Hoover makes money through donations, gifted subscriptions and bits, which are cent coins that stack up during streams with lots of viewers.

Hoover also makes a portion of his income through implemented ad revenue, as for every 1,000 people that see a Twitch-sponsored ad during his streams, he makes $3.50 per ad, which can add up

quickly during longer streams.

Hoover has his eye on a partnership with Twitch soon, which would help to increase his revenue dramatically. In order to become a partner on Twitch, you have to apply through the Twitch Partnership Program, which looks into content, average concurrent viewership, and stream frequency and schedule.

At Hoover’s current status, when someone agrees to pay $5 a month for a subscription, half of that money automatically goes to Twitch.

Once he becomes a partner with Twitch, Hoover can negotiate that percentage to get a larger portion of subscription revenue while having more freedom as to how he can engage with his subscribers. That partnership would mark a major step in his streaming career.

“As soon as I get my partnership, I can do anything I want and just have more fun with it,” Hoover said. “Until then, it’s a pretty heavy grind and you want to keep your audience up enough to reach that partnership level. Once I get that, I can have fun again.

I can play other games instead of the same game every single time.”

Hoover made sure to emphasize that while he is working hard to move up the Twitch ladder, he is enjoying the fact that he still getting paid to play his favorite video game full-time.

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