Issue 7, September 23, 2019 - Grand Valley Lanthorn

Settled In Students find comfort in campus homes G R A N D VA L L E Y L A N T H O R N

Law enforcement guides GV students through active shooter drill SEE SAFETY | A2

Whacking the Wolves: GV Football dominates Northwood, improves to 3-0 SEE FOOTBALL | A9

M O N D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 9 // VO L . 5 4 N O.7

@ GV L A N T H O R N

LANTHORN.COM

A2 | NEWS NEWS BRIEFS FRESHMAN CLASS BRINGS HIGH ENROLLMENT, GPA

Grand Valley State University’s freshman class has been one of its largest at 4,301 students. The university has seen freshman enrollment at over 4,000 people for the past eight years, and the GPA for the incoming class is the highest in GVSU history.

“We welcomed an amazing class this fall,” said President Philomena Mantella.

“Bright students have a lot of choices when it comes to pursuing a college degree, and they know Grand Valley delivers on its promise of a great education, while being a tremendous value.”

The freshman class also saw an increase in people of color and non-Michigan residents.

Along with retaining 84.5 percent of first-year students, GVSU’s Board of Trustees increased financial aid to 14 percent this July.

“Students are attracted to Grand Valley because of its diversity of programs and opportunities, and we need to offer financial assistance to the promising students who need it,” said Vice President for Enrollment Lynn Blue.

MOBILE VOTER REGISTRATION TO VISIT GV

The Secretary of State mobile voter registration unit will be on both Grand Valley State University campuses this week. Students can register on the Pew Campus in the DeVos South Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 and on the Allendale Campus near the Cook Carillon Tower from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24.

Students can also register license, tabs and registration renewals.

GV’S ANNIS WATER RESOURCES INSTITUTE CONTAINS ENDANGERED STURGEON

Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resource Institute (AWRI) recently contained endangered sturgeon while the Muskegon River was being treated with pesticides. These sturgeon are a state threatened species in Michigan, a remnant population compared to what it once was.

The fish were removed from the river prior to the lampricide treatment, which targeted invasive lampreys, and released back into the wild Sept. 11. Since the water chemistry and treatment affects the lake sturgeon, they needed to be removed for this process.

“The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians helped with capturing as many juveniles as they could before treatment,” said GVSU professor Carl Ruetz. “Only four of the juveniles were captured, meaning the year of reproduction wasn’t great.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service treats rivers around the nation against the invasive sea lamprey. The sturgeon are a long-lived species, and extra measures are taken to protect the remaining population.

For the full story, visit the Lanthorn website.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

GOVERNANCE

Student Senate executive vice president resigns, efforts to fill position begin

BY AMY MCNEEL ASSOCIATE@LANTHORN.COM

Grand Valley State University’s Student Senate Executive Vice President Andrew Nurmi filed his resignation at a Cabinet meeting Sunday, Sept. 15. The resignation comes just months after his appointment earlier this year.

While the resignation leaves a hole in the Student Senate’s Cabinet, President Eric-John Szczepaniak and Vice President for Public Relations Ryan Fritz said they encourage their members to be “students before student senators.”

“We would like to thank Andrew Nurmi for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Szczepaniak and Fritz said in a press release published Sept. 15.

“We recognize that the task of being a student senator, as well as being tasked with other academic commitments can sometimes be detrimental to one’s own health and we will always prioritize the health of the entire student body in our work.”

Szczepaniak and Fritz said they are now working to create a smooth transition within Student Senate.

Nurmi declined to comment on his resignation. Senate is now in a state of limbo, with

ELECTION: Senate Executive Vice President Andrew Nurmi resigned Sept. 15. With two members nominated for the position so far, the election process is currently underway. GVL | KATHERINE VASILE

the Executive Vice President position yet to be filled. During the Thursday, Sept. 19 general assembly, the body successfully nominated senators Kelly Dowker and Lansing Sánchez-Castillo to run for the position, with the potential for more nominations during their next meeting. Fritz was nominated for

the position as well, but declined, noting he feels more passionate about his current role.

The nominees will participate in the usual election proceedings, which includes five-minute speeches, a question and answer segment and general body discussion.

SAFETY

Law enforcement guides GV students through active shooter drill

BY LUCAS SWARTZENDRUBER NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Grand Valley State University Simulation Center hosted an active shooter drill at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS).

“Simulation is equivocal to experiential learning, where students have an opportunity to get hands-on practice,” Director of Simulation Katie Branch said.

Branch said simulations help students develop skills in critical thinking and recall. She explained hospitals and health-related educational programs have simulation components built into their curriculum. Additionally, several organizations from Grand Rapids participate in a simulation collaborative.

Part of this collaborative involved discussion on how Grand Rapids could

partake in Healthcare Simulation Week, Branch said. Subsequently, the idea to conduct an active shooter drill emerged.

She mentioned the simulation took over eight months to plan.

First responders were involved in planning and directing the drill. Captain Kourosh Khatir of the Grand Valley Police Department mentioned the simulation was a perfect opportunity for university police to train with local partners.

For large-scale incidents downtown, he explained GVPD does not have enough officers to respond accordingly.

Khatir said the drill allowed GVPD and the Grand Rapids Police Department to practice countering such scenarios as active shootings. Both organizations contributed instructors to guide students on survival tactics. GVPD Sergeant William O’Donnell oversaw the close-lock-barricade exercise.

O’Donnell highlighted two steps to take.

First, immediately recognize the danger. Second, take appropriate action.

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SIMULATION: GVPD and GRPD officers walk students through an active shooter drill Sept. 18. The information at the simulation applies to more than gun violence. GVL | LUCAS SWARTZENDRUBER

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

CONTENTS GOVERNANCE

| A2

EDITORIAL

| A4

LECTURE

| A5

COMMUNITY

| A6&7

CLUBS

| A8

FOOTBALL

| A9

SOCCER

| A10

WOMEN’S TENNIS

| A11

VOL. 5 4

NO. 7

Lan thorn EDITORIAL STAFF

Layout Editor MAX GELDHOF

Editor-in-Chief NICK MORAN Associate Editor BRIANNE KERR

Layout Designer VIVIANA RUBIO PROMOTIONS

Associate Editor AMY MCNEEL News Editor SARAH EDGECOMB

Promotions Manager HOLLIE PICKELMAN ADVERTISING STAFF

Sports Editor KELLEN VOSS Laker Life Editor YSABELA GOLDEN

Advertising Manager JESSE BECKER BUSINESS STAFF

A&E Editor MARY RACETTE Image Editor BENJAMIN HUNT

A3 | NEWS POLICE

Annual crime report sees changes in alcohol, rape reports

BY SARAH EDGECOMB NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

On Monday, Sept. 23, the Grand Valley Police Department released a link to the annual crime statistics report for the 2018 school year. Two highlights were noted: rising liquor referrals and rape reports.

While the number of alcohol referrals drastically increased and alcohol arrests decreased compared to 2017, these statistics are due to changing laws surrounding alcohol. In 2018, an MIP was changed from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction on the first offense, which accounts for the rising referral numbers.

The most notable highlight of the report is the increase in reported rapes, from three to 11. Victim advocate at the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Krystal Diel said that the statistics may seem skewed at face value.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily that more (incidents) are happening, but more people are coming forward,” Diel said. “We’re having more conversations around it, we’re having more programming around it. The Me Too movement has empowered a lot of people to share their stories.”

Police Chief Brandon DeHaan emphasized that the first steps after experiencing a sex crime are to get somewhere safe, receive medical care, preserve evidence and consider

UPDATE: The annual crime report noted an increase in alcohol referrals due to changing liquor laws as well as rising rape reports. The report is available online. COURTESY | MIX957GR.COM

reporting. Victims are not required to ask for investigations – only two out of the 11 reported rapes were investigated, DeHaan said – and Grand Valley State University offers help for victims however necessary.

Diel said that the Women’s Center works with students to receive the support they need, whether through counseling, reporting or working with professors. GVSU’s Counseling Center has group therapy specifically for victims of sexual assault. Diel said she helps students write protection orders or change rooms, if needed.

“My goal is ultimately to make sure that students are healthy and safe, whatever that

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Business Manager RACHEL RUTGERS

LAKER EFFECT

Asst. Business Manager NEHEMIAH HUDGINS-LOPEZ

Students to collaborate with Mantella in Grand Huddle sessions AUDREY WHITAKER NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

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looks like and whatever they need to have that,” Diel said. “I help support them and show them their options and walk them through whatever they’re looking to do.”

Diel said that while investigations are only done if the survivor chooses, GVPD can document the incident in case action is wanted later on.

“We’ve had success with GVPD coming and taking reports and just holding onto it until students are ready,” Diel said.

BRAINSTORM: Grand Huddles support student voices. COURTESY | AMANDA PITTS

A new collaborative series called the Grand Huddle aims to open a dialogue among students, staff and faculty at Grand Valley State University this semester.

According to President Philomena Mantella, Grand Huddles are part of the Reach Higher Together initiative to build GVSU’s future.

“The idea is to spark creativity by working in agile, collaborative and diverse groups,” Mantella said. “I am relying on everyone to bring their best thinking to activate all our talent. Together, we’re going to strategize the best way for Grand Valley to serve students now and into the future.”

Mantella said she is hoping to harness the ideas and talent of everyone who lives, studies or works at GVSU to capture a culture of innovation.

“Change is inevitable in higher education,” Mantella said. “We must address change, and we must also stay true to the essence of Grand Valley. The ideas we all generate will help us plan our collective future.”

According to GVSU’s website, the se-

ries will feature 15 90-minute sessions beginning Sept. 25. Each meeting will be held at a different location on either the Allendale, medical or Pew campus, or online via Blackboard at varying times, making them accessible to a broad audience.

“We know that students from a variety of backgrounds experience Grand Valley differently,” Mantella said. “We’re hoping that these different kinds of opportunities will give us the best feedback for what students want to see from their university moving forward.”

The deadline to register for any session was Sept. 18, but limited space is still available for some sessions, according to the website.

Each session is limited to 50 participants, with virtual sessions on Blackboard open to those who are unable to attend in person.

“There is only one of me and a lot of you,” Mantella said. “I want to hear from as many of you as possible. Every voice matters as we consider our future. I’m looking forward to meeting many new students and colleagues.”

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A4 | OPINION

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

By Xavier Golden

GVL EDITORIAL CARTOON

EDITORIAL

Laker community should take action for campus safety

C

9/23/19

editorial@lanthorn.com

Latest underwhelming iOS update shows that customers deserve better

BY DYLAN GROSSER JUNIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

The yearly software update to Apple’s mobile operating system (iOS) is now out and ready to download for all iPhone users. Every September, the internet swells with hype over what features Apple will introduce in the new iOS, with disappointment inevitably following once the update actually drops. And this year is unfortunately no

different with the lackluster iOS 13.

Although this update has featured a moderate amount of changes, the only ones either useful or noticeable for consumers can be looked at as mediocre at best. The prime example being the “Dark Mode” option Apple is boasting, where users can change the aesthetic of particular apps from white to black — supposedly to be easier on the eyes. While interesting and potentially helpful, Apple marketing it as the most outstanding innovation for the brand new system shows how little they have to offer these days.

Besides Dark Mode, only faint changes were made to apps such as Photos, Camera, Reminders and Maps, that don’t change much and largely improve even less. A full list can be found on Apple’s website.

In the midst of the superficial changes made in this update (Memojis, Animojis and Apple Arcade), Apple did manage to improve the performance of iOS somewhat to make things such

as apps and sign-in go faster. Minor tweaks such as this, however, are more expected than they are new and exciting. And I can’t understand why consumers needed to wait a whole year just for these improvements either.

The worst thing I’ve noticed about the new update is the newly added search feature in the Photos app. Essentially, you can now use keywords to search through your photo collection to find a particular picture in your phone. Problem is, this is done without you assigning tags or other descriptors to your pictures to make them searchable. Your library is artificially scanned to offer you “Search Suggestions,” which is a less creepier way Apple tells you a computer went through your photos and decided what is in them for you. There is no clear way to turn this off.

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Overlooked: ‘Ready or Not’ the most underrated movie of the summer

BY KELLEN VOSS JUNIOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

In the cinema world, the summer of 2019 was considered a disappointment in the theaters.

While the record-breaking ‘Avengers: Endgame’ started off the

summer with a bang, high-profile flicks such as ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu,’ ‘Dark Phoenix,’ ‘Men in Black: International’ and ‘Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw’ were seen as relative disappointments at the box office.

While these hyped-up blockbusters left audiences feeling as if they wasted their money, one movie released at the end of August managed to captivate audiences with a lot of dark humor and even more self-awareness.

‘Ready or Not’ starts off with a rather innocent wedding. Grace (Samara Weaving) is the lucky bride getting to marry Alex (Mark O’Brien). After growing up moving from foster home to foster home, Grace at first looks ecstatic to be marrying into the La Doma family

at their extravagant mansion.

While many GVSU families probably come from homes with weird traditions, the La Doma’s tradition takes the cake, as hours after the wedding, Grace is forced to pick a card out of a mysterious box to select a game that everyone in the immediate family must play.

Much to the dismay of her husband, Grace selects the ‘Hide and Seek’ card, which actually means she will be forced to fight for her life as members of the La Doma family give her a head start before loading up their weapons and attempting to kill the newlywed woman before dawn arrives the next day.

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ollege is all about creating a plan for your future. What kind of job do you want?

What companies would you like to apply for? Are you willing to move for your future career?

But what plan do you have for protecting your future?

What will you do in the case of there being an active shooter on campus?

With shootings on school campuses becoming more and more common, we think GVSU can do more to protect and prepare its students.

Right now, GVSU provides a good foundation.

The Department of Public Safety has a web page detailing appropriate active shooter response on campus, and concealed carry is prohibited on campuses state-wide. On Sept. 18, the GVSU Simulation Center hosted an active shooter drill for a select group of students.

The drill, which was held at the Cook-Devos Center for Health Sciences, was a good start, but it would not be practical on a larger scale, as it took about eight months to plan. Also, college campuses in general are not optimal for drills, given the number of campuses, buildings and students, as well as the uniqueness of

each student’s schedule.

But even with these resources, there is still more to be done than what we are currently doing. While the information on the website is fairly easy to find with a quick Google search, the Department of Safety could do more to lead students to it. In addition, there could be more informational sessions, from existing events like Transitions, and voluntary ones held around campus. Overall, the available information and resources on campus need a greater outreach.

Ultimately, the information about what to do in the presence of an active shooter is not just limited to the classroom, and the information students learn can help make them more likely to act if they are ever in one of these situations. While no one truly knows how they would react in a crisis, the more we prepare for these situations, the more likely we are to respond proactively.

This is never something we want to discuss. And of course, we should be angry about the fear of violence and do what we can to hold our politicians accountable to enact change. But ultimately, this is a part of life in America right now, and we should step-up as a community to help keep each other safe.

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 500-650 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 ALLENDALE, MI 49401 616-826-8276

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLNEWS

A5 | NEWS

LECTURE

Democracy 101 event discusses PFAS

BY NATHAN SLAUER NEWS@LANTHORN.COM

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, State Senator Winnie Brinks, State Representative Rachel Hood and Grand Valley State University professor Rick Rediske encouraged students to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) water contamination during a panel discussion in the Mary Idema Pew Library.

The event kicked off this year’s Democracy 101 program, a series of lectures and workshops focused on civic engagement.

“Issues surrounding water have been at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist,” said Community Engagement Associate of the Community Service Learning Center Jane Johnston.

“When you think of Standing Rock, Flint and Rockford, there are places right in our backyard where people don’t have access to clean water.”

PFAS consists of around 4,700 toxic chemicals. These chemicals do not break down and can lead to adverse health effects, including infertility, hormone disruption and cancer.

Scientists remain concerned about PFAS spreading through Michigan waterways. A 2019 National Wildlife Federation Study reported elevated PFAS levels in water and soil throughout the Great Lakes region.

“We live in a special place on the globe, surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s freshwater supply,” Hood said. “Groundwater supply is critically important, and the Great

DISCUSSION: The Democracy 101 lecture series will address media, environment and global democracy. The Sept. 18 lecture focused on PFAS in Michigan and related policy. GVL | ALEXIS VELAZQUEZ

Lakes support our top industries, agriculture and tourism. Our competitiveness into the 21st century is dependent on water.”

Rediske studied water issues at GVSU’s Annis Water Resources Institute for years before investigating PFAS contamination in 2012. He

joined Concerned Citizens for Responsible Remediation (CCRR), a citizen group that discovered elevated levels of PFAS in fish near the Wolverine Worldwide tannery in Rockford.

When Rediske analyzed the materials that CCRR members produced, he conclud-

ed that the group had found pollution connected to the tannery. Since then, over 1,000 residential wells in Kent County have tested positive for PFAS contamination.

“Get to know people exposed to these chemicals,” Rediske said. “When you start associating real people with contamination, it’s altogether different.”

Following the discovery of pollution in Rockford, journalists such as MLive’s Garret Ellison started covering PFAS cases around Michigan in 2017. As more stories about PFAS came out, citizens began pushing their legislators to tackle the problem.

After receiving countless calls about PFAS, Brinks made addressing PFAS one of her top legislative priorities. Brinks’ most recent bill would set a limit of five parts per trillion for two common PFAS chemicals in drinking water, a stricter maximum contaminant level (MCL) than the federal health advisory level.

Brinks said that citizens should voice their concerns not only to legislators, but to businesses and government agencies. She pointed to a well-attended town hall about the Wolverine Worldwide groundwater pollution hosted by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in March 2019.

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ENVIRONMENT

Big Splash Week concludes with beach clean up

BY RACHEL MATUSZEWSKI RMATUSZEWSKI@LANTHORN.COM

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Grand Valley State University’s Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) invited GVSU students to help clean up the Grand Haven Public Beach in partnership with the Alliances of the Great Lakes and the Making Waves Initiative.

For an event that was once capped at 175 volunteers, the capacity was moved to 200 students. In collaboration with the Making Waves Initiative, after cleaning the beach from 10 a.m. to noon, students had options to enjoy the beach, hike Rosie Mound, take a boat tour with DJ Angus or receive a Coast Guard tour.

“The Making Waves Initiative is something that’s new to this year,” said graduate assistant for civic and community engagement Tatiana Parsons. “It’s a university-wide initiative that’s based around clean water, water in general, water accessibility, really just anything regarding water.”

Not only did GVSU students clean the Grand Haven shores, but with the Alliances of the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach pro-

gram, students cleaned up surrounding beaches in their area at the same time. The trash was weighed with litter monitoring and the trash will be counted nationally.

“After seeing all the trash we picked up last year, I decided to always bring a bag and pick up trash whenever I went to the beach this past summer,” sophomore site leader Lilly Radke said.

DO YOUR PART to conserve energ y Did you know that energy contests have a real effect on our campus costs?

Since the start of the Housing energy contest, the students have saved approximately $114,096!

IMPACT: Students clean up trash at the Grand Haven Public Beach. GVL | CALEB WORPEL

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CONSERVE ENERGY STARTING TODAY Facilities Services Energy Department

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLLAKERLIFE

Where the Hear As students transition from summer into a season full of assignments, football games and extracurriculars, many also transition from living with their families to life on their own in Allendale.

With that brings a whole series of responsibilities: how to adjust to a new space, how to manage your own time or how to sign a lease on your own.

The Lanthorn spoke with three students who have each carved their own journey through independence, homesickness and embedding themselves in a new community. Throughout their unique experiences, they have all found themselves at the same destination: calling Grand Valley State University their home.

AJ Natzic

sits at his desk in his bedroom, his gaming computer below him and his headset on. He’s lived at his current apartment at 48 West for two years, and went in blind with his roommate.

He says the process of moving away from home was easy for him, and he quickly accepted that he was going to be on his own from then on. Now, he shares his two-bedroom apartment with his roommate and his dog, Hawkeye.

“This place feels like a second home.”

Natzic said.

The place he said that he feels most at home in his apartment is at his desk, in his bedroom. The sunlight fills the room around him as he spends time concentrating on homework or gaming with friends.

He has made his place feel more like home with the help of his girlfriend, who painted several pictures for him that now hang on the walls of his bedroom and living room. They showcase a Seattle skyline at sunset — a city he would love to live in one day — and a GVSU insignia made with thread and nails.

Home for Natzic is comfortable, he said. It’s a place where he feels independent.

FREEDOM: Natzic sits at his desk at his home in 48 West. For Natzic, having an apartment off-campus provides him with independence and a comfortable space away from school. Making his home comfortable and more personal made moving out an easier transition for him. GVL | MARIN SMITH

Sally Hoerr

stands next to her collection of memorabilia from her home in Vermont. Since moving to her current apartment in Campus View, this is the first time she has been able to show off her possessions.

Hoerr spent her high school years at a boarding school, and having lived on her own for so long made the move to GVSU feel like it wasn’t as much of a tough transition as it can be for other students.

During her time living at GVSU, Hoerr has learned the importance of having a space of her own, where she can come home and be in a place she feels safe and stress-free.

“I need a space to come back to where I can relax and be my own person,” Hoerr said.

She chose to live by herself after a few bad roommate experiences, and says it was the best decision for her. Now, she only shares the space with her cat, Shenanigans. Hoerr noted that while the typical college experience encourages students to have a roommate, she said that it isn’t the best fit for everyone.

Hoerr emphasized the freedom she feels now, and how she’s been able to make her space feel more like home, which is something she hasn’t been able to do in the past. This includes a collage of inspirational quotes and a shelf to showcase cherished items from home.

“I have a shelf full of all my stuff from home because I finally have a place where I can put all of that now since it’s my space,” Hoerr said.

Since moving into a one-person apartment at GVSU, Hoerr stresses the importance of being able to feel comfortable in a living situation, she said “You need to feel comfortable in your home,” Hoerr said. “Wherever that is, even if it’s just for four years, if you can’t get away from your stress it’s never going to leave.”

Home for Hoerr is liberating, she said. It’s a place where she can embrace being herself.

SAFE AND STRESS-FREE: While college students are usually encouraged to live with roommates, Hoerr chooses to live on her own to make her more comfortable at home. GVL | MARIN SMITH

rt Is

A6&7 | LAKER LIFE Students carve unique paths to make GV their home

BY MARIN SMITH AND NICK MORAN EDITORIAL@LANTHORN.COM

SydneyWashington

SENTIMENTAL: Everything in Washington’s apartment is attached to memories. In addition to growing up with parents on campus, her relationships with other Lakers and the RA community makes her living space feel like home. Her decorations serve as inspiration in her life. GVL | MARIN SMITH

stands next to her decorated wall in her dorm room, where she lives with a swath of other residents.

Washington is in her second year of being a resident assistant (RA), and says that her positive relationship with her freshman year RA inspired her to become one herself.

“I really like the community aspect of it,” Washington said. “It’s a great way to meet faculty, staff and other people on campus.”

Washington said that RAs play a big role in freshman development and the transition when students first move onto campus. All of the RAs on campus are trained in dealing with homesickness, and Washington said that they focus on how each student is different and needs a different level of help with adjusting.

“There are some students who can’t wait to get out and enjoy being on their own, or those who might think that they are going to enjoy being on their own and then get here and it’s a completely different story because they may be overwhelmed and didn’t know they could be overwhelmed in such a way where they miss home and want to go back,” Washington said.

As for herself, Washington grew up on campus because her parents worked and studied at GVSU, so she said she never had a problem with it feeling like home.

When talking about her own space at GVSU, she says that decorating the walls and building a community with other residents through being an RA has helped make her feel at home.

“Basically everything in my room is some type of motivation or has sentimental value,” Washington said. “When I’m in here and I don’t have to be doing anything, I can just look at the walls and think of the memories they bring up.”

Looking around her room, Washington decorates with posters of things she enjoys or people she admires. Above a table, a wooden spork and customized anchor remind her of the support that makes her love living on campus.

“Last year, the theme for our RA training was Cooking Up Community, so at the end of it, we all got little momentos. It’s the same for the anchor — the director made us all anchors for our staff last year so I wanted that to be my centerpiece.”

Beside them are two blue and white GVSU pom-poms, which Washington dates back to her very first football game when she was a child growing up on campus.

Home for Washington is all-encompassing.

It’s not only a place where she can be inspired, but a campus-wide community.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLAKERLIFE

A8 | LAKER LIFE A LOOK AT LIFESTYLE GV PARTICIPATES IN CELEBRATE BISEXUALITY DAY

CLUBS

USPOC welcomes creatives of color

Ever since the first official observance of “Celebrate Bisexuality Day” at the 1999 conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, activists around the world have taken Sept. 23 to recognize the accomplishments of bisexual activists and spread awareness of this oft-ignored identity. Grand Valley State University’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center is joining the annual festivities with a night of celebration and education.

Anyone interested is welcome to join in the snacks and activities Monday, Sept. 23 in their office at the Kirkhof Center 1161. The event lasts from 7-9 p.m. and is LIB 100 and LIB 201 credit approved. Those with questions can contact Associate Director Marla Wick at wickm@gvsu.edu.

BY YSABELA GOLDEN LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

HAUENSTEIN CENTER HONORS CONSTITUTION DAY

How the Constitution of the United States should be interpreted has been a regular facet of American political debate seemingly since the document’s conception. But in today’s vitriolic political climate, the question of how we should apply it moving forward is more relevant than ever.

Should we prioritize the interpretation of our nation’s founders, despite hundreds of years of change separating our world from theirs? Or should we take it as a living document that can be changed to suit modern times, potentially changing our country’s values?

Students interested in learning more about this debate or would like credit for LIB 100/201 can join premier legal commentator Jeffrey Rosen Tuesday, Sept. 24 as he shares his insights on the Constitution and how the Supreme Court is likely to use it in the near future.

The event is hosted by the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies from 7-9 p.m. in the Loosemore Auditorium.

Rosen’s talk is free and open to the public, and those interested in attending can RSVP through the Hauenstein Center’s website at www.gvsu.edu/hc.

PADNOS INTERNATIONAL CENTER EDUCATES ON AFFORDABLE STUDY ABROAD OPTIONS

Interested in taking advantage of Grand Valley’s opportunities abroad but worried you don’t have the funds to make a trip happen? Come down to the Study Abroad Funding 101 Workshop to learn about financial aid, scholarships, grants and more that can help you spend a semester or even an entire academic year in another country.

The workshop will be held in the Padnos International Center at 130 Lake Ontario Hall Friday, Sept. 27 from 3:304:30 p.m. Those with questions can reach Study Abroad Adviser Meaghann MyersSmith at myersmea@gvsu.edu

CLUB CHAT: Club members work on the evening’s writing prompts while catching up on each other’s weeks. COURTESY | BREANN BARGE

Every Monday at 7 p.m., Untold Stories for People of Color (USPOC) gathers in 1247 Kirkhof. After settling in while listening to music and chatting about their days, the club starts work on their first writing prompt of the night.

“We usually come up with them on the spot,” said Breann Barge, USPOC president and founder. “Last Monday, our first prompt was to write a description of an object up close, and we were looking around for something interesting so I just pulled out my pink umbrella.

Later, the group came up with ‘write about a time you fumbled the bag,’ because earlier someone was talking about their bad luck with dates. One of my favorites that a member came up with was, ‘You’re coming from a party where you haven’t been checking your phone, but when you leave, you see all your notifications and realize the zombie apocalypse happened while you were out.’”

The prompt filling and brainstorming pro-

cess is very casual, and though members are encouraged to share writing done outside the club if they’d like, it’s by no means required.

The club’s main purpose is to practice writing in a community with other people of color, and the informal and friendly atmosphere means conversations often run over their 8:30 p.m. end time.

“We have lots of writing clubs at Grand Valley and they’re all very great, but many are white spaces,” Barge said. “There’s nothing wrong with that — it’s just who goes to them — but you often feel uncomfortable because you can’t always relate to what the group is writing. I’ve noticed that even in fiction, the content tends to be quite different than when I’m with other people of color. You have this sense that you’re invisible, and that makes you reluctant to share because you feel like a very small voice in a sea of many. That’s why I created the club: to amplify those small voices so that we can feel heard.”

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DIVERSITY

GV organizations, offices celebrate Hispanic heritage

BY KATHERINE ARNOLD LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM

Our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration works to bring students together in remembrance, open up group discussions and commemorate generations of community and culture. Each year, multiple campus organizations come together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, a longstanding tradition that continues to bring students together in new ways.

This year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Latin American & Latino/a Studies Program, Center for Women and Gender Equity, Latino/a Faculty Staff Association, Spectrum Health, Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Latino Student Union have all come together to create a nearly two-month-long series of events that foster a sense of community through the recognition of tradition and important topics of cultural heritage.

“The Hispanic Heritage Celebration will showcase a piece of diversity within the Grand Valley community,” said Angela Polanco, a member of CAB who is in charge of hosting their event for this year’s celebration, Karaoke & Coco. “Events like this facilitate conversations about the education and importance of inclusion.”

The entire celebration is a way to bring the student body together and highlight the histo-

A LONGSTANDING TRADITION: Traditional performers dance the night away at an event hosted by the Latino Student Union during last year’s heritage celebration. COURTETY | AMANDA PITTS

ry and beauty of ethnicity and tradition.

“Events like this create a welcoming, open space for students to be their true authentic self,” Polanco said. “It opens doors for hard conversations and connects the community to necessary resources Grand Valley offers.”

From Sept. 16 to Nov. 8, seven events will be held throughout the celebration.

CAB’s Karaoke & Coco takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the Kirkhof Grand River Room. The event starts at 5 p.m. with music, appetizers and desserts, then settles down at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of the movie “Coco.”

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A9 | SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

QUICK HITS FORMER GVSU RUNNERS SIGN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS

Grand Valley State track and field record-holders Rachael Walters and Zach Panning have taken the next step in their athletic careers and have signed with professional running teams.

Walters signed with the Atlanta Track Club in early September while Panning signed with Hanson-Brooks Distance Project in July.

Walters was named a three-time USTFCCCA outdoor All-America and a four-time USTFCCCA indoor All-American in the 800m, 4x400m relay and distance medley relay. Walters was also honored as a GLIAC Track Athlete of the Year for the 2019 outdoor season.

Panning was a three-time USTFCCCA outdoor All-American and a four-time USTFCCCA indoor All-American. During the 2019 season, Panning won individual championships in the 5,000m and the 10,000m and was named the USTFCCCA National Track Athlete of the Year for the outdoor season.

FOOTBALL

Whacking the Wolves

GV Football dominates Northwood, improves to 3-0

BY KELLEN VOSS SPORTS@LANTHORN.COM

While the Grand Valley State football team needed to come back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter last week, their Week three matchup was much less dramatic, as they never trailed on the road against the Northwood Timberwolves to open up GLIAC play with a 27-3 win.

The experienced defense yet again helped carry the Lakers to a win, as GVSU essentially rented a condo in the Northwood backfield, racking up five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Sophomore linebacker Brendann Brown led the Laker defenders with 10 tackles.

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CHADA, LUDGE SWEEP GLIAC ATHLETE OF THE WEEK HONORS

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has named Allie Ludge and Tanner Chada the GLIAC Cross Country Athletes of the Week for their performances at the Spartan Invite Friday, Sept. 13.

GVSU sophomore Tanner Chada began his 2019 season with the third place finish at the Spartan Invite on Friday. The 2018 GLIAC Freshman of the Year led the Laker pack with a time of 24:52.1 for the men’s 8K event.

Chada helped lead GVSU to a second-place finish behind host-team Michigan State.

Senior Allie Ludge placed sixth in the Spartan Invite with the time of 21:37.8. In the women’s 6K race, Ludge was the first Laker to cross the finish line with four other GVSU runners joining her in the top 20.

The women earned second place overall behind Michigan State in the second meet of the season.

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TAKING IT TO THE HOUSE: GVSU running back Aruyan Cain-Veasey sprints down the sideline for a score in Week 1 against the Edinboro Fighting Scots at Lubbers Stadium. GVL | SHEILA BABBITT

SOCCER

No. 4 GV Soccer downs No. 13 Columbus State, wins 1-0

BY ELI ONG EONG@LANTHORN.COM

Two of Division II’s most potent offenses met in a non-conference match in Ohio Saturday, Sept. 21 where offense was not the headline.

The No. 4 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team beat the No. 13 Columbus State Cougars, 1-0, in a matchup of two teams that were No. 1 and 2 nationally earlier this season.

“I’m proud of our girls for turning around from Minnesota State and then coming down

to Columbus and beating a team that just doesn’t lose home games all that often,” said GVSU coach Jeff Hosler.

GVSU only outshot CSU 12-11, but had twice as many shots on goal as Columbus State, 6-3. Of those six shots on goal, all of

them came in the first half and one from junior forward Ava Cook would go on to cement LOG ON TO: www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

DO YOUR PART to conserve energ y Did you know that energy contests have a real effect on our campus costs?

VARSITY SCHEDULE FOOTBALL Saturday, September 28, 1 p.m., @ Michigan Tech

SOCCER Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m., Home vs Illinois Springfield

Since the start of the Housing energy contest, the students have saved approximately $114,096!

Friday, September 27, 7 p.m., Home vs Saginaw Valley State Sunday, September 29, 2:30 p.m., @ Northwood

VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m., Home vs Davenport Friday, September 27, 7 p.m., Home vs Wayne State Saturday, September 28, 4 p.m., Home vs Ashland

CONSERVE ENERGY STARTING TODAY DRIBBLING DUDETTE: GVSU junior Sydney O’Donnell kicks the ball up to a teammate at the GVSU Soccer Field. GVL | ARCHIVE

Facilities Services Energy Department

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A10 | SPORTS VOLLEYBALL

GV Volleyball drops both games during season’s opening weekend

BY ROSEMARY BOOHER RBOOHER@LANTHORN.COM

Finally, the season’s home opening games had arrived for the Grand Valley State volleyball team on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept.

21st. The Lakers took on both the Northern Michigan Wildcats and the Michigan Tech Huskies at home. GVSU fought hard but in the end they lost both matches.

Friday’s match was the first GLIAC matchup for the Lakers as well as their first home match of the season. It was officially time for the Laker’s to play on their home court.

“I think that we were excited to play at home,” said GVSU coach Deanne Scanlon. “I think that the focus was good all week, we just were excited to play at home and let the home fans see what we’re about.’’

Friday’s game was a nail-biter that turned into a full five-set match against Northern Michigan that eventually led to a loss for the Lakers. GVSU started off with an explosive first set that reached a lead of 12 points. However, the Wildcats started to close in on the Lakers and eventually lessened the lead to 24-18 until GVSU was able to score the last point needed to win the set.

LOG ON TO: UNLEASH THE SPIKE: GVSU freshmen Karlie Kucharczyk jumps up and pushes all her momentum forwards to spike a ball over the net at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. GVL | ALEXIS VELAZQUEZ

www.lanthorn.com FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

FEATURE

Freshman Jaelianna Primus starts strong in her first collegiate volleyball season

BY ROSEMARY BOOHER RBOOHER@LANTHORN.COM

The season has only just begun for the Grand Valley State volleyball team and freshmen Jaelianna Primus is already making waves on the court. Primus has tallied 93 kills and a total of 133 points so far in her first season as a Laker.

Before she was a Laker, Primus was a Hudsonville Eagle in high school and before she started her volleyball career, she played a different sport entirely. Primus originally put her athleticism to good use on the basketball court, but decided that volleyball was her real passion in middle school.

“I tried basketball first, but wasn’t a fan,” said Primus. “I had to put my height and athleticism in some way, and volleyball was next on the list. I fell in love with it the moment I started in seventh grade.”

With her hometown being so close by, it’s no wonder why Primus chose to attend GVSU, however proximity was not her only reason for becoming a Laker.

“When I was deciding between schools, I came to visit GVSU,” Primus said. “All of

the girls on the team were super welcoming and sweet, which made the campus feel even more like home.”

There are quite a few changes that freshman experience in their first year at college including new course schedules, different living arrangements and new people to meet. For student athletes there are even more, including the transition that they have from competing at a high school level to a collegiate level. Primus believes that a large difference between the two is the level of play is elevated in college.

“I would say that the main difference between high school and college volleyball is the competitiveness,” Primus said.

“In high school, there’s usually only a few outstanding players per team. But in college it’s all the star players from each of the high school teams from around the country, which means the opponents are a lot better and there’s more competition within the team for a spot on the court.”

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QUEEN OF THE NET: GVSU freshman Jaelianna Primus launches upward and prepares to hit a volleyball over the net GVL | ALEXIS VELAZQUEZ

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A11 | SPORTS

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Women’s Tennis take on ITA Regional Championships

BY SEAN CAUVET SCAUVET@LANTHORN.COM

Head Coach of the Grand Valley State Women’s Tennis team Samantha Schall finished coaching her first ITA Regional tournament at her new school. The tournament was held in Caledonia, Mich., and had some mixed results.

“There were positives but at the same time it was a tough tournament for us. It’s a high level (tournament) with all of the region coming together and competing for the tournament individually,” Schall said. “There were some good results, like Liv Hanover made it to the quarterfinals of the B-draw which was nice and our doubles team of Marily (Canellopoulos) and Vera (Griva) made it to the quarterfinals before losing. There were definitely some tough results this weekend and there is a lot for us to build on.”

Compared to other tournaments or invitationals, Schall says the ITA Regional Tournament is a little bit different and a good checkpoint for the team’s progress.

“The ITA Regionals are a different atmosphere for sure. To be honest, it is a big tournament for all of the players in the fall and it’s important for them to do well,” Schall said. “Everyone wants to come out and do well at this tournament and this tournament is the high-

LIVING THE HIGH FIVE LIFE: GVSU tennis teammates Liv Hanover and Agata Szewczuk celebrate winning a point at the ITA regional championships in Caledonia, Michigan. GVL | MEGHAN LANDGREN

light of the work that you did on your own in the summer or what you’ve done so far in the fall. People want to do well and there is definitely a high level of play for this early in the season.”

The ITA’s take place after just two weeks of conference play, which Schall says is helpful for the team. The women’s team had success ear-

ly in the season and were looking forward to showcasing their skills in the tournament.

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Announcements

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Too sick to go to class? Stay in bed and see a doctor instead. With the new app, McLarenNow, you can get seen by a board-certified doctor from right where you are. Simply register at mclarennow.org.

Be sure to check out the GVSU Farmers Market on Wednesdays at 10 AM to 1:30 PM. It only lasts until October, so make sure you stop by this Wednesday!

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 GRAND VALLEY LANTHORN @GVLSPORTS

A12 | SPORTS

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