Earth to GV: students collaborate with NASA on prototype device
BY MAX BUFKIN LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
A group of Grand Valley State University students traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas over the summer to test their design of a flag-deploying device that successfully withstands the pressures of space. The project originated from a competition created by NASA called the Micro-g NExT Challenge.
“Astro Anchors,” a team of twelve students from the GVSU’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) organization, were chosen to collaborate with NASA through the special project last winter. The Astro Anchors were selected to move forward with their design and worked alongside a NASA mentor and engineer over the summer to develop and test prototypes of their design. Students involved in the challenge worked together to design a lunar flag, flagpole and anchoring system that can be easily deployed by a fullysuited astronaut while on the surface of the moon.
The goal of the contest is to inspire college undergraduates to design a
device that could assist astronauts in space. Astro Anchors were the only team to complete each of NASA’s initiatives for the challenge. Their prototype and comprehensive report is now under review by NASA, with the possibility of being used in future Moon landing missions after more strenuous testing.
“It was a dream come true for myself and the entire team,” said GVSU student and ASME President Scott Strayer.
The Astro Anchor’s design features a flagpole and anchoring system specifically engineered to simplify the process of planting flags for astronauts in space. During their time at the Johnson Space Center, the Astro Anchors worked with Sergio Sandoval, a guidance engineer for NASA, who helped plan the team’s final design. According to Cebrina Kader, a member of the Astro Anchors, one of the hardest challenges was raising the flagpole to its full height. The maximum required height for a flag is ten feet, which proved difficult to deploy without overexerting the astronaut. Kader said with the help of their NASA mentors, club members
and professors, the Astro Anchors were able to solve the problem.
“I definitely feel that we’ve grown from this project because it gave us exposure to real-life problems and challenges that, as engineers, we have to help resolve with our experience. You can learn a lot from a classroom, but experiences like this NASA challenge, I think, really helps a college engineer gain further experience in their field.” Kader said. “We had to actively research, test, and analyze our own designs, plus come together and brainstorm ideas for solving a real-life engineering challenge.”
After facing strict deadlines and overcoming numerous engineering challenges, the Astro Anchors successfully completed their flagpole design. The prototype was then sent to NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, which simulates microgravity, to test survival in the challenges of outer space. The flagpole prototype passed every test with flying colors and was mounted successfully, according to Strayer. NASA even recognized the Astro Anchors with the “Pay It Forward” Award for their work with
the STEM students from Allendale High School and during the Roger That! Conference.
“Out of the four Lunar Flagpoles tested at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, our device was the only (one) that passed each requirement given by NASA. Additionally, the feedback we received was mostly positive,” Strayer said. “The NASA diver who assembled our flagpole in microgravity conditions was very pleased with the entire deployment process and simplicity of our design.”
While the initial testing phase is over, NASA may choose to utilize the Astro Anchor’s flagpole design in their upcoming missions to the moon. The upcoming Artemis 3 mission will mark the first crewed moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission will also include the first female astronaut and astronaut of color to land on the moon. The goal of NASA’s Artemis campaign is for scientific discovery, to inspire a new generation of space explorers and to bring lunarrelated economic opportunities back to Earth, according to NASA.
The Astro Anchors submitted a fully comprehensive report on their designs and test day data, which is now under review by NASA engineers. Should the Astro Anchors design be chosen to be used for the Artemis project landings, tests of more severity and longevity will have to take place before it can land on the Moon. This process, according to Strayer, could take a year or more.
“We certainly hope NASA will use it, or at least parts of it,” Strayer said. “Later in the year, NASA engineers will review the test day outcomes to determine if parts of the successful designs can be incorporated into their existing design. If they decide to use our design, the entire process can take up to 1-2 years, given the subsequent stricter test conditions.”
The ASME club enters the Micro-g NExT challenge every year, so it is very likely that GVSU and NASA will get the opportunity to work together again in the near future.
“NASA was able to put the first man on the moon and achieve the impossible for human interaction with space,” Kader said. “The fact that we got to work with a NASA engineer who helps to make stuff like that happen is very exhilarating and exciting. It was an incredible experience.”
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entirely compostable.
GV to sell Laker-themed alcoholic beverage at athletic events
BY MALLORY BURT LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University’s Athletics Department has teamed up with Long Road Distillers to release the ready-to-drink cocktail, Lake + Valley Lemonade, which will be sold at Lubbers Stadium and the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena during athletic events. The beverage, created by the alumni-owned company, is the first GVSU-affiliated alcoholic beverage to be sold on campus.
Owners of Long Road Distillers, Jon O’Conner and Kyle Van Strien, have a personal history with GVSU. As alumni, the pair bonded “over a shared commitment for the neighborhood they both call home,” according to the Long Road Distillers website.
The cocktail was officially released Monday, June 24, and is now available for purchase throughout the state of Michigan. Long Road Distillers sell Lake + Valley Lemonade in stores, bars and restaurants throughout the state. To see where Lake + Valley Lemonade is distributed, visit the Long Road website under the Spirit Finder.
The 12 oz. cans feature GVSU’s logo and signature color scheme. A percentage of all sales from the cocktail will go directly into GVSU’s general fund, as stated in the press release, as it is an officially licensed product of the University through Affinity Licensing.
Lake + Valley Lemonade features Long Road Distillers’ original vodka and contains five percent alcohol with 120 calories. O’Conner stated the drink’s flavors of lemon and blueberry with a hint of basil are a nod to the area surrounding GVSU’s Allendale campus.
“With GVSU’s main campus being in Allendale, (and considering) all the blueberry orchards around there, the (drink) was a way to do something that was significant to that region,” O’Conner said.
Many students say they are looking forward to the opportunity to test out the drink once the fall semester begins.
“I’m excited to get back to Allendale for the drink,” said GVSU senior Julia Miezal. “It’s a great way to celebrate Grand Valley and it’ll make games that much sweeter.”
GVSU senior Hannah Bernhardt also said she is curious about the alcoholic beverage.
“Grand Valley’s new Long Road alcohol was something that was really interesting to me,” Bernhardt said. “Last week, I walked into Meijer to get a few groceries and saw the new drink right at the front of the store.”
The Laker-themed alcoholic drink was established after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill legalizing the sale of alcohol at college athletic events in the state in 2023. After the bill was signed, colleges across Michigan have applied for liquor licenses and begun alcohol sales. GVSU was one of them, notably hosting their very first sale of beer from concessions at the homecoming football game in October 2023.
Bernhardt said she was surprised the University would move from not selling alcohol at athletic events to having their own themed drink-- all in the four years that she has attended.
“Seeing them create an alcoholic drink is simply crazy to me,” Bernhardt said. “I never expected Grand Valley to make their own drink to sell in Michigan stores and on campus at Lubbers Stadium.”
Deputy Director of GVSU Athletics Doug Lipinski said the university is happy to be working with graduates on this new venture in the press release for the beverage.
“We are humbled to partner with a GVSU alumni owned business that is anchored in our West Michigan community,” Lipinski said. “Jon and Kyle’s commitment to quality, service and excellence aligns with GVSU Athletics value of championship excellence.”
GV fashion club prepares to debut magazine
people would actually really like this (as a magazine). It’s supposed to be fun, but we also allow (those who) want to go the extra mile to go the extra mile, and see what they come up with.”
daring in their fashion choices and go against fashion norms.
494 Fashion Magazine, a student organization at Grand Valley State University, is looking ahead to the upcoming school year with intentions to release the group’s first traditional publication. Previously having hosted many photoshoots and artistic projects, the group spotlights film and video, photography and writing from students interested in displaying their artistic talents and expanding their repertoires. With an emphasis on fashion, the club provides a platform for creative expression through aesthetics and styling, as well as the opportunity to refine skills such as
Sofia Gafa, a film and video production major at GVSU, founded the 494 Fashion Magazine Club in November 2023. Gafa expressed the club was created for students to have fun and express themselves, on top of creating
people around campus
Along with encouraging creative passions through the art of fashion, the club has provided Gafa and other members with networking opportunities, new friendships and experiences that can benefit them after graduation.
“I was in a film for a random music producer,” Jaden Rice, a member of the group, said. “(Originally), I would never do that! But here I am in a Pyramid Scheme bathroom filming a music video.”
Within the club, members are able to model for shoots, create and write fashion inspired media and work behind the scenes on editing and productional aspects of fashion photography.
Some of the clothing used in shoots or worn by models for the club are sourced from student designers that also attend GVSU. All outfit and vision board creation for each editorial project is done by student stylists in the club.
Interested students are also encouraged to come to meetings with original ideas, in which they are then provided with the resources and support to bring those ideas together in a cohesive final project.
“What it’s all about is helping people find their passions, and helping them make these projects that we can all put together
“(Fashion) serves as a powerful means of communication, allowing individuals to convey their personality, beliefs and cultural affiliations,” according to the group’s website.
“Fashion is a versatile art form that extends beyond mere clothing choices, representing a cultural dialogue and a mirror of societal values. It’s a powerful vehicle for self-discovery, enabling individuals to experiment with identity and express their personality through unique styles and trends.”
On top of the goal of releasing their first traditional publication in December 2024, the club members plan to design and release an original line of 494 Fashion Magazine merchandise. To make this happen, the organization’s biggest goal is to grow the size of its club to help bring creative ideas and projects to life.
While GVSU does not offer a fashion program, club members say the magazine and its creative ventures can be the perfect outlet for students who love experimenting with fashion and the arts. The club’s Instagram showcases snapshots of photoshoots and student stylists’ work.
Students interested in putting their creative
AESTHETICS Photoshoots often feature clothing made by GVSU student designers. COURTESY 494 FASHION MAGAZINE
A 6 | OPINIONS
The top 5 albums that defined my summer
BY HAILEY HENTZ
During the fleeting four months away from college, crafting a trove of summer memories mingled with nostalgic music is never an easy task. The following records, the majority of which were released since May, have been cornerstones of my playlists, and will, in the months to come, remind me of this summer’s standout moments.
Clairo, “Charm”
Surrounded by piled up measuring cups and ensconced by my newfound love of cooking, the July release of “Charm” by Claire Cottrill, known professionally as Clairo, often filled my kitchen with its warm melodies and songwriting. The soft rock record accompanied me, mixing its sweet and whimsical strings and piano with a jazzy ‘70s inspired aura. “Nomad” and “Juna” are sparkling and smooth tracks infused with
romantic tranquility. Lyrically, “Charm” is meditative and intimate, mingling personal reflections with silky and tender rhythms. Cottrill breaks slightly from the album’s signature whispered vocals on “Sexy to Someone,” which flaunts upbeat harmonies and instrumentals that twirl and cushion Cottrill’s musings.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “Challengers (Original Score)”
Sitting next to my hometown best friend at the theater, I was entranced by the tennis movie “Challengers,” in part due to its electronic, synth-heavy soundtrack that made time feel as if it was suspended in a standstill. While this isn’t a rumination on the film itself, the tense and electric score crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross frequented my summer playlists. “Challengers,” and its similar rendition, “Match Point,” are saturated in dramatics, the snappy pops of each beat reminiscent of rhythmically striking tennis balls to an ephemeral range in tempo. “Compress / Repress,” the only track with Reznor’s relentless vocals, tempts listeners to just surrender to the song’s pulsing and athletic movement.
Billie Eilish, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”
Billie Eilish’s third studio album, released on May 17, 2024, defined an early summer road trip for me, as I worked my way through its tracklist while watching the morning sun cast a glow across I-94.
Merging onto the highway, I was allured by “LUNCH,” a fast-paced and seductive track that quickly builds into a dynamic entanglement of bass, keys and guitar. Unpredictable transitions, seamlessly mastered by Finneas, are a standout trait of the record– ranging from a soul-crushing plummet in “THE GREATEST” and the gliding in of shimmering dance floor beats during “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE.” On the album’s reflective last track, “BLUE,” Eilish reworks a previously unreleased melody into a patchwork of emotion, entrenched in references to the previous nine songs.
Charli xcx, “BRAT” Brat summer this, Brat summer that. After locking up for the evening at my quiet bookstore job, I’d drive home along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, with the pounding and accelerated beats of Charli xcx’s “Brat” floating out my car’s open windows. The dynamic “B2b” oscillates between sprawling pulses that are layered under assertive vocals, rewinding listeners back to what can only be described as a reverberative and ablaze nightclub. The record cherishes candid confessions in “I might say something stupid,” a tender and haunting piano creation evoking the singer’s doubts about her place in the music industry. Taking “360” to more thunderous, substantial lengths, “365” is a heavily layered track, one that descends into a melodic cacophony to close the expansive electropop album.
Grand Rapids’ best live music venues
BY COLLIN ST. JOHN
As someone who’s been an audience member, performer and house show operator, I feel Grand Rapids has a fantastic music scene. However, I believe there are still music lovers who find themselves bored on weekends because they are unaware where to find sweet jams at a reasonable, or free, price. No matter what genre you prefer, there’s definitely a spot in Grand Rapids you’ll love. Reflecting on my experiences at various venues, I’ve put together a short list of my favorite music places in Grand Rapids.
Skelletones
This venue is perfect if you need a cheap, energetic and safe night out. Skelletones often has metal, hardcore and punk performances, but
occasionally will showcase rap artists, indie performers and grunge bands. My favorite part about Skelletones is its atmosphere. The green, blue and purple lights spill into every corner of the room, making the space feel comfortable, yet energetic. The employees and attendees are always extremely nice, and the place feels very youthful, which can be a positive or negative depending on who you ask. Many high school students and young adults come to shows, and as a result, I find the crowd’s energy that much more exciting. However, because the venue is all ages, it does have one major downfall in my opinion-- they do not serve alcohol. With all that being said, if you’re looking to let loose and headbang, head over to Skelletones.
The Stray
If moshing and headbanging aren’t your thing, don’t worry! The Stray has got you covered, as it’s both a cafe and music venue. They serve specialty drinks and food, in addition to hosting musicians every weekend. The Stray’s menu is diverse, as well as the music they showcase. There could be a string ensemble playing traditional Irish music, and the next day you might see a local emo band screaming their throats out. However, the most common genre played is probably acoustic folk. There are booths, bar tops and even comfy
recliners to sit down at and enjoy the atmosphere. They also showcase art and merchandise from both the bands and other local artists that are available for purchase. If you’re a music lover looking for a relaxing night, this is the spot for you!
House shows
Last but not least-- house shows. This is where it all starts. This could be a band’s first performance, a show in someone’s basement or have bad sound production with really good vibes. Likely, multiple of those traits at once. I’ve had the privilege of attending, conducting and performing in house shows and trust me, you’re missing out if you haven’t been to one. House shows are my favorite way to enjoy local music for a variety of reasons. The DIY aspect of the venues makes everyone feel connected in a familial way, even if the person dancing next to you is a total stranger. The love of music is strongest in this environment, and that’s what makes it so special. While I won’t specifically name any house venue because, after all, they are private homes, I will advise you to ask around and look on social media. I find many performance locations on Instagram. From there, you can usually directly message account owners for details such as the address and show’s time.
Chappell Roan, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” While Chappell Roan’s first studio album wasn’t unveiled during the summer months– it garnered a modest reception in September 2023– few can argue the record wasn’t a theatrical spectacle in the music industry this summer. I was introduced to Roan’s music in the spring, while journaling at the library about the type of unforeseen events that can only happen in Allendale. During the first weeks of summer, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” became a euphoric retreat as I moved back into my childhood bedroom and recommenced life in my hometown, missing my college apartment and the loved ones that frequented it. It’s an incredibly honest pop record that spans Roan’s desire to create, leave her hometown and experience joy within her sexuality. Vividly fusing glittering production and lively bass lines, the confident “After Midnight” and 2000s influenced track “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” are energetic and lighthearted romps that celebrate queer joy. Shifting tonally, the bold and direct “Casual” chugs along in a dreamy reverie, ascending into a forceful bridge that resigns Roan to reminisce, inquire and grieve. Likewise, the stripped back “California” shines a spotlight on Roan’s vocals, layered atop speeding drum beats that mimic her sentimental desire to return to the Midwest.
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Former teacher-student duo lead sports officiating course
BY ABBIE SUAREZ LANTHORNEDITORIAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University will be continuing to offer a course aimed at equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to officiate sports competitions. The class, FIT-280 Sports Officiating, features a collaboration between two adjunct professors who share an unlikely history, having previously been teacher and student. Having one academic year of the course under their belts, instructors hope the class will grow and allow students to gain more officiating experience.
The course addresses various facets of sports officiating, including rules interpretation, game mechanics and the proactive management of athletics. Students enrolled have the opportunity to also be involved in a partnership with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) by working as
paid officiants for high school games.
The adjunct instructors in charge of the class, Malik Baker and Jamillya (Jay) Hardley, were reunited by FIT Course Coordinator Karol Tiemersma, out of complete coincidence.
Hardley made a special connection with Tiemersma when attending educational leadership courses at GVSU in 2012-14, which prepared her for the position of instructing in a higher education setting. After Hardley described her background in college basketball at the University of Michigan, as well as her experience in officiating, Tiemersma shared her idea of introducing the course.
Baker, also a longtime officiant for MHSAA, caught wind of the class concept and saw an opportunity to utilize his teaching background and passion for sports officiating at the collegiate level.
“I sent a video presentation about sports officiating to GVSU and it was sent to Karol. Unbeknownst to me,
Karol was working with Jay (to) create a sports officiating class,” Baker said. “I was Jay’s teacher back in her middle school days. She was not only a fantastic student, but also a tremendous athlete (that played) basketball.”
Hardley attributes many of her achievements to Baker’s early mentorship.
“Throughout the years, Mr. Baker has poured into me with encouragement and support,” Hardley said. “There has never been a time (when) Mr. Baker hasn’t shared how proud he was of me in all my professional and personal accomplishments. Whether it’s in passing, or when we were working together on the court, he has always been a mentor and a positive influence.”
They feel this shared history not only makes their teaching connection stronger, but duly fuels their passion as they work together educating generations of athletes and officiants to come. According to Baker, there’s a significant need for athletics officials in a variety of sports.
“We hope to establish GVSU as a hub for future sports officials,” Baker said. Tiemersma voiced the possibility of the course being the foundation for more classes specific to a variety of sports.
“This class could help educate, motivate young professionals to earn money and serve their communities (and) stay involved in sports,” Tiemersma said.
Baker, Hardley and Tiemersma envision expanding the course’s scope going forward.
“Officiating is not for everyone, but for those who take this class, the outcome should be to help develop a perspective that would make people better spectators. When it comes to sportsmanship and understanding of why calls are made, this class has great potential for impact on student development and learning,” said Tiemersma.
GV discus athlete competes at Olympic trials
BY GRIFFIN MISSANT LANTHORNEDITORAL@GVSU.EDU
Grand Valley State University student and athlete Erika Beistle competed for a spot on the USA Discus throwing team on Thursday, June 27.
She had previously thrown 61.68m, earning both a personal and GVSU record. With this performance, Beistle earned the opportunity to compete in Oregon at Hayward Field, where the top three discus athletes would make the USA Olympic team.
When talking about the preparation for the finals, Beistle credited the University.
“Grand Valley track and field does a great job all year long putting its athletes in great positions,” Beistle said. “We train for moments like that, and to be able to show up and compete with the best of the best, it says a lot about the program and coaches at GVSU.”
During the finals, she threw 62.50m, breaking her own personal record from just days prior and finishing only one spot outside of the top three threshold. Although this wasn’t enough to qualify for the Olympics, Beistle earned the second best division two throw of all time and the single best American performance in division two history.
When reflecting on this event, Beistle said, “I got to meet so many
amazing athletes, Olympians and other important people while out in Oregon. (It was) truly an experience I won’t forget.”
Beistle then shared her favorite memory from her trip to Oregon.
“Coming off the field during the Olympic trials and hugging my (current) coach, high school coach and everyone who came out to support me was such a heartwarming experience,” said Beistle. “After just
throwing a lifetime best, school record and being able to share it with the people who matter most to me, it was such an amazing moment, and one I will never forget.”
Beistle also described what motivated her to strive for excellence and push through adversity during the season’s duration.
“Having my coach, friends, family and teammates supporting me helped and pushed me to get where I am,” said Beistle. “I truly have a wonderful support system. It makes all the bad days, long hours and countless injuries worth it in the end.”
Beistle continued, reflecting on the previous season.
“After coming off last season and not placing how I wanted, it really propelled me to succeed this year. I knew I wanted to become a national champion and I was going to do whatever it took to get there.”
While the outcome might not have been exactly what Beistle had hoped, she remains optimistic and is using this experience as fuel for her discus future.
“Knowing I was so close just makes me want to train and push myself even harder,” said Beistle. “(I’m) shooting for the 2028 Olympics held in the U.S.”
THROWING: After breaking the GVSU womens’ discus record, Erika Beistle qualified for Olympic trials. COURTESY | GVSU ATHLETICS
FINALS: Although she did not make the Olympic team this year, Beistle is hopeful to qualify in 2028. COURTESY | GVSU ATHLETICS