Tag Archives: GVSU

GVSU economist: November a strong month for West Michigan

December 7, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismBrian Long, economy, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

For the West Michigan industrial economy, September was strong, October was stronger and November was the best month of the year, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of November.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) edged higher to +38, from +36. The production index edged up to +33, from +30. The index of purchases rose to +36, from +32, and the employment index came in at +25, up slightly from +24.

Long said November’s bad news from the automotive sector came from General Motors; the company plans to close three plants associated with small car production and lay off 14,000 workers, presumably to get ahead of the predicted slump in auto sales for 2019.

“Although auto sales continue to soften, our West Michigan auto parts suppliers continue to report positive business conditions and remain cautiously optimistic about the first half of 2019,” he said.

The 2017 tax incentives may have run their course for at least some of the capital equipment firms, Long said, and business conditions remain strong for most industrial distributors.

He added that the office furniture industry is profitable at the current level, but the expansion for this phase of the business cycle for office furniture is apparently over. “The ‘sugar high’ for office furniture sales brought on by the 2017 tax reform package has now run its course,” said Long.

Looking forward, Long said unless trade talks with China break down, there is no apparent problem in the short term that will upset the economy for the first half of 2019.

Other report highlights:

* Some firms are seeing falling prices for some key commodities. However, the tariffs are still being used as an excuse to raise prices.

* Year-over-year unemployment rates are still running about a full percentage point below a year ago.

* Hiring and retaining new workers continues to be a big problem for some firms, but with the current hesitancy in the economy, this problem may be receding.

* The European economy continues to slow. Not collapse, just slow. The Italian fiscal budget problem is not yet resolved, and could cause trouble for the other eurozone countries.

* Mike Dunlap survey of the office furniture firms clearly depicts an industry that is topping out.

* Our two largest trading partners are Canada and Mexico. The Mexican PMI dipped to 49.7 in November, down from 50.7. However, the Canadian PMI upticked to 54.9 in November from September’s 53.9.

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you want to know

December 4, 20183-bottom, Citizen Journalism, EducationGerald R. Ford International Airport, Gleaves Whitney, GVSU, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, Kentwood, Man on the moon, NASA, Snapshots, WyomingJoanne

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not." 

                                                  Andre Gide

Oh, boy. No. 3,000,000
is in for a big surprise

This woman is not the 3,000,000th passenger

If you’re the 3,000,000th passenger on Dec. 5th, you’ll be feted with a surprise. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport had a total of over 2.7 million passengers served through the end of October. November and December seat totals and flight information are forecasting the three millionth passenger to arrive around 11am on Dec. 5.

There will also be a reception to include surprises and giveaways for passengers flying that day. More here.

Proof that science really exists!

This launch could not happen without science

Tuesday, Dec. 4, WKTV will be featuring the launch of the SpaceX CRS-16 Cargo Craft to the International Space Station. SpaceX CRS-16 will be filled with supplies and payloads including critical materials to directly support the science and research that will occur during the current expeditions.

Coverage continues on Thursday, Dec. 6, for the rendezvous and capture of the SpaceX CRS-16 at the ISS at 4:30am, with the capture scheduled for approximately 6am Installation of the cargo craft begins at 7:30am. Go here for more info.

You say “tomayto”, I say “tomahto”

Gleaves Whitney will tackle a thorny topic

We all have our differences. But the 2016 election of Donald Trump, Kavanaugh hearings, and 2018 midterm elections have stirred up deep emotions about what kind of nation America is and should be. Conservative and progressive debates over the meaning of these events have opened old wounds and created new injuries in our body politic.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, will address the divide in the country, and explain why failure to resolve our most difficult challenges is not an option. Go here for more info.

Fun Fact:

The footprints on the moon will
be there for 100 million years

The Moon has no atmosphere, which means there is no wind to erode the surface and no water to wash the footprints away. This means the footprints of the Apollo astronauts, along with spacecraft prints, rover-prints and discarded material, will be there for millions of years.

Hauenstein Center director to discuss cultural, political divides

December 4, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismGleaves Whitney, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Hausenstein Center for Presidential StudiesJoanne

Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University

By Nate Hoekstra

GVSU

The 2016 election of Donald Trump, Kavanaugh hearings, and 2018 midterm elections have stirred up deep emotions about what kind of nation America is and should be. Conservative and progressive debates over the meaning of these events have opened old wounds and created new injuries in our body politic.

Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, will address the divide in the country, and explain why failure to resolve our most difficult challenges is not an option.

“Fortunately, America has usually had enough people of goodwill who want to work with others over the divide of their differences,” Whitney said. “A major aim of the Hauenstein Center is to tap this civic energy by enlightening, encouraging, and empowering Americans to seek common ground for the common good.”

Gleaves Whitney: Common Ground?

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, Richard M. DeVos Center

401 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested at gvsu.edu/hc

Whitney will lead a searching exploration of how we can do better — and be better — as a people.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/hc.

GVSU visual and media arts students to showcase capstone work through exhibits

November 20, 2018EntertainmentGrand Valley State University, GVSU, Jacob Mol, Valerie Wojo, Visual and Media Arts DepartmentJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

More than 20 students from Grand Valley State University’s Visual and Media Arts Department will showcase works that represent the culmination of their collegiate educational experiences.

Valerie Wojo, a senior majoring in photography, said the senior photography exhibition, “Resonate,” places a strong emphasis on community.

“As an all-female team, we have found empowerment in our common goal of representing a community that resonates within us,” said Valerie Wojo, a senior majoring in photography. “While that community varies from one series to another, we each have a personal connection to our subject matter.”

For the exhibit, Wojo chose to represent the Flint community, specifically those who have been impacted by the Flint water crisis.

“While photographing my thesis series this semester, I have met so many new people who shared their personal stories of suffering with me, and it was both eye-opening and extremely frustrating to learn that these people have been neglected for so long,” said Wojo. “However, each individual inspired me to channel that frustration into my work and strive for change, so being able to use my gift to do that has been rewarding.”

Jacob Mol, a senior majoring in graphic design, will be showcasing his designs for an emergency survival kit e-commerce product line called “72 Critical Hours” in the senior graphic design exhibit, “Command + N.” Mol designed the branding, packaging, print and digital components for the product line.

He said his work for this exhibit reflects the skills he has acquired at Grand Valley.

“Not only did I learn to be a designer, but I learned to be an artist, a critical thinker, a problem solver and self-motivator,” said Mol. “To be able to think beyond just the design to how it might be perceived, interacted with and what impact it might make on others has been a valuable experience.”

Mol said the name of the exhibit is representative of the keyboard shortcut graphic designers can use on Apple computers to create a new project.

“In a way, this represents us in this show,” said Mol. “Everything we are doing is new work, it’s a new exhibit and we are becoming new designers in the design community.”

Below is a full list of upcoming senior thesis exhibitions:

Command + N

Senior graphic design exhibition

Exhibition dates: November 26-30

Reception: November 29, from 5-8 p.m.

Padnos Student Visual and Media Arts Gallery, Calder Arts Center, Allendale Campus

Students: Jessica Allen, Christina Elsholz, Stephanie Freeman, Kristine Hynes, Jacob Mol, Sydney Schurig, Shelby Verstrate

Resonate

Senior photography exhibition

Exhibition dates: November 27-December 8

Reception: November 29, from 5-7 p.m.

GVSU Art Gallery, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts

Students: Ashley Cefali, Ana Grace Dykstra, Markeyna Jay, Kendalyn Liebzeit, Jodi VanWagnen, Valerie Wojo

Tactile Existence

Senior metals, printmaking and painting exhibition

Exhibition dates: December 3-7

Reception: December 6, from 5-7 p.m.

Padnos Student Visual and Media Arts Gallery, Calder Arts Center, Allendale Campus

Students: Morgan Lloyd (metals), Katelyn Venema (metals), Caitlyn Brandt (painting), Jane Dandron (printmaking)

Explorations of the Body

Senior visual studies exhibition

Exhibition dates: December 3-7

Reception: December 7, from 6-9 p.m.

Spiral Gallery, 44 Division Ave. South, Grand Rapids

Students: Ashley Acton, Emily McKenna

Echo Unspoken

Senior illustration exhibition

Exhibition dates: December 7-January 7

Reception: December 8, from 7-10 p.m.

The Nomad Galleries, 74 Monroe Center Northwest, Grand Rapids

Students: Chloe Burns, Amelia Cleveland, Erin Davis, Kenzie Fox, Dana Witherspoon

For more information, contact the Visual and Media Arts Department at (616) 331-3486 or visit gvsu.edu/vma.

GVSU announces digital library, traveling exhibit of art by Mathias Alten

November 15, 2018EntertainmentGrand Valley State University, GVSU, Mathias AltenJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

Grand Valley State University’s Art Gallery has launched a new online digital library that provides a comprehensive database of the life and works of late artist Mathias J. Alten. The university currently owns the largest single public collection of Alten’s work, which includes more than 150 pieces of art.

The Mathias J. Alten Online Digital Library allows users to seamlessly browse through Alten’s life and work on computers and mobile devices. Nathan Kemler, assistant director of Galleries and Collections, said this system answers the question of how to best engage Grand Valley students and the global community in Alten’s legacy in a modern technological age.

“The Mathias J. Alten Online Digital Library provides our students and faculty with an ever-growing and changing wealth of both primary and secondary visual research materials to support academic learning,” said Kemler. “This collection of paintings, archival materials, scholarship, timeline entries and oral histories is presented fully integrated together thus encouraging learning connections across both time and space.”

The GVSU’s Mathias Alten collection is now available through a digital library.

The digital library, which can be accessed on the Art Gallery’s website, includes eight new paintings recently added to Grand Valley’s Alten collection. Seven paintings, including rare depictions of the Lake Michigan shoreline, were gifted by Anita Gilleo, one of Alten’s granddaughters.

One of Alten’s paintings created during trip to Spain in 1912 was gifted by George and Barbara Gordon, local collectors who have added to Grand Valley’s Alten collection annually since 1998.

Gilleo also presented to the university the Alten Catalog Raisonné — a comprehensive, annotated listing of all the known works by Alten written by local art historian James Straub— and created the Anita M. Gilleo Endowment Fund to support the maintenance of the catalog in perpetuity.

“This is a very significant gift to Grand Valley because it holds all known paintings of Alten worldwide, which is over 2,200, and it is the undisputed authority of the artist’s body of work,” said Kemler. “This gift gives our community the ability to browse the artist’s work at a scale and depth that is incredibly unique compared to most artists.”

Alten’s legacy will spread beyond Grand Valley when the “Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century” exhibit travels to museums and galleries around the State of Michigan in 2021 during the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth.

The Art Gallery staff is currently developing the traveling exhibit, which will include more than 40 works of art and other objects that provide context for Alten’s artistic legacy, such as pictures, personal items, oral histories and letters.

A native of Germany, Alten immigrated to Grand Rapids as a teenager. Often referred to as the “Dean of Michigan Painters,” Alten spent his 40-year career painting in Europe and across the U.S., but always returned to Grand Rapids, his professional base of operations and home, until his death in 1938.

GVSU Veterans History project: Preserving the stories of the soldier

November 14, 20183-bottomGrand Valley State University, GVSU, GVSU Veterans History Project, James Smither, Veterans, World War IIJoanne

Elizabeth Voltz

WKTV Intern

It is estimated that the United States loses about 600 World War II veterans and 300 Vietnam veterans per day. And as these veterans pass, lost are their stories of some of the most historic challenges the United States has faced. In 2006, the GVSU Veterans History Project began recording veterans’ personal stories. The program not only preserves those histories but serves as a reminder of what many veterans did for our country. Director James Smither visited WKTV to talk about some of the unforgettable stories in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Smither estimated he has completed more than 1,000 interviews since 2007. One that still stands out in his mind today is Francisco Vega, a WWII veteran from San Antonio, Texas. His military career almost didn’t happen because the government didn’t want to recruit him as he was Mexican. On D-Day, Vega was on Omaha Beach in the advanced headquarters for Eisenhower. Vega had many stories to share including dangling off the Eiffel Tower to get a picture.

Michael Woods, a New Orleans native, had an argument with his principal and left school to join the Marines. However, Woods lied about his age and got caught, but his mother later signed for him to join. Without a high school diploma or a college degree, he had a long-standing career in the military that allowed him to travel the world.

Smither believes capturing stores like the two above is just one small way of acknowledging the service that many men and women provided to their country. Additionally, many of these stories provide insights that the world may not have ever known about. It’s just one way to get in touch with our country’s history.

GVSU economist: Strong October for West Michigan

November 7, 20183-bottomBrian Long, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Seidman College of BusinessJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

The economic pace for West Michigan was strong in September, but October was even stronger, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of October.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) rose confidently to +36, from +28. The production index edged up to +30, from +29. The index of purchases rose to +29, from +21, and the employment index came in at +24, down from +29.

Long said auto sales numbers continue to surprise many economists. “After all the talk about auto sales softening, the October sales report from Automotive News posted a minor gain of 0.4 percent,” Long said. “The seasonally adjusted sales rate (SAAR) rose to 17.59 million vehicles from 17.44 in September.”

Long said year-over-year unemployment rates continue to fall; Kent County is at 2.6 percent, Ottawa County is at 2.5 percent and Kalamazoo County is at 3.0 percent.

The current economy is about as good as it gets, Long said. “Hiring and retaining new workers continues to be a big problem for some firms, so we can’t expect much more expansion.”

Long said there has been an interesting twist on the tariffs. “Because of some Chinese firms experiencing declining business, they have been willing to cut prices enough to cover the cost of the tariffs,” he said.

‘Jungle Book’ to break down bear necessities during performances at GVSU

November 6, 2018Entertainmentbear necessities, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Jungle Book, MowgilJoanne

By Matt Makowski

GVSU

Grand Valley State University students will adhere to the “Law of the Jungle” when they perform a play that’s a newer take on the beloved Disney classic film “The Jungle Book.”

Theatre at Grand Valley presents “The Jungle Book”

November 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, at 7:30 p.m.

November 11, 18, at 2 p.m.

Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Tickets: $15 for adults; $13 for GVSU faculty and staff and all seniors; $7 for all students; $10 for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office at (616) 331-2300.
NOTE: Younger children are welcome to attend performances of “Jungle Book,” however this production is darker in themes and content than the Disney musical version.

In “Jungle Book,” the “Law of the Jungle” rules Mowgli’s adventures while growing up with a wolf pack, but when his identity is challenged after realizing he’s human, his quest to master the laws becomes more complicated and dangerous. Tensions mount when Mowgli becomes entangled with Shere Khan, the most feared animal, and Mowgli’s choices affect life in the jungle forever.

While the character of Mowgli has historically been be a boy, this iteration of the story will see Mowgli as a female protagonist, played by Leanne Hoag, a sophomore majoring in hospitality and tourism management.

“Mowgli is such a fun role because I get to incorporate childlike acting techniques that I normally don’t get to delve into while also showing this beautiful arc of character development where Mowgli finds her true self,” said Hoag.

Hoag said that audiences will experience another key diversion from the Disney film — the absence of songs.

“This version is more about survival in the jungle and the power hierarchy that results between predator and prey,” said Hoag.

In addition to changing Mowgli’s gender, Hoag said acting in the Keller Black Box Theatre, in which actors and the stage are surrounded by the audience, has also been a fun challenge.

“Instead of performing to one side of an audience, we have to think about three, so in this way we have to tailor our staging and actions differently so that everyone in the audience can see the show,” said Hoag. “As an audience member, being in the black box is such an immersive experience, and being stuck in the middle of the Jungle watching the struggle between predator and prey is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

Playing the role of Mowgli has been a surreal experience for Hoag since “Jungle Book” was one of her favorite movies throughout her childhood.

“I remember I used to ask my grandma to watch it when I was over at her house,” said Hoag. “It is honestly surreal to be playing a character that I am so familiar with, but it is also so different from the Disney version that I am able to take a few essential elements from that movie and spin it to fit this version of Mowgli.”

For more information about “Jungle Book,” visit gvsu.edu/theater or contact Allison Metz, director, at metza@gvsu.edu.

Grand Valley breaks ground on DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health

October 29, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismDaniel and Pamella DeVos, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, health campus, Kirkhof College of Nursing, Lt. Gov. Brian CalleyJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

Grand Valley State University

More than 300 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony October 23 for the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health on Grand Valley State University’s expanding Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

The new center, under construction at 333 Michigan St. on the Medical Mile, will be the third and flagship building on the Health Campus, joining the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences and Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall.

President Thomas J. Haas thanked donors and elected officials for their “continuing transformative support” of Grand Valley and its students. Haas said the naming of the building for Dan and Pamella DeVos reflects the genuine care and concern they have for the community and its future.

Rendering for Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health

“We will generate a great return on your investment by continuing to provide top talent for our region and our state,” Haas said. “I’m often told by employers across the state that our health sciences graduates are exceptional caregivers.”

The DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health will include 15 classrooms and 14 interactive laboratories, and help accommodate expanding programs in growing fields at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who earned an MBA from Grand Valley in 2000, said the university is a significant talent pipeline for the state.

“Talent is the new currency of economic development and Grand Valley is playing an important and pivotal role in developing that pipeline,” Calley said. “Education is everything — education is freedom and connection to all the things that are important in life, and right in the middle of it is Grand Valley State University.”

The new five-story, 160,000-square-foot center will allow Grand Valley to significantly expand and update its simulation center and space available for collaborative work.

Dan DeVos said the groundbreaking ceremony was also a celebration of his late parents, Rich and Helen DeVos, who had an early vision for the Medical Mile and matched the generosity of their son and daughter-in-law as leadership donors for the building.

“I’ve heard my dad and others say, ‘What would West Michigan be like without Grand Valley?’ It is hard to imagine,” DeVos said. “Grand Valley faculty, staff members and students will give the building life and students will use it to change lives.”

Maria Cimitile, GVSU provost, said the new health building will advance health education with the newest technology. “It will double our simulation space, giving us more room for interprofessional collaboration,” Cimitile said.

The Kirkhof College of Nursing will be housed in the center, bringing faculty and students together in collaborative spaces to accommodate interactive learning.

Nursing student Doug Chambers said Grand Valley’s professionalism and caring faculty drew him from the east side of the state. “I learned how important it is to choose a school in close proximity to clinical opportunities and I’ve taken advantage of my rotations in psychiatry, oncology and other areas right here in Grand Rapids,” Chambers said.

Grand Valley is the region’s leading provider of health care professionals with more than 20 health sciences programs.

The State of Michigan is providing $29 million for the $70 million project; the remaining funds will come from private donors and university bonds. Construction is expected to be completed in May 2021.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/giving/interprofessionalhealth

GVSU’s Fall Arts Celebration spotlights the arts during multiple free events

October 22, 2018Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming EventsFall Arts Celebration, Grand Valley State University, Guggenheim award, GVSU, Kariamu Welsh, Matthew Makowski, The Many Moods of ChristmasJoanne

Kariamu and Company: Traditions — A Celebration of African Dance (photo supplied)

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

For the past 15 years, West Michigan audiences have enjoyed a series of six free events every fall at Grand Valley that celebrate the positive impact of the arts. President Thomas J. Haas said these events are offered as gifts to the local community that has supported the evolution of the university.

“Each year, these six diverse and free events provide us with the opportunity to thank the West Michigan community for its continued support of the performing arts at Grand Valley, and the university as a whole,” said Haas. “The arts lift us up, make us think and provide an endless variety of entertainment and enrichment, and we hope others will join us in celebrating the richness of the worlds of poetry, dance, art, music and more this fall.”

Here are the upcoming Fall Arts Celebration events for November and December. For more event details, go here.

Kariamu and Company: Traditions — A Celebration of African Dance

Nov. 12, at 7:30 pm
Location: Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

Kariamu Welsh is a Guggenheim award–winning dance scholar, choreographer, educator and the founder of the Umfundalai technique. For the past 40 years, Welsh has developed Umfundalai as a contemporary dance technique that seeks to articulate the essence of African-oriented movement while highlighting the cultural and aesthetic continuity found in the rhythm and artistic sensibilities that cover the full range of African dance. As an “artivist,” Welsh feels that one of her responsibilities is to tell the stories, myths, legends and histories of the marginalized, invisible, forgotten and oppressed. Welsh is currently a professor of dance in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University.

Celebrating Holiday Splendor: Craig Jessop Conducts “The Many Moods of Christmas”

Dec. 3, at 7:30 pm
Location: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids

Robert Shaw’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” meshes pieces of 18 of the most traditional carols combined with music from composers such as Handel, Bizet and Bach. Renowned choral conductor Craig Jessop will lead the GVSU Arts Chorale and local high school students for this special holiday celebration concert. Jessop, professor of music and founding dean of the Cain College of the Arts at Utah State University, is the former director of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He led the ensemble as a featured conductor during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you want to know

October 16, 20183-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingAda Limon, bookmobile, Carl Phillips, Eberdhard Center, Godwin Heights, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, KDL, KDL Kelloggsville Branch, KDL Kentwood Branch, Kent District LibraryJoanne

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world."
          -Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate

‘Book’ on over

The new KDL Bookmobile was unveiled at a special event at Steelcase. The Steelcase Foundation helped to launch the project with a $208,000 grant.

This week the Kent District Library unveiled its new Bookmobile, or as KDL Executive Director Lance Werner called it, “a library on wheels.” The Bookmobile, loaded with books and materials, will be heading out to service underserved areas and places where there is not a library readily available.

The goal is to help improve reading proficiency with students, Werner said, adding that the target age is third grade as students who are not at a reading proficiency by third grade could face more problems as they get older. The bookmobile has a rotating collection that can be curated for the places it visits whether it be a school or a senior center.

The KDL Bookmobile is scheduled to come to the KDL Kelloggsville Branch, located at the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 Division Ave. on Nov. 17 and to the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, Nov. 24. For a list of locations, visit kdl.org/bookmobile.

For more on the Bookmobile, click here.

Go Blue!

Godwin Heights will face off against Wyoming Lee this Friday in hopes of getting its sixth win and securing a place in the playoffs. And of course, WKTV will be there to cover all the action.

The playoff schedules will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 21 with Pre-District games kicking off the following weekend. All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com.

By the Meter

Two award-winning poets will be heading to Grand Valley State University Thursday, Oct. 18, to discuss their work.

Part of GVSU’s Fall Arts Celebration, poets Ada Limón and Carl Phillips will begin the discussion at 7:30 p.m. at GVSU’s Eberdhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Limón is the author of five books of poetry, including her new book The Carrying (2018). Phillips is the author of 14 books of poetry, including his most recent works, Wild Is the Wind (2018) and Reconnaissance (2015).

For more on the event, click here.

Fun Fact:

maestra

The Spanish work for a person who teaches music, usually referring to a woman. (Maestro is the male word.) This month, St. Cecilia Music Center announced its new Grand Band conductor Robin Connell. For more, click here.

Award-winning poets to discuss their work, inspirations during GVSU event

October 11, 2018EntertainmentAda Limon, Carl Phillips, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, The CarryingJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

Two unique poetic voices will share their work and discuss their inspirations with the West Michigan community during Fall Arts Celebration at Grand Valley State University.

“An Evening of Poetry and Conversation with Ada Limón and Carl Phillips” will take place Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., on the 2nd floor of the Eberhard Center, located on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception and book signing will take place after both authors read samples from their work.

“Carl Phillips and Ada Limón both write out of their passions,” said Patricia Clark, professor of writing and Grand Valley’s Poet-in-Residence. “If Phillips is the more somber voice of the two poets, his words are still lit by brief moments of intensity and beauty. Limón’s relaxed, seemingly casual voice dazzles with precision and directness.”

Clark said attendees of the event will experience the power of poetry when it is heard instead of read.

“It is a completely different experience to hear poets live, not just on the page,” she said. “They reveal quite a bit about themselves and their work, and they say things that help illuminate the poems.

Limón is the author of five books of poetry, including her new book The Carrying (2018). Her volume Bright Dead Things was named one of the top 10 poetry books of 2015 by The New York Times. Limón currently serves on the faculty of Queens University of Charlotte’s low-residency Master of Fine Arts program.

Phillips is the author of 14 books of poetry, including his most recent works, Wild Is the Wind (2018) and Reconnaissance (2015). The latter won the PEN USA Award and the Lambda Literary Award. A four-time finalist for the National Book Award, Phillips’ honors include the Los Angeles Times’ Book Prize for Poetry, the Kingsley Tufts Award and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, Library of Congress and Academy of American Poets. He is currently a professor of English at Washington University in St. Louis.

For more information about Fall Arts Celebration, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts. All Fall Arts Celebration events are free and open to the public.

GVSU economist: More growth, pace improves

October 5, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismBrian G. Long, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Supply Management ResearchJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

The economic pace for West Michigan picked up in the month of September, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of September.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) edged up to +28, from +21. The production index rose sharply to +29, from +16. The index of purchases edged higher to +21, from +15, and the employment index improved to +29, up from +21.

Long said growth remains positive for most sectors in the West Michigan economy.

“Although auto sales continue to soften, the decline has, so far, been very orderly. Business conditions for the local auto parts suppliers remain positive,” Long said. “Although the office furniture business plateaued last year, the new tax incentives have continued to boost many segments of the industry. Local firms producing capital equipment are also continuing to benefit from the tax incentives enacted in late 2017.”

Long said the tax cuts will continue to move the U.S. economy in a positive direction, but uncertainty about the trade talks will limit future economic growth.

“Recessions have historically occurred when a proverbial ‘bubble breaks.’ The problem is identifying the bubble,” Long said. “After the collapse of the housing market, it was obvious that the banks buried themselves in sub-prime loans. Today, we have several bubbles that are starting to form, but none of them appear to be great enough to upset the current economic momentum.”

Long added the recent report of a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico relaxed some of the fear of an international trade war.

GVSU Shakespeare Festival to celebrate 25th anniversary with multiple events

October 2, 2018EntertainmentDefy the Stars, Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival, GVSU, King Lear, Shakespeare FestivalJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

The Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival is the oldest and largest festival celebrating the Bard’s life and works in Michigan. For the past 25 years, festival events have attracted thousands of people of all ages to Grand Valley State University to enjoy the legacy of Shakespeare.

The Grand Valley community will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the festival with “A Silver Coronation: The Grand Valley Shakespeare Effect” — a series of events taking place through Nov. 3.

Shakespeare Festival Managing Director Jim Bell said the goal of the festival is to involve both the Grand Valley and West Michigan communities, as well as communities around the world. Over the years, this has been accomplished through various events, including a mainstage production, performances abroad, a biannual Shakespeare conference, involvement by guest artists and alumni, and outreach performances at local schools by Bard to Go, Grand Valley’s all-student touring Shakespeare company.

“Participating in the festival means the opportunity to enter the laboratory of live theater performance to experience the world’s greatest storyteller and humanity’s greatest spokesman in the arena where he is best understood,” said Bell. “Times change, but thoughts about life still often involve those areas of life that Shakespeare’s plays and characters contemplate, confront and challenge.”

More than 30,000 middle and high school students have visited Grand Valley to experience the mainstage production since the festival’s inception. This year, audiences of all ages will experience “King Lear” — a tale of a retiring king who determines through a series of tests of love how to divide his kingdom among his three daughters.

Special to the 25th anniversary of the festival will be the staged reading by festival alumni of a commissioned play by Grand Valley alumnus Scott Watson called “Defy the Stars.”

Based on true events, the play follows two actors who are held at the Westerbork Transit Camp in 1942. The actors perform “Romeo and Juliet” to save themselves and others from deportation to Auschwitz.

Below is the full schedule of Shakespeare Festival events. All events are free and open to the public, except performances of “King Lear.” Contact the Louis Armstrong Box Office at (616) 331-2300 for additional ticket information. For all event information, visit the Shakespeare Festival website.

“King Lear”
Thru Oct. 7
Louis Armstrong Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

“Defy the Stars”
Oct. 3, 6, and 7
Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, Haas Center, Allendale Campus

Bard to Go: Twelfth Night
Oct. 7 during ArtPrize as an official time-based entry outside Eberhard Center, at noon and 1 p.m.
Nov. 3, at 1 p.m., Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

GVSU to host documentary, panel discussion about patient safety

September 19, 20183-bottomGrand Valley State University, GVSU, Michigan State University, patient safety, To Err is HumanJoanne

By Michele Coffill

GVSU

Following heart disease and cancer, medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Cynthia McCurren, dean of the Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University, put it another way: the third leading cause of death in the U.S. is its own health care system.

To raise awareness of patient safety, particularly among emerging nursing and health professionals, KCON will host the first West Michigan screening of a new documentary, “To Err is Human,” followed by panel discussions in two locations for specific populations on Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 6:15-8:30 p.m. The events are free and open to the public.

• KCON alumni and community members: L. William Seidman Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will precede the event at 5:30 p.m. RSVP online at gvsu.edu/kcon/edevents. Continuing education credits are available to registered nurses.

Panelists at the community screening will be Bret Jackson, president of the Economic Alliance for Michigan; Julie Klausing, vice president of product, integration and operations for Great Lakes Health Connect; Thomas Peterson, vice president of quality and safety for Munson Healthcare; and Mary Kay VanDriel, president of Spectrum Health Big Rapids & Reed City hospitals.

• Area students, faculty and staff members: DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium, Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will precede the event at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at gvsu.edu/kcon/edevents.

Student panelists will be represented by KCON, Grand Valley’s College of Health Professions, and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

“To Err is Human” is produced by Tall Tale Productions and directed by Mike Eisenberg, son of the late Dr. John Eisenberg, who was a pioneer in patient safety. The documentary reports medical mistakes lead to as many as 440,000 preventable deaths every year, features interviews with a family who endured two deaths due to preventable errors, and highlights employees who are creating a new path to patient safety.

McCurren said the documentary is a follow-up to a 1999 report by the U.S. Institutes of Medicine, “To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System,” which detailed medical mistakes and made recommendations to build a culture of safety among health care workers that would decrease the number of errors made. She said progress has been made, but “there’s a long way to go.”

“By shedding light on the realities of our progress and the urgency for action, we hope professionals will set the tone for constant awareness and the significance of patient safety cultures,” she said.

Acclaimed authors to discuss their craft during annual GVSU writers series

September 14, 2018Citizen JournalismArunava Sinha, Chris Haven, Gale Marie Thompson, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Kaveh Akbar, Lindsey Drager, Marian Crotty, Michele Morano, Paige LewisJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

The Grand Valley Writers Series has a long history of enlisting distinguished and emerging writers to visit the campuses of Grand Valley State University to read from their work for the community, visit classes to interact with students and discuss their career paths.

This year’s Writers Series will feature eight acclaimed authors, two of which are Grand Valley writing faculty members, during multiple events between September 17, 2018 and April 9, 2019.

Author Marian Crotty will kick off this year’s Writers Series on September 17 when she discusses her craft of fiction writing. Crotty is the author of the short story collection What Counts as Love, which won the John Simmons Award for Short Fiction.

She has received fellowships from the Yaddo Corporation, The Camargo Foundation and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creating Writing, and also received a Fulbright research grant to the United Arab Emirates. She currently serves as an assistant professor of writing at Loyola University Maryland and as an assistant editor for The Common.

Her fiction work has appeared in Kenyon Review, Southern Review and Alaska Quarterly Review, and her personal essays have appeared in various journals, including Guernica, Gettysburg Review and New England Review.

Below is the full schedule of this year’s Writers Series events. For more information, visit the Writers Series website, or contact Todd Kaneko, Writers Series coordinator and assistant professor of writing at kanekot@gvsu.edu.

Fiction Craft Talk and Reading with Marian Crotty
Sept. 17, 2018
Fiction craft talk: 1:30-2:45 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2270, Allendale Campus
Reading and book signing: 6-7:30 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Multi-Purpose Room, Allendale Campus

Fiction Reading and Q&A Session with Distinguished Visiting Alumna Lindsey Drager
Oct. 4, 2018
Reading and book signing: 2:30-3:30 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Multi-Purpose Room
Q&A session: 4-5:15 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 0072

Nonfiction Craft Talk and Reading with Michele Morano
November 15, 2018
Craft talk: 4-5 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2270
Reading and book signing: 6-7:30 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 0072

Grand Valley Faculty Reading with Chris Haven and Gale Marie Thompson
February 5, 2019
Reading: 6-7:30 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Multi-Purpose Room

Author Arunava Sinha wraps up the series on April 9.

Poetry Craft Talk and Reading with Kaveh Akbar and Paige Lewis
March 14, 2019
Craft talk: 6-7 p.m., DeVos Center, room 203E, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Reading and book signing: 7:30-8:30 p.m., DeVos Center University Club, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Translation Craft Talk and Reading with Arunava Sinha
April 9, 2019
Craft talk: 4-5 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2270
Reading and book signing: 6-7:30 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Multi-Purpose Room

ArtPrize artist and Army veteran to discuss her journey from soldier to artist during GVSU event

September 14, 2018Citizen Journalism, EntertainmentArtPrize, Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Kimberly Walker, Veterans Upward BoundJoanne

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

After retiring from the United States Army in 2015 following 17 years of service, Kimberly Walker began searching for her purpose as an artist, which she eventually found in the form of sharing stories of sexual assault in the military through art.

During this year’s 10th anniversary of ArtPrize, Walker’s piece, “Locked and Loaded,” will be the sole entry located at the Eberhard Center on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

The piece will consist of 46 military-issue duffle bags representing 46 cases of sexual assault in the military. Walker, an Ohio-based artist, said through her research, she discovered that none of the cases were disclosed to the general public.

Walker will discuss her ArtPrize entry, as well as her journey from soldier to artist, during a special presentation on Thursday, Sept. 20. “Finding Your Purpose With Art” will take place at 6 p.m. in room 716 in the Eberhard Center. A reception will precede remarks at 5:30 p.m. outside the Veterans Upward Bound office.

Following Walker’s remarks, Tim Marroquin, director of Veterans Upward Bound, and Krystal Diel, Victim Advocate in Grand Valley’s Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, will discuss resources on campus available to veterans, current students, victims and survivors of sexual assault, and advocate community members.

“Locked and Loaded” was chosen by members of Grand Valley’s Art Gallery staff during an ArtPrize Pitch Night in May. These events provide artists in five different cities an opportunity to present to judges an idea for a piece of artwork that would be on display at a high-profile venue in Grand Rapids during the competition. The selected artists each received a $5,000 grant to bring their ideas to life.

ArtPrize takes place September 19-October 7.

For more information about this event, visit gvsu.edu/artgallery.

GVSU researchers investigate biological, chemical effects of microplastics

September 13, 20183-bottomAlan Steinman, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

By Nate Hoekstra

GVSU

An international group of scientists led by a pair of Grand Valley researchers is exploring the biological and chemical impact of microplastics in a West Michigan lake.

Alan Steinman, the Allen and Helen Hunting director of Grand Valley’s Annis Water Resources Institute, is leading an exploratory research study to find out what kinds of toxic chemicals and bacteria are attracted to tiny pieces of plastic that are increasingly being found in lakes and oceans worldwide.

“When a piece of microplastic winds up in the water, it generates a biofilm, a consortium of different organisms that tends to form on almost any surface that spends time in the water. Chemicals, which we refer to as persistent organic pollutants or POPs, can be either taken up by the microorganisms in the biofilm or attach to the biofilm layer. As the biofilm is eaten by other organisms, such as fish, they can work their way up the food web. We’re doing genomic and chemical analyses on what is associated with three different types of plastics that are often found in microplastic waste to see what kinds of materials they are absorbing and attracting,” Steinman said.

Evaluating three stages of plastics in the lakes

Plastics are becoming more controversial in communities across the U.S. as a handful of municipalities are taking small steps to ban certain plastic products from use, like shopping bags and straws, and as information about the global plastic problem in oceans becomes more widely known.

“Microplastics are a hot topic here in the Great Lakes and in our oceans, so we’re gathering information from three different kinds of plastic that we’re letting incubate underwater for periods of one month and three months at two different locations and two different depths in Muskegon Lake,” Steinman said. “We hope to see what kinds of organic chemicals attach to these plastics because that can be a source of toxicity for fish and other aquatic organisms.

“We also want to know what kind of organisms colonize these tiny plastic spheres because that kind of information is simply not known at present. We’re really going to see what’s attached to plastics, as opposed to most studies that sample the water or sediment to see what plastics are present.”

The team pulls out samples from the water.

Charlyn Partridge, the molecular ecologist at the Annis Water Resources Institute will perform genomic analysis on the samples, while samples will be sent to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for chemical analysis. Other samples will be sent to researchers in the United Kingdom for additional analysis.

“This experiment will help tell us what kinds of plastics are more toxic than others, and where that toxicity is coming from. Right now, we know they are a problem, but we don’t know the mechanisms by which they are a problem,” Steinman said. “There are direct impacts from plastics where animals might ingest them and clog their internal systems, or there can be indirect impacts where they’re taking up the plastics but the plastics have toxic chemicals attached to them, and it’s the chemicals that are actually impacting the animals. This will tell us how important those chemicals are that are attached to different kinds of plastics.”

Steinman said this study is attempting to build a baseline of understanding of the problem rather than testing a specific hypothesis. The study is being funded by the Allen and Helen Hunting Innovation Fund.

“We’re fortunate that we have the Allen and Helen Hunting Research and Innovation Fund to support this work because this kind of exploratory research is very difficult to get funded by traditional agencies,” Steinman said. “We’re trying to see what’s out there and from that information, we can generate testable hypotheses. That will allow us to pursue funding from more traditional sources, such as the US EPA, MDEQ, and NSF.”

Steinman is assisted in his research by Maggie Oudsema, research assistant in his lab at AWRI. Chemical analysis for the project is being completed by John Scott, senior analytical chemist at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

GVSU free concert to take audience on musical tour of Italy

September 12, 2018EntertainmentFall Arts Celebration, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Tesla QuartetJoanne

Tesla Quartet performs a free concert Sept. 17.

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

Inspired by numerous enjoyable escapes from harsh Russian winters, composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s love of Italy is reflected in his “String Sextet in D Minor, Op. 70 ‘Souvenir de Florence.’”

This musical tour of Italy will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Tesla Quartet and Grand Valley State University music faculty members during this year’s Fall Arts Celebration.

“An Italian Journey: Tesla Quartet performs Tchaikovsky’s ‘Souvenir de Florence’” will take place Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the Cook-DeWitt Center on the Allendale Campus.

The Tesla Quartet will open the program with “Quartet in B minor, Op. 33, No. 1” by Franz Joseph Haydn, and then be joined by Paul Swantek, affiliate professor of viola, and Pablo Mahave-Veglia, associate professor of cello and Early Music Ensemble director, to perform “Souvenir de Florence.”

Best known as a master composer of symphonies and ballets, Tchaikovsky crafted this work through a rich blend of well-known Italian street songs and melodies.

“The music of Haydn is timeless and the music of Tchaikovsky opens us up to the romantic century which defined his compositions,” said Danny Phipps, chair of Grand Valley’s Music, Theatre, and Dance Department. “Having both of these masterpieces performed with a new and fresh perspective and vision will be an extraordinary treat.”

Formed at The Julliard School in 2008, members of the Tesla String Quartet include Ross Snyder (violin), Michelle Lie (violin), Edwin Kaplan (viola) and Serafim Smigelskiy (cello). The quartet regularly performs across North America and internationally, with recent appearances in Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Hungary, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

“What I think will stand out to our audiences is how much they love what they do,” said Phipps. “Their playing is virtuosic and brilliant, and they are very personable. All of this is apparent when they perform, adding to the audience’s enjoyment.”

The quartet has won numerous awards and prizes at international competitions, including the 2017 John Lad Prize; the Gold Medal at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition; and Second Prize, Haydn Prize, and Canadian Commission Prize at the 12th Banff International String Quartet Competition.

The quartet’s first album, “Haydn, Ravel, Stravinsky,” debuted on September 7.

Community involvement and outreach are integral aspects of the quartet’s mission as they perform inspiring music at children’s hospitals, soup kitchens, libraries, retirement communities, schools and more.

For more information about Fall Arts Celebration, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts. All events are free and open to the public.

Health care access subject of medical colloquy at GVSU

September 11, 20183-bottomGVSU, Larry S. Temkin, Rutgers University, Thomas R. (TR) ReidJoanne

By Michelle Coffill

GVSU

Grand Valley State University’s annual DeVos Medical Colloquy will focus on “The Ethics of Health Care Access” as presented by a respected philosopher and a well-known journalist-documentary filmmaker.

Larry S. Temkin, distinguished professor of philosophy at Rutgers University, and Thomas R. (TR) Reid, author and filmmaker, will highlight the event set for Monday, September 17, from 6-8 p.m. in the Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Health, the event is free and open to the public; register online at gvsu.edu/colloquy. The colloquy will be webcast live, participants who register will receive a link several days in advance of the event.

Continuing education credits will be offered for nursing and medical education.

Temkin is the author of Rethinking the Good: Moral Ideals and the Nature of Practical Reasoning (2012); his 1993 work, Inequality, has been touted as an important contribution to analytical political philosophy. Temkin’s individualistic approach to inequality has been adopted by the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation in their measurements of the global burden of disease.

Reid is among the nation’s best-known reporters and a contributor to the Washington Post and NPR. He is the author of many books including The Healing of America, a national best-seller that spurred two PBS “Frontline” documentaries. Reid’s recent PBS documentary, “U.S. Health Care: The Good News,” is airing on affiliate stations across the country.

Carl E. Ver Beek, labor and employment attorney for Varnum Law, will serve as moderator. VerBeek has served as chairs for the boards of Holland Home, Health Net of West Michigan, Jellema House and Bethany Christian Services.

The DeVos Medical Ethics Colloquy is held twice per year. Grand Valley began hosting this series in 2015, after receiving a gift from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation.

GVSU Economist: West Michigan economy returning to normal

September 10, 20183-bottomBrian Long, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

After a minor scare from July’s reading of -3 for new orders, the West Michigan economy has returned to a normal pattern of slow growth, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of August.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +21, up significantly from -3. The production index tapered to +16 from +23. The index of purchases edged higher to +15 from +13, and the employment index came in unchanged from last month at +21.

“After last month’s lackluster report, slow growth has returned to most sectors in the West Michigan economy,” said Long. “At least some of the fears of the trade war have been moderated, and the automotive sector appears to be exempt from some of the tariffs.”

Long said auto sales continue to soften in the traditional sedan sector, but the light truck/SUV segments are doing well. He said the office furniture business continues to benefit from the new tax structure, so the outlook for most firms remains positive. The local firms producing capital equipment are also back on track after last month’s hesitation, Long said, and business conditions for industrial distributors remain seasonally flat.

For over 28 years, Dr. Brian Long has edited a survey of local purchasing managers for both the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids areas, which has proved to be a major indicator of current and future business conditions. This survey appears in many local newspapers and national business publications, including the Grand Rapids Press, MiBiz, and the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The survey is also a component of the Federal Reserve’s bimonthly survey of business conditions.

The mysteries of Mars to be explored during GVSU art exhibit

September 7, 2018EntertainmentFall Arts Celebration, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, mars, The Red PlanetJoanne

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Matthew Makowski

GVSU

Throughout the years, Mars has been depicted in multiple forms as societies around the world have gazed at the Red Planet.

During this year’s Fall Arts Celebration at Grand Valley State University, the “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” exhibit will bring together 140 photographs, drawings, movie posters, book covers and more spotlighting Mars. The exhibit will also include a showcase of Martian-themed toys and collectibles from a private collection based in Chicago.

A special exhibition reception will take place September 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the Art Gallery (room 1121), located in the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Allendale Campus. The exhibit’s time at Grand Valley will conclude on October 31 with a Martian-themed Halloween event where guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Martian.

During the reception, guests will be able to use a virtual reality simulator for an immersive experience on the surface of Mars. The “Mars 2030” experience was produced by Fusion Media Group in partnership with NASA and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AeroAstro Lab. “Mars 2030” allows users to wander around 15 square miles of the Red Planet’s landscape while planting a flag on the surface, picking up rocks, driving a rover and visiting a habitat.

Joel Zwart, Art Gallery curator of exhibitions, said the exhibit is the perfect blend of astronomy and popular culture.

“A visitor can learn about the geographic features of Mars and history of its exploration while at the same time discover how Martians have become such a huge part of science fiction, literature, film and culture,” he explained. “Where else can you engage with beautiful panoramas of the Martian landscape, ‘War of the Worlds’ memorabilia, a historic photo of the first landing on Mars, an alien drinking cup, an image of the largest known volcano in the solar system and a Mars VR experience?”

Portions of the exhibition will be hosted at both the Center Art Gallery at Calvin College and the Holland Museum. The exhibit will be on display at Calvin College through October 20, and the Holland Museum September 20-December 29.

This exhibition was curated by the Pasadena Arts Council for the Williamson Gallery, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California. It is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

For more information about Fall Arts Celebration, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts. All Fall Arts Celebration events are free and open to the public.

Multiple free events will occur in the Art Gallery in conjunction with this Fall Arts Celebration exhibit.

Curator Talk and Reception

September 13, at 2 p.m.

Visiting art and astronomy curator Jay Belloli will talk about how the “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” exhibit was created to foster an understanding of Mars’ impact in societies around the world.

“The War that Never Was: The 1938 Radio Broadcast of ‘The War of the Worlds'”

October 17, at 1 p.m.

This presentation will explore the impact of H.G. Wells’ science fiction classic within the historical context of the infamous radio adaptation and how it continues to be popularized in film, television and music.

“Confronting the Martian: Humanity’s Changing Concepts about Life on the Red Planet”

October 18, at 1 p.m.

Deana Weibel, professor of anthropology and religious studies at Grand Valley, will take an anthropological look at humanity’s fascination with life on Mars, from ancient civilizations to popular culture, and explore what this reveals about societies around the world.

For more information about exhibition-related events, visit the Art Gallery website.

Hundreds to attend FIRST Tech Challenge kick-off at GVSU

September 7, 20183-bottomFIRST Robotics, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Tech ChallengeJoanne

By Leah Twilley

GVSU

Hundreds of young technology enthusiasts will gather at Grand Valley State University September 8 to celebrate the beginning of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge season.

More than 400 area middle school students will gather on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus to learn about this year’s spaced-themed challenge and game, Rover Ruckus.

FIRST — a national program founded in 1989 — challenges teams of students to work together to design, build, program and test robots to play a floor game. Teams are guided by coaches and mentors while developing STEM skills and practicing engineering principles. The kick-off event at Grand Valley is one of 13 events in Michigan taking place on Saturday.

FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-off

Saturday, September 8

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Eberhard Center and Keller Engineering Lab building, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

At noon, the challenge will be revealed in the Eberhard Center, room 215. After the reveal, students will head to the Keller Engineering Laboratories building see a replica of the game arena and network with other teams. In the morning and afternoon, students will participate in several workshops to discuss planning and strategy for this year’s competition.

Sara Maas, outreach coordinator for Grand Valley’s Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, said the event is an opportunity for students to experience what it’s like on a college campus.

“For some, it may be their first time on a college campus, and for others, it allows them to see and work in a real-life engineering space,” she said.

The West Michigan teams will compete in regional tournaments in November and December to advance to the national championship in Detroit in April.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood you need to know

September 4, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismCity of Kentwood, food trucks, Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Hank Meijer, Hauenstein Center, Ken SmithJoanne

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving."- Albert Einstein

Love to Ride His Bicycle

Kentwood resident and avid bicyclist Ken Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for his grandson Jakob. He returned home last week, riding more 2,500 miles. He is set to continue the journey soon. Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

Food for Thought

Meijer Chairman Hank Meijer, along with Richard Norton Smith, will be the featured lecturer this Friday for the Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies. The topic is “Mackinac Conference at 75,” which will be presented at 7 p.m. at L.V. Eberhard Center, Room 215, 301 W. Fulton St. The series, which continues through Dec. 5, will feature eight speakers who will encourage meaningful discussions about leadership and the search for common ground at a deep level, without the heated political rhetoric of the day.

And While We’re Talking Food

You might want to put a big food truck doodle on Sept. 15 as that is when Kentwood will be hosting its third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival. Nearly 30 trucks are expected to participate at this year’s event. We know it will be the end-of-summer celebration you won’t want to miss because Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma is still talking about last year’s event and all the food choices. Oh, and for the beer lovers, there will be a beer tent running from noon to 10 p.m. featuring a selection of craft beers.

Fun Fact:

88 Years Old

And the Grand Rapids Symphony is still going strong. Started in 1930, the orchestra kicks off its 88th season on Sept. 14 and 15 with the classical concert "Beethoven, Barber, and Bernstein" - which is quite the mix of music. For more on the Symphony's season, visit grsyhphony.org.

GVSU Charter School Office to provide free professional education programs

August 9, 20183-bottomGrand Valley State University, GVSU, school officials, teachers, workshopsJoanne

By Nate Hoekstra

GVSU

Starting in September, Grand Valley State University will offer free workshops and seminars to any public or private school teachers and personnel in Michigan, opening the possibility of savings on professional development for schools across the state. These learning opportunities will be provided through the university’s Charter Schools Office.

“All Michigan educators work hard to help students learn, and they need a place where they can share their results with each other and gain new tactics for success,” said Rob Kimball, associate vice president for charter schools at Grand Valley. “We fully believe in our state’s teachers and school leaders, and we’re stepping up to support them like never before. We know that doing so will help them achieve more for the kids their schools serve.”

Grand Valley has been chartering public elementary, middle and high schools since 1995, and this fall Grand Valley’s 78 charter schools will educate approximately 37,000 students. Kimball said the university’s approach to chartering has been based on the belief that a strong partnership between the university and the schools will result in the best learning environment for students. The GVSU CSO professional education offerings are an outgrowth of that partnership.

School teams can take part in these workshops free of charge. All workshops will be made available in Grand Rapids and Detroit.

“We are seeing recommendations for more high-quality professional learning from Michigan’s business leaders and K–12 advocates,” Kimball said. “At Grand Valley, we’re responding to that call in an innovative way — by offering tested, effective programming to schools and educators across the state.”

Kimball said the change demonstrates how the university is thinking differently about the ways it can impact public education.

“When we offer free programming, we offer choices. Schools can take advantage of this high-quality programming and use existing funds for other essential purposes,” Kimball said.

The Grand Valley Charter Schools Office has ramped up its support for educators over the past decade. During the 2017–2018 school year alone, the Grand Valley CSO provided approximately 6,300 hours of free professional education to charter school teams.

While new professional education workshops are being added all the time, past session topics have included:

• NWEA™

• Technology Tools and Tricks

• Synthetic Phonics

• Google Suite

• English Language Learners (ELL)

• Reading and Math RTI

• Coding in the Classroom

• Science and STEAM

• Culture and Climate

• Improving Student Writing

In addition to these public offerings, teachers at schools chartered by GVSU will also have access to enhanced professional education opportunities, including GVSU-only cohort programs and tuition support for master’s degrees offered by the GVSU College of Education.

Educators interested in learning more about GVSU’s free professional education programs can visit www.gvsu.edu/cso/learn.

GVSU economist: Tariffs are beginning to hurt

August 8, 20183-bottomBrian Long, GVSU, tariffsJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

GVSU

Tariffs have been threatened for many months, and now that they are actually being imposed, the West Michigan economy is beginning to feel the pinch, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of July.

After 18 months of solid growth, the survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) is down sharply from June at -3, down from +33. The production index eased to +23 from a robust +39. The index of purchases tapered to +13 from +27, and the employment index eased to +21 from +30.

“Although our last report was quite strong, growth has slowed in almost every sector of the West Michigan economy,” said Long. “Business planners hate uncertainty, and many firms appear to be putting expansion plans on hold until they can see a clearer picture of where the trade war is taking us and exactly how much it will cost.”

Long said auto sales are continuing to soften, especially for local auto parts suppliers. He said local firms producing capital equipment are still benefitting from the recently passed tax advantages for new capital investments, but rising costs are a major concern. Many local industrial distributors reported flat business conditions for July, some of which may be seasonal.

GVSU economist: Summer still on solid footing

July 17, 20183-bottomBrian Long, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

By Leah Twilley

Grand Valley State University

The local economy continues to maintain solid growth, while some area business leaders express concern about an impending tariff war, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of June.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +33, up from +30. The production index rose to +39 from +37. The index of purchases also increased to +27 from +19, and the employment index remains strong at +30.

“Many local manufacturers are worried that this tariff war is going to come down in the form of higher prices and lack of availability of some of the key commodities, like steel and aluminum, that are needed by local businesses,” said Long. “The office furniture industry, which uses a lot of steel, and the aerospace industry, which uses aluminum, could be especially impacted by the new tariffs.”

Long said local farmers who sell produce like blueberries and cherries worldwide are also worried about tariff wars. He also said local business owners feel positive about the future.

“Unemployment is down to 2.9 percent in Kent County and 2.7 percent Ottawa County, which is the county with the lowest unemployment in all of Michigan’s 83 counties,” he said.

Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids collaborate on affordable housing

July 17, 20183-bottomBelknap, Grand Rapids, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

Rendering of the development for Belknap area.

By Mary Eilleen Lyon

Grand Valley State University

A project to bring new affordable housing to a Grand Rapids neighborhood is one step closer following action by the Board of Trustees of Grand Valley State University. At their July meeting, trustees authorized the university to lease property on its health campus in Grand Rapids to a developer who intends to build affordable housing compatible with the Belknap Lookout neighborhood.

Grand Valley’s Community Relations Director Patricia Waring presented the resolution to the board. She and others from Grand Valley worked with representatives from the City of Grand Rapids and from the Neighbors of Belknap Lookout (NOBL) to create a Memorandum of Understanding after the university purchased land to expand its health campus north of Michigan Street. The MOU required the committee to prepare a request for proposal and choose a developer.

The board’s action authorizes Grand Valley to lease .85 acres to Three CPK, which is a joint venture of Third Coast Development and PK Housing, for development of the affordable housing project, which is a provision of the MOU. The housing will be built on the south side of Trowbridge, between Lafayette and Prospect, in the Belknap area of the city of Grand Rapids.

“Moving forward with this project represents steady cooperation between Grand Valley, city officials and those representing the Belknap Lookout neighborhood,” said Waring. “We have shared a goal of providing the best quality of life for those who live, work and attend classes in this busy area of the city. There are many details to projects like this one, and I’m pleased we had bright minds and wonderful attitudes around the table. We’re looking forward to the addition of this housing project in the neighborhood with our health campus.”

An aerial view of the proposed develoment

The project will have a housing mix of 70 percent affordable and 30 percent market rate. CPK will submit an application for low-income housing tax credits in November, and if successful, the project could be completed as early as fall 2019. The university will not use tuition revenue or any of its funds for the construction of the project, operating expenses or any future repairs or renovations.

“This collaborative effort should serve as a model for development within the city,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “This project is consistent with what the residents of the neighborhood want, and it’s consistent with the strategy outlined by the city commission, which calls for preserving affordable housing, encouraging mixed-income neighborhoods and supporting our vulnerable populations. Progress can truly be good for all involved.”

Other board action:

— The trustees also adopted the university’s FY 2019 budget and set tuition rates for the academic year. Trustees approved a $245 per semester increase in tuition, bringing the annual tuition to $12,484 for a full-time undergraduate Michigan resident. The budget includes $52.4 million in financial aid for students, which is an increase of $5.1 million to be awarded in the form of scholarships and grants.

Grand Valley is expected to receive $72.1 million in state funding, some of which is awarded based on the university’s superior performance in key areas such as retention and graduation rates. Grand Valley ranks third in retention and fourth in graduation rates among the 15 public universities in Michigan.

— The board approved a resolution to name the Student Services Building on the Allendale Campus for President Emeritus Arend (Don) Lubbers and his wife Nancy Lubbers.

Don Lubbers served as president of Grand Valley for 32 years, and with Nancy worked to build Grand Valley from a small college to a regional university. Both have been leaders in the creation of Grand Valley’s Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus, the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences on Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, The Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon, the Meijer Campus in Holland and the Traverse City Regional Center.

— The board also approved a resolution for authorization of Martin Luther King Jr. Education Center Academy (Detroit), approval of an extended start date for Saginaw Covenant Academy to February 1, 2019 (Saginaw), and appointment or reappointment of charter school board members to GVSU-authorized public school academy boards.

— The board also selected a new chair and vice chair. Mary Kramer will serve as the next chair of the Board of Trustees; Megan Sall will serve as the next vice chair. The board also approved a resolution thanking outgoing chair John Kennedy for his service to the board for the last two years.

New position at GVSU to study diversity, equity issues in nonprofit sector

July 3, 20183-bottomDorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, Juan OlivarezJoanne

former Aquinas College president Juan Olivarez

By Nate Hoekstra

Grand Valley State University

Leaders in the field of philanthropy from across the country have noticed a shortcoming in how the nonprofit sector applies principles of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its critically important and economically substantial work.

The nonprofit sector is a $1.6 trillion industry in the United States, and 1 in 10 American workers are employed in the field. However, people of color and other minority populations tend to be underrepresented in leadership positions in the industry.

Monumental demographic shifts taking place in the U.S. necessitate that the nonprofit sector adapt to changing needs in communities to ensure equitable access to healthcare, education and the workforce.

With this need in mind, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University is adding former Aquinas College president Juan Olivarez to its ranks to help study, understand and share knowledge about how to improve inclusive practices in the nonprofit sector.

Olivarez will serve as the Johnson Center’s Distinguished Scholar in Residence for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a three-year term, and will advance the center’s work on building capacity in the nonprofit sector while incorporating principles of equity.

The Distinguished Scholar in Residence position is funded in part by recent grants from the Frey Foundation, the Wege Foundation, the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation as well as support from the center’s founder, Dorothy A. Johnson. The gifts are part of Grand Valley’s Laker Effect campaign.

Part of the work Olivarez will take on is developing a prototype talent pipeline initiative in the West Michigan area that seeks to better understand the role of employment in inclusive community development. A portion of the initiative will include research and conversations with thought leaders on diversity, equity and inclusive practices, as well as focus on how to make those principles integral to nonprofit work. This research will be shared on a national and global scale to widely advance equitable practices across the sector.

“Philanthropy has the potential to touch all Americans, yet we still have the sense that we’re not truly reaching and assisting all communities enough,” Olivarez said. “So the need is to study, to look at best practices and determine how we can influence the advancement of diversity, inclusion and equity efforts.”

Olivarez brings nonprofit leadership and higher education experience to the position, having served as president of Aquinas College for six years and Grand Rapids Community College for almost 10 years. He also served several years as the president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation where he championed innovative community initiatives that focused on improving education opportunities for all people.

“Juan Olivarez is highly respected and experienced in the fields of higher education and philanthropy and will be able to spark the kinds of meaningful, probing conversations this work needs,” said Mark Van Putten, president and CEO of the Wege Foundation. “With the research and convening power of the Johnson Center behind him, we expect to see great outcomes.”

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is a well-regarded center of excellence at Grand Valley State University and a vital resource for the charitable sector both locally and globally, with engagements in Michigan, across the United States, and internationally in Canada, Australia, Europe, and Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit johnsoncenter.org/residence

GVSU joins initiative to increase students of color in health care fields

June 29, 20183-bottomAquinas College, Calvin College, Davenport University, Ferris State University, GRAAHI, Grand Rapids African American Health, Grand Rapids Community College, GVSU, Pathways to Career in Health CareJoanne

Shannon Wilson, executive director of GRAAHI, speaks during a news conference about the Pathways to Careers in Health Care initiative June 28 at the Kent ISD Conference Center.

By Michele Coffill

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University and six other area higher education institutions will work to increase the number of students of color who choose health care fields while in college, then succeed in the workforce.

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) announced a “Pathways to Careers in Health Care” initiative to engage with area colleges and universities through a $400,000 planning grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek. Shannon Wilson, executive director of GRAAHI, said the grant allows for college-specific plans of action to engage students of color and help reduce barriers to choosing to study in health care professions.

“This is by far the most influential grant we have received,” Wilson said during a news conference held June 28 at the Kent ISD Conference Center. “It has the potential to change how medical care is delivered in Grand Rapids, and by whom. We can reduce disparities in health care when our health care workforce mirrors the diversity of our community.”

President Thomas J. Haas said the Pathways initiative supports Grand Valley’s strategic plan to increase the diversity of its campus community to reflect that of West Michigan’s population. Hear more in this video.

“This work fits with the university’s other initiatives to prepare students of color for success in college and the workforce; and this project is aligned with Grand Valley’s commitment to the state of Michigan to fill the health care talent pipeline with qualified and diverse health care employees,” Haas said.

Pictured are leaders from area colleges and universities, plus staff members from Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.

Other institutions participating in the Pathways initiative are Aquinas College, Calvin College, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Hope College. GRAAHI will engage with each institution in addition to connecting with parents and high school counselors.

Wilson said white health care workers represent more than 50 percent of employees in almost every occupation category. She cited a 2004 report from the Institute of Medicine and the Sullivan Commission that identified the lack of people of color in health care fields as a contributing factor in overall quality of care.

The Pathways project has overall goals of mirroring diversity in the community by 2040, establishing early exposure to advance health care practice careers throughout the K-12 experience, and developing a cohort of African American and Latino/a health care leaders.

GVSU concert series to feature carillonneurs from around the country

June 28, 2018EntertainmentBeckering Carillon, Cook Carillon, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

GVSU’s Beckering Carillon (Photo by Amanda Pitts)

Carillonneurs from around the U.S. will travel to Grand Valley State University this summer to fill the air around both campuses with music during the International Carillon Concert Series.

The 24th annual Cook Carillon International Concert Series will take place on Sundays at 8 p.m. on the Allendale Campus, beginning July 1.

Cook Carillon Concerts

July 1 – Student recital and open tower tours

July 8 – Lee Cobb (Cape Coral, Florida)

July 15 – Joey Brink (University of Chicago)

July 22 – Helen Hawley (Grand Rapids)

July 29 – George Gregory (San Antonio, Texas)

August 5 – Sally Harwood (Michigan State University)

August 12 — Carol Anne Taylor (Dallas, Texas)

August 19 – Dennis Curry (Birmingham, Michigan)

The Cook Carillon bells (Photo by Bernadine Carey-Tucker)

Named for major donors and longtime Grand Valley supporters Peter and Pat Cook, who died in 2010 and 2008 respectively, the Cook Carillon Tower contains 48 bronze bells created in the Netherlands. The bells range from 7.5 inches to more than 51 inches, and weigh from 14 pounds to nearly 3,000 pounds. Arranged in a chromatic series, a carillonneur plays the bells after climbing 61 steps to the playing cabin, just below the bells and clock mechanism. Cables connect the bells to a keyboard and pedal board that permit loud or soft tones through a variation of either hard or soft strikes by fists and feet. The size and weight of each bell determines the individual tones.

The 18th annual Beckering Family Carillon International Concert Series brings five concerts to the Lacks International Plaza located at the DeVos Center on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. These concerts will take place on Wednesdays at noon, beginning July 11.

Beckering Family Carillon Concerts

July 11 – Lee Cobb

July 18 – Joey Brink

July 25 – Tiffany Ng (University of Michigan)

August 1 – Duet: George Gregory and Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley university carillonneur

All concerts are free and open to the public, and last approximately one hour. They will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/music, or call Grand Valley’s Music and Dance Department at (616) 331-3484.

GVSU economist: Summer looks strong

May 7, 20183-bottomBrian Long, Grand Valley State University, GVSU, GVSU EconomistJoanne

By Dottie Barnes

Grand Valley State University

The stronger-than-usual performance of the West Michigan economy has continued into the opening of the second quarter of 2018, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of April.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) retreated to +28 from +34. The production index edged lower to +28 from +31. The index of purchases eased to +34 from +37, and the employment index rose to +23 from +19.

“Most capital equipment manufacturers continue to be positive, but there are some exceptions,” said Long. “Local automotive parts producers are still modestly expanding despite the slight downtick for the industry as a whole.”

Long said the office furniture industry is holding steady, but signs indicate the peak for the current business cycle has been reached. He said most industrial distributors reported a good month, much as they have since the beginning of the year.

The latest numbers reported by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget pegged Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March at 4.7 percent. Long said from March 2017 to March 2018, payroll jobs in Michigan increased by 61,000 or 1.4 percent. The estimated unemployment rates range between 3.2 percent for Ottawa County to 4.2 percent in Barry County, all well below the state average.

The national U-6 unemployment rate, which includes various discouraged and marginally attached workers, has now fallen to a 17-year low of 7.8 percent.

GVSU, Beaumont Health developed medical device for people with neuromuscular diseases

May 4, 20183-bottom, HealthBeaumont Health, cough assist, Grand Valley State University, GVSUJoanne

Sam Oostendorp, Jake Stephens, Jordan Vanderham and Austin Williams with the cough assist device they developed.

By Leah Twilley

Grand Valley State University

A group of engineering students from Grand Valley State University partnered with Beaumont Health to create a medical device that has the potential to improve the quality of life for people with neuromuscular diseases.

The cough assist device was created to help clear the airway of individuals with diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. The device, about the size of a stack of textbooks, is patent pending and was recently licensed to be commercially manufactured in China, making it the first commercial licensing agreement for Grand Valley’s engineering program.

“We designed the device to be used for people of all ages who have pulmonary problems — from child to adult,” said Jake Stephens, one of four students who designed and built the device. “We aimed to make it simple and easy to use and are thrilled with how it turned out.”

Jordan Vanderham, a member of the student team, said several cough assist devices exist, but they are heavy, expensive and require electricity to operate. This new device is portable, lightweight and made out of plastic and vinyl. It includes a tube attached to a face mask and two valves to control air pressure and volume. It requires no electricity to operate.

Bassel Salman with the cough assist device

Through a collaboration agreement between Beaumont Health and Grand Valley’s School of Engineering, students majoring in product design and manufacturing engineering were tasked with designing and building a prototype of the device under the guidance of engineering professor John Farris.

The idea for the invention came from, a pediatrician who specializes in critical care at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak. He noticed a need for his patients to have a cough assist device that is more affordable and portable.

“I am hopeful this device will impact patient care by offering patients worldwide a better quality of life by decreasing the cost of more intensive therapy,” Salman said. “Compared with other cough products on the market, our device does the same at less cost.”

The Beaumont Commercialization Center negotiated a license with TechBank Medical, a Shanghai-based medical commercialization organization.

“For developed markets, like the U.S., this technology will provide a truly portable device that is small, lightweight and does not require electrical power. For developing markets, like China and India, the design allows for those previously unable to afford a cough assist device to finally get relief from their disease, as the technology has a simple and low-cost design,” said Brad Yang, founder and CEO of TechBank Medical.

This is the first time Grand Valley has worked with Beaumont Health, but it’s not the first time students in the engineering program have given life to medical device ideas. The university has several similar collaboration agreements with area health care providers to identify needs and build medical devices. Engineering students have worked with Mercy Health and Spectrum Health, among others.

“These collaborations bring together clinical and engineering expertise,” said Linda Chamberlain, of Grand Valley’s Technology Commercialization Office. “We want the student engineers to have a valuable experience and the clinical teams we work with to have solutions. It’s a great way for us to work together to solve a problem.”

The students completed the project as part of a one-semester class; the group includes Sam Oostendorp, Austin Williams, Jake Stephens and Jordan Vanderham.

School News Network: Students seek ways to attract more people into teaching

April 16, 20183-bottomGrand Valley State University, GVSU, Kent Innovation High School, KISD, School News NetworkJoanne

11th graders Payton Bidwell (left) and Mirabella Witte share some of their group’s brainstorming results about the problem of declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs (photo by Natalie Tomlin)

By School News Network

“How might Grand Valley State University increase the supply of students in the College of Education?”

This was the driving question students were given on the launch of a project at Kent Innovation High School this winter. Other questions included: “How do markets respond to changes to supply or demand? How might the college positively impact supply and demand in the marketplace? What does the data suggest about the supply of teachers?”

Teams of students were challenged to research the causes of the shortage and formulate a possible way for GVSU’s College of Education to address the problem. Their final product, a website, needed to include key data related to the teacher shortage, interpretation of data and a solution, as well as a supply and demand graph. Students also presented their ideas to a panel of GVSU education staff.

This project was designed by facilitator Rachel Haddad, who teaches English language arts and facilitator Jeff Bush, who teaches social studies and economics, in collaboration with two student teachers from GVSU.

Anastasia Motta, 11th grade, presents “Requirement Tailoring”

At first, Mirabella Witte and one of her teammates, Payton Bidwell, thought the problem seemed huge. But as they delved into the six-week project, their perspective changed. “By the end, we began to see our worth. We realized that we are where the problem is,” said Mirabella, a junior at Union High School.

Dedicated to project-based learning and collaboration, students at Innovation High work on real problems, researching and seeking solutions. Often, students present their ideas to authentic audiences, like the panel from GVSU.

As part of the project, several guest speakers visited to share knowledge of the teacher shortage from different perspectives: Dr. Kelly Margo, assistant professor from GVSU; Char Firlik, retired Kent ISD education consultant; and Coni Sullivan, assistant superintendent for HR and legal services at Kent ISD.

According to Paula Lancaster, director of teacher education at GVSU, “Statewide, since 2008, Michigan has seen an approximately 50% decline in the number of individuals enrolling in teacher preparation programs. At GVSU the decline has been nearly 30%. Over the past three years we have seen a stable uptick.”

Exploring How Supply & Demand Affects Teacher Job Market

Bush explained that one of the goals was to connect students to the concept of supply and demand as it applies to the job market. Students discovered that in part, fewer people are choosing to become teachers because of stagnant teaching salaries in comparison to STEM fields. But students also found that the shortage had to do with more than just money.

Silas Hinkle, 11th grade, presents “Advertising: Encouraging Future Educators”

Research showed a number of teachers left the field because “they didn’t feel supported.” In response, teams proposed developing mentorship programs to support incoming teachers, or setting up programs through parks and recreation departments.

After researching and pooling possible solutions, Payton Bidwell’s group focused on students who might have a passion for teaching, but were not being recruited during high school. They decided to propose a new program that could involve Kent Career Tech Center helping connect potential educators to GVSU. She said this idea could help high school students get exposure to the field of education and find those with a passion for it.

John Shinsky, associate dean for community impact at GVSU, was a member of the panel and said he was impressed by the rich conversation that resulted. The panel asked students follow-up questions, such as how they came up with their ideas or about alternative ways of implementing their solutions.

“Students did a tremendous job,” Shinsky said. “They brought a pure point of view to the issue. This is just one more example of the capabilities of our young people today. It was also fantastic to see K-12 and higher education coming together.”

Students also gained a new perspective after they presented to an audience.

“It was surprising how realistic our solution was and how serious the adults took us,” said Payton, a junior at Forest Hills Central High School, adding she appreciated the chance to connect with the teaching field. “I learned that every profession has benefits that you may not have known without looking deeper into the profession itself.”

Bush explained that student projects were judged in three areas: Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information, as well as Creative and Critical Thinking.

“It was exciting to give students the opportunity to connect with a local partner that affects them directly,” Haddad said. “Students did an excellent job being professional when grappling with a real world problem.”

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

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GVSU cancels Lubbers Cup Regatta due to potential storm

April 13, 20183-bottomGrand Valley State University, GVSU, Lubbers Cup, National Weather Service, regattaJoanne

Action from the annual Lubbers Cup Regatta. (Supplied/Lubbers Cup)

With portions of West Michigan under a winter storm watch, including Kent and Ottawa counties, Grand Valley State University officials announced that they have cancelled the Lubbers Cup Reggatta for this weekend.

According to organizers the main issue is the winds that are expected to be up to 40 miles an hour. That makes any body of water unprovable, organizers stated in a letter to the teams. On top of that the National Weather Service is calling for a cold hard rain that could turn into ice. With temperatures dropping into the 30s as a high and not enough shelter, it was decided by organizers to cancel the regatta event.

From the National Weather Service as of 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 13: Active weather from a slow-moving storm system is expected through Monday. Substantial disruptions to commerce and weekend activities will be possible from the snow, ice and wind, especially in central to northern portions of Michigan. Travel may become dangerous in portions of northern Michigan from heavy snow as well as blowing and drifting snow. Ice pellets (sleet) or rain freezing on contact (freezing rain) is likely Saturday into Sunday in a large portion of Central Lower Michigan. The ice accumulations and strong winds may create multi-day power outages. Grand Rapids and Lansing could become cold enough for a portion of Saturday or Saturday night for a period of freezing rain.