FALL 2012

Return Service Requested Grand Valley MAGAZINE

An eye for clues Contents GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE Vo LuME 12, Issu E 2, FALL 2012

Features

14 The big picture Charter school students find opportunity through art

18 Mentors serve as connectors in unique program Campus Links serves students with Asperger’s

20 Departments Big History is a big deal 4 Letters & Books Association headquartered at Grand Valley, supported by Microsoft 5 Campus News 10 Arts 26 11 Athletics New spaces, new faces 12 Donor Impact First-year students make transition 23 Research to college life 24 Q&A Gwyn Madden 29 Focal Point 30 Alumni News 38 Off the Path

2 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu Editorial Staff Mary Eilleen Lyon, M.S., ’05 Associate Vice President for

News and Information Services, Executive Editor Michele Coffill Editor and Writer Dottie Barnes, M.S., ’05 Contents Contributing Editor and Writer Nate Hoekstra, B.S., ’06 Contributing Editor and Writer Mary Isca Pirkola Contributing Editor and Writer Leah Zuber, B.A. ’10 Contributing Editor and Writer Bernadine Carey-Tucker, B.A., ’99 Photography Services Manager and Contributing Photographer Elizabeth Lienau, B.S. ’05 Photography Coordinator and Contributing Photographer Amanda Pitts, B.S. ’05, M.S. ’10 Photographer and Contributing Photographer Abigayle Sloan ’07 Alumni Editor Sherry Bouwman B.S. ’12 Editorial and Circulation Assistant Matthew E. McLogan Vice President for University Relations Design Staff Jacqueline Cuppy, B.F.A., ’87 Creative Director Stephanie LeMire, B.F.A., ’11 Graphic Designer Christine Parkes-Schaw, B.S., ’06 Graphic Designer Contact Us Grand Valley Magazine is a publication of News & Information Services. Comments and suggestions are welcome. E-mail [email protected] Write Grand Valley Magazine Grand Valley State University 1 Campus Drive, 133 LMH Allendale, MI 49401 Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution

See the entire magazine online at www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine.

Connect with students, faculty, staff and alumni through Grand Valley’s official social media channels. On the cover: photo by Amanda Pitts Gwyn Madden looks at a skull she and others excavated from Ukraine. Read on page 24 how her skills and expertise aid area law enforcement officials when they have to identify bones and remains. On these pages: photo by Elizabeth Lienau Pictured is an ArtPrize entry, near the Eberhard Center, created by the West Michigan Academy of Arts and Sciences in Spring Lake.

Printed on FSC®-certified paper manufactured with electricity in the form of renewable energy (wind, hydro, and biogas). The cover includes a minimum of 10% postconsumer recovered fiber.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 3 BOOKMARKS

Bookmarks Check out these book recommendations for a variety of adventurous reading. To share your recommendation in a future issue, send an email to [email protected].

Travels with Charley in Search Chicks in Chainmail Endurance: Shackleton’s of America (Baen Books 1995) Incredible Voyage (First published in 1962, Penguin Classics Edited by Esther Friesner (First published in 1959, Basic Books edition 2001) Have you ever noticed how the woman paperback edition 1999) by John Steinbeck warrior is depicted on the cover of by Alfred Lansing Steinbeck fan A. Scott Rood, assistant fantasy novels? Mary Morgan, University If you think Michigan winters are tough, professor of hospitality and tourism Libraries technology applications manager, dive in to this recommendation from Robert management, said that although published recommends this book in which the editor R. Robins, affiliate professor of hospitality 50 years ago, this book is one of the last created an anthology that makes fun of that and tourism management. It details the saga novels from a great American author. It image and the problems the armor creates, of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s recounts tales of a 1960 road trip around while also showing the non-warrior side of 1914 expedition aboard the Endurance, the U.S. with the author’s French poodle, life. “The stories in these books are light- bound for the South Atlantic. The goal was Charley. “Steinbeck was dying of heart hearted,” Morgan said. “For instance, one to cross the Antarctic overland, but more disease and was moved by a desire to see story is about a woman who lives in two than a year later, and still half a continent his country one last time,” said Rood. “He worlds. In one she is a defender of the realm, away from the intended base, the ship wrote of having many questions going into in the other she is a mom with children was trapped in ice. “It is an amazing story his journey, the main one being, ‘What are in school. One day she is asked to take the of adventure, survival, and leadership,” Americans like today?’” children on a career day outing the same Robins said. day she must fight a battle. What’s a mother to do?” Past Bookmarks are archived online at www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine/books. Submit a book recommendation online, or view books written by campus authors.

Representing Grand Valley

Lakers pictured in these photos represented Grand Valley while traveling overseas. Standing by iconic structures are, from left, Josh Hilbrand, ’09, in Lebanon; Ken VanOostendorp, ’83, in Rome; and music professor Richard Stoelzel, Gabriel Stoelzel and student David Koch in Hungary.

4 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu CAMPUS NEWS

New video shows off Record number of first-year Grand Valley in unique way students on

A new Grand Valley video, campus that plays off the “I’m on a Boat” theme, premiered August Grand Valley officials 22 to thousands of students, announced that a record introducing them to the number of first-year students university. enrolled this fall. Students laughed and This year’s first-year cheered while watching several class is 4,005, compared to characters, including the last year’s class of 3,927. In university mascot Louie the addition to the high number Laker, dance to a parody of the enrolled, the students have popular “Saturday Night Live” high grade point averages, music video. averaging 3.50. The video, which was entirely Total enrollment for written, shot and produced by a this semester is 24,654, group of Grand Valley students which hit the target for the and alumni, includes cameos university’s strategic plan by well-known Grand Valley of quality and stability. graduates and staff members, “We are thrilled at the including President Thomas caliber of students who J. Haas and Board of Trustees have enrolled at Grand member Noreen Myers. Valley this year,” President Student inspired and directed Thomas J. Haas said. “We videos have become a tradition are committed to stability at Grand Valley since the “Come because we are committed to Sail Away” lipdub video in 2010. quality. Our strategy is to be Traditions at the university are photo by Elizabeth Lienau responsible to our students one way for students to learn Board of Trustees member Noreen Myers is among the Grand Valley and the citizens of Michigan they each are a Laker for a graduates who did cameo appearances in the Laker for a Lifetime video. while meeting the needs of Lifetime, beginning with their the state and its employers.” first year and continuing on after Information Services and Cuppy and for other Grand Valley The university’s report graduation. Productions; the cast and crew traditions, visit www.gvsu.edu/ shows that undergraduate The video was created included Grand Valley alumni lakerforalifetime. enrollment is up and credit by Grand Valley News and and students. To see the video hours have increased by more than 2,500. That means students are moving toward graduation at a faster National magazines rank university high pace, which is a goal of the Grand Finish grant — the Grand Valley was noted in two and retention rates, faculty and ensure their success $1,000 award to seniors diverse, national publications: resources, student selectivity, on campus. who have taken a full load U.S. News & World Report and financial resources and alumni Also, for the 17th year in a every semester. G.I. Jobs. giving. Data was collected from row, Grand Valley was named Enrollment for students U.S. News ranked the each institution that included one of America’s 100 Best of color increased from university seventh among up to 16 indicators of College Buys by Institutional 13.6 percent to 14.5 percent the “Top Public Regional academic excellence. Research and Evaluation, Inc. this year. Universities in the Midwest.” G.I. Jobs named Grand Valley in Georgia. The company For its prestigious annual Best a Military Friendly School for identifies the 100 American Colleges 2013 publication, the fourth consecutive year. The colleges and universities Grand Valley also ranked 35th 2013 Military Friendly Schools providing students the very among Midwest universities. list honors the top 15 percent highest quality education at The U.S. News rankings of colleges, universities and the lowest cost. Grand Valley are based on several key trade schools doing the most has made the list far more measures of quality including to embrace service members, times than any other peer assessment, graduation veterans and spouses as students Michigan institution.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 5 CAMPUS NEWS

Stadium rededicated to honor Lubbers

It was fitting that the renovations made at Lubbers Stadium were unveiled to fans on the day it was rededicated to President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers. Improvements include adding a turf field and 2,000 more seats, increasing the stadium’s capacity to around 10,700. The crowd for the September 8 season opener against Notre Dame (Ohio) was the second-largest in school history at 15,139. Lubbers played a major role in advancing Grand Valley athletics during his time as president from 1969-2001. President Thomas J. Haas read a resolution honoring Lubbers. It read, in part, “This most visionary of academic leaders, Arend D. Lubbers, is courtesy photo also a football fan. In building Athletic Director Tim Selgo, left, and President Thomas J. Haas congratulate President Emeritus Arend D. our campus and strengthening Lubbers at the first home game of the season. The stadium was rededicated to Lubbers on September 8. its student life, he saw a missing ingredient. Football, he believed, In 1973, Lubbers Stadium for Lubbers and his efforts Facilities Fund. Visit www. was ‘something to build your hosted its first home victory that helped to make the Laker donlubbersfund.com weekend around.’ It could serve before a then-record crowd athletics program what it is for more details. to keep students here and bring of 2,300. today by making a gift to the Don visitors to campus.” Fans can show appreciation Lubbers Excellence in Athletics

Partnership creates graduate certificate program

A new health care graduate MSU Provost Kim Wilcox “There are people who are “Anyone with a program operated by Grand said the program will aid already working as research Valley and Michigan State medical researchers. “As we coordinators or nurses who health professions University will help train recruit more and more high could easily move into this background would workers for the growing level researchers to Michigan, program,” she said. “Anyone field of clinical research trial it has become evident that we with a health professions do well in this management. must have a trained workforce background would do well in program.” Gayle R. Davis, Grand ready to assist them in key this program.” Valley provost, said the joint laboratories,” he said. Loren Friedman, director — Martina Reinhold, certification program meets a Grand Valley program of clinical trials at MSU, who program director growing need in the health care director Martina Reinhold said worked with colleagues at field. “The number of clinical after students complete the GVSU to design the program, research trials for medications one-year program, they would said there are approximately and devices is increasing be trained for positions as 1,700 clinical trials currently institution to partner with MSU but there is little training clinical research coordinators, enrolling new patients in College of Human Medicine for people who serve as trial regulatory affairs specialists, Michigan. on an Early Assurance Program coordinators,” Davis said. project and data managers, or The announcement is one for medical school admission The online program began in auditors. of several collaborative health in 2008. August. Students enroll in two Reinhold expects the professions initiatives between For more information courses at Grand Valley and two program to be popular among Grand Valley and Michigan about the CRTM program, visit at MSU. working professionals. State. GVSU was the first www.gvsu.edu/crtm.

6 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu CAMPUS NEWS

Preview of AWRI research station draws supporters Community members, volunteers, donors, alumni and elected officials gathered September 6 at the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon for a preview of the institute’s new Field Research Station building. The event brought together community leaders to demonstrate the need for a larger research station at the AWRI’s Lake Michigan Center. Speakers at the event included President Thomas J. Haas, AWRI Director Alan Steinman, and campaign co-chairs Larry Hines and Mike Olthoff. photo by Jeff Dykehouse “I’m pleased to be here in Alan Steinman, AWRI director, addresses the audience at a preview event for the new field research station. Muskegon, and glad to help Looking on are President Thomas J. Haas and co-chairs Larry Hines and Mike Olthoff. support world-class research on the Great Lakes,” Haas said. “Whether it’s protecting the Resources Institute.” old, unheated field station. “The work we’re doing right waters for the benefit of the The new facility will be a The current field station here on Muskegon Lake and fisheries, or finding ways to 14,700-square-foot field station building on the AWRI site is in Lake Michigan has a direct fight against invasive species, that will house dedicated being taken down and recycled, impact on the fresh water we we have a resource here on research laboratories, four keeping with Grand Valley’s value so much.” the Great Lakes that we are research scientists’ offices, commitment to sustainability. Steinman stressed the working to protect,” space for graduate and For information on the new importance of research taking Steinman said. undergraduate student field research station, visit place at AWRI, including Hines cited the features of research, and spaces for year- www.gvsu.edu/giving/awri. ecological, biological and the new facility as “the next round research — something environmental issues. stage for the Annis Water that was never possible in the

Street food greets Allendale Campus

Campus Dining added a food opportunities to increase the truck to the Allendale Campus value, convenience and variety as part of a street food initiative. of the Campus Dining program. The truck is located between He said Zoca Express will the Zumberge Library and Lake provide students with additional Huron Hall. meal choices and the option to Zoca Express offers four eat on the go. different types of burritos, A main goal of the new food including a vegetarian option, truck is to help reduce some of several sides and churros for the congestion experienced by dessert. The sidewalk fiesta students at the dining venues photo by April Joy Galbreath is open Monday through on campus during peak meal A customer makes a purchase at the food truck on the Allendale Thursday. times. “Many other colleges and Campus, a new Campus Dining initiative. Ryan Jones, senior food universities have added street service director for Campus food style programs for that very The food truck will be at street food concept is tentatively Dining, said the idea for street reason and have experienced Grand Valley home football planned to open during the food came from researching great success,” said Jones. games and Jones said a second winter semester.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 7 CAMPUS NEWS

Celebrating Title IX anniversary by honoring two pioneers

On the heels of the 40th while many people believe Title anniversary of Title IX, Grand IX only relates to athletics, its Valley is sponsoring an event purpose is to provide educational that celebrates the landmark opportunities for women. legislation and honors two “During the past 40 years, women who have advanced thousands of GVSU women sports and physical activity have participated in varsity for women on campus. athletics and club sports, and Joan Boand, professor majored in movement science emeritus of physical education, and physical education,” Becker and Patti Rowe, professor of said. “Honoring both Patti Rowe movement science, will be and Joan Boand is appropriate as honored February 23 at an it brings together the academic event that precedes a women’s and athletic progress that has basketball game. The public is resulted from Title IX.” invited to attend, see www.gvsu. Boand joined Grand Valley’s Joan Boand Patti Rowe edu/womeninsports for details. faculty in 1966 mainly to teach The event also serves to kick aquatics. A request from a off fundraising for an endowment student led Boand to a coaching teacher education program reflects the many challenges fund named for Boand and Rowe and athletic administration at Grand Valley, while also women faced before and after that will support a scholarship career that spanned more than advancing the physical education Title IX was passed. “Patti and a leadership development 30 years. curriculum in K-12 schools encountered opposition in her award for students. “The coaching was really by statewide. desire to be a physical activity Keri Becker, associate athletic accident,” Boand said. “It was She has received numerous provider as a career choice, director, said it’s fitting that precipitated by a student who campus and professional awards; yet she somehow managed to the fund is named for Boand wanted to play softball.” in 2011 she was recognized by the negotiate the obstacles to and Rowe. Becker co-chairs a Rowe began working at Grand Michigan Association for Health, become a dynamic physical committee promoting the event Valley in 1984. She’s noted among Physical Education, Recreation educator,” Munk said. “Our and endowment with Dana physical education professionals and Dance as its “College/ students have been fortunate Munk, associate professor of for dedicating herself to University Leader of the Year.” to have such a gracious leader movement science. Becker said establishing an excellent PE Munk said Rowe’s career for more than 25 years.”

Gordon Gallery expands

A second-floor expansion to the Grand Valley art gallery devoted to works by American Impressionist Mathias J. Alten opened in September. The George and Barbara Gordon Gallery is located in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The Gordons made the lead gift of paintings from their Alten collection to Grand Valley in 1999, and continue to build on that gift annually. The gallery expansion was made possible through their generous support. Nearly 40 pieces are exhibited in the second floor gallery, which added 1,253 square feet of exhibition space. For more information, call (616) 331-2563 or visit www.gvsu.edu/artgallery. photo by Amanda Pitts

8 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu CAMPUS NEWS

Campus beekeepers celebrate first harvest, NASA connection

The beekeepers at Grand up on the campus in June. Valley celebrated their first Fauvel and a student, Jennifer harvest with a community party. Holt, received a grant from Participants learned about the Sustainable Community bee products, and it marked a Development Initiative for the milestone for the apiary at the apiary. Holt’s interest in bees Meijer Campus in Holland. grew and she established a new Grand Valley’s apiary opened student organization: GVSU in June, under the direction Bee Keepers; she serves as of Anne Marie Fauvel, affiliate its president. faculty member of liberal studies. It’s not the only student Fauvel, who had a bee hive connection to the apiary. at her home, proposed the idea Engineering students and of an apiary to the Holland computer science students lent Campus Green Team two years expertise in building a digital, ago. Melissa Peraino, director solar-powered beehive scale of educational outreach for complete with software to Continuing Education, said it collect data from the apiary was an easy sell. for Fauvel’s research project. photo by Elizabeth Lienau “The apiary is a very natural The campus apiary is the Jennifer Holt, left, and Anne Marie Fauvel care for the apiary at the Meijer fit for the Holland Campus, only Michigan connection Campus in Holland. with the resources we have here to a national NASA project, and our strong commitment HoneyBeeNet, which draws change effects by studying how computer science students built to sustainability,” Peraino data from hives to help the nectar flow changes from program software. The Center said, adding that there is a scientists better understand year to year,” said Fauvel. for Scholarly and Creative well-established beekeepers climate change. An engineering advanced Excellence gave grant money association in Holland. “The hives give information on product development class built to support the research project. Two hives of bees were set pollination seasons and climate the bee hive scale hardware, and

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 9 ARTS

Alumni collaborate on transcontinental Olympic event

— by Mary Isca Pirkola

As college students, Adam Cuthbert and Daniel Rhode had always wanted to compose music with electronic influences for a symphony orchestra. Their most recent collaboration not only fulfilled that dream, but was part of an innovative transcontinental project in honor of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Their collaboration, “Bodies in Motion,” was part of a larger Cultural Olympiad project organized by David Osbon, head of Collegiate Music at Kingston University in London. It included simultaneous interactive music and dance performances in Allendale, Amsterdam and London photo by Amanda Pitts during three days in July. Each Daniel Rhode and Adam Cuthbert composed music that was combined with interactive technology and dance performance was captured for during live webcasts of simultaneous performances in Allendale, Amsterdam and London. live webcasts, viewable online each day. The collaboration reverse took place in Allendale. Cuthbert’s memory of the Ensemble’s East Coast tour, and also celebrated the 25-year Grand Valley student dancers project includes a story about presenting his Student Summer partnership between Grand Judi Jaekel and Jessica his computer overheating. “I Scholar project at the Society Valley and Kingston. Loosenort performed to music stuck it in the freezer for a few of American Music national “We were asked to compose played by student ensembles minutes to cool it down so we conference. He was also student- music for an orchestra that in London and Amsterdam. could get back to writing as fast teaching full time. Rhode’s related to the historic work of During each performance, the as possible,” he said. “It was one ability to successfully juggle the Kingston-born photographer dancers wore special costumes of those sessions where the two many large responsibilities Eadweard Muybridge, who was that contained Wii controllers to of us were in full sync and the earned him recognition as Grand fascinated with movement and allow their movements to trigger ideas were flying out as fast as Valley’s Outstanding Music technology, and is noted for his specific pre-recorded music we could write them.” Student of the Year. stop-action photos used to events. The dancers’ kinesthetic He also remembered the Both Cuthbert and Rhode study the movement of horses,” performance incorporated final night before their January talked about how much of the said Rhode. “We decided to the athleticism of the Olympic 1 deadline. “I missed my first Bodies in Motion piece was make a study of the orchestra Games while integrating New York City New Year’s written for the specific abilities through the lens of electronic modern technological advances. ball drop because we were and personalities of orchestra dance movement.” Cuthbert, a native of perpetually on Skype running member friends who would Fully embracing today’s Farmington, and Rhode, of our final big idea of the piece,” perform it. technology, the pair composed Grosse Ile, met at Grand Valley. said Cuthbert. “It was worth “Knowing this was the last new work that combines Both graduated with bachelor’s it because the project was a time many of would us play traditional orchestra degrees in music. Cuthbert total blast.” music together was bittersweet,” instruments with a solo now lives and works in New Cuthbert works as director said Cuthbert. “Still, having electric violin and several iPad York City and Rhode is in of sales at Cantaloupe those muses there to realize it performers. It was performed Grand Rapids. Music, a record label for was thrilling.” by the Grand Valley Symphony “Most of our collaboration contemporary classical music, Orchestra in Allendale while for this project was done online and for Cantaloupe’s umbrella dancers from Kingston and the via Skype and Dropbox,” said organization, Bang on a Can. Watch a video of Amsterdam Conservatory in the Cuthbert. “We each mapped Rhode had a busy final year at the performances Netherlands responded to the out the kind of music we wanted Grand Valley working on Bodies by visiting music via the Web. to write and passed drafts over in Motion plus a commission www.gvsu.edu/ During two prior days, the the cloud.” for the GVSU New Music gvmagazine.

10 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu ATHLETICS

Former Laker athletes compete in London Games — by Michele Coffill

The Laker nation was swept 1,500-meter runs, and the Grand Valley when it came to up in the Summer Olympics, marathon. His best finishes mid-distance races. He excelled keeping up with alumna Sarah were ninth in the 1,500 and at cross-country races and the Zelenka and her partner as they 10th in the marathon. steeplechase, but had to retrain rowed their way into the finals Hammer, born without a himself for shorter events as of women’s pairs. left hand, was a five-time All- the Paralympics does not offer Zelenka, a 2009 graduate, and American while at Grand Valley, longer races or the steeplechase. her partner Sara Hendershot finishing in the top seven of the Hammer lives in Cheney, finished fourth in women’s pairs, 3,000-meter steeplechase every Washington, and is married to missing a bronze medal by 0.2 year of his career at the NCAA former Laker track athlete seconds. Immediately after the Division II Outdoor Track and Amy Kolin. race, Zelenka told the Chicago Field Championships. The Paralympic Games Tribune that she wouldn’t wish This was the first Paralympic will introduce the triathalon fourth place on anyone. Yet her Games for Hammer, who in 2016, an event that peaks first Olympic experience proved competed in the Paralympic Hammer’s interest. “If I have an amazing experience, she said. World Championships in New the opportunity and privilege “Everyone in London loves Zealand in January 2011, and to represent the United States rowing, so we were treated like the Pan American Games in again, I can’t imagine I would celebrities there,” Zelenka said. Mexico in November 2011, pass that up,” he said. photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Zelenka will continue training winning the 1,500. Chris Hammer, ’09, competed for the 2016 Olympics. “We came Hammer called himself in three events at the 2012 so close to a medal in London, one of the “slower guys” at Paralympic Games in London. I feel like it is worth four more years of hard work and dedication to go for it again,” she said. She’ll fit training in with her new duties as assistant women’s rowing coach at the University of Louisville. The Cardinals finished third at the Big East Championship in May. Zelenka’s responsibilities include developing workouts for the team, helping run practices and recruiting. Grand Valley rowing coach John Bancheri hosted a watch party at the team’s training center. “It was a fantastic race and an exciting finish,” Bancheri said. “To beat the reigning Olympic champions, be 0.2 seconds from a medal, be behind Germany — the reigning world champions — and be only a couple years out of college is amazing and we’re all very proud.” Another Laker showed his athleticism in London. Chris Hammer, also a 2009 graduate, photo by Associated Press competed in the Paralympic Sarah Zelenka, ’09, and her partner Sara Hendershot row in front of the Olympic rings in London. They finished Games in the 800- and fourth in women’s pairs.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 11 DONOR IMPACT

photo by Rex Larsen David Curley, ’06, graduated from the Seidman College of Business and gives back to Grand Valley as a Laker for a Lifetime. Scholarship donors inspire alumnus to pay it forward

David Curley, ’06, credits to see that educational success way I would have been able be the leader I am today,” he his success to the generosity of is a possibility. They just have to to stay at Grand Valley, get my said. “I think a lot of people scholarship donors and is intent hit the books and know how to internship and job at Nissan, and come to school just to get a on paying it forward through look for scholarship money.” be where I am today without degree, but I believe my Grand mentoring, leadership and Curley’s scholarships not those scholarships.” Valley education gave me so philanthropy. only helped him continue his While attending Grand Valley, much more. Because of my A recipient of four different education, but they acted as Curley took full advantage of involvement on campus, I scholarships while attending stepping stones to a bright all the opportunities available. now have the confidence to Grand Valley, Curley is now future. After graduating, As a resident assistant, he be a mentor.” giving back to his university Curley was immediately learned how to be calm, cool, But while Curley squeezed and to his community. offered a position at Nissan and collected under pressure. the most out of his education, Curley is a mentor for young North America, where he As the vice president of the he did run into a financial African American men, passing worked in various positions National Society of Black roadblock as Curley and his on the wisdom and knowledge for five years. He’s currently Engineers, he learned to be a parents were unable to fund he gained at Grand Valley to enrolled in graduate school, leader. Shortly after graduation, a second year at Grand Valley. those who might need a pursuing a master’s of business Curley even co-wrote a book, Instead of giving up and leaving little guidance. administration degree. The Student Leader Guidebook: the university, Curley met with “One of the things Grand “Receiving those scholarships How to Establish, Strengthen, his academic advisor to learn Valley really taught me was to definitely had an impact on and Maintain a Student about scholarship opportunities. give back to my community,” he my continued success in my Organization. Curley said The first step was off-setting said. “I try to pay it forward by professional career,” Curley said. his path toward mentoring the cost of living by becoming mentoring. I want to show these “They kept me at a school that and leadership began at a resident assistant. Then, men that they really can go to I enjoyed attending and pushed Grand Valley. after completing countless college and be very successful. me to work hard. If you just “If I didn’t graduate from scholarship applications, Curley It’s important for young people add everything up, there’s no Grand Valley, I would not received four: the Steelcase Inc.

12 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu DONOR IMPACT

Giving Matters “If I didn’t graduate from Grand Valley, I would not be the leader I am today. A lot of people come to school to get a degree, Campaign for AWRI field but my Grand Valley education gave me station kicks off so much more.” On September 6, the campaign for the Robert B. Annis — David Curley, ’06 Water Resources Institute Field Station officially kicked off. The campaign is raising funds to build a new field station, as AWRI has outgrown its current facilities. Once completed, the new field station will directly impact Seidman College of Business Valley and thanks those the quantity and quality of the institute’s research, and Diversity Scholarship, the who helped pave his way better position Muskegon County and West Michigan Johnny C. Burton Memorial to success. to become leaders in the new blue economy. For more Scholarship, the Berthold “The donors probably don’t information or to make a gift to the campaign, visit Price Scholarship, and the Earl get to see the lives of their www.gvsu.edu/giving/awri. See story on page 7. Harper Scholarship. scholarship recipients after “It’s a very stressful period they graduate, but they should when you’re a student and know that we are so thankful,” on the brink of stopping your Curley said. college career; you just don’t Curley said he hopes Recent gift from Meijer know what’s going to happen,” someday to have a career Curley said. “The most as a senior manager or vice makes sHaPe Camp more important thing for me was president of marketing for a to be at Grand Valley and get consumer goods company or accessible my degree. When I received automotive firm. In addition The third annual sHaPe (Summer Health Activities those scholarships I was so to having a successful career, and Professions Exploration) Camp provided 40 middle happy that I was able to stay Curley plans to continue to school students from the greater Grand Rapids area with at the university due to the give back to his community. the opportunity to explore careers in the health sciences, generosity of all these amazing “An important goal of mine thanks in part to a grant given by Meijer this July. Among donors and the advisors who is to continue to mentor and their experiences, students participated in hands-on science activities such as laboratories and simulations. pointed me toward the extra teach these young African The primary goal of the camp is to encourage under- scholarship money.” American males educational represented populations to pursue careers in the health Curley is a committed Laker skills, professional skills and sciences beyond high school. Meijer’s gift allowed those for a Lifetime and gives back life skills. It is awesome to students entering eighth or ninth grade an opportunity to Grand Valley financially as help guide these young men to attend camp through a financial scholarship. The another way to pay it forward. on positive paths, and I would scholarship provides a week-long camp experience, As he hits the books again not have a passion to do this door-to-door transportation, and healthy lunches, which during graduate school, Curley without my experiences at were designed in collaboration with a Meijer nutrition said he continuously thinks Grand Valley,” he said. coordinator. back to his time at Grand

Hard hat tours Leave a Grand Valley Legacy available online As the construction of the Mary Idema Pew Library There are many ways to leave a gift for Grand Valley that Learning and Information Commons and the L. William will support the university’s long-term strategic needs. The Seidman Center quickly progresses, friends and easiest and most common form of planned giving is making supporters of Grand Valley have the opportunity to a bequest (a planned gift to Grand Valley in your will or virtually tour the buildings. The library is on schedule estate plan) but the possibilities are endless. to be completed by fall 2013, and you can take a tour Visit www.gvsu.edu/giving/giftplans for more online at www.gvsu.edu/library/newbuilding/video. information about how to include Grand Valley in your The Seidman Center will be completed and occupied philanthropic plans. in spring 2013. See progress on the Seidman Center at www.gvsu.edu/business.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 13 THE BIG PICTURE Charter school students find opportunity through art projects — by Nate Hoekstra

14 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu “They come in early and stay late. They skip their breaks to keep working, and they’ve been doing this all summer long.” — Manal Kadry, HFA: SCS Teacher photos by Elizabeth Lienau On page 14, Daniel Boatner IV works on detailing a portion of a mural at he view from the windows project gives us a chance to the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies. Above, he works with Jaylen Tate-Lucas. on the ninth floor of this show off the good parts of Tbuilding in downtown Detroit, the parts we know,” Detroit does not impress: said Taylor Childs, a senior at working on an art project with to inspire photographic essays several closed businesses dot Henry Ford Academy: School their teachers and an artist with made by students at a school the landscape along with a few for Creative Studies (HFA: SCS). a connection to the university. in Muskegon, to dance and unkempt parking lots, where “We have a chance to tell people Other schools are paired with ceramics projects, sculpture and weeds have long since taken through our art how we think community partners to help screen printing, and more. over the faded white lines. about this place, and what it can expand art instruction. Grand Valley-authorized But what’s happening be in the future.” The experts who help the charters from Muskegon, Spring inside the College for Creative Childs’ words resonate students and teachers range Lake, Holland, Dearborn and Studies’ A. Alfred Taubman with the other students in the from university faculty and staff Detroit are taking part in the Center for Design Education class, who nod their heads in members, like David Keister, a program, each with a unique is drastically different. Inside agreement. They understand master printer, to alumni like twist and focus based upon their the brightly lit art studio at their program is unique, and renowned muralist Hubert distinct curriculum. 485 West Milwaukee Street, their presence inside of a Massey, who’s working with the Some of the works of art the seven kids are busy, working classroom on a warm, slightly students at HFA: SCS. He’s a students are completing are with charcoal-dusted hands overcast August day when other well-known and well-respected destined for public display — and sticks of graphite, outlining students are enjoying summer artist and muralist across the many were entered in ArtPrize, a massive mural that they are break is silent testimony to their state, and has more than a dozen a Grand Rapids-based public art in the process of taking from dedication. large pieces of art across Detroit, competition. In some cases, the conception to completion; an act including a 37-foot terazzo undertaking will take longer, of creation, revival and rebirth. The program floor in the Charles H. Wright and pieces won’t be entered into The students’ focus is on The students at HFA: SCS, Museum of African American the contest until 2013, including their work during this summer a middle and high school History. the mural being made by the session, but they realize the developed and managed by Ellen Sprouls, the education students at HFA: SCS. project they are taking part in Henry Ford Learning Institute coordinator for the art gallery, has larger implications than and the College for Creative said the program is a perfect The students a simple mural — even the Studies, are involved in a special partnership. “The artists get Noah Robinson, a freshman youngest students understand program that’s a partnership a lot out of the experience of at HFA: SCS, said the best part that they are being given an between Grand Valley’s Charter working with the students, and of working on the mural with exceptional opportunity to Schools Office and its Art our charter students get the Massey is the experience of showcase their work while Gallery and Collections office. benefit of working with well- working on a big project — and creating a visual record of The school is one of six involved known artists and community big is a bit of an understatement. how they see their city, their in the partnership. Some of the organizations,” she said. The mural itself is huge: at 8 feet community and their lives. Grand Valley-authorized charter Programs at the schools range tall by 38 feet long, it’s roughly “Being part of the mural schools have groups of students from trips to an art museum the size of an average city bus.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 15 “Programs and partnerships like this are the future of education, it’s the way things are starting to go, and it’s a great development.” — Manal Kadry, HFA: SCS Teacher

“I’ve never had a chance to this project. It’s an emotional also has conveyor belts, transit portfolio work, an interview to work on a project this big,” investment for them.” systems, and a Faygo soda truck; process, and ability to keep up Robinson said. “In other Perhaps the students are nods to the manufacturing and grades in all of their classes. schools, I’m pretty sure kids emotionally invested in the urban side of the state. The That standard is upheld for the like us don’t get to do cool project because it’s not an face of a young man is the focal duration of the project. projects like this one.” adult showing them how to point, and a flag will show off For the older students, college Robinson’s statements ring create art. Massey and Kadry the multicultural background is a big focus as well. “Being true for all of the students in said they have simply nurtured of the people these students at HFA: SCS and working on the room. the creative spirit and guided call neighbors, friends and this mural gives me a big piece Manal Kadry, their teacher, art discussions of where the art family members. to show in my portfolio, and lead at HFA: SCS, and College should go. Kadry said the “We’ve all been inspired that’s something hardly anyone for Creative Studies graduate, students were the ones who by different artists, but we’re else will have when they’re said these students don’t take decided to incorporate themes using all of our ideas to bring applying to get into art or design their opportunities for granted. of a “New Detroit” into the a message that we all like,” colleges,” said Jaylen Tate- “They’re here for every work mural that they’re tentatively said seventh-grader Naomi Lucas, a 10th grader. session, six hours a week,” calling “Michigan’s Outreach: Cook. “We all are learning a Kadry said. “They come in Evolving the Global Spirit.” lot about art, but we’re also early and stay late. They skip The mural showcases a river learningabout how to better The teachers their breaks to keep working, and fish, along with a woman work together.” Students in the HFA: SCS and they’ve been doing this all picking vegetables from the Students from HFA: SCS had program and others like it aren’t summer long. They’re dedicated ground, a nod to the state’s to apply to work on the project, the only beneficiaries of the to this program, and dedicated agricultural background. It and selection was based on program. It gives artists with

16 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu photos by Elizabeth Lienau

On page 16, Hubert Massey, ’83, shows Noah Robinson what areas to paint as the background of the mural takes shape.

Left, Students begin the painting process on the mural at Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies. From left are Taylor Childs, Jaylen Tate-Lucas, Noah Robinson, Naomi Cook, Daniel Boatner IV, Samara Richards, Hubert Massey and Manal Kadry. Not pictured: Ronald Merriweather Jr., Joisan Alesna, Breonna Phillips, Daniel Smith and Dareno Johnson.

Grand Valley ties a chance to give back to the campus community, and the communities they currently live and work in. “It’s really nice to give back to the community,” said Massey, ’83. “If I can help work with these kids and make a difference, even if it’s only twice a week for a few hours, I know that giving them the gift of being able to tell their stories through art is a powerful one, one they won’t forget.” Massey said the students inspire him as well. He said their dedication, passion, and excitement both inside and outside of the classroom for their art is motivating. “Knowing that Kadry said the program to help themselves, and how to and run with it. these young artists will go on to is teaching students self- think on their own.” “I think it’s a miracle,” Kadry be successful in art and life, that confidence, and improving their But she said the best part is said. “That’s the only way I there may be the next ‘big artist’ decision-making and problem- seeing students get a chance they can describe what I see when I coming out of this group, that’s solving skills. wouldn’t have had through any look at some of these students. exciting,” Massey said. “It makes “Programs and partnerships other venue, and watching They’ve had a miracle put into me want to keep giving back. I like this are the future of them take that opportunity their lives.” always tell the kids that what education, it’s the way things you put in is what you get back. are starting to go, and it’s a great View more photos and a video of the project With hard work, there’s nothing development,” Kadry said. online at www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine you can’t do.” “It teaches the students how

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 17 Mentors serve as connectors in unique program

Campus Links serves students with Asperger’s — by Michele Coffill

College students who have Links program is unique because Housing and Residence Life, “We hope that these become Asperger’s syndrome sometimes it ties in on-campus housing. and the Counseling and Career genuine friendships,” excel academically but struggle Six students with Asperger’s Development Center. Matthews said. with the social aspects of campus and four peer mentors are The peer mentors completed Matthews said the peer life that surround their days: inaugural participants in the training for the program in mentor model used by Campus meeting new people, working pilot year for Campus Links. All August; some training sessions Links should help students in small groups for classes, 10 live in a wing of a living center were held in conjunction with Asperger’s adjust to new interacting with professors. on the Allendale Campus. with Housing’s resident environments and routines An innovative peer program VanderVeen said participants assistant training, as the two quickly. “Balancing and established at Grand Valley this agreed to “check in” daily positions are very similar. Amy managing college is difficult for fall connects students who have with their mentor to see Matthews, director of AEC any student, but students with Asperger’s with students who how their day went. Mentors and project director for the Asperger’s can be challenged by have been trained to serve as and participants also meet Statewide Autism Resources the social pieces of campus. With their coaches and mentors. twice a month with faculty and Training (START) Project, this level of coaching, and the There are similar programs at members from Grand Valley’s housed at Grand Valley, said check-ins, they should settle into other universities but Kathleen Autism Education Center the training sessions and a community,” she said. VanderVeen, director of (AEC). Many other university program orientation served to VanderVeen spent the early Disability Support Resources, departments are Campus help facilitate bonds between part of the summer interviewing said Grand Valley’s Campus Links partners, including participants and mentors. students for peer mentor

photos by Bernadine Carey-Tucker The inaugural Campus Links group is pictured; (left side of table, back to front) Cameron Mehregah, Laura Dudley and Debbie Wright; (right side, back to front) Emily Kade, Christian Parks, Min Lee, Ken Pierson, Tesha Archer and Holly Miller. Not pictured are Cullen McCurdy and Douglas VanBennekom.

18 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu positions. Most mentors are there’s nothing at the college majoring in what she called level,” she said. the “helping professions,” like It’s difficult to find statistics psychology, social work and that track retention and education. graduation rates for students Ken Pierson is a junior with Asperger’s, due to the large majoring in psychology. He was number of students who don’t interested in Campus Links self-identify. “Nationally, most when it was still in its early students with Asperger’s get stages. “It’s really a one-of-a- accepted into four-year schools, kind program and it’s been neat but often tend to transfer out to have been there since the to live at home and then go to beginning,” Pierson said. community colleges,” Last summer, Pierson cleaned Matthews said. up yards and did other odd jobs The Campus Links to earn money as a member of mentors were trained to Grand Valley’s rowing team. offer constructive criticism. He also started working as a Matthews said many students caregiver to a 13-year-old boy with Asperger’s have a difficult with severe autism. time reading social cues. “The “I would go to their house mentors will be giving sensitive weekly, or as needed, and give feedback: ‘You’re talking way too in-home respite care to relieve loud,’ ‘You’re standing too close his parents,” Pierson said. to me,’” she said. “Sometimes I took him out Mentor Emily Kade spent and we would go to the beach.” her summer volunteering in a Pierson, a native of Davison, Rochester Hills psychologist’s said his interest in working in office and observing a group Christian Parks and Ken Pierson walk on the Allendale Campus following this field stems from spending therapy session for kids with an orientation session for Campus Links. time in his mother’s classroom behavioral problems. It was the of preschool and kindergarten perfect transition to her job as a listed specific goals for her students with learning mentor with Campus Links. first year at Grand Valley. Her disabilities. “They would role-play social participation in Campus Links Support and resources for situations and ask each other, follows a similar program at students with Autism Spectrum ‘What would you do?’” said Miller’s high school for students “Most students Disorder (ASD), including Kade, a sophomore majoring with Asperger’s. with Asperger’s peer support, are prevalent in psychology and social “When I needed help or a at K-12 schools. Matthews, work. “Other group members place to take my tests, I had a tend to transfer also an associate professor of would give tips on how to teacher consultant I went to out to live at psychology, said there are more handle situations, how to be see,” Miller said. “The goals I’d home and then than 200 peer support programs appropriate.” like to improve are being more in Michigan schools. The Kade and the other mentors social, going to more events and go to community START Project receives state were also trained to help being able to focus in classes colleges.” funding and grants to provide participants set and meet goals, and study for tests.” training to educators who teach both small and large. Examples When Pierson began working AMy MATTHEWs, DirECTor students with ASD. include saying hello to three with the young boy with of AEC AND ProjECT “We’re finding that the peer people on a given day, or autism, he found it took time DirECTor for THE support programs are beneficial attending a new campus event. and patience to learn his habits sTATEWiDE AuTisM not only for the students with VanderVeen said the students and characteristics. Pierson rEsourCEs AND TrAiNiNg Asperger’s but also for the with Asperger’s are as equally said his relationships with (sTArT) ProjECT peers,” Matthews said, adding invested in Campus Links as the Campus Links participants that behavioral problems for mentors. “The students need will, obviously, be different but at-risk peers who serve as to understand their disability he will continue to strive for mentors decrease, and other and be able to communicate constant communication students have noticed increases what they want to improve on,” and improvement. in confidence and problem- VanderVeen said. “I want it to be a level- have encouraged a collaborative solving skills. Campus Links participant playing field,” Pierson said. “I’m environment, everyone has “So they have this peer Holly Miller, a Kentwood native honored to have been picked for a voice: the mentors, the support in high school, but then who is majoring in education, this program. Amy and Kathleen participants, faculty and staff.”

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 19 that the innovative field of history at Macquarie Association headquartered generates were featured at the University in Sydney, Australia, conference through hundreds as he made a case for an at Grand Valley, supported of presentations and displays. interdisciplinary approach to “The problems people are teaching World History. facing now are on such a “He designed a Big History — by Mary Isca Pirkola by Microsoft massive scale, they can’t college course by mixing be solved with narrow topics that at many colleges perspectives,” said Craig would be covered separately,” Benjamin, an IBHA co- said Benjamin. “Exploring founder who has taught Big common themes and patterns Imagine a history course that The movement to popularize History for 17 years, the past spanning vast time scales — covers nearly 14 billion years. teaching Big History has nine at Grand Valley. “We from before the Big Bang to Now imagine incorporating attracted the attention and need to train generations modernity — helps students aspects from fields as diverse financial support of Microsoft of young adults who can better understand people, as biology, anthropology and founder Bill Gates and led think across disciplines, civilizations, the world we live philosophy, among many to the establishment of the can look at problems from in and what the future holds.” others. This interdisciplinary International Big History different perspectives and Christian’s course became approach to understanding Association in 2010. It’s bring the skills and insights a model for other universities the origins of the universe, the headquartered at Grand Valley. of an environmental scientist, throughout the world, complexity of its development Hundreds of international a historian, a physicist, a from Egypt and Italy to the and the future of the planet scholars, scientists and demographer and others.” Netherlands and Russia. It is known as Big History. It students convened in West caught the attention of a provides a bridge between the Michigan in August, when growing number of scientists humanities and sciences while Grand Valley hosted the The Origins as well. Sharing information fostering discovery of the inaugural IBHA conference. The term “Big History” has been common among connections between humans The many kinds of research, was coined in 1991 by the hundreds of academics and the environment. teaching and creativity David Christian, a professor who have taught Big History

20 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu over the past 20 years. The from around the world. was among the handful of photo by Amanda Pitts collaborations led to the idea Articles, images, video, Big Historians from around A time-lapse photo captures of forming an association sound and other multimedia the world who constituted Earth’s movement against the with, among other goals, elements are being posted themselves as a provisional night sky. a means of easily sharing to an historical timeline that executive committee and the growing collection of also helps viewers visualize began developing by-laws Big History information and the temporal relationships and goals. teaching resources. between events, trends and “We also discussed where administration and made the themes. Once completed, we should physically base decision to house the Bill Gates and Microsoft intends to share the association, giving association here.” the technology, making it consideration to Berkeley and In August 2011, the Global Microsoft Support freely available worldwide. a site in Italy,” said Benjamin. Institute for Big History was The movement to popularize Big History experts hope “I talked about what a good fit established within the Brooks the teaching of Big History that making vast amounts of the association would be with College of Interdisciplinary has gained substantial ground information easily accessible Grand Valley since we have a Studies to serve as the head in recent years. Funding to instructors, students and whole college here based on office of the IBHA. Meanwhile, and support from Microsoft the general public will not only interdisciplinary studies.” Microsoft founder Bill Gates Research Connections helped advance the understanding of In January 2011, the developed an active interest in to advance an interactive Big History, but facilitate more association’s board came Big History after viewing DVDs timeline tool begun by effective research projects from around the world to visit of Christian’s lectures, and geologist Walter Alvarez in the future. Grand Valley and to consider declared his desire to provide and students at University The long-term sustainability it as the headquarters. “Even such classes at the high of California, Berkeley, and of the field was assured though it was quite cold, school level. With personal Moscow State University. through the establishment of they commented on what a funding, Gates teamed up Known as ChronoZoom, the the International Big History beautiful campus we have,” with Christian to establish the project is harnessing the Association in 2010, with a said Benjamin. “They were Big History Project, which ran wealth of materials being start-up grant from Microsoft also impressed by being so a pilot project last year with developed by scholars External Research. Benjamin warmly welcomed by our three high schools in Australia

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 21 photo by Amanda Pitts Craig Benjamin, IBHA co-founder, teaches an Honors College course in Big History, encompassing the eight thresholds of time shown here: Big Bang, Stars and Galaxies, History of Earth, Origins and Evolution of Life, Collective Learning, Civilization, Modern Revolution and the Future.

and six in the United States, thinking on a macro scale to in Grand Valley’s Honors including two in Michigan — Big History think about and contribute to College. Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, on Campus real solutions for the problems “This is a 12-credit, year- and Northville High School in of our times.” long course taken over two Northville. The pilot program The three-day inaugural Dominican University semesters and will include will be expanded to 50 schools IBHA conference at Grand of California was the first many guest lectures by this year, and several hundred Valley drew more than institution in the world to faculty from throughout the next academic year. 200 participants from nine require first-year students university,” said Benjamin. The project assembled countries and 30 states. to enroll in a Big History “This interdisciplinary a team of professionals to Special presentations course as part of their general approach to teaching Big continuously develop and included those given by education. Under the guidance History also encourages refine the course curriculum Andy Cook, director of Bill of eminent Big Historian students to connect to make Big History a defining Gates’ Big History Project, and faculty member Cynthia information from a variety of learning experience. Many representatives from Stokes Brown, the course fields and to find contexts for IBHA members are heavily ChronoZoom, and keynote launched in 2010, and drew their own interests and major involved and have taped mini- addresses by Alvarez and on the collaboration of faculty field of study. One of our lectures that are uploaded Lawrence Gundersen, a from disciplines ranging from dreams, as an association, is online. Among them are renowned environmentalist. art and business to political that a general education class Alvarez’s explanation of how “Those of us committed science and religion. in Big History will be required scientists used a variety of to the field are hopeful of The first Big History of all students throughout evidence to solve one of the the eventual widespread textbook, Big History: Between the world.” great mysteries of our time — introduction of Big History into Nothing and Everything, For more information about the extinction of the dinosaurs, the curriculum of universities was written by three of the IBHA visit www.ibhanet.org, and Benjamin’s lecture on and high schools around country’s foremost authorities: or call the Global Institute for global migrations. “It was the the world,” said Benjamin. Benjamin, Brown and Big History office at toughest lecture of my life “Evidence collected over the Christian. (616) 331-8035. because we filmed it on Puget past two decades of teaching Benjamin will use the Sound during a blizzard,” has shown that students learn textbook in a new year- Benjamin said, with a laugh. to use the tools of critical long course offered this fall

22 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu RESEARCH

Tetra receives funding for Alzheimer’s research

— by Dottie Barnes way into the initial stages of learning and memory after In March, Gurney was named human clinical trials.” injury and for Alzheimer’s by Griffith Hack, a patent law Tetra Discovery Partners LLC, Tetra moved into WMSTI, patients. The funding is firm, as one of two leading a tenant of the West Michigan located in the Cook-DeVos significant for future research inventors in the world in the Science and Technology Center for Health Sciences, in and we look forward to creation of patents to treat Initiative, received funding June 2011; Gurney said Grand continued interaction with Alzheimer’s disease. from the National Institutes of Valley is the perfect location Grand Valley students and Health for up to $1.5 million for several reasons. faculty,” he said. over five years. Grand Valley is “Our staff is able to interact a partner in WMSTI, which is a with faculty and staff members, life science business incubator. share resources and have access Tetra designs new treatments to scientific instrumentation,” About WMSTI for depression, traumatic brain he said. “The interaction with The West Michigan Science and Technology injury and Alzheimer’s disease. biochemistry faculty has been Initiative and its Venture Center, a life science business Mark Gurney, founder and beneficial. In fact, our first hire incubator, were founded in 2003. WMSTI grew from president of Tetra, said the was a Grand Valley graduate.” investments by Grand Valley, the Michigan Economic funding may lead to millions Gurney said the environment Development Corporation and the Local Development of additional dollars worth of in West Michigan is very Finance Authority. contracted research services. supportive for business As of September 2012, the Venture Center has “Our company designs creation. He said currently assisted more than 450 clients in commercialization drugs that improve how the there are no drugs to improve of new products, helped secure $14 million in federal brain processes and stores age-related memory impairment and state grants and saved incubator companies and information,” said Gurney. “The or to help those who have researchers $300,000 each in start-up costs through funding will allow us to work sustained a brain injury. access to equipment. Currently the Venture Center collaboratively with NIH staff “There is a tremendous has 11 incubator members onsite, including six GVSU to develop drugs to improve medical need for the treatments Innovation Fund faculty researchers in mini-labs. learning and memory, and that we are designing. These drugs will carry the program all the may be useful to improve

Students and professor help develop pothole app

— by Dottie Barnes mathematics department, out how to use the data given worked with students from to us to find the potholes,” That advanced math class can Grand Valley’s Research said Aboufadel. “City officials come in handy. Students and Experiences for Undergraduates developed the app to collect the a mathematics professor used program in summer 2011 to data but needed people with their problem-solving skills analyze data for the app. a math background to create to help others avoid a bump The summer program methods to detect the potholes in the road. draws students from around in the data. We used matrices Officials with the City of the country. and linear algebra to track Boston, Massachusetts, are The group worked to figure rotation of the data and wavelet now testing a new smartphone out a way for the system to filters to identify spikes or road app that detects potholes; the detect potholes while filtering anomaly in the data.” app was partially developed by out things like manhole covers The students met daily with a Grand Valley team. and speed bumps. Aboufadel for eight weeks It’s called Street Bump and it Aboufadel said if at least 30 before submitting their findings. works by placing the phone on percent of drivers hit a bump Boston city officials presented the dashboard or in a cup holder, in the same spot, the system the challenge as a contest and continually collecting data on recognizes it as some sort of the Grand Valley team was one phone movement, location and road anomaly, and further of three winners. photo by Bernadine Carey-Tucker speed. Street Bump transmits calculation determines whether The app is currently being Students and a mathematics this data to remote servers. or not it is a pothole. tested in Massachusetts and professor helped develop an app Ed Aboufadel, chair of the “The challenge was to figure Zurich, Switzerland. that would detect potholes.

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 23 Q&A

Q&A Gwyn Madden

The interview was like a scene GVM: How do people react Madden: I fell into it by from the TV show “Bones.” when they find out what you accident. I was working on my Sort of. do for a living? doctorate at the University of Gwyn Madden, a Madden: It depends. Some Nevada-Las Vegas and, at that bioarcheologist and associate think it’s really cool. Others time, one of the top mummy professor of anthropology, is think it’s kind of weird and I can specialists in the world was beginning her seventh year tell they’re uncomfortable. I’m a teaching there. The university teaching at Grand Valley. She quiet person in general, outside had 13 mummies that no one and 18 Grand Valley students of the classroom, so this fits my had ever looked at. Some of spent the summer in Ukraine personality. I like the detective them were archeological finds excavating a cave for 5,000- part of what I do, figuring things and others were brought in by year-old skeletal remains. out. And, I don’t have to talk to the police. I tried to figure out Madden specializes in dead people. the location they came from osteology, paleopathology and and how old they were; I tried mummy research, and is the first GVM: Describe your work with to get the life of the person back. person local law enforcement local law enforcement officials. We were able to locate where officials and FBI agents call Madden: I will get calls to they came from and even found when they need someone determine whether bones found original excavation pictures to analyze human remains. are animal or human. I have for one. She spoke with Grand Valley worked on a few high-profile There are several different Magazine’s Dottie Barnes cases in which people have gone kinds of mummies; these were about her latest discoveries. missing, but most of the time my naturally dried mummies. work is determining whether or Mummies in Egypt are specially Grand Valley Magazine: So, not bones are human remains. It prepared, but in a climate that is how did you become interested is surprising what washes out of dry enough and hot enough, you in archeology, specifically Lake Michigan. can get a mummy anywhere. digging for human remains? Sometimes I work from Madden: Well, my career path photographs sent to me, and GVM: Tell me about your trip did surprise my family. I was a other times officers will bring to Ukraine. girly girl growing up and didn’t the bones right to my office so Madden: This summer was like digging around in the dirt. I can analyze them in the lab the second time I have taken As a child, I was more interested in AuSable Hall. Depending students for excavation in a cave in dolls and dresses. on the type of the bone found, in western Ukraine. We have In college, I planned to be a I can determine age, sex and teamed up with the regional Japanese interpreter but when I height and sometimes cause of museum there. The cave itself human remains, about a thousand studied in Japan for a semester, death. The best way to identify is very active and has been in different elements. We also I realized my language skills someone is through the skull use for at least 5,000 years. found whole pots and several weren’t the best. I had a liberal and pelvic bones, but that almost There is evidence that during figurines. The trip is a unique studies degree but had taken never happens. I usually get the Holocaust Jewish families and important experience for a class in anthropology as an individual bones here and there. were hiding there. students as they plan their career undergraduate at Oregon State In western Ukraine, there path in teaching, museum work University and was hooked. GVM: You have helped analyze isn’t a person who specializes or whatever they may choose. They say it takes that one class four South American mummies in analyzing human remains, so to find your passion. So, I got housed in Norway. How did I help with that. We were there GVM: What is your association my degrees in anthropology you get started in this type of excavating for three weeks and with the Smithsonian Institution? and archeology. research? found a pretty large number of

24 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu Q&A

Madden: I worked at the GVM: Do you watch shows like don’t exist. And, frequently I’ll photo by Amanda Pitts Smithsonian for a year and “Bones” or “CSI”? What do you be asked if I can do specific Gwyn Madden, associate professor analyzed a few mummies for think of them? things with bones and I’ll have of anthropology, examines a skull found in a cave in Ukraine that has them, one was from California Madden: I do love to watch to tell them no, it’s not possible, been active for 5,000 years. and the other from Alaska. I also all of those shows but while or it would take a really long worked with a group there to watching I’ll think, “Yeah, right. time. On TV, DNA results come develop Osteoware, a recording That’s not the way it happens.” back in a few minutes when system for human remains that One student asked me why in reality it takes months is free to the public. It’s the first, we don’t have a holographic and months. free online system that physical image machine. I had to tell the anthropologists can use to student it would be nice to have record and share data. something like that, but those

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 25 New spaces, New faces

Living on her own for the first Like the nearly 4,000 first-year day program that acclimates First-year time made Morgan Addis both students who came to Grand first-year students to campus and excited and nervous as a first- Valley this fall, Addis, a special their new surroundings. students make year student at Grand Valley. education major, made the During the three days, students In August, she moved to shift to a new space with many mapped out their class schedule, transition to campus from Clarkston with a new faces. ventured off campus to visit Lake college liFe car trunk full of clothes and a To make the move as easy and Michigan and Grand Rapids, support team of family members smooth as possible, she attended toured classrooms, — by Leah Zuber and friends. Transitions, an annual, three- heard from guest speakers, and, most importantly, got to know their fellow classmates. Each living center was assigned a group of Transitions leaders, who are current students, to lead them during their first days on campus. More than 280 students applied to be a Transitions Leader this year, and 200 were selected after the application and interview process, said Shawn Mueller, a Grand Valley junior and member of the student-led “Transitions Go Team” that chooses leaders. “Students who have been here for a few years share their experiences with new students, teach them traditions and spread their Laker pride,” Mueller said. March 2013 1 2 “I think that’s one of the neatest things about this program.” Mueller, a management major 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 and advertising and public 10 relations minor from Canton, 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 said he looks for leaders who are 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 august 2012 First 61 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 68 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 days at 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 gVsu!

26 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu involved on campus and enjoy was a new student. “Transitions Grand Valley, and the Laker photos by Bernadine Carey-Tucker sharing their passion for Grand made me feel so comfortable,” Values (see sidebar on page 28). On page 26, Morgan Addis and Valley, just as he does. she said. “I’m still friends with Aaron Haight is the assistant her parents, Keith and Maureen, the people I met those first director of Student Life who move Morgan into her new room “When I was a new student, on campus. Transitions set the tone for the few days. I didn’t start classes organized Transitions. She said rest of my college experience,” unprepared, I started classes although the training process Addis and her friends gather at he said. “I met many of my ready and excited.” can be intense, staff members try Kleiner Commons for lunch during closest friends then. It was Kuykendall and the rest of to keep it lively and fun. “Last the first week of classes. eye-opening and really stuck the leaders attended a short year, we brought in staff and Addis attends the Transitions with me.” training session before the end administrative members who kick-off event, Hooray!, in the Tanisha Kuykendall, a third- of the winter semester last year, have been at Grand Valley for Fieldhouse August 22. year student from Redford, then went through an extensive multiple years, like President served as a Transitions leader training process from August Haas and Dean Merkle, and had for the second time this year and 20-22, days before Transitions a friendly competition by testing training was teaching new said she enjoys welcoming new began. They learned about their knowledge against new students campus traditions. students with open arms, just the academic, community leaders,” she said. “Because we’re a young as she was welcomed when she and wellness aspects of This year, a big focus during institution, sometimes we don’t

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 27 Laker VaLues

photo by Amanda Pitts and icebreakers. A Laker for a as a grand Valley student, Transitions ends with Lifetime-themed celebration Convocation, a tradition that that included tie-dying T-shirts marks the beginning of the I wILL take respoNsIbILIty academic year. followed at Robinson Field. The next day, Transitions for my LearNINg leaders led their groups to have as many traditions, so we different classrooms to hear really stressed that this year,” from faculty members, and learn I wILL be aN eNgaged member Haight said. “At the end of the about Blackboard and the other of the uNIVersIty commuNIty kick-off event, we brought in the academic resources offered Laker Marching Band to teach on campus. Students attended students the fight song and how activities and heard from guest I wILL gIVe back to my to row at football games.” speakers about a variety of topics commuNIty Mueller said his favorite such as alcohol awareness and campus tradition is swinging on healthy relationships. the pendulum by Henry Hall. Transitions closed with “I’m not sure if we’re allowed Convocation August 24, a to climb on it,” he said, jokingly, tradition that marks the After her first week of now and then, she said the new “but many of the first-year beginning of the academic year. classes, Addis said she adapted faces and spaces at Grand Valley students in my group say it’s Thousands of students, faculty to campus better than she are becoming more familiar their favorite.” and staff members heard from thought she would. “Transitions every day. Addis said she enjoyed the Haas, Student Senate President helped me get to know campus Transitions kick-off event Jack Iott, Faculty Senate Chair a lot better,” she said. “Walking “Hooray!,” which took place Figen Mekik and Provost to each event location was August 22 in the Fieldhouse. Gayle R. Davis. helpful because we got to see Thousands of students heard During the ceremony, Iott so much of campus. I’ve made from Stephan Gray, an upbeat, encouraged first-year students some amazing new friends, motivational speaker who to find a way to connect and and we have all become very discussed getting outside participate on campus. “Find close within the first week of Watch a video of move-in comfort zones and helped new your place and you’ll find your being here.” on the Allendale Campus students get to know each other passion and path to greatness,” While Addis admits she gets by visiting through a variety of activities he said. tinges of homesickness every www.gvsu.edu/gvmagazine.

28 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu FOCAL POINT

Dellas Henke Professor of printmaking

Dellas Henke began teaching a 1,200-year-old art form in the Department of Art and Design at Grand Valley 30 years ago. His speciality is etching, specifically engraving and carving copper by hand — a technique that he said takes a lot of patience and a strong hand. Most of his prints, which can be found across campus and around the country, express the human experience and condition. “It’s an exciting time to be a printmaker,” Henke said. “Twenty years ago, you could look at a print piece and know exactly what techniques were used to make it, but today all these techniques are being blended to create impressive pieces.” He said the best part about teaching at Grand Valley is the strong sense of community instilled in everyone. “There’s a real mix of ideas going on in the printmaking room all the time. Everyone’s there to help each other,” he said. photography by Adam Bird

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 29 alumni news

Down to Earth Alumni find the root of their success through Grand Valley — by abigayle sloan, ’07

Randal Pichan, ’88, and Lisa Rose Starner, ’00 & ’03, graduated from college in two different eras with completely different majors. They live on opposite sides of Michigan, and their lives are on very diverse journeys, yet both credit Grand Valley for giving them the skills to build successful careers.

Working with legends “Using a bulldozer to create shapes and contours of the The last place Randal Pichan golf course is the most critical wanted to work was in a cubicle. part of any course design,” he He founded Eagle Golf said. “You take a blank palette Construction Inc. in 1989, a of land and breathe life into a year after he earned a degree golf environment.” in hospitality and tourism One of his biggest projects photos courtesy of Randal Pichan management. His experiences to date is the $15 million Randal Pichan, ’88, is pictured at far right, working with Jack Nicklaus on the Laker football team construction of The Golf Club on a course design in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a city that had been affirmed his decision to choose at Harbor Shores in Benton struggling to find its economic identity in recent years. a career that kept him involved Harbor. Pichan’s crew helped with outdoor sports. return the 530-acre site from Pichan’s line of work involves a refrigerator graveyard — hosted the Senior PGA course renovation deals and large machinery, meticulous filled with 12-15 feet of garbage Championship in May and expanding the company to planning and some of golf’s in some areas — to pristine will host it again in 2014. include the construction of most prestigious players. He has wetlands and a par-71 Jack Pichan, who lives in Fenton athletic fields. compiled an impressive résumé Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. with his wife and daughter, “My Grand Valley education that includes working with golf In 2011, Pichan received said that the golf construction means everything to me. legends Arnold Palmer and the “Best New Golf Course industry has been hit hard by Without it I could not have Jack Nicklaus to design multi- Environmental Sensitivity the economy in recent years, but handled all the aspects of million dollar courses around Award” for his work at he’s learned to adapt and grow running a small company,” the country. Harbor Shores. The course his business by incorporating Pichan said.

Pictured is hole No. 2 at Harbor Shores.

30 FALLFall 2012 | www.gvsu.edu/alumni alumni news

Building from scratch At the age of 30, Starner was challenged to evaluate Lisa Rose Starner, ’00 & ’03, her own well-being. She is also an entrepreneur, however faced extreme exhaustion and her job title is more colorful. She battled untreated postpartum is a self-proclaimed “Locavore,” depression. She said when which encompasses several job she returned to the Earth, and titles including urban farmer, its simplicity, she found her forager, herbalist, teacher, balanced self again. and, most recently, author. “It was my relationship with In addition to her variety of the plants and my connection to professional roles, she is a wife the Earth that really helped me and mother of two. clarify what I want to do in this “The root of everything I life,” she said. do is building relationships,” Starner now teaches herbalist said Starner. classes out of her home on the Her work with food spans west side of Grand Rapids, more than 15 years, and her called “The Urban Ranch.” She exploration began at welcomes strangers into her Grand Valley where she home and gives them lessons majored in anthropology and about the health benefits of French. She continued her gardening and cooking with education and earned a master’s organic plants and herbs. in public administration with “I want people in my an emphasis in philanthropy. community to have a rich “I chose to do my graduate relationship with plants that work at Grand Valley with a very doesn’t just happen when they intentional focus on evaluating are sick, but a relationship that’s the food needs of Grand Rapids,” a needed and desired part of Starner said. their everyday lives,” she said. Starner founded “Mixed Starner was recently Greens,” which is a small contracted to write a book, nonprofit organization Built from Scratch. It will delve dedicated to planting urban into the lives of the people and gardens and building kitchen the places of Grand Rapids’ classrooms for inner-city youth. growing good food movement. Her passion is to get to the root Built from Scratch is scheduled of common nutrition problems to be released in December. by teaching children and For more information about photo by Abigayle Sloan families to know what’s in these alumni and other stories, Lisa Rose Starner, ’00 & ’03, is pictured foraging Queen Anne’s Lace the food they eat. visit www.gvsu.edu/alumni. during a visit to the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project.

wishing 2002, 1987 and 1972 HAPPY graduates a happy anniversary this year! th th th 10 25 40 Take a look back and share your memories with us at ANNIVERSARY www.gvsu.edu/alumni/anniversary.

GRanD ValleY maGaZine 31 alumni news

Golf outings raise money for students, programs more than $14,000 was raised during three golf outings this summer. The sleep inn & suites alumni, Football alumni and the Corky meinecke Golf Outings brought out hundreds of golfers to support the university. The outings were made possible by generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and golfers.

Ed Harris IV, ’11, and Louie the Laker look on as Phil Levitt takes a swing during the All-Alumni Golf Outing on July 21.

Beyond the Valley: Alumni events across the country

1 2 3

4 5 6 7

8 9 10

1) Laker Football Fan Trip, Monmouth, Oregon 2) Freshmen Summer Send Off, Chicago 3) Beach Bums Game, Traverse City 4) Metro-Detroit Club at the Zoo 5) ArtPrize Celebration, Grand Rapids 6) Freshmen Summer Send Off, Detroit 7) Lugnuts Game, Lansing 8) KCON Fall Reception, Grand Rapids 9) SoCal Reception & Baseball, Anaheim, California 10) Washington Wine Tour, Seattle Check out more events at www.gvsu.edu/alumni/events

32 Fall 2012 | www.gvsu.edu/alumni alumni uPDaTes

Alumni celebrate rededication CAREERS Ann E. Michael, B.Phil., 1979, published a collection of poetry, of Lubbers Stadium 1970s Water-Rites. She also is the Manfred Tatzmann, B.A., writing coordinator for DeSales more than 555 alumni and friends helped kick off the home 1970, is a member of the State University in Center Valley, football season at the newly renovated lubbers stadium at of Minnesota TBI Advisory Philadelphia. a tailgate hosted by the Football alumni Chapter, seidman College of Business, and alumni association. Kari lynch, ’10, Committee. 1980s and her band performed during the event. see another photo David L. Mangles, B.S., Brian Leja, B.B.A., 1981, was on the back cover. 1971, published a book, The promoted to director of the Hermaphroditic Contortionist. industrial division for Schenker David C. Aussicker, B.Phil., Logistics, where he has worked 1972, is a senior officer at for 25 years. Florida State University. W. Dean La Douceur, B.S., 1983, Eric Greinke, B.A., 1972, earned an MBA from the M.S.W., 1982, received an University of Phoenix. He also honorable mention during the established a new company, 2012 Allen Ginsberg Awards Dean’s List Publishing. at the Poetry Center at Passaic Michael E. Born, B.S., 1984, County Community College for was named a leader in the a poem, Shooting Lessons. area of Natural Resources Jeffrey H. Brown, B.Phil., and Environment in the 1973, is the executive director 2012 Chambers USA Guide to of Communities In School’s America’s Leading Business Michigan office. Lawyers, published by Chambers and Partners. Warren L. Hills, B.A., 1976, is John D. Huszarik, B.S., 1989, the associate vice president for M.B.A., 2004, human resources at Western is a senior Michigan University. continuous improvement leader for MPI Research in Mattawan. William L. Stage Jr., B.Phil., Alumni lighten the load at Terry L. Stollar-Bolinger, B.S., 1976, published a book, Not 1989, Freshmen Move-In Waving, Drowning. is the principal of Emma Donnan Middle School in a record number of alumni, friends and first-time Michael N. Walters, B.S., 1976, Indianapolis, Indiana. volunteers welcomed new lakers and their families on august is the vice president of sales 21 as they arrived on the allendale Campus. more than 125 Todd E. Walter, B.S., 1989, and marketing for Wixon in St. volunteers carried everything from pillows to refrigerators M.S.W., 1993, Francis, Wisconsin. is the owner and into the living centers and had opportunities to share their administrator of Crosaires in experiences with the newest lakers. Volunteers were rewarded Ronald T. Green, B.S., 1978, Williamston. with breakfast, lunch and ice cold beverages. was inducted as a fellow into the Geological Society of 1990s America. Catherine E. Earl, M.S.N., 1990, is the associate provost of Ronald R. Johnson, B.S., 1979, American Sentinel University published a book, Customer in Birmingham, Alabama. Service and the Imitation of Christ. He also produces Tammie A. (Wing) Brainard, an audio blog, “Mythic B.S., 1992, was promoted to Adventures,” and teaches senior in the accounting and extension courses through assurance department of Weber Spring Arbor University. O’Brien Ltd. in Sylvania, Ohio. Donald W. Linebaugh, B.S., Robert Fritz, B.B.A., 1992, is 1979, published two books, the vice president of sales for Sagus Iron Works: The Roland Sysco Iowa. W. Robbins Excavations 1948- Annette Rus, B.S., 1993, is the 1953, and The Springfield Gas office manager for Consumers Machine: Illuminating Industry photo by April Joy Galbreath Credit Union in Holland. and Leisure, 1860s-1920s. Jeff Mutch, ’07, and Leo Hendges, ’06, help a family carry items into the Kirkpatrick Living Center.

GRanD ValleY maGaZine 33 alumni uPDaTES

James N. Class, B.A., 1997, is Patrick H. O’Neill, M.Ed., Shaun M. Shira, B.B.A., 2004, Bradley S. Manor, B.S., 2006, is the director of Russia planning 2002, is a teacher at Greenfield M.P.A., 2011, is a development a software engineer for General and execution for Merck in Elementary School in officer for the Grand Rapids Electric in Grand Rapids. Birmingham. Community Foundation. Moscow, Russia. Christopher M. Raschke, B.S., Tara L. Crow, B.B.A., 1997, is Beth A. (Pawlukiewicz) Ieisha M. Evans-Humphrey, 2006, is a senior consultant for a materials planning analyst Sadowski, B.B.A., 2002, is a B.A., 2005, is the assistant Microsoft in Washington, D.C. human resources specialist director of the Center for Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, Matthew M. Sucaet, B.A., Wisconsin. and recruiter for ABM Security for Ethics, Service, and 2006, is a sixth-grade language Services in Chicago, Illinois. Professionalism at Thomas Diana M. (Waluk) Bushman, arts teacher at Whitefish Bay M. Cooley Law School in B.B.A., 1999, was promoted Jennifer E. (Dau) Whaley, B.A., Middle School in Whitefish Bay, Auburn Hills. to manager of business 2002, is a produce manager for Wisconsin. transformation for Asset Ypsilanti Food Co-Op. David D. Evens, M.Ed., 2005, Jena P. Agler, B.S., 2007, is an Acceptance Capital Corp. M.Ed., 2010, is the principal Christopher A. Beth, B.B.A., associate attorney for the Law in Warren. of Maple Street Magnet School 2003, is an assistant controller Office of Kathleen M. Poelker for the Arts, Kalamazoo Stephen M. Passinault, M.Ed., for Comlux America LLC in PLLC in Ann Arbor. Public Schools. 1999, is the principal of Forest Indianapolis, Indiana. Tara N. Berger, B.S., 2007, is a Hills Central High School. John M. Seals, M.Ed., 2005, Matthew J. Gibson, B.B.A., third-grade teacher at Achilles is the associate director of 2003, is the director of finance Elementary School in Hayes, 2000s residential life for Purdue for Digital Insurance Inc. in Virginia. Michelle D. Bicey, B.B.A., University in West Lafayette, Atlanta, Georgia. 2000, is dean of Stratford Indiana. Ashley R. Chaney, B.S., 2007, University’s Newport News Sophia Guevara, B.S., Thomas J. Van Cleave, is an assistant director of Campus in Newport News, 2003, received the Diversity communications for campus B.S., 2005, is the program Virginia. Leadership Development living services and residence coordinator for the Program award from the life for Michigan State Scott A. Eldred, M.Ed., 2000, Postsecondary Service- Special Libraries Association. University. M.Ed., 2005, is the principal Learning and Community of Middle Park High School in Maureen E. (Notestine) Based Learning graduate James V. Gallery, M.Ed., 2007, East Grand Rapids. Michaels, B.A., 2003, is certificate program at is the varsity football coach at Adam S. Henige, B.S., 2000, the marketing manager for Portland State University. Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Interlochen Center for the Arts received the 2012 Michigan’s Karen L. Vaughn, B.S., 2005, Christopher J. Gerlica, B.A., in Traverse City. Economic Bright Spots award is the planning and preservation 2007, received a law degree for his company, Netvantage Joel A. Schipper, B.S., 2003, is manager for the City of Lake from the Roger Williams Marketing. a weekend reporter for Central Worth, Florida. University School of Law. Florida News 13. Joshua E. Carlson, B.S., 2001, Jeremy Z. Wesley, B.S., 2005, Lisa R. (Heeter) Hyma, B.A., is senior vice president of retail Milinda C. Ysasi Castanon, won a Grammy Award for his 2007, is a K-8 online teacher for sales and service for Peoples B.B.A., 2003, is the 2012 work as a recording engineer Laurel Springs School. Bank in Marietta, Ohio. ATHENA Young Professional on Betty White’s spoken-word Travis J. Bratschi, B.B.A., 2008, Award recipient for Grand album, “If You Ask Me (And Of Jacob N. Kassuba, B.S., 2001, is a financial services officer Rapids. Course You Won’t). is the president of Everest for GreenStone Farm Credit College–Burr Ridge in Burr Katie A. (Rosene) Peabody, Brittany N. Stropich-Albaugh, Services in Traverse City. Ridge, Illinois. B.S., 2004, B.A., 2004, B.S., 2006, received a Brennan C. Davis, B.S., 2008, received the Employee of the doctorate in biochemistry Jason J. Kennedy, B.S., is the girls varsity basketball Year award at War Memorial from the University of 2001, M.Ed., 2006, is the coach for Schoolcraft High Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. Wisconsin-Madison. superintendent of Holton School. He is also the online Public Schools. Corinne R. Reynolds, B.B.A., Tamela D. Brown, M.Ed., 2006, education student services 2004, Anna M. Tyszkiewicz, B.S., is a financial analyst is the principal of Grand Rapids director for Western Michigan for American Axle and 2001, M.P.A., 2004, was Ellington Academy of Arts University. Manufacturing in Auburn Hills. and Technology. promoted to executive Gregory B. Griffith, B.S., 2008, director of the Indianapolis Amanda A. (Bongard) Timothy A. Buys, B.B.A., 2006, is a senior marketing specialist Metropolitan Planning Rogalski, B.B.A., 2004, is a senior auditor for Deloitte and web designer for Networld Organization. started a company, Rogo and Touche LLP in Dallas, Media Group in Louisville, Adrienne A. Wallace, B.S., Marketing & Communications, Texas. Kentucky. in Grand Rapids. 2001, M.S., 2005, M.P.A., Nicole M. Jenkins, B.S., 2006, 2008, was a finalist for the 2012 was promoted to associate ATHENA Young Professional project manager for Perrigo. Award for Grand Rapids.

34 Fall 2012 | www.gvsu.edu/alumni alumni uPDaTES

Trevor M. Hinshaw, B.S., 2008, Jonathan P. Reinhard, B.S., Roseville Police Department in Tara C. Bildzok, B.S.N., 2007, is the athletic director for 2009, was selected as a Roseville, Minnesota. and Joseph Sollinger on May fellow for the W.K. Kellogg Grand Rapids Catholic Central Melissa M. Bergman, B.S., 19, 2012. High School. Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson 2012, is a teacher at Buckeye Dwight C. Dettloff, B.B.A., Michigan Teaching Fellowship. Elicka B. Lamphere, B.B.A., Elementary School District in 2007, M.S.A., 2008, and 2008, is a cheerleader for Alia E. Weller, B.S., 2009, was Buckeye, Arizona. Adrienne Sines on May 26, selected as a fellow for the W.K. the Arizona Cardinals. She is Mark A. Cistaro, Jr., B.A., 2012, 2012. also an investment licensed Kellogg Foundation’s Woodrow B.S., 2012, was selected as a Kristin M. Davis, B.S., 2008, banker for JPMorgan Chase in Wilson Michigan Teaching fellow for the W.K. Kellogg M.S.W., 2012, and Tyler J. Phoenix, Arizona. Fellowship. Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson Crawford, B.B.A., 2010, Laurel K. (Shippy) Saunders, Sarah R. Zelenka, B.S., 2009, Michigan Teaching Fellowship. on June 30, 2012. B.S., 2008, and her rowing partner finished is an early Elizabeth H. Cowan, B.S., 2012, Raquel A. DeLeon, B.S., 2008, intervention and early fourth in women’s pairs at the is an analytical chemist for M.P.A., 2011, and Oliver B. childhood special education 2012 Summer Olympics. She is Mead Johnson Nutrition Martin, B.A., 2006, specialist for Willamette the assistant rowing coach for in Zeeland. on June 26, 2012. Education Service District in the University of Louisville. Eric J. Garlow, B.S., 2012, Gregory B. Griffith, B.S., 2008, Salem, Oregon. William T. Clancy III, M.B.A., is an assistant sports information and Sherry Markwell Phillip A. Stadler, B.S., 2008, is 2010, was promoted to vice director for Coker College. on October 8, 2011. a specialist in the information president of retail strategy for technology department for J.M. Lake Michigan Credit Union in Jarrett K. Martus, B.B.A., Philip J. Malnar, B.B.A., 2008, Wilson in Portage. Grand Rapids. 2012, is the telephone outreach M.T., 2011, and Nicole M. program manager at Grand Ennenga on June 23, 2012. Betsy M. Tien, B.B.A., 2008, is Stefanie A. Hosford, B.A., Valley State University. a human resources generalist 2010, is the development Joshua F. Green, B.S., 2009, for The Parking Spot in director for South End Douglas J. Peterson, B.S., and Chelsea Schultz on April Chicago, Illinois. Community Outreach 2012, was selected as a 28, 2012. Ministries in Grand Rapids. fellow for the W.K. Kellogg Casey L. (Otradovec) Ball, Kaleigh A. Jaeger, B.S., 2009, Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson B.S., 2009, M.S.O.T., 2011, is an Katie L. Kettner, B.A., 2010, and Aaron J. Hale, B.B.A., Michigan Teaching Fellowship. occupational therapist for War is a management analyst for 2008, on May 26, 2012. Katelyn M. Stadler, B.B.A., Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Washtenaw Community Health Kenneth A. Gauld, B.B.A., Organization. 2012, is a training specialist for Marie. 2010, and Jenny Zaworski on Spartan Stores in Grand Rapids. David L. Bemis, B.B.A., 2009, Kelsey L. Letourneau, B.A., August 11, 2012. 2010, Amber L. Stout, B.F.A., 2012, is the operations manager for is a second-grade teacher is Justine M. LaCroix-Martin, at River City Scholars Charter the marketing and development Caniff Electric Supply Co. in B.A., 2010, and Andrew M. Hamtramck. Academy, National Heritage assistant and graphic designer Beller, B.B.A., 2008, Academies. for the Grand Rapids Ballet. Timothy A. Brog, B.S., 2009, on June 11, 2011. Anthony C. Norman, B.B.A., Melanie R. Vargo, B.B.A., 2012, is an assistant video director for Antoinette L. Lopez, B.S., 2010, is attending law school at is a sales administrator for the Houston Texans. 2010, and Gregory A. Florida Coastal School of Law. Kentwood Office Furniture. Christopher S. Hammer, B.S., Sperlbaum, B.S., 2008, 2009, qualified for three events Jeremy R. Schellie, B.S., 2010, on July 7, 2012. at the 2012 Paralympic Games. is a marketing assistant for EPS MARRIAGES Ryan H. Vaughn, M.S., 2010, Security in Grand Rapids. His best finish was ninth in the 2000s and Laura Pecherski on 1,500-meter run. Casey A. Jones, B.S., 2011, Rebecca N. Gannon, B.S., July 14, 2012. Kaleigh A. Jaeger-Hale, is a sports reporter for 2000, and Eric Neeley on June Leah J. Zuber, B.A., 2010, B.S., 2009, WOOD-TV 8. is a development 16, 2012. and Mark Twilley on coordinator for Hayes Green Tiffany L. Larson, B.S., 2011, October 20, 2012. Beach Memorial Hospital in Rebecca L. Sack, B.B.A., 2000, is a special events coordinator and Ryan Grasmeyer on June Kristin M. McBarnes, B.S.N., Charlotte. for the Gaylord Chamber of 23, 2012. 2011, and Sean M. Blair, B.S., Adam J. Kruis, B.B.A., 2009, Commerce. 2010, Christopher A. Beth, B.B.A., on July 31, 2011. is a commercial lender for Michael S. Miller, B.S., 2011, 2003, and Jennifer Zehr on Heather M. Wieber, B.B.A., Macatawa Bank in Holland. was promoted to lieutenant October 30, 2010. 2011, and Dennis Goodenough Katheryn A. Milantoni, B.A., at the Rockford Police on July 7, 2012. 2009, is a seventh-grade Department. Mara Tornga, B.S., 2006, B.S.N., 2008, and Nicholas teacher at St. Joseph Parish Corey A. Yunke, B.S., 2011, School in Trenton. J. Bihler, B.S., 2008, on is the community relations September 25, 2011. coordinator–crime analyst for

GRAND VALLEY MAGAZINE 35 alumni uPDaaTTESes

BIRtHS 2000s Amber L. Nibbelink, B.S., Adam B. Eby, B.A., 2004, Susan M. (Dona) Franklin, 2002, and Matthew J. and wife Jennifer announce Nibbelink, B.E., 2002, M.B.A., 1990s B.A., 2000, M.P.A., 2009, and a daughter, Genavieve Rose, 2006, Jill A. (Robinson) Olsen, husband Nathan announce a announce a son, Everett born August 3, 2012. The family B.A., 1992, and husband Eric daughter, Gretchen Lanelle, Jack, born June 19, 2012. Everett resides in Schaumburg, Illinois. announce a son, Gunnar, born born May 23, 2001. The family is welcomed by siblings Emma, George A. Kitson, B.S., 2004, Isabella and Oliver. The family February 7, 2012. The family resides in Muskegon. and wife Amy announce a resides in Ada. resides in Grand Rapids. Denise N. (Krolczyk) son, George Thomas, born Alicia N. (de la Fuente) Jennifer L. (Boersen) Kroll, Mercatante, B.S., 2000, and November 28, 2011. The family Oldebekking, B.A., 2002, B.S.N., 1996, and husband husband Steve announce a resides in Burbank, California. M.Ed., 2006, Terrance announce a daughter, daughter, Sophia Noel, born and husband Lindsey R. (TePastte) Emersen Sarah, born May 17, April 21, 2012. The family David, announce a daughter, Kloeckner, B.A., 2004, Harper Victoria, born June 2012. Emersen is welcomed resides in Brighton. M.S., 2006, and Richard by brother Henry. The family 12, 2012. Harper is welcomed M. Kloeckner, B.S., 2006, Nathan A. Blakeslee, B.A., by brother Mason. The family resides in Zeeland. announce a daughter, Grace 2001, and wife Naoko announce resides in Hudsonville. Mary F. (Graff) Ashley, B.S., a daughter, Sofi, born July 2, LouAnn, born July 27, 2012. The Elissa R. Weidmayer, B.B.A., 1997, and James W. Ashley, 2012. The family resides in family resides in Grandville. 2002, B.S., 1987, announce a son, Japan. and husband Jeff Shalyn (Reineke) Martinez- Rhys Victor, born June 5, 2012. announce a son, Evan Jeffrey, Ormsby, B.S., 2004, Uri Nicole L. Infante, B.A., 2001, and The family resides in Fountain born June 21, 2012. Evan is L. Martinez-Ormsby, B.B.A., and husband Joseph announce welcomed by sister Grace. The Hills, Arizona. 2004, announce a son, Oliver a son, Nathaniel John, born July family resides in Ann Arbor. Sara A. (Choponis) Gray, 1, 2012. The family resides in Lee, born June 11, 2012. The Christopher A. Beth, B.B.A., B.S., 1998, and husband Zane Grand Rapids. family resides in Naples, announce a daughter, Ivey 2003, and wife Jennifer Florida. Karl W. Koehle, B.S., 2001, Rose, born May 24, 2012. Ivey announce a son, Jordan Robert, Jennifer R. (Wildey) Palm, and wife Jessica announce a is welcomed by siblings Owen, born January 20, 2012. The B.A., 2004, daughter, Gretchen Milada, and husband James Paul and Lucy. The family family resides in Carmel, born June 25, 2012. The announce a son, Jackson Orion, resides in Reed City. Indiana. family resides in Apple Valley, born October 17, 2011. The Matthew J. Gibson, B.B.A., LaQuita Y. (Carr) Lowery, Minnesota. family resides in Rockford. B.B.A., 1998, and husband 2003, and wife Kendra Abbey L. (Hodgson) Mead, Rebecca L. (Dieterman) Patin, McKinley announce a son, announce a son, Rowen Charles, B.A., 2004, Nicholas J. B.S., 2001, and husband and Myles Landon, born June 11, born July 7, 2012. The family Patin, M.Ed., 2009, Matthew announce a son, announce a 2012. The family resides in resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Nicklas Matthew, born August son, Cooper Landon, born May Lathrup Village. Lindsey J. (Hugelier) 18, 2012. Nicklas is welcomed by 23, 2012. Cooper is welcomed Rodarmer, B.A., 2003, M.S., Michele A. Lukas, B.S., 1998, sister Violet. The family resides by siblings Taylor and Brooklyn. 2006, Ryan R. Rodarmer, and husband Jeremy announce in Grand Rapids. and The family resides in Comstock a son, Dominic Roy, born B.S., 2003, announce a Park. Anita J. (Meinel) Banks, November 20, 2011. Dominic is daughter, Mia Ray, born July Rachel A. (Earls) Stroud, B.A., 2002, and husband welcomed by brother Jack. The 16, 2012. Mia is welcomed by B.B.A., 2004, Eric announce a daughter, and husband family resides in Holly Springs, brother Braiden. The family Ariana Jazlyn, born November Benjamin, announce a son, North Carolina. resides in Cedar Springs. 3, 2011. The family resides in Malcolm Benjamin, born March Kristy A. (Killips) Stiles, B.S.N., Andrew P. LeFurge, M.B.A., Spring Lake. 30, 2012. The family resides in 1999, and wife Staci announce a 2003, and husband Mike Eaton Rapids. Joslyn M. DeBoode, B.A., daughter, Tatum, born February announce a daughter, Rebecca Megan M. (Schwind) Taylor, 2002, and Eric P. DeBoode, Alaine, born May 29, 2012. 20, 2012. The family resides in B.A., 2004, and husband B.S., 2006, announce a son, Rebecca is welcomed by sisters Grand Haven. Andy announce a son, Kieran Weston Paul, born July 31, Allison and Olivia. The family Richard, born February 3, 2012. Becky L. Vass-Reinholtz, 2012. The family resides in resides in Rockford. M.S.W., 1999, and husband Broomfield, Colorado. The family resides in Traverse Douglas announce a daughter, Lisa M. (Brown) Veldman, B.S., City. Lindsay Kristin (Buckley) 2003, Michael J. Veldman, Aubrie Christine, born April and Katelyn A. (Wilkins) Carey, Ludtke, B.S., 2002, M.S.O.T., B.B.A., 2003, announce a son, 1, 2011. The family resides in B.S., 2005, and husband Sean 2005, and Chad William William Michael, born June 13, Grand Rapids. announce a daughter, Brynn Ludtke, B.S., 2004, M.Ed., 2012. The family resides in St. Beverly, born March 30, 2012. 2009, announce a son, Kaiden Louis, Missouri. Buckley, born May 17, 2012. The The family resides in Lansing. family resides in Troy.

36 Fall 2012 | www.gvsu.edu/alumni alumni uPDaaTTESes

Kristina M. (Lund) Fisher, B.S., born July 28, 2012. The family Nicole M. Gardner-Morazan, IN MEMoRIAM 2005, and Brian F. Fisher, B.S., resides in Tucson, Arizona. B.A., 2009, and husband 2005, announce a son, Michael Miguel announce a son, Miguel Lisa R. (Heeter) Hyma, 1960s Andrew, born April 3, 2012. The Enrique, born May 22, 2012. B.A., 2007, and husband John P. Apol, B.A., 1969, of family resides in Caledonia. Miguel is welcomed by siblings Kyle announce a son, Titus Charlevoix, on July 1, 2012. Alejandro and Angelica. The Keri M. (Larsen) Kujala, B.A., Dale, born June 12, 2012. The family resides in Grand Rapids. 1970s 2005, and husband Brian family resides in Clarksville, Marilyn R. Mergener, B.S., 1971, announce a son, William Briggs, Tennessee. Jenna M. (Fitch) McFarland, born June 1, 2012. The family B.A., 2009, and husband David of Coopersville, on November Stephanie N. Novosad, B.B.A., resides in Belmont. announce a daughter, Peyton 23, 2011. 2007, and Jeffrey A. Novosad, Elise, born April 29, 2011. The Russell L. Rondeau, B.S., 1975, Christine (Pirlot) Panter, B.A., M.S.A., 2008, announce a family resides in Grand Rapids. 2005, and husband Adam daughter, Kennedy Skye, born of Holland, on July 31, 2012. announce a daughter, Hadley June 12, 2012. The family Alan Klein, B.S., 2010, and 1980s Christine, born October 26, wife Megan Lavell announce resides in Grand Rapids. Obed Albrie Love, Jr., B.P.A., 2011. The family resides in a son, Ryan Patrick, born May Megan J. VanKoevering, B.S., 1983, M.Ed., 1994, of Grand Grand Rapids. 31, 2012. The family resides in 2007, announces a son, Adam Rapids, on July, 18, 2012. Ryan B. Atwood, B.A., 2006, Hastings. Sebastian, born January 8, 2012. Ruth A. Paauwe, B.A., 1988, and wife Tamara announce a The family resides in St. Joseph. Sarah A. (McDowell) Salerno, of Satellite Beach, Florida, on daughter, Sara Faith, born April B.A., 2010, and Stephen A. Gregory B. Griffith, B.S., 2008, June 11, 2012. 23, 2012. The family resides in Salerno, B.S., 2008, announce and wife Sherry announce Pompano Beach, Florida. a son, Anthony John, born June a son, Logan Matthew, born 1990s 2, 2012. The family resides in Melissa A. (Mullen) Burds, March 1, 2012. The family Renee L. (Bird) Martuch, Northville. B.S.N., 2006, and Patrick W. resides in Louisville, Kentucky. B.S.N., 1990, of Frankenmuth, Burds, B.B.A., 2008, announce Kristin M. (McBarnes) Blair, on June 8, 2012. Amy M. Klump, B.S., 2008, and a son, Bradley Walsh, born July B.S.N., 2011, and Sean M. Matthew D. Klump, B.S., 2008, Kimberly S. Betten, B.S., 1992, 3, 2012. The family resides in Blair, B.S., 2010, announce announce a son, Benjamin of Zeeland, on June 11, 2012. Grand Rapids. a daughter, Lillian Kathryn Robert, born April 26, 2012. The Marie, born September 21, 2011. Jeffrey A. Jordan, B.B.A., 1997, Lauren D. Lehr, B.S., 2006, family resides in Flushing. The family resides in Wyoming. of Grand Haven, on July 26, and Aaron R. Lehr, B.S., 2007, Jessica A. (Franks) Rutenbar, 2012. announce a daughter, Lucy Joy, Justin M. Sherrod, B.S., 2011, B.A., 2008, and Andrew born July 7, 2012. The family and wife Tara announce a 2000s D. Rutenbar, B.S., 2009, resides in Grand Rapids. daughter, Reegan Lynne, born announce a daughter, Tenley, Kurt R. May, B.B.A., 2011, of December 8, 2011. The family Amanda C. (White) McLendon, born June 7, 2012. The family Rockford, on May 25, 2012. resides in Jenison. B.A., 2006, and husband resides in Sturgis. Shawn announce a daughter, Dana J. (Hansen) Simon, Izabela Christine, born B.S., 2008, and husband Dave November 16, 2011. The family announce a daughter, Maren resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Jean, born May 30, 2012. The Stay Informed. Stay Involved. Stay ConneCted. Jennifer K. Twilling, M.Ed., family resides in Newaygo. 2006, and husband Steve Cassie A. (Pease) Westgate, announce triplet sons, Joshua B.S., 2008, and husband Billy Keep your Alumni Association in the know. Allen, Matthew Elliott and announce a daughter, Sadie Caleb Michael, born August 16, Please contact the Alumni Relations staff any time your Ann, born May 22, 2012. The 2011. The family resides family, career, educationDelicious status or addressFlickr changes.Twitter Retweet family resides in Newaygo. in Caledonia. Kathryn M. (McFadden) Kathryn E. (Burrous) • Call (800) 558-0541 Zambon, B.B.A., 2008, and Chavanak, B.S., 2007, and husband Patrick announce husband Andrew announce • Email [email protected] MySpace StumbleUpon Digg a son, Michael Robert, born a daughter, Evelyn Elizabeth, November 5, 2011. The family born January 15, 2012. The • Visit www.gvsu.edu/alumni resides in Grand Rapids. family resides in Falls City, and click “Stay Connected.” Nebraska. Lisa J. Farr, B.S., 2009, Slash Dot Mixx Skype Technorati Angela M. (Hendley) Hickmott, announces a son, Noah Michael, born June 12, 2012. The family B.S., 2007, and husband Ryan resides in Jenison. announce a son, Brady Charles, DeliciousReddit Flickr FriendFeed Twitter YouTube RetweetLinkedIn

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Hyves Identi.ca OFF THE PATH Best in show Love for family pet grows into training champions

— by Nate Hoekstra

38 FALL 2012 | www.gvsu.edu OFF THE PATH

hen Anne and Bart W Merkle first got a dog for their five children in 1985, neither of them had any idea that 27 years later, they’d be raising champion show dogs and training them to compete as AnnaBar Labradors. The Merkles said their love for their Labrador Retrievers stems from Chelsea, their first yellow Labrador. “She was always very calm and well-mannered, a very photos by Bernadine Carey-Tucker family-friendly dog,” Anne said. On page 38, Bart and Anne Merkle walk with family dog Laker. Above, Bart looks on from a distance while Anne “She was a great pet for us and (not pictured) directs Logan through an agility course. for our kids.” That passion for the breed learn. “Labradors love food, we love each one of them.” dog has met the AKC standard has carried through to present so our dogs are continually The demeanor of the Labs and I feel I can breed the dog day — now the Merkles breed rewarded with treats during that the Merkles love is a big with confidence.” dogs, and the puppies are shown training,” she said. draw for many other families Every litter of puppies they by Anne, sold to people looking Anne shows the dogs herself when looking for pets — the breed also helps an organization for new pets, or donated to in local competitions, but for Labrador Retriever has been the that uses the animals for a good Paws With A Cause to become shows far away, the dogs will go top dog breed in the nation for cause. The Merkles pick at least assistance dogs for people with a professional dog handler the past 21 years, according to one puppy from each litter to with disabilities. who will show several dogs at the American Kennel Club. be fostered with a family who Anne, an associate librarian at the same event. “The agility When choosing an animal will raise it for Paws With A Grand Valley, is more involved events are usually local, but I to breed, Anne said she looks Cause, a local organization that with the dogs on a day-to-day have attended them throughout for healthy qualities in the specializes in raising assistance basis than is Bart, vice provost the state,” Anne said. “As the dog, including hips, elbows, dogs for people with disabilities. for student affairs and dean of dogs and I get better at it, heart strength and eyes. Over The Merkles raise the puppies students. She works with their we hope to travel more to the years she’s been able to to about seven weeks before family dogs to train for agility compete, even to events that determine which animals should they either go to a home or to contests, where the dogs run a are out of state.” be bred together to get the most Paws. One of their dogs, whose course with obstacles, trying to The Labs the Merkles breed gentle, smart, good-tempered full name is “CH AnnaBar Louie get a “clean run” in the fastest are big, stocky dogs, with large dogs possible. Laker CGC RN,” is the father time. She also works with the barrel chests and massive paws, She makes the determination to many Paws puppies since dogs that are show-ready — often referred to as English-bred based upon traits of both they use him regularly in their several of the family dogs are Labs. Anne said she likes these parents, trying to pair animals breeding program. champions in the show ring. traits, whereas other types of that will produce what the AKC The Merkles currently have Anne trains the dogs in stages, purebred Labs (like American- calls the breed standard, or the several dogs at home, along with starting with the puppies when bred Labs) are sleeker and have standard dogs are judged against three horses, and a mini-horse. they’re about eight weeks old. longer, more pointed noses. The in conformation shows. They plan to keep breeding Labs It begins simply, with making specific type the Merkles breed “Breeding medically sound so Anne can continue working the puppy sit before eating, but generally end up being quite dogs that have attributes that with a few of the dogs on agility over time they progress to a large, with females weighing complement each other is the and show training. “down” and then to a “sit and about 65 pounds, and males way a breeder tries to produce The dogs, including Louie stay” command, she said. Taking averaging anywhere from 75 to puppies that are as close to the Laker, MacGyver (MAC), walks also serves as training 80 pounds when fully grown. breed standard as possible,” Landon, Logan and Chloe, time. They’re instructed to walk “They’re big dogs, but there Anne said. “When my dog are family. The Merkles said to the left and behave, and to sit aren’t kinder animals out there earns the required points in the they’ll continue to have Labs when they’re stopped. than our Labs,” Bart said. “They conformation ‘show’ ring to around for their spirit, love and Little treats help the dogs have distinct personalities, and become a champion, then the companionship.

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Laker nation

The second-biggest crowd, at 15,139, in Lubbers Stadium history watched the Lakers win their home opener against Notre Dame (Ohio), 83-46. Fans also enjoyed new renovations, including 2,000 more seats. photo courtesy of Sports Information