Student leaders and advisors are working collaboratively to revitalize Black Greek life on campus, not just through ceremonies and symbols, but through tangible acts of leadership, academic support and community engagement. By holding new member presentations—many for the first time in years—signals not just a return, but a reinvestment in scholarship, service and cultural representation on campus.

On Sunday, March 23, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held a reactivation ceremony for the GVSU Chi Xi Chapter, designating the sorority’s return to the University after a period of inactivity. Two days later, on Tuesday, March 25, the Chi Xi Chapter introduced itself to the campus community with a new member presentation. The event welcomed four recently initiated members who now represent the revitalized chapter.

The resurgence of NPHC organizations at GVSU has been marked by several fraternities reestablishing their presence. The Pi Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. announced its return to GVSU with a presentation on March 27. The event aimed to relaunch the fraternity’s legacy of brotherhood, excellence and tradition. Similarly, the Iota Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. reintroduced itself to the GVSU community on March 20. The event highlighted the group’s commitment to leadership and service. 

“It’s exciting to see the growing presence of NPHC organizations at GVSU,” said Kamora Johnson, president of the Chi Xi Chapter. 

New member presentations are a long-standing tradition in NPHC organizations. They publicly honor the commitment of new initiates, showcasing their identity within the organization, line names and the positions they hold.

“Each member is given a name that represents their personality and character traits,” McCloud said. “This is a tradition within NPHC organizations that honors the hard work and dedication of new members.”

The “line” structure assigns members positions such as “Ace,” “Deuce,” “Tre” and “Tail,” which often indicate the order in which members crossed and their leadership role or dynamic within the group.

The reactivation of Zeta Phi Beta is part of a broader trend of renewed momentum within the University’s Black Greek-letter community. Founded in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was established to champion the highest standards of scholarship and service while fostering sisterhood and integrity.

“Over 105 years ago, our five founders envisioned a sorority that would raise the consciousness of all women, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement and foster a commitment to serving others,” said Laila McCloud, the GVSU chapter’s undergraduate advisor. “Zeta Phi Beta has consistently focused on addressing social issues through our international platform.”

According to McCloud, that mission is evident in the chapter’s activities both on and off campus.

“Some of the activities we’ve hosted include Cupcakes and Conversations, study tables and making care packages for residents of Green Acres in Allendale,” McCloud said. “We are also planning a stress-relief activity to provide encouragement to students during finals week and are developing programming for the 2025-2026 academic year.”

As the Chi Xi Chapter looks ahead, recruitment remains a vital part of its plans.

“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is looking for women who want to grow as leaders,” McCloud said. “For 105 years, Zeta has been a trailblazing organization filled with women who are leaders on college campuses and in their professions.”

McCloud emphasized the importance of academic commitment and campus engagement for those interested in membership. She stated that prospective members must demonstrate a commitment to their academic goals by having at least a 2.75 GPA, be involved on campus and in the community, value sisterhood and “carry themselves with class and dignity.”

McCloud called attention to the impact of groups having renewed campus presence.

“These organizations have a long-standing legacy of academic excellence, community service and social justice,” stated McCloud.

BHEF is a national nonprofit that unites corporate and higher education leaders to address skills gaps and workforce readiness. Fox’s presentation, which was grounded in national data and years of BHEF research, examined how colleges and universities can better serve students and regional economies by embedding real-world skills, building partnerships and embracing flexible, lifelong learning pathways.

The managing director, a national leader in the education-to-employment strategy, set the mood for the event with a reality check for students and faculty alike.

“We are at a really important moment for higher education,” Fox said. “It’s a critical engine of economic growth, mobility and democratic strength, but we must evolve to meet the moment.”

Fox began by referencing a Georgetown University study showing that a bachelor’s degree typically yields an additional $1.2 million in lifetime earnings. However, she warned that public confidence in higher education is waning, as just 36% of Americans currently express trust in the educational system. Fox believes one major reason for this is employment outcomes.

“If a college degree doesn’t lead to a good job, people start to question the value (of education),” Fox said.

Data from the Strada Education Foundation showed that 52% of graduates are underemployed one year after graduating college, and many remain underemployed even 10 years later. Fox used the GVSU stage to spotlight the mission of BHEF.

“Our business partners tell us they need a different kind of graduate, someone with not just technical ability, but durable skills like adaptability, collaboration, communication and leadership,” Fox said. “These power skills are what drive mobility in a fast-changing economy.”

BHEF is working with institutions nationwide to create interdisciplinary models that embed industry-validated micro-credentials into degree programs. Institutions like the University of Florida and Drake University are leading this work in A.I. literacy and digital proficiency, respectively.

A significant focus of Fox’s talk was on experiential learning.

“Internships, co-ops and project-based learning directly correlate with higher wages, lower underemployment and greater career satisfaction,” Fox said. “But, we’re not offering enough of them.”

According to Fox, each year, 8.2 million students seek internships, but only 2.5 million land high-quality opportunities. Another 4.6 million miss out completely– especially students of color and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“We need more flexible, diverse models,” Fox said, citing examples like Arizona State University’s Work+ program and Northeastern University’s Experiential Network. “It’s not just about offering internships, it’s about structuring them equitably and intentionally.”

After the presentation, Mantella joined Fox for a Q&A session centered on how GVSU can lead regional efforts to offer students more than just a degree by providing them with the skills, experiences and connections needed to succeed after graduation.

Mantella asked Fox about less transactional, more holistic business partnerships.

“It starts with shared goals and clarity about the problem you’re solving together,” responded Fox. “Whether it’s a talent shortage or regional growth, there must be alignment and trust between education and business leaders.”

Mantella, highlighted the University’s ongoing efforts to reach 100% experiential learning participation, questioning Fox for any advice she might have for GVSU to be on the cutting edge.

“You already have the ingredients, (which are) agility, regional connection and a diverse industry base,” Fox said. “I’d challenge GVSU to design backward from the jobs of the future. Embed skills across majors, lean into interdisciplinary work and maintain real-time dialogue with your business partners.”

Fox also explored how higher education must adapt to a new generation of learners– those who are delaying college, working full time and seeking alternative credentials.

“Education is no longer linear,” Fox said. “We need to provide flexible, stackable credentials so students can work and return with momentum.”

For attendees, which ranged from faculty to local business leaders, the President Forum’s message was clear: education and industry must build new bridges if they want to prepare students for a fast-evolving world.

Students who attended the event had the opportunity to check in at the entrance, and were given a small “passport” booklet. As they visited different booths and learned about unique cultural elements, they were able to collect stamps. One way to earn a stamp, for example, was to say a tongue twister in Chinese. The festival’s cultural immersion experiences highlighted how international experiences can shape personal and professional growth, and leave lasting impressions for years to come.

The Japanese booth featured contemporary manga books and traditional artifacts like Karuta playing cards, which offered a blend of pop culture and heritage. Nearby, the Department of Classics booth invited students to take photos in front of a green-screen backdrop of ancient Greece, allowing them to pose among historic temples and statues.

Kristen Cloutier, the Padnos International Center’s programs coordinator, ran one of the festival’s booths. Cloutier emphasized the accessibility and flexibility of the University’s Study Abroad program.

“We have an open policy that allows students to study nearly anywhere in the world,” Cloutier said. “You can go abroad within your major or fulfill general education credits. Language students especially benefit from the immersion experience.”

Cloutier added that program lengths can vary from two weeks to full academic years. She also noted popular destinations where students can live, learn and explore for less than the cost of a typical semester at GVSU, including Cyprus, Thailand and Seville, Spain.

“You can technically go abroad for up to four semesters,” Cloutier said. “Plus, students can use financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost, and in some cases, it can be more affordable than staying at Grand Valley.”

Another highlight of the festival was a live puppet performance led by Professor Jason Yancey from the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. Yancey, who teaches a Spanish-language puppet theater course at GVSU, has more than 15 years of puppeteering experience, and has created over 200 custom puppets. His students write and produce original Spanish puppet shows, crafting their own puppets and performing at Spanish immersion elementary schools in West Michigan.

Kristi Pawlak, an adjunct professor of Japanese language at GVSU, also performed at the festival on the koto, a 13-stringed Japanese instrument.

Pawlak spent a single year abroad as a high school exchange student, which inspired her to have a lifelong relationship with Japanese culture, music and language. Her journey began with a leap of faith into the unfamiliar. For Pawlak, the koto became a bridge between cultures, communication and personal growth.

“I was placed in the countryside of Japan, where there were no English speakers,” Pawlak said. “My host family were rice farmers, and they felt it was important for me to learn about traditional Japanese culture.”

With no common language between herself and her music instructor, Pawlak learned the koto strictly by observing and mimicking.

“I didn’t speak Japanese at the time, and my teacher didn’t speak English,” Pawlak said. “I had to learn by watching, listening and imitating. Eventually, I even learned kanji characters to read the music.”

Despite challenges, Pawlak studied the instrument weekly for a full year. Her dedication paid off when she was able to perform at a local music hall with her teacher.

Since being back in Michigan, Pawlak continues to share her passion for Japanese culture not only through her performances, but in the classroom as well. She brought her koto home with her from Japan, a tangible reminder of her time in Japan. Pawlak recently performed two pieces for an audience– “Sando no Shirame” (“Three-Step Melody”) and “Sakura” (“Cherry Blossom”). The latter is a beloved staple in Japanese culture.

“It’s (‘Sakura’) a song every kid in Japan knows and sings,” Pawlak said.

From music to manga, puppets to passport stamps, the Global Language and Culture Festival offered students a hands-on experience of the world beyond campus. For attendees like those drawn to Pawlak’s koto performance or inspired by Cloutier’s international stories, the event served as a reminder that language and culture aren’t just academic subjects– they’re lived experiences that can open doors to new opportunities. 

The competition included musical acts, comedic interludes from the event’s emcees, dance ensembles and magic tricks, with the audience responding in uproars of cheers, applause and participation throughout the night. The GV’s Got Talent winner traditionally opens the Spring Concert, which has featured artists such as T-Pain in 2023 and Lauren Alaina in 2024. This year, the announcement of the concert’s headliner has been delayed. CAB has stated the performer will be announced soon.

GV’s Got Talent has been a part of the University’s student life experience for several years. Ignite Dance Company, a past winner, contributed to the event by performing a hip-hop choreography showcase. CAB promoted GV’s Got Talent through posters, social media, tabling and word-of-mouth. Dana Krol, CAB’s graduate assistant for programming, said the goal was to encourage as many students as possible to audition.

“We tried to reach as much of (the) campus as we could so students would know this is something they could participate in,” Krol said. “Grand Valley has some talented students.”

Student Mattisyn Hunkele opened the show, performing a cover of “My Tears Ricochet” by Taylor Swift. Tiffany Woodka sang a selection from “A Star Is Born,” and songwriter Lucas Fridsma showcased his musical abilities with an original composition played on a seven-string electric guitar. Rapper Lezzu brought original hip-hop to the stage with his song “Partycentral,” which energized the crowd.

Other acts included Saniya Traylor singing “From The Start” by Laufey, magician Mitchell Roelofs, who invited audience volunteers and the judges to participate onstage for interactive card tricks, and rapper Evan Bolla, who performed Eminem’s “Godzilla.” Bolla drew a loud uproar of cheers during the song’s fast-paced lyrics.

The competition also included amusing moments. Anthony Erlandson opened their set with a microphone test that quickly turned into an electronic, beat-driven performance of their original song “Bored,” which prompted high spirits from the audience. 

“I wish I could have Auto-Tune ingrained in my vocal cords,” Erlandson said. “This event is such a cool opportunity to share music and have fun with everyone.”

Performers were evaluated on stage presence, creativity and preparedness. Scholarship prizes were awarded to the top three acts, while the People’s Choice Award was determined by an audience vote. First place was given to Woodka, who also won the opportunity to open the upcoming Spring Concert. Fridsma was recognized in second place for his original electric guitar composition. Third place was a tie, but was awarded to Flavia Marcello with “Proud Mary,” and Lauren Roth and Brady Warner, whose harmonica and keyboard duet of “Piano Man” had the audience swaying along with their phone flashlights. Lezzu was selected by popular vote for the People’s Choice Award.

As the final round of applause faded and the last notes of music echoed throughout the Grand River Room, CAB members began packing up for the night, taking down the gold “GV” balloons and banners, and putting them away until next year. Though the stage lights dimmed and the decorations came down, GV’s Got Talent remains a cherished tradition at GVSU, giving students a platform to share their talents, especially as the campus community now shifts its anticipation toward the upcoming Spring Concert.

The gathering provided an informal setting for students and alumni to engage in conversation over a catered dinner. Attendees discussed career trajectories, industry challenges and the transition from academia to professional life. For the students, the event offered invaluable insights into how their education at GVSU can translate into real-world careers. Engaging with professionals who were once in their position allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations and the skills necessary to thrive.

Noise Floor, which is co-owned by GVSU alum Bryen Hensley, specializes in sound for commercials, film, television, radio, web, video games and interactive projects. The studio boasts over 30 years of experience in creating immersive audio projects. Noise Floor’s extensive portfolio includes collaborations on projects such as “Hoop Dreams,” “Apollo 13” and the “Halo” video game series. Their client list features prominent names like Coca-Cola, EGO, the Big Ten Network and Warner Brothers.

Elysia Azzi, a student filmmaker in attendance, has a deep passion for storytelling and a strong foundation in film and media production. Her journey began in high school when she worked as a camera operator for a live comedy show, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in the industry. Since then, she has expanded her skills by volunteering in various production roles. Through these experiences, Azzi has worked on live productions and collaborated with fellow filmmakers. 

“Attending the film and video Chicago trip gave me a clearer vision of the many paths available in the industry and the importance of building connections within the film community,” said Azzi. “It showed me that a filmmaking career is possible. This trip reassured me that there are so many opportunities out there, and it motivated me to keep pursuing what I love and what I’m most passionate about.”

Hensley and fellow film alum Tom Seffernick hosted the students, and noted that speaking to alumni from diverse fields such as production, post-production, animation, graphic design, and writing provided students with a comprehensive view of potential career paths. Hensley felt the event was incredibly important, as students were exposed to varying aspects of the industry.

“The alumni were from all different disciplines in the film and entertainment industry, so it was great for current students to get a sense of life after school from different perspectives,” said Hensley. “The GVSU film program is pretty far-reaching and getting more so every day. Chicago is just one place that has a very strong GVSU contingent, but other places like Los Angeles and New York also have strong representation.”

Suzanne Zack, an affiliate professor in film and video production, helped organize the event. She highlighted the gathering as a way to build community and connection between current students and alumni. Zack observed that such events allow alumni to reconnect, build new relationships and share advice with students, thereby strengthening the overall GVSU community.

“We really value and admire our GVSU film and video alumni,” Zack said. “Gatherings like this give everyone the opportunity to connect and feel the benefit of the community. There were alums who reconnected with each other at the event, (as well as) alums who met and built a connection. Alums (also) connected with the current students, welcomed them to Chicago and shared the kind of advice they wish they had heard when they were in school.”

The Chicago Film & Video Alumni Gathering underscores the value of experiential learning and networking in preparing students for successful careers– in this case, in the film and entertainment industry. By connecting students with alumni and providing firsthand exposure to professional environments like Noise Floor, students were able to network in their chosen profession and increase their knowledge.

Many of the event’s activities reflected the outdoor adventure feel of a summer camp, the weekend’s theme. A survival skills workshop took place, where participants learned to tie rope, identify edible and poisonous plants and understand basic outdoor safety. Other hands-on activities included arts and crafts, slime-making and interactive games.

“So many Lakers, (whether they be) faculty, staff (or) students, have young children or siblings who want to see what they do here at school,” said CAB President Bridie Tolley. “This (Sibs and Kids Weekend) is a great way for them (children and siblings) to experience Grand Valley and just have fun.”

Tolley said Sibs and Kids Weekend continues to grow each year, and brings together various GVSU departments to create a memorable experience for visiting families. This year, partners included other campus departments, such as Recreation & Wellness, Housing and Residence Life and more.

Each year, the event features a different theme. Last year’s theme was “Under the Sea,” while this year’s focus was a summer camp experience.

“Our students (in CAB) wanted a summer camp vibe, and there’s so much you can do with that,” said Tolley.

Beyond activities, Sibs and Kids provided guests with full access to campus facilities, including free admission to the weekend’s basketball games and transportation services.

“When sibs and kids come here, they are treated like GVSU students, which is kind of the fun part about it (the weekend),” Tolley said.

Technology played a key role in this year’s event, as a technology showcase was held on Feb. 21 by the University’s IT Innovation and Research team. The showcase featured virtual reality headsets and 3D-printed giveaways. Visitors received 3D printed keychains with GVSU’s logo, and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various virtual reality experiences.

That same day, guests toured a climate-related exhibit at the GVSU Art Museum and participated in a community weaving project that utilized fabrics and found materials. The interactive exhibit encouraged attendees to contribute to a larger piece while engaging in discussions about sustainability and artistic expression.

Another highlight of the weekend was the S’more Improv comedy show on Feb. 21 by Subject to Change, an improv club at GVSU. The group engaged the audience with spontaneous and absurd humor, pulling suggestions from the crowd to build their scenes.

“We (asked) the crowd for a random news segment, the craziest one (they) can think of,” said Bryan Hanes, a member of Subject to Change.

The result was an unpredictable act that featured newscasters reporting on rewriting the theory of relativity. Later in the performance, the group acted out a storybook reading of a dystopian tale that included kangaroos. 

“Camp nights are usually filled with scary stories, but our S’more Improv show was filled with laughter,” said Hanes.

As Sibs and Kids Weekend continues to expand, it remains a tradition that allows students to share their university experience with loved ones, and engage in activities that showcase community at GVSU.

Clients for CreateAThon included Still I Run, Momentum Center, John Ball Area Neighbors, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and the Empowered Trail Foundation. The goal was to help nonprofits amplify their missions and make a lasting difference in their communities.

CreateAThon was no ordinary workday for the event’s participants. It was a marketing and communications sprint in which students tackled a range of projects, including designing mission statements, brochures, planning events and creating mascots. Participants split into teams, who developed strategic plans, content calendars and brand materials to help the nonprofits continue their work effectively once the event commenced. The event allowed students to develop valuable professional skills in a high-pressure environment. Participants learned how to collaborate, manage time efficiently and think creatively under tight deadlines.

For GVSU student Shelby Huerta, who served as the event’s account executive and coordinator, planning CreateAThon took months of preparation. A dedicated GrandPR team worked behind the scenes by coordinating with nonprofits, recruiting student volunteers and securing event sponsors. With the event taking place without a hitch, Huerta’s memories of CreateAThon are nothing short of fulfilling.

“Working alongside fellow GrandPR members was both exciting and rewarding,” Huerta said. “Engaging with sponsors and clients pushed me beyond my comfort zone (and) helped me discover a (deeper) passion for nonprofit organizations and their missions.”

Similarly, Ana Zapata, GrandPR’s chief operations officer, played a key role in ensuring the event ran smoothly. Zapata had participated in previous CreateAThons and knew what to expect from the tireless commitment. 

“We had several different activities throughout the day (and night) to keep our teams energized,” Zapata said. “I didn’t sleep for the entire 24 hours, but it (CreateAThon) was all worth it to see how much we accomplished in such a short time.”

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse has worked with GrandPR on multiple projects over the years, and was a strong partner of the event.

“GrandPR has forged a strong partnership with the Center for Civil Discourse through multiple projects, professional development and some GrandPR members (have even) worked in their office,” said Zapata. “It (the partnership) made this project that much more meaningful for the team (of participants) that worked on it (the event).”

The event itself has been a mainstay for GrandPR since 2018, while the national CreateAThon organization was created in 2002. Each year, the event focuses on a different theme. In 2024, the theme was education, and this year, it revolved around community impact.

“CreateAThon provides students with the unique opportunity to see how much they can accomplish within a 24-hour time frame,” Zapata said. “The work we do during CreateAThon is incredibly impactful for the organizations we work with.”

Founded by AJ Dykema, a wildlife biology student at GVSU, the group is taking off with a mission to deepen appreciation for birds and their ecological importance. Ornithology Club held their first birding trip on Friday, Feb. 7, which allowed club members to hike the University’s trails and observe varying bird species. 

For Dykema, their birding journey began in the Winter 2024 semester when they took an ornithology class with Professors Joe Jacquot and Nick Preville. What started as a class quickly became an obsession. Armed with a new pair of binoculars and employed at a public park, Dykema began birding almost daily, spotting diverse species. Their growing love for birds soon led them to search for a campus organization where fellow enthusiasts could connect, only to find that none existed.

“I was surprised when I found out we (the University) didn’t have one (a birding club), so I took it upon myself to remedy that,” Dykema said.

Ornithology Club became official with the support of additional E-board members, Ambrose Hillman, Kira Belcher and Lyn Andrews, along with the group’s faculty advisor, Professor Daniel Goldberg. Now, the club is eager to welcome both seasoned birders and complete beginners into the flock.

However, the group isn’t just about watching birds, it’s also about advocacy, education and conservation.

“Much like there is ‘plant blindness,’ where humans tend to overlook plant species, we believe there is something similar with birds,” Dykema said.

While it might go over most people’s heads, birds play an essential role in ecosystems by pollinating plants, dispersing seeds and controlling pest populations. The club hopes to raise awareness of these vital contributions while also advocating for avian conservation and research. Through birding expeditions, the club leaders hope members will not only sharpen their bird identification skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for birds’ beauty.

The club’s first official birding trip was just the beginning. Future outings will take members to some of the region’s best birding spots, including the Muskegon Wastewater Treatment Plant, a prime location for spotting waterfowl and shorebirds. They will also visit Grand Ravines Park, home to a diverse range of songbirds and raptors, as well as Lake Michigan’s shoreline, a haven for gulls, terns and other coastal species. With each trip, members will have the chance to sharpen their birding skills and explore the natural biotope of West Michigan.

“Observing birds in the wild is stimulating and fascinating,” Dykema said. “Even if you aren’t particularly interested in their biology, birds boast some of the most vibrant colors found in the animal kingdom. (Birding) is a wonderful opportunity to engage yourself with the outdoors.”

Beyond birding trips, the club aims to collaborate with local avian rescues by helping injured birds and supporting conservation efforts. Additionally, they plan to advocate for bird-friendly initiatives on campus, such as installing anti-collision decals to reduce bird strikes on dorm and classroom windows.

For Dykema, birding is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifelong passion that offers intellectual stimulation, outdoor adventure and a sense of connection with nature. They hope others will discover the same joy.

“Birds are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems and (they) contribute to our planet’s awe-inspiring faunal and floral biodiversity,” Dykema said. “Birds made their earthly debut (having) evolved from Theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic times, making them a species with an incredibly rich and interesting evolutionary history.”

Andrews, the club’s membership officer, is especially excited to build a community of people who share a passion for nature and discovery.

“During the summer, I was able to go birding very frequently, but since the school year started, I’ve had very few opportunities,” Andrews said. “While I would still consider myself new to birding, and have only gone on trips alone, I am thrilled to start again and meet others who have the same interest in ornithology.” 

Andrews’ journey with birding began in high school when her psychology teacher, who also ran Nature Club, introduced her to the “hidden magic” of wooded ecosystems.

“There’s a quiet focus and anticipation in birding that requires you to be fully present, and after a while, you can notice that magic in your daily life,” Andrews said.

Her passion for ornithology inspired her to join the club’s E-board. She jumped at the chance to be involved, and encourages other students to do the same.

With members eager to band together for birding, Ornithology Club’s future events and meeting times are to be determined.

On Friday, Jan. 31, Grand Valley State University’s Anthropology Department hosted “Land Acknowledgements in Anthropology: Starting the Conversation,” which was planned by Anthropology Professor Steven Dorland and Lin Bardwell, senior advisor to Native Affairs at GVSU. The event brought together faculty, students and community members to explore the significance of land acknowledgments and the deep history of Indigenous tribes whose land the University occupies.

During the event, attendees reflected on the role of land acknowledgments in academic settings and beyond. Land acknowledgments serve as a reminder that universities and institutions across North America were built on Indigenous land. They honor the history, traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples, while also encouraging dialogue about ways to support Indigenous communities. Those at the event discussed how anthropology as a field can help build relationships with Indigenous faculty, students and local tribal nations.

GVSU is located on the ancestral lands of the Three Fires Confederacy, which consists of the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) peoples. These tribes are part of the larger Anishinaabe cultural and linguistic group, which has historically lived throughout the Great Lakes region. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding these tribes’ origins, their historical connections to the Grand River and their continued presence in Michigan.

The Odawa, known for their trading networks, historically lived along the shores of Lake Michigan and played a vital role in commerce between Indigenous nations and European settlers. The Grand River was a key trade route used by the Odawa for transporting goods and establishing trade relationships. The Ojibwe, the largest Indigenous group in the region, have been known for their spiritual guidance and hunting traditions. The Potawatomi, often referred to as the “Keepers of the Fire” within the Three Fires Confederacy, were responsible for maintaining the central council fire, which was a sacred flame used for unity and decision-making among tribes.

Many Potawatomi people were forcibly displaced in the 19th century due to U.S. government policies but have since reestablished communities in Michigan. They have played a role in forming alliances and maintaining cultural traditions that continue today. 

“The Three Fires People are Indigenous to this land, which means this is their ancestral territory,” read the event’s land acknowledgment. “Every university is built on stolen, native land. We are guests on their (Indigenous peoples) land, and one way to practice right relations is to develop genuine ways to acknowledge the histories and traditions of the people who originated here first, who are still here, and who tend to the land always.”

Indigenous history discussions and advocacy extend beyond this event and have been an ongoing topic of conversation at GVSU. During the Fall 2024 semester, National Native American Heritage Month was celebrated through Indigi-Fest, a cultural event organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Indigenous students and alumni. The event featured workshops on food sovereignty, language preservation and decolonizing education, as well as a screening of “Two-Spirit PowWow,” which highlights the inclusion of various identities in Indigenous traditions. Other advocacy efforts made by the Native American Student Association (NASA) have aimed to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and other Indigenous crises and issues. 

The land acknowledgment discussion is part of the Anthropology Department’s broader mission to provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with others.

Enter the Baking Club, a budding community that celebrates creativity, connection and, of course, sweet treats.

The club’s founding members, including Rylee Hotchkiss, had a clear goal in mind from the start. They wanted to create a space where students of all skill levels could come together to share recipes, make baked goods and form friendships.

“The main goal of the Baking Club is to foster a community where people feel welcome to share recipes, sweet treats and form new friendships with those who have similar interests,” Hotchkiss said. “We try to plan fun events that draw people in, and get people to be creative and interact with others.”

In its short time as an official organization, Baking Club has already left a mark on campus. Last semester, the group held a holiday cookie decorating session. Members were provided with cookies, frosting, and decorating supplies to create their own edible masterpieces. 

“One of my favorite events last semester was the sugar cookie decorating event,” Lily Schaub, the club’s financial officer, said. “It was a delicious way to celebrate the holidays before everyone left for winter break.” 

For Schaub, baking has personal significance. It has always been a way for her to stay connected with family. Even now, Schaub fondly recalls making Snickerdoodle cookies with family as a child. 

“When I was younger, I would go to my aunt’s house with my sister and we would help her bake snickerdoodles from scratch,” Schaub said. “They were amazing.”

The club’s events are designed to be interactive and accessible. Members don’t just watch someone bake– they get their hands dirty. From cookie decorating to cake-pop-making, the focus is hands-on learning.

“It’s more fun when members can be hands-on rather than just hearing about a recipe,” Hotchkiss said.

Looking ahead, the club has big plans for the semester. On March 12, they will host their first-ever bake-off. Members will bring their homemade creations to compete in a bracket-style tournament, with participants voting for their favorite treats. The event will not only showcase culinary skills, but also provide opportunities for connection, as well as prizes for winners.

The club also aims to collaborate with other student organizations. While the specifics are still being finalized, the partnerships seek to blend baking with other interests and hobbies.

To Hotchkiss, Baking Club’s inclusive approach has been integral to its early success. With a commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of baking experience, feels welcome, the club has attracted a diverse mix of students that are eager to learn and share their love of baked goods.

“Our goal is to make sure that no matter what your prior baking experience is, you feel like you can participate,” Hotchkiss said.

From the excitement of their first meeting to their planned bake-off, the club’s warm and welcoming environment continues to draw in students who might not have otherwise found such a niche on campus. Considering their passionate leadership team, the future of Baking Club may shine as warmly as a golden-brown tray of cookies fresh from the oven. Despite growing their group, the roommates remain dedicated to their original vision– fostering a community where baking is about more than just the end result. As the club’s motto states, they’ll “bake it ‘till they make it.”