The event will include a 5k fun run, two-mile walk, one-mile dog walk and kids’ run and aims to promote exercise health in the community. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt. In addition, there will be an Easter egg hunt and Easter Bunny appearance.

Irwin was inspired to organize the festivities because of her love for running. She has competed in similar 5k events and triathlons, but is excited to participate this time around with WGVU and the local community.

“It’s an opportunity not only to strengthen the heart, but sharpen the mind,” Irwin said. “I enjoy taking one step at a time to achieve a goal, whether it’s training for a 5k, a triathlon or a marathon.”

Iriwn feels the race has the benefit of bringing like-minded people together. Since it will be the inaugural fun run, she is hoping to set the tone going forward and make the event a staple in the West Michigan community. 

“One always looks to the ‘inaugural’ for setting the bar, but here’s hoping this event will encourage an annual healthy gathering,” Irwin said. “In my world, (I hope) do this every year to both fund and friend-raise in the spirit of fitness.”

Irwin said the idea started as a unique fundraising opportunity for WGVU and morphed into a community event that focuses on health and wellness.

Laura Caprara, who owns the digital marketing firm Stellafly, is acting as the race’s director. Caprara seeks to bring awareness to a cause she truly believes in: the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“As a long-time advocate for fitness and community engagement, it was a natural fit to help organize an event that brings people together while encouraging physical activity,” Caprara said. “My background in community events and network of local contacts made it possible to gather the right team to make this run a success.”

Caprara said she originally became involved in the fun run because of her connection to Irwin, as they both knew each other from the local running scene. With the inaugural event comes the pressure of hosting an enjoyable gathering—Caprara is ready for the challenge.

“Beyond the numbers, we want to create an inclusive experience by adding adaptive race options and expanding our family-friendly activities,” Caprara said. “We’ve set a goal to make this the most community-focused fun run yet.”

As far as Caprara is concerned, there are many benefits to holding a fun run. An emphasis on community is something that Caprara and Irwin both highlighted.

“Events like the run create essential community bonds while promoting health and wellness,” Caprara said. “They (runs) bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a positive environment.”

To Caprara, attendees at fun runs are able to recognize how their participation directly benefits both their personal health and the community.

“It’s a wonderful way for families to be active together and for individuals to challenge themselves in a supportive setting,” Caprara said. “We’ve made sure there’s something enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re running or cheering.”

However, leaving wasn’t the only difficulty that she was left to face.

“My mother is Bosnian and my father is Serbian,” Kujovic said. “My parents had to leave everything just to give me and my brother a better opportunity that they couldn’t have. My mom, brother and I are deaf. We all have to wear hearing devices to assist us.”

Growing up in America, Kujovic had to learn new customs, as well as those her parents brought over from the Balkans. According to Kujovic, navigating the two worlds proved difficult, and the process ended up being filled with trial and error.

“There are different customs and languages, such as Bosnian, which my parents speak,” Kujovic said. “However, due to being deaf of hearing, I never learned to speak Bosnian. English was my native language instead.”

While America has offered fresh opportunities for Kujovic and her family, many people have been less than understanding about her background.

“During middle school, I started taking small steps toward my independence well before adulthood,” Kujovic said. “I had to learn to stand up for myself, which is not an easy thing to do.”

By the time she made it to GVSU, by way of Grand Rapids Community College, she was excited to learn and focus on writing. At the same time, Kujovic made sure to seek out the University’s accessibility support resources. This choice is one she recommends to any student with a disability.

“Advocate for yourself,” Kujovic said. “Given that most people have no experience with my disabilities, it’s hard for others to anticipate my needs or challenges, which has led to instances of mental anguish. Since then, I have had to learn to advocate for myself, not just in public spaces, but (at school) and in the workplace as well.”

Even though Kujovic has moved through the University’s writing program like any other student, she’s never let the reality of her condition escape her mind.

“There will be people (that) assume or believe that disabled people cannot contribute to society in any meaningful way,” Kujovic said. “You have to be mentally prepared for any situation because you never know how people will react to your disability.”

Still, Kujovic always felt supported at GVSU, and recommends the University to high schoolers planning their future.

“My favorite part of attending GVSU is how supportive the program and professors are,” Kujovic said. “Whenever I am in doubt, I talk to my advisor and my concerns are addressed. There are great career advisors that can help you get an idea of what career you want, (and how) that relates to your degree.”

There have been many helpful professors along the way who made the college experience that much more meaningful for Kujovic. One figure in particular was Kujovic’s statistics professor, Joshua Daniel.

“He (Daniel) is my favorite professor at GVSU because he helps me understand math in many ways,” Kujovic said. “He also cuts down the fluff and gets straight to the point. If you have a hard time understanding the topic, he will find a different approach to help you learn better, which is a huge difference. Having a professor that cares about their students makes a huge difference in learning.”

Kujovic’s proudest moment of her writing career thus far was composing an essay titled, “The Meaning of Disability as a Whole,” in which she explored the meaning of disability in cultural, social and economic contexts. The paper has encouraged her to keep pushing on, even though it was not without obstacles of its own.

“My teacher was so impressed by the essay that she told me I should submit (it) to a writing contest,” Kujovic said. “I did, and unfortunately, I did not win the contest, but it was still my proudest moment of my writing career.”

As for her future career, Kujovic has taken a personal interest in technical writing. Originally brought to her attention by a friend who suggested she consider the discipline as a viable career path, Kujovic has come to enjoy the focus and simplicity that goes along with explaining concepts, such as through instruction manuals.

“I love learning and breaking down the concepts in a way I can understand,” Kujovic said. “Technical writing teaches me discipline and patience in the process. I used to be overwhelmed with complex topics, but since doing technical writing, it (the discipline) has helped me realize that every new piece of information does not have to be scary. You can break it down and do (it) one step at a time.”

For Kujovic, it was a comforting realization to understand that not all writing had to encompass overly descriptive and flowery prose. When she discovered there’s a whole career field available to writers who use their work in a more literal and practical way, she was totally on board.

“Technical writing does require creativity,” Kujovic said. “It (technical writing) is about how you use creative thinking to communicate information. You do not need to be an expert in everything. What matters is your willingness to learn and be curious about everything.”

The vast diversity of applications for technical writing intrigued her as well. She found that while technical writing made sense to her as a chosen career path, she could also use this new skill to help others make sense of complex ideas.

“It (technical writing) is about how you are willing to use critical, creative thinking (skills), and work with people to produce the best work possible in a way that will benefit not just professionals, but the general public as well,” Kujovic said.

Recently, Kujovic has refined her interests even further, and has begun to focus on scientific topics. A dream of hers would be to combine her major and science into a job where she can utilize technical writing to communicate ideas about scientific topics.

“My dream job would be working in the science field because I would love to work with scientists and be able to share exciting discoveries with the public,” Kujovic said. “For example, with the timely topic of climate change, I want to be part of the process by effectively communicating progress or issues, as well as breaking down complex topics into information that is easily understood by everyone.”

Kujovic’s story has been inspiring to those around her. Her brother, Zedin Kujovic, said her success at GVSU never surprised him, especially since he has watched her constantly overcome any obstacle put in front of her.

“Almina is, at the core of it all, a really honest, smart and an awesome person,” Zedin Kujovic said. “She’s struggled a lot in life, and persevered in many ways. Almina’s biggest strength is (her) ability to become friends with anyone. Another (strength) is definitely her ability to research, prepare and present information, especially in writing.”

There is something to be said for coming out strong on the other side of adversity. For someone like Almina Kujovic, who has had to overcome substantial adversity in a myriad of ways, she now feels stronger than ever.

“The path of obtaining a degree is full of ups and downs,” Almina Kujovic said. “There (are) times when you will be frustrated and question your self-worth, but in the end, it (perseverance) will pay off. Only you can make decisions (about) what you want to do for yourself, (because) no one else (can). After all, only you can make yourself happy. Don’t depend on others to make you happy because it’s not worth (your) mental health to ‘please’ someone.”

Now, Kujovic is looking toward the future. Set to graduate in December, she is looking to continue her story with an organization that values her skills as a writer, and appreciates the hard road that led her to where she is today.

There are two types of laptop services that are available from IT for student use– short-term and long-term loans. These loans help students who do not have access to laptops for both short and long periods of time.

“Short-term loaner laptops can be loaned out for a max of four hours from the Mary Idema Pew Library’s IT Service desk,” said McLaughlin-Gorski, the IT Service manager at GVSU. “You will need to provide your student ID to complete the transaction.”

McLaughlin-Gorski also mentioned that students on the Pew Campus can also make the same request at the Steelcase Library. This is the easiest and quickest method to obtain a laptop from the University. However, students who are looking to complete a long-term project or are waiting for their personal device to be repaired may want to consider a long-term laptop loan, which would entitle the student to an extended usage period.

The process to obtain a long-term laptop loan is a bit more complicated, as the request has to be approved by the University’s Replenish Basic Needs Center. Typically, these are laptops that are loaned out for two weeks, but must be requested in advance. Students cannot walk up to an IT Service desk and request laptops in the same manner as short-term loans. Specific instructions and regulations on the long-term loan program can be found on Replenish’s website.

“I have had a student walk up to the IT Service desk and request a long-term laptop,” McLaughlin-Gorski said. “I had to explain to the student that (at) that moment, I could (only) offer them a short-term loaner laptop for 4 hours.”

McLaughlin-Gorski added that once a student’s request is approved by Replenish for an agreed upon loan time, the University’s IT Service will fulfill the request. Students are then able to pick up their laptop from the IT Service once they’ve been contacted through email.

Since loaner laptops are a highly sought-after item, especially for students in a pinch, it is important to realize which times of the year are the busiest at the library. McLaughlin-Gorski wants students to know the library often faces high demand for loaner laptops during exam week and midterms, and encourages students to plan accordingly. In a true pinch, she recommends exploring other on-campus options for computer equipment.

“(While) you could wait until one (a laptop) becomes available, the best option is to use the numerous desktops across campus that are available,” McLaughlin-Gorski said.

McLaughlin-Gorski encourages students to take advantage of the University’s loaner laptops, permitting supply. However, she continues to caution students regarding the short supply of such technology on hand in the hopes of avoiding further shortages.

According to data by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the career’s workforce is composed of 67% white registered nurses. Further, nine percent is Asian, nine percent is Hispanic and four percent is Pacific Islander or identifies as multiple races. Less than one percent of the field identifies as American Indian or Alaskan Native. In addition, Men account for only 12% of all RNs.

Linda Lewandowski, the dean of KCON, recognizes the aforementioned statistics and is committed to making the nursing field more equitable and enticing to everyone.

“Although we are not where we want to be, we are getting better,” Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski pointed out that in 2020, the percentage of men in nursing nationwide was only 9.4%. At KCON, the percentage of male nursing students has increased to 16%.

Another other notable trend has been the fact that nurses from minority backgrounds are to be more likely to pursue higher degrees in the nursing field. Data shows that while 69.5% of white nurses complete nursing degrees beyond their associate degree, the number is significantly higher for minority nurses, including Hispanic (73.9%), Black (75.6%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (84.0%) and Asian (87.6%) nurses.

“Students can obtain RN licensure after achieving an associate degree from a community college,” Lewandowski said. “The trend is for nurses to then go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some work settings are (also) now requiring that ADN-prepared nurses obtain their BSN degree within a certain time period after hire.”

To Lewandowski, the traditional ascent into nursing is still a great one, but she is excited to see the tenacity and ambition of the marginalized nurses who are taking their nursing careers to the next level. Lewandowski feels this development elevates such nurses to leadership positions with higher pay than their white counterparts.

“RNs from underrepresented groups clearly recognize the need to pursue higher levels of nursing education beyond the entry level and, perhaps contrary to stereotypes and expectations, are pursuing further education and higher rates,” Lewandowski said.

Despite the demographic changes being witnessed in the nursing profession by Lewandowski and others, one characteristic of the field has remained constant: trust.

“Having a strong moral compass and a high sense of integrity are very important (for nurses),” Lewandowski said. “This is exemplified in the fact that for the 22nd year in a row, nurses were voted the most trusted profession in the U.S.”

Administrators and educators in nursing are well aware of the importance of these statistics and the need to help diversify the industry by making education available and accessible to any person who wishes to pursue it. Lewandowski is one such individual who would love to see an increase in diversity in the field.

“Implementing targeted outreach programs, providing scholarships and promoting mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups (is important),” Lewandowski said. “Collaborative efforts with community organizations, K-12 schools and colleges are helping to raise awareness about nursing as a rewarding career for people from all backgrounds.”

For some schools, changing the admissions process to include a more complete profile of a candidate’s background and abilities has been beneficial to increasing educational diversity.

“One change in academic settings is (the) move to holistic admissions, which give a more level playing field to applicants of all backgrounds,” Lewandowski said. “KCON has been doing holistic admissions for a number of years.”

If a certain field desires a more diverse range of candidates, support structures are often put in place to aid students. Such structures include funding and scholarships for those who might need an extra economic boost to pursue their dreams. At GVSU, the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program is offered through KCON, and aims to increase nursing education opportunities for marginalized students. The program is funded by the HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant. According to Lewandowski, the University was able to provide support and scholarships to 29 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students in the last three years.

“Providing academic and financial support is very important,” Lewandowski said. “We are now applying for a competing continuation grant for this project to reach more students of diverse backgrounds, as well as a couple of other proposals in review advancing similar goals.”

These programs and outreach initiatives are bolstered by specific DEI positions that promote and ensure that underrepresented groups have the same access to opportunities as their white counterparts.

“We are working hard to foster more inclusive environments in nursing schools and in healthcare settings to ensure diverse perspectives are welcomed and supported,” Lewandowski said.

She specifically mentioned that over the summer, KCON will introduce the position of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) coordinator. The role will report directly to the Lewandowski, and will aim to make the KCON environment more positive, nurturing, supportive and welcoming for all. According to Lewandowski, other strategies at the University include promoting flexible workplace schedules, offering cultural competency training, mentoring programs and creating career pathways that encourage individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue nursing as a lifelong profession.

While the road to complete equity in nursing may be a long one, Lewandowski is proud of the work nurses have done across the country to make the profession look more like the real world.

“I am proud of how nursing has really stepped up to address racial inequities and structural racism,” Lewandowski said. “(The) nursing (profession) has recognized that we have to do a better job of enhancing diversity in the workforce. We are making progress, but we are not where we need to be, and are thus continuing our efforts.”

According to a Facebook post by festival organizers on Saturday, Feb. 8, the storied event is “sunsetting,” and ceasing its activities immediately. The announcement of the festival’s closure has triggered heartache among community members who have attended the city tradition. The three-day extravaganza traditionally featured art, entertainment and food. It had become a fun summer staple for the community of Grand Rapids and remained so up until the shuttering of its doors.

To Emily Miller, the festival’s youth art chair and board of directors member, the festival’s ending is a grave disappointment. 

“I (worked) tirelessly all year to make things as they should be,” Miller said. “The average person does not see all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into an event, even if it’s just one weekend a year. We (worked) year-round to try to make it go smoothly.”

Miller says a large part of the event’s success came from the interest and willingness of volunteer workers– a source of labor which has become scarce in recent years.

“At one point, Festival of the Arts was the largest run volunteer festival,” Miller said. “Over the years, the generations have changed and those willing to volunteer have aged out. This upcoming generation seems to not see the value in volunteering as much as it (other generations) used to.”

According to Miller, the volunteer force had been overworked in the festival’s final years. After careful consideration, the board decided to cancel the event permanently.

“You can’t expect a festival with over 100,000 people to only be run by five to 10 core volunteers,” Miller said. “It’s not fair to the volunteers who are exhausted, even though we know the importance of this event. It was such a difficult decision, but we had a lot of things to take into consideration.”

Miller still stands by the success and positive influence the festival has had on the community, but acknowledges the operation no longer makes sense logistically. The festival was a labor of love for its organizers, but in order to keep the event running, volunteers would have had to make a massive overhaul in labor recruitment.

“Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts was very important to the West Michigan community,” Miller said. “(The) festival was an opportunity to showcase food, dance, performance, and arts of all kinds in our region. We supported so many artists and offered this festival for free.”

The festival also had close ties to Grand Valley State University itself, which provided some of the event’s funding.

“Since I have been involved, I took over youth arts and we have been very connected with the GVSU Community,” Miller said. “(The University’s) Visual Arts Department and Art Museum have been our youth art award sponsors over the years, giving students the opportunity to grow and act as artists. We have been very grateful for the support from each of the departments through the years. (The) Art Museum has also purchased many artworks from the Regional Arts Exhibition to display on GVSU’s campus.”

Nathan Kemler, the director of galleries and collections at the University’s Art Museum, was similarly saddened by the festival’s closure. 

“We are saddened by the loss of this long-standing arts festival for our community, as it has always brought our community together around our shared values in community building, celebrating cultural differences and supporting local economic growth,” Kemler said. “It took a tremendous amount of effort by a dedicated group of community volunteers to plan and run this festival each year and we all owe them our gratitude for this service.”

For Kemler, the festival had great significance to the city of Grand Rapids and GVSU. Kemler believes the event will be sorely missed.

“For the city of Grand Rapids, the festival was much more than just an arts event,” Kemler said. “It was a celebration of local creativity that brought together residents, visitors and local businesses. It helped foster community pride, boosted the local economy through tourism and solidified Grand Rapids’ reputation as a hub for the arts.”

In regard to the University’s involvement, Kemler said the creative partnership will be remembered as a high point in the GVSU’s promotion of new art and community engagement.

“For the GVSU community, the festival provided a unique opportunity to bridge academic pursuits with real-world artistic expression,” Kemler said. “Students and faculty had the chance to engage with professional artists and the broader arts community, gain exposure to diverse art forms and contribute their own creative work.”

Despite many community members feeling saddened by the festival’s closure, Kemler echoed Miller in regard to the vast amount of preparation that went into the operation. He feels casual attendees at the event might not have noticed or completely appreciated volunteers’ hard work.

“It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to create a community arts festival with hundreds of different people involved,” Kemler said. “Having a long-running festival helps to establish expectations, norms and support structures. It (having a long-running festival) also helps to define and celebrate a community. Festival of the Arts did that for Grand Rapids over the past 55 years.”

Still, some students are hopeful the festival’s ending will clear the path for a new artistic tradition in Grand Rapids. GVSU student Nikolas Tompkins understands a lack of funding has the potential to cripple events.

“I believe that as long as there is an audience and enough revenue to keep going, festivals should continue to operate,” Tompkins said. “If there is not a sizable enough audience or enough revenue to maintain operations, then I believe festivals should end and make way for new ideas.”

According to a GVSU Safety Notice that was sent to students, an armed robbery and fight involving a firearm was reported at an off-campus apartment complex on 48th Avenue. A male victim reported that he was approached by an unknown group of males who threatened the victim with a firearm, stealing his sunglasses. A vehicle, a Jeep SUV, sped away from the scene and was identified by police. A chase was initiated, but ended when the car entered Kent County. Deputies arrived on scene at the apartment complex to an active fight. The fight was broken up and a suspect attempted to hide, but was found and taken into custody. A firearm was found nearby and the suspect taken into custody is facing firearm charges. There were no injuries from the incident, and those involved weren’t GVSU students.

GVPD Chief Brandon DeHaan also mentioned the small apartment fire in Laker Village. According to DeHaan, no one was injured.

“Damage was minimal,” DeHaan said. “It started out as a cooking fire, which is common on campus. (Students should) always call emergency services, but (should also) make use of fire extinguishers in kitchen areas on campus.”

In addition, snow and ice conditions caused the University to go remote from Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 23. DeHaan was quick to point out that making the decision to call off school is always based on moment-to-moment consideration.

“We knew it (the weather) was going to be a challenge,” DeHaan said. “Ultimately, we were able to make the right calls day by day to keep people safe. Part of this is (that) we’re in conversation with both campuses (Allendale and Pew).”

DeHaan said that making sure a vehicle is properly maintained, whether that be having enough gas, filling tires or owning an ice scraper can go a long way in making snow days a little easier. He also said it’s important to make sure students have proper gear when going out in the cold.

“Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, especially if you have to walk any distance,” DeHaan said. “Bring the right gloves, hat and jacket to keep (yourself) safe.”

As far as incidents during the snowstorms go, DeHaan said it is common for GVPD to receive calls about cars stuck in the snow. He mentioned that alternate routes of travel should be considered in extreme weather conditions.

“Take the bus if you absolutely have to travel,” DeHaan said. “The buses are always running, and even though you might not want to wait at a bus stop in this weather, you can get where you need to go, wherever it be Meijer or somewhere else.”

As far as other things to watch for on campus, DeHaan gave a piece of simple advice that can go a long way in helping students.

“Just always be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “Even if nothing is happening, bystander awareness is huge. If you see something, say something.”

The seemingly intuitive idea makes sense for students, especially when they’re at places with large crowds, such as parties or other gatherings. DeHaan mentioned that taking responsibility for friends can also help keep students aware. 

“When you go out at night, come home with the people you left with,” DeHaan said. “No one (should) get left behind.”

One of three panels in the 8-by-10 foot installation depicts a gun pointing toward Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Catholic apparition of the Virgin Mary. According to the GVSU Art Gallery, the piece’s supposed intention is “to raise awareness around issues such as gender-based violence, mental health, gun control and homophobia,” especially in Mexico.

Christopher Knape, the assistant vice president of University Communications, gave some insight into the University’s decision to purchase and display Beltran’s piece.

“Our museum staff have conversations on every piece of artwork that comes into Grand Valley’s collection,” Knape said. “There is a collections committee that reviews every piece that comes into the collection, including student work.”

Jamie Thompson, a Michigan Republican House representative, took to social media to voice her concerns over the artwork’s display at GVSU.

“(I am) deeply concerned about the ‘Art’ that Grand Valley University felt so inclined to purchase and display,” Thompson posted on X. “Rep Luke Meerman, myself and other leaders will be addressing this insulting attack on Christianity.”

Though the piece was intended to call attention to issues of oppression and femicide in Mexico, the piece itself is coming under fire for its loose usage of religious iconography. 

Beltran, however, remains committed to the piece’s positive intentions.

“Ultimately, the purpose is to envision a future where the murals serve as symbols of hope and solidarity, guiding us towards a more just and compassionate society for generations to come,” Beltran said in a statement on the piece.

Still, some students at the University disagree with the effectiveness of Beltran’s method. Katie Eckenrode, a Catholic student at GVSU, pointed out the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to both Catholics and Christians alike, and said that she found the image offensive. Eckenrode believes the piece failed to meet its intended message.

“I can quite easily see how Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox and other Christian brothers and sisters could find this (the artwork) very offensive,” Eckenrode said. “Our Lady of Guadalupe is honored and venerated by millions of Christians in Mexico, the Philippines, the U.S. and dozens of other countries. Any significant religious figure with a gun or a red ‘x’ over the head would be seen as offensive by any religion, even if created by someone within that faith.”

Though Eckenrode believes the University has a right to hang what it wants, she believes this move was in bad taste.

“Artwork on the walls should not represent gunning down, defiling or crossing out a religious figure and claiming it symbolizes social issues,” Eckenrode said. “It is not the same as any other opinion piece representing politicians or crises when a role model of over 2 billion Christians is defiled, and illustrates a threat toward Christians on campus.”

Eckenrode feels GVSU purchased the artwork in an attempt to promote conversation.

“Many diverse paintings in other buildings represent equality, sexuality and identity, none of which have been a direct depiction of violating a sacred icon,” Eckenrode said. “This painting poorly represents serious issues in Mexico when it comes off as sacrilegious and (as) a threat toward anyone on campus who venerates the Mother of God.”

Eckenrode believes the University can and should raise awareness about gender-based violence and other forms of oppression, but believes it can be done without creating imagery that many Christians find offensive.

“There are better ways for the University to represent student artwork than choosing pieces that decimate the mother of our faith in three different depictions,” Eckenrode said.

On the other side of the issue, at least one student found the piece to be effective in conveying its message. Education major Nikolas Tompkins said that he believes critical thinking is a necessary key in deciphering the painting. As an institution, Tompkins believes Christianity has oppressed certain individuals throughout history, and that the painting’s use of religious imagery makes sense.

“I do think that if Christian students find this work offensive, they should take the time to understand why the artwork was made in the first place,” Tompkins said. “American Christians specifically have a long history of suppressing and attacking various groups in the name of the Lord and the Bible, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+.”

To this end, Tompkins believes the painting accomplished its task. To him, it’s a valid claim to use Christian symbols to represent oppression.

“The painting’s original message is to give a spotlight toward these (identities) that have been suppressed and attacked by Christian groups, and those who claim to be doing those actions in the name of Christianity,” Tompkins said. “I think many Christians who find the painting offensive due to its ‘anti-Christianity’ symbolism choose to ignore a lot of the history surrounding suppression by the church, especially in America.”

Since the University has a history of purchasing and displaying a vast variety of paintings, Tompkins isn’t quite sure why this one is facing opposition for its spot in the melting pot.

“GVSU is a university that has shown it allows the opinions of many different groups to be displayed on campus,” Tompkins said. “You can search through the campus art database and see there are multiple religious paintings hung up around campus.”

Still, the public outcry surrounding the piece has proved to be enough to warrant its taking down. Knape admitted the University has never removed artwork during his tenure. Seeking to avoid similar issues in the future, the University has decided to turn to students to help make decisions on which pieces of art are displayed on campus.

“A student art advisory committee is being formed to provide feedback on the current art in the Kirkhof Center and to provide feedback on new artwork being considered for display in the Kirkhof Center,” Knape said.

However, the painting isn’t going away permanently. The University seeks to place it somewhere where it can exist in a better context and spread its message more effectively. To that end, the University released the following message to help explain its actions in displaying the piece:

“The concerns expressed about a piece of art in GVSU’s Kirkhof Center, “Pétalos De Cambio” (Petals of Change), revolve around the nature, location, and context of the piece. We understand that artistic content is often viewed differently by individuals, and therefore are compelled to provide the context necessary to accurately reflect the artist’s stated intent of the piece. We must also place art where we can respectfully care for the work, the artist and the broader viewing community.

The piece was not in a location to allow those things to happen. The GVSU Art Museum will be relocating the piece to a space where it can be presented with greater context, allowing for deeper discussion and understanding while enhancing safety and respecting all voices that might find themselves in that space.

Our approach to our living gallery and broad and diverse collection hanging throughout every building on campus is rooted in our belief that art is an important aspect of education. Grand Valley State University affirms our commitment to free expression and our university values while we also acknowledge that some pieces, like this one, can cause discomfort. It is our goal to display art in a way that productively allows for the pursuit of knowledge, empathy, and social understanding and we will continue to work to create processes that help us achieve that goal.”

The inauguration took place on one of the coldest days in inaugural history, which moved the ceremony inside. Many high-brow American political figures attended, including former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

The inauguration was a victorious moment for the Trump campaign. Trump and his family’s celebrations continued into the night at the inaugural ball, an experience Trump’s granddaughter and social media influencer, Kai Trump, captured on her phone for the whole world to see. The atmosphere seemed jovial, to say the least, as Trump hit his signature golf-swing move on the dance floor.

After Trump and Vice President JD Vance were sworn into office, the new administration got to work right away. Trump’s first week in office was purpose-built to be impactful; he signed multiple executive orders, including a mandate that there are only two possible genders in the United States and that all federal employees return to in-person work. In a moment of unprecedented spectacle, the president signed several executive orders into law, and then tossed the pens into the audience, where supporters scrambled to catch them and take photos.

Elon Musk, the wealthiest person on the planet and a new member of the Trump administration, was notably never far from Trump during his first week in office. Musk’s influence at the White House is deemed counterproductive by some, and causes concern for others. Musk stood close behind Trump as he was sworn into office, seated among other members of the top 1% of America’s economic class. Jeff Bezos was also in attendance, furthering a trend of public support from the tech sector for the Republican Party.

Donald Zinman, a political science professor at GVSU, said he believes Trump’s alliance with rich businessmen could be detrimental to blue-collar workers who voted for him. Trump and the working class’ interests are “just too varied to coincide,” according to Zinman.

“(Wealthy businessmen involved in government) is not healthy for democracy, and in due time it may create tension with (Trump’s) orthodox supporters,” Zinman said. “The policies Elon Musk wants may contradict the wishes of a Trump-supporting construction worker in Lima, Ohio.”

Zinman speculates this period of popularity and buzz about Trump will be short-lived, and not outlast the effects of his political actions in office.

“It remains to be seen (whether or not his supporters will stay happy),” Zinman said. “Trump’s supporters are energized and optimistic right now and his opponents are exhausted, but I expect the latter will change once he starts doing things as president.”

Presidents often sign many executive orders in their first few weeks of their term to appease voters who were promised day-one initiatives, and get the ball rolling on long-term plans. Zinman assures any worried GVSU students and staff that there is not yet anything permanent to be concerned about.

“New presidents frequently hit the ground running with executive orders,” Zinman said. “Some will be uncontroversial, while others will invite lawsuits and potentially months or years of litigation.”

Zinman said executive orders are kind of like advertising for the incoming administration, and show where their goals and priorities lie.

“Executive orders create the appearance of strong leadership for presidents, but the truth is that these decrees can be struck down by the courts or quickly rescinded by the next president,” Zinman said. “Working with Congress to enact legislation is a better long-term strategy for presidents.”

In its third year, the MI Future Educator Fellowship provides $10,000 scholarships to as many as 2,500 students currently enrolled in teaching programs. In addition, the MI Future Educator Stipend seeks to specifically help students with their financial burdens, awarding $9,600 to those in their student teaching semester. The stipend is renewable for students that consistently do well in their schooling.

Jason Cronkite, associate director of GVSU’s Office of Certification and Accreditation, broke down the $13.2 million total. 

“Since the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, GVSU future educators have been awarded 578 fellowships, totaling $4.2 million and 750 stipends, totaling $9 million,” Cronkite said. 

Cronkite said that not all education majors qualify for funding. Students must commit to teaching in Michigan after graduation to receive funds.

“The fellowship is renewable for up to three years, helping to reduce financial barriers as students prepare for careers in education,” Cronkite said. “To be eligible for the fellowship, students must meet specific criteria, including at least junior standing, maintaining a 3.0 GPA and committing to teach in Michigan after graduation.”

Daisy Fredericks, director of Teacher Education at GVSU, said the programs come from a place of forward progress. According to Fredericks, the “invisible” work of teaching deters some students from pursuing the profession altogether. Fredericks said that by making the profession easier to join, it may keep the ranks of teachers more populated with good candidates.

“Most people choose to become teachers because of their passion for working with people, and share their passion for the profession,” Fredericks said. “Teachers are deeply invested in building relationships and supporting their communities; they have a passion for learning and sharing their knowledge with others.”

Despite emphasizing passion for the profession, Fredericks mentioned that teachers can face a range of challenges.

“The more common challenges include limited time to do all the things required for the job, stress associated with the job and limited funding for school resources and teacher pay,” Fredericks said.

The University’s use of the fellowship and stipends aims to recognize the role of educators, and inspire students to pursue the profession. For some students, their passion for teaching is worth leaving behind past majors. GVSU student Nikolas Tompkins is one such individual.

“I had initially gone to college to study engineering,” Tompkins said. “It was a much higher paying field than education, but I found that I was more passionate about teaching.”

Tompkins said that if he’s eligible for financial support, he will happily apply. He is firm in his belief that he made the right career choice when switching into education.

“Educating our children is one of the most important things we can do to better our society,” Tompkins said. “Without good and qualified teachers, this (bettering society) cannot happen. Investing in our teachers ensures that our students are getting better education.”

Hofmeister is the senior vice president for strategy, sustainability and external affairs at Consumer Energy. Jason Trice, a GVSU alumnus, is the co-owner of Bedrock Apparel. Their shared background in business allows them to follow in Damstra and Wolters’ footsteps. Both Trice and Hofmeister will serve on the BOT for eight-year terms. Their terms can be renewed by Michigan’s governor if the trustee desires. 

Damstra, a GVSU graduate, served on the BOT for eight years total. Damstra also served as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for four years, and was instrumental in helping the University maintain economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently serves on the Grand Valley University Foundation. Wolters served on the BOT for 20 years, making her the third longest-serving trustee in GVSU history. She represented the Board in different ways over the years, serving as the chair, vice chair and Title IX liaison.

The two new members will be expected to work toward meeting the goals of President Mantella’s Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan. They will also be involved in the development of the Blue Dot Lab, which is a modification of the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s Pew campus.

Stacie Behler, the BOT’s vice president and chief public affairs and communications officer, is excited that Hofmeister and Trice have been added to the team. Behler also said she appreciates the longtime support and dedication of Damstra and Wolters.

“(Wolters) strived to ensure the academic quality of a GVSU credential, and that students would have the best possible empowered educational experience,” Behler said. “Both Trustee Damstra and Wolters are incredible advocates for Grand Valley and have fostered relationships with alumni, donors and community partners that have strengthened GVSU.”

Behler spotlighted the Governor’s role in appointing members and ensuring the University is represented by quality individuals. 

“The entire Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, policy development, academic integrity, quality and fiscal oversight,” Behler said. “The trustees are also some of our greatest allies in advocating for GVSU with the public, policy makers and other stakeholders.”

The BOT’s financial oversight capabilities make the group an extremely significant body in terms of the University’s future. The collaborative nature of the Board is such that it benefits greatly from the varied backgrounds of the appointed individuals.

Elizabeth Emmitt serves as the chair of the BOT. Emmitt said she is excited about Hofmeister and Trice’s future contributions.

“During this time of truly exciting growth and evolution for Grand Valley, Brandon and Jason’s experience and commitment to our mission are such valuable additions to our board,” Emmitt said. “GVSU is the flagship university of Michigan’s future, and community-minded leaders like Brandon and Jason help us continue our tradition of excellence, innovation and equitable access, as well as guide our future success.”

Due to the Board’s tasks and responsibilities, it is not unusual for Hofmeister and Trice to have backgrounds in business and economics. The current members have backgrounds in business, law, education, philanthropy and government.

Hofmeister is well-versed in law and government as well. He worked with former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as an energy and climate policy advisor and deputy legal counsel. He is also a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, having earned degrees in government and law.

Hofmeister said he is excited to join GVSU’s BOT.

“GVSU is a pillar of higher education in Michigan, and will play a vital role in shaping the future of our state’s economy,” Hofmeister told GVNext. “As a recognized leader in innovation, sustainability and educational value, Grand Valley is well positioned to continue its role as a magnet for talented students and as a resource for employers in all sectors.”

Trice’s background as a business owner was substantial in his appointment to the University’s BOT.

When Trice graduated from GVSU in 2001, he was a wide receiver for the University’s football team. In 2017, he was inducted into GVSU’s Hall of Fame for his achievements during his three years as a student-athlete. Trice now owns Bedrock Apparel, a company he started in 2017 that has been growing ever since. 

“Joining the board and serving GVSU is an honor, representing a chance for me to give back to an institution that is close to my heart,” Trice told GVNext. “With many challenges facing higher education, I truly think Grand Valley is well positioned to be a leader in providing innovation for Michigan’s future and unparalleled opportunities for its students.”

The BOT can be a somewhat elusive group to many in the GVSU community, as far as responsibility and scope goes. However, Behler thinks it’s important that students and staff alike become familiar with the Board.

“The Board provides governance and oversight to ensure Grand Valley fulfills its mission effectively,” Behler said. “Ultimately, the trustees are strong advocates for GVSU, (and they) provide governance and oversight to ensure Grand Valley fulfills its mission effectively.”