On Saturday, March 15, Grand Valley State University’s Indian Association celebrated Holi with an evening of music, dance and rejuvenation. The free event, which was supported by the Asian Student Appreciation Program (ASAP) and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute, was open to all

students and their families, and encouraged participants to increase their awareness of the traditional festival.

Holi, which has roots in Indian culture, was first mentioned in historical texts that date as far back as the seventh century. The holiday primarily signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, which has associations with renewal and the end of conflict. Joy and love are the central themes of this celebration. Another important aspect of Holi is the idea of play. Colored water and powder are thrown by those who engage in the holiday, which puts a focus on happiness within the community. Holi is a time of carefree togetherness.

Read more of Christina Bilko’s coverage of the GVSU Holi celebration here.

GV Camp Kesem chapter supports families with cancer

Kesem is an organization that aims to provide support for over 9,000 children age six-18 that have parents diagnosed with cancer. Through their primary service, Camp Kesem, counselors and campers take part in a summertime experience that gives children the tools they need to successfully navigate difficult times. Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Camp Kesem fundraises, provides resources to families and hosts a camp for children living in the Grand Rapids area.

Camp Kesem provides a summer camp experience for children, and includes many classic activities, such as arts and crafts, archery, swimming and other games. The interpersonal and practical skills children learn during their time at camp help them both during and after the processing of their parents’ illnesses. However, it’s different from a traditional summer camp, as time is cultivated for campers and counselors to bond through nightly cabin chats. By centering mental health, counselors aim to support the children of cancer patients. The bonds that children form with each other through living and learning together expands Kesem’s community, which results in a continuous stream of relationships.

Read more of Christina Bilko’s club spotlight on Camp Kesem here.

Students traverse Global Language and Culture Festival

On Thursday, March 20, the Modern Languages and Literatures Department at Grand Valley State University held its annual Global Language and Culture

Festival. The event, which celebrates international diversity through music, food and educational booths, served as a chance for students and faculty to learn about global cultures and experiences that are available to them through the University’s Study Abroad program.

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.

Read more of Abbie Suarez’s coverage of the Global Language and Culture Festival here.

President’s Forum highlights evolving education, industry dynamics

Kristen Fox, the managing director of the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) addressed a packed Loosemore Auditorium during Grand Valley State University’s annual President’s Forum. On Tuesday, March 25, GVSU President Philomena Mantella introduced Fox and later joined her on stage for a wide-ranging dialogue about the future of higher education, partnerships with business and shifting workforce dynamics.

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.

Read more of Abbie Suarez’s coverage of the 2025 President’s Forum here.

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.

Group members meet weekly in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center to discuss current events and political issues that affect GVSU students. Voices for Justice researches local volunteering and fundraising activities to take part in and offers space for members to discuss their thoughts and opinions. Meetings are prioritized as a time to connect with one another, emphasized by their casual and conversational atmosphere.

“Voices for Justice is an organization that prioritizes and expresses the importance of human rights,” said Gabrielle Salinas, the club’s president. “We heavily focus on what we can do for others and how we can make a difference. Everyone who is a part of Voices for Justice is compassionate, positive and supportive of each other.”

Recently, Voices for Justice engaged in an opportunity to assist refugees through volunteer work. Students worked with the Chicago Refugee Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works to provide support and resources to refugees as they begin their lives in the United States.

“During our time volunteering, we provided individuals with items such as clothing, accessories, sanitary products and food,” said Chloe Ward, vice president of Voices for Justice. “We were able to help support families who were in need of certain products.

Voices for Justice also encourages student participation through movie screenings. In February, the organization held a screening of “42: The Jackie Robinson Story.” The film was chosen to highlight Robinson’s impact on the sport and promote awareness of Black excellence. On Monday, March 31, the group showed “Hidden Figures.” The 2016 biographical film follows Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three women who worked as NASA mathematicians in the 1960s. After viewing, participants discussed the film’s themes and fostered conversation about identity and discrimination.

“A major takeaway from the film is the portrayal of racial and gender barriers,” Salinas said. “The film allowed us to have conversations about how far society has come in terms of racial and gender equality, but also how much further there still is to go in many fields.”

Salinas said the club will continue to host film events in order to increase awareness for the student body, and give attendees a forum to discuss and consider complex issues.

Voices for Justice members are looking forward to an upcoming Thrift Swap, which will be hosted on Monday, April 7 on the Kirkhof Lawn. During this time, students can bring items to donate and receive other clothing items in exchange. The event will also serve to promote the organization to prospective members.

“You can bring any clothes or accessories you no longer need or want and swap them out with something else,” Ward said. “We have implemented a system where each clothing item is worth a certain number of tickets. For every item you bring, you will receive tickets and use your tickets like money.”

Ward said any clothing or accessories left over will be donated.

By aiming to advocate for human rights in an approachable way, Voices for Justice attempts to reach a wider audience and spread a message of humanity, equity and solidarity. Imparting such values can help raise awareness of local and global issues that affect many individuals, including students, on a daily basis.

The organizations and campus partners included in 5 Days of Service were Ottawa County Parks, The Other Way Ministry, Gilda’s Club, the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) and Kids’ Food Basket. By engaging with groups that provide different types of services, students were able to learn about how each organization fulfills a need within the community.

SAP is conveniently located near the University’s Allendale Campus, and students worked with team members to learn about sustainable practices concerning local food production processes. At Ottawa County Parks, volunteers removed invasive species of plants from park grounds while learning about wildlife and plant maintenance. Students also learned the value of maintaining urban spaces during a service project at The Other Way Ministry. Volunteers cleaned and organized both inside and outside of the property. At Gilda’s Club, a space for individuals diagnosed with cancer, students were able to directly provide support by participating in group activities and preparing food. Kids’ Food Basket, whose mission is to ensure accessible and nutritious food for children, welcomed volunteers in packing and decorating lunch bags, while also learning about food insecurity in urban areas.

“5 Days of Service is a one-week event allowing GVSU students to volunteer with local organizations,” said Sandra Osei, a civic engagement assistant for OSL. “The goal is to connect students with their community, introduce them to local nonprofits and encourage lifelong civic engagement. It’s a way for students to give back while also learning about the impact of service.”

Osei noted that 5 Days of Service started as Community Outreach Week in collaboration with GVSU Alumni Relations, but after the pandemic, the tradition was restructured to become more student-focused and accessible.

Muhammad Qasim, also an OSL civic engagement assistant, explained that local organizations and partners are selected based on proximity to the University and ease of travel.

“The main idea was to select local organizations where students can commute easily (on the) Laker Line with our site leader or (an organization that) can come on or near campus,” Qasim said. “We also considered choosing organizations with different activities to participate in each day.”

Osei elaborated on this, stating OSL aims to provide a diverse range of service opportunities for students.

“Some organizations, like Sustainable Agriculture Project, allow students to contribute on campus, while others, like The Other Way Ministry and Gilda’s Club, provide opportunities to support people in need through direct service,” Osei said.

Through acts of service, student volunteers contributed to the preservation of organizations and demonstrated multiple ways to show love and respect to their community. Offering one’s time and keeping an open mind has the potential to make a significant difference and act as a bridge for connection, trust and sustainability. The OSL Student Engagement Team nurtures this potential by promoting such service opportunities.

Holi, which has roots in Indian culture, was first mentioned in historical texts that date as far back as the seventh century. The holiday primarily signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, which has associations with renewal and the end of conflict. Joy and love are the central themes of this celebration. Another important aspect of Holi is the idea of play. Colored water and powder are thrown by those who engage in the holiday, which puts a focus on happiness within the community. Holi is a time of carefree togetherness. 

Likhithasree Kommineni, the membership officer of the Indian Association, explained how the tradition of Holi came to be.

“Holi originates from Hindu mythology, where Lord Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, triumphed over his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, with the help of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu,” Kommineni said. “Holi is also a time for renewal. People come together to celebrate, forgive past grievances and embrace a fresh start.”

According to Kommineni, the core elements of Holi, such as throwing colors and enjoying music, have remained the same across the globe. However, outside of India, one different aspect can be found in the cuisine. 

“One noticeable difference (has been) the absence of traditional sweets and drinks like lassi, which are commonly enjoyed after the celebrations in India,” Kommineni said. “Despite that, the spirit of joy and togetherness (at the event) was very much alive at GVSU.”

Kommineni thanked ASAP and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute for their help in hosting the event.

“We (the Indian Association) were especially grateful to Anna Miller from ASAP for sponsoring the colors and Liz English (of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute)  for providing snacks, which showed how much the GVSU community values cultural celebrations and making students feel at home,” said Kommineni.

By hosting a Holi celebration at the University, students were able to expose themselves to a new culture, ideas and way of life. Events like these can broaden students’ worldview, and help them become active and educated participants in their communities. This knowledge also prepares students for opportunities that arise after completing an undergraduate degree.  Traveling to other states and countries to pursue careers can lead to interactions with diverse groups of people. By learning about cultures that differ from their own, students can develop an appreciation for various traditions they may encounter. 

“(The event was) a diverse and welcoming celebration for all who wanted to experience Holi,” said Lasya Priya Vemalla, the Indian Association’s social media coordinator.

The Holi festival is one example of the cultural celebrations that the Indian Association hosts. In the past, they have held events for Dussehra, also known as Dashain and Diwali. These are festivals that celebrate aspects of Indian culture and religion. Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, a festival similar to New Year’s celebrations, is another event that has been recognized on campus. Promoting awareness of the multicultural presence at GVSU helps to create an environment where all students can feel safe, represented and uplifted.

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 event, which featured six of the University’s nine Panhellenic sororities, incorporated dancing, singing and lip-synching, stand-up comedy, magic tricks and more. Each participant flaunted their best runway walk before showing off their talent. Attendees could also buy event-specific T-shirts at the door.

The pageant included Bella Trevino of Alpha Sigma Alpha, who dressed as Adam Sandler and performed stand-up comedy. Brooke McKay of Phi Sigma Sigma performed a dance costumed as Pitbull. Sophie Clemens of Gamma Phi Beta dressed as Charli XCX and performed magic tricks. Dressed as Bruno Mars, Riley Diemert of Alpha Omicron Pi gave a dance routine. Ella Hopson of Phi Mu dressed as Ariana Grande and sang. Ella Soesbe of Alpha Sigma Tau exhibited a speed-painting, and dressed as Tate McRae.

“It (Bruno Mars) was a fun character,” Diemert said. “My specific talent is a dance with a partner. He’s (Diemert’s dance partner) a pledge here, and it was fun.”

While she hadn’t participated in a pageant-like performance since high school, Diemert figured she had nothing to lose when she saw found out about the event in her sorority’s GroupMe. Having known some of the brothers beforehand, and seeing the pageant as a chance to have fun, she signed up.

“(My favorite part of the event was) getting to know all the brothers (and) meeting the girls,” said Diemert. “It’s (the event) all for fun and charity.”

In the end, Soesbe went home with the crown after wowing the audience with her painting. As the winner, she was able to take home 12% of ticket sales to support Alpha Sigma Tau’s philanthropy, Women’s Wellness Initiative.

For the brothers of Phi Kappa Tau, the event’s key focus is on charity, even considering the entertaining show.

“It (the pageant) allows us to donate to our philanthropy, and it allows our guys to do something greater than themselves by all coming together to put on an amazing show,” said Benjamin Nader, the fraternity’s social chair. 

As part of his role, Nader was responsible for establishing participants, as well as coordinating all of the performers’ practices. He also served as one of the three judges who awarded the Miss Phi Tau title.

Jonah Edgerton, the vice president of Alumni Relations for Phi Kappa Tau, stated the event had a big impact on the University’s Greek Life community.

“My favorite part is bringing the community together, and I think it (the pageant) raises money for a really good cause for Serious Fun,” Edgerton said. “We plan on continuing doing this for a couple more years. Everybody loves it.” 

The pageant also serves to strengthen not just the fraternity’s community relations, but also their bond as brothers. 

“Any time you have a big event like this, it brings the brotherhood closer together,” Edgerton said. “Everybody has their own tasks, like I brought the letters today. Getting to hold everyone accountable and working together as a group always brings people together.”

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 Last Lecture series was inspired by Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University professor, who gave a lecture in 2007 about his life after having been diagnosed with cancer. The events leading up to his speech were published in a book titled, “The Last Lecture.” At GVSU, the Student Senate’s spin on the concept involves selecting a professor from the University who has made a significant impact on the lives of their students. 

“The Last Lecture series aims to highlight and honor professors who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their students and academic community,” said Paris Lawson, Student Senate’s vice president. “It (the event) provides an opportunity for students to recognize a professor’s contributions, gain insight into their life and career journey and foster a deeper connection between faculty and students.”

Lawson added the event encourages meaningful reflections on both personal and professional growth, as well as the inspiration of students through a professor’s experiences and insights. Lawson noted that Copeland, who specializes in civil litigation, civil trials and personal injury areas of law, emphasized adaptability and persistence in this year’s speech.

“She (Copeland) emphasized that change is natural and beneficial, and that challenges, failures and setbacks often contribute to personal and professional development in more meaningful ways than successes,” Lawson said. “Her message encouraged resilience, adaptability and a willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties.”

According to event organizers, attendees were receptive to Copeland’s speech, as her lessons reinforced many values necessary to be a successful student. The ability to adapt to new situations and to remain dedicated when challenges arise are important traits to develop during the college experience. The aforementioned skills allow one to recognize and pursue academic and employment opportunities while also ensuring the preservation of one’s health, happiness and relationships.

Many professors at GVSU have made a positive impact on their students. Those who stand out take a personal interest in their students’ successes, adapt their curriculum and ensure a constructive classroom environment. Such professors are passionate about the material they teach and can spark a significant level of academic interest in their students. 

Professors are nominated each year to take part in the Last Lecture through an online form. Thereafter, the Student Senate takes on the responsibility of reading, discussing and organizing submissions for candidates and presenting their findings. 

“The final three nominees are presented to the (Student Senate) General Assembly for discussion and a vote to determine the selected speaker,” Lawson said. “A professor is considered to have made a ‘significant impact’ based on their dedication to student success, contributions to the University and the personal and academic influence they have had on students.”

After Copeland finished her lecture, students had the opportunity to ask questions and receive further insight from her experiences. Lawson and Karen Theakston, Student Senate’s Events chair, noted that many attendees were left inspired and reinvigorated to finish the winter semester to the best of their ability. 

“Throughout the lecture, students remained engaged, often laughing at her jokes,” said Theakston. “At the end of the lecture, many expressed their appreciation for her advice and approached her with further questions about legal studies and her experiences as a lawyer.”

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.