Student Organizations – Grand Valley Lanthorn https://lanthorn.com The Student News Site of Grand Valley State University Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:34:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Voices for Justice stirs human rights awareness, advocacy https://lanthorn.com/123437/laker_life/voices-for-justice-stirs-human-rights-awareness-advocacy/ https://lanthorn.com/123437/laker_life/voices-for-justice-stirs-human-rights-awareness-advocacy/#respond Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:17 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=123437 Voices for Justice is a new student organization at Grand Valley State University. During its first semester of operation, members have focused on advocating for social causes and gaining a campus presence through events, meetings and interactions with established groups.

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.

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Women in Cinema reels in memories, hands-on experience https://lanthorn.com/122814/laker_life/women-in-cinema-reels-in-memories-hands-on-experience/ https://lanthorn.com/122814/laker_life/women-in-cinema-reels-in-memories-hands-on-experience/#respond Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:00:14 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122814 Women in Cinema is a student organization at Grand Valley State University that aims to provide a collaborative space for women and nonbinary filmmakers. The group, which was founded by three students during the 2021-2022 academic year, meets weekly and hosts special events. Above all, Women in Cinema encourages members to express themselves and find community.

While the club primarily appeals to students who major or minor in film and video production, the group’s variety of activities can attract participants from many academic backgrounds. Their collaborations with other campus organizations, such as the Scriptwriting Club, foster community among students, both socially and professionally. The dedicated group of filmmakers use meetings as an opportunity to hone their skill sets, hold discussions with peers and develop creative visions. 

“The film industry is very male-dominated,” noted Elena Chiu, the vice president of Women in Cinema. “We help others get to know each other, gain confidence (and) experience and just have fun talking about our love of film.”

According to Chiu, the club pivots between a variety of subjects and activities.

“We’ve done equipment demonstrations so members could have more hands-on experience with cameras, short film nights where we watch and then discuss films, board game nights and collaborative story writing exercises,” Chiu said. 

Chiu also explained that all members are able to lead meetings, as E-Board tries to rotate participation among those involved.

“Sometimes we’re teaching club members games, but other times we’re letting the members lead discussions,” said Chiu.

Group members’ support for women and nonbinary people in the film and video production industry extends outside of club meetings and events. Women in Cinema volunteers at the Grand Rapids Film Fest and with women-directed film viewings. Their Instagram account also posts local film-related events happening in the Grand Rapids area. 

Caitlyn Shaw, the group’s treasurer, drew attention to Women in Cinema’s alumni mentorship program, which assists members in gaining real-world experience from interacting with industry professionals.  

“Women in Cinema members have the opportunity to be paired with GVSU film and video alumni,” explained Shaw. “It’s really nice to be able to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes and have someone support you during the hard times and moments of self-doubt that can come with such a challenging and male-dominated field.”

Having access to resources and the ability to pursue useful opportunities can help equip students with the knowledge and hands-on involvement they need to reach their goals after graduation. Women in Cinema demonstrate the influence that forming long-lasting connections with peers and the local film community can have.

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Dungeons and Dragons Club entertains tabletop gamers https://lanthorn.com/122635/laker_life/dungeons-and-dragons-club-entertains-tabletop-gamers/ https://lanthorn.com/122635/laker_life/dungeons-and-dragons-club-entertains-tabletop-gamers/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:00:30 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122635 Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), a tabletop, role playing game has been a fantasy genre staple since its creation in the 1970s. The game has been played by students across the country, including at Grand Valley State University. At the University, D&D Club draws in a lively community of both experienced and new players that enjoy the game’s storytelling.

In D&D, players form small groups and work collaboratively to create characters who fulfill different roles within a fantasy setting. Characters are assigned many attributes and skills throughout multiple game sessions, which are also referred to campaigns. Campaigns are usually organized and moderated by a Dungeon Master (DM). DMs are responsible for inventing the plotlines and events that players will encounter. They also encourage players to think of solutions and actions their characters can take to overcome trials. 

Ethan Dibling, a sophomore at GVSU, explained that DMs are seen as a guide for players to follow.

“We (DMs) don’t stop you from doing things unless it completely breaks the reality of the game, but it very rarely reaches that point,” Dibling said. “You can think of a DM as a dam controlling the flow of water. We keep the story flowing at a rate at which it can be understood and interacted with.”

Rachel Miller, the group’s membership officer, feels that D&D and other role playing games are about creating a world of your own.

“D&D is one kind of tabletop, role playing game, which as a whole are games made collaboratively by a group of players,” said Miller. “(The players) follow a set of rules that allow for creative storytelling. The first time someone sits down to play D&D, they realize that anything is possible, and the game is a freeing space to experiment and have fun.”

The club was created at GVSU in 2020, and has been home to a steady group of core members, as well as a regular influx of new players. Sessions usually occur in multiple rooms of the Kirkhof Center, offering spacious conditions for the large number of campaigns that take place at the same time. This also lends itself to the collaborative nature of the game that allows unfamiliar participants to ask questions and get to know the other players. 

“D&D Club is an inclusive environment where anyone can come to hang out and play a cool game for a few hours,” Miller said. “We want everyone to have fun in community with each other, and introduce everyone to tabletop role playing through D&D.”

The group also has a strong online presence in order to better foster community among its members. According to Miller, the E-Board of D&D Club hosts a variety of events through Discord, in addition to during meetings. Miller noted the group runs mock auctions for magical items over Discord, and that they hosted a dice raffle for Valentine’s Day.

Through weekly meetings and online activities, D&D Club brings a unique angle to the structure of a student organization. The community of tabletop game enthusiasts has an appeal that many students find engaging and enjoyable. The group meets weekly from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Fridays.

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GrandPR pulls an all-nighter for CreateAThon https://lanthorn.com/122399/laker_life/grandpr-pulls-an-all-nighter-for-createathon/ https://lanthorn.com/122399/laker_life/grandpr-pulls-an-all-nighter-for-createathon/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:00:54 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122399 For 24 hours straight, advertising and public relations students at Grand Valley State University put their creative and strategic skills to the test by providing nonprofit organizations with free marketing and communications services. The annual event, CreateAThon, was hosted by GrandPR and followed the theme of community impact.

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.”

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GV Ornithology Club takes flight https://lanthorn.com/122263/laker_life/gv-ornithology-club-takes-flight/ https://lanthorn.com/122263/laker_life/gv-ornithology-club-takes-flight/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:00:10 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122263 If you’ve ever paused to admire a cardinal’s crimson plumage or been mesmerized by a murmuration of starlings, you’re not alone. Grand Valley State University’s new Ornithology Club aims to turn fleeting curiosity into a full-fledged passion for birding.

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.

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Students dance the night away at GV Presidents’ Ball https://lanthorn.com/122037/laker_life/students-dance-the-night-away-at-gv-presidents-ball/ https://lanthorn.com/122037/laker_life/students-dance-the-night-away-at-gv-presidents-ball/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:00:34 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122037 Editorial Revision 2/5- The original article had wrongly stated that events featured in former years at the event were included this year. 

Grand Valley State University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted the annual Presidents’ Ball on Friday, Jan. 31. The tradition, which has taken place since 1987, featured music, dancing, food and plenty of photo opportunities. This year’s dance took place at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and flaunted a disco theme.

On top of a full dance floor, the event boasted hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, soft drinks and snacks that were available for purchase all night. The dance’s disco vibe was a welcome addition to the tradition that uplifted students’ mood and motivated attendees to get on the dance floor.

“Last year, it (the Presidents’ Ball) was at DeVos Place and this year it’s at GLC Live at 20 Monroe,” said Ava Cybulski, part of CAB’s Traditions Team, who helps plan event themes and decorations. “This is a huge change that (brought) a different vibe than last year, one that includes elegance and a party aesthetic.”

Andrew Cavrell, a GVSU senior, attended the Presidents’ Ball for the first time this year, and danced the night away with fellow students in celebration of his final semester.

“The venue had a really fun environment, the students brought a ton of energy and all of that was matched with amazing performances,” said Cavrell, highlighting special appearances from Ignite Dance Co and the Laker Dance Team.

According to Katie Garrett, the assistant director of programming in the Office of Student Life (OSL), CAB’s Leadership, Traditions and Advisors teams collaborated extensively to decide the event’s theme. Every year, CAB brainstorms how to implement new ideas, themes and accommodations to ensure that every student in attendance can enjoy the night to the fullest.

“The (Traditions Team) directors help advise and shape how the event appeals to current students and their interests,” Garrett said. “Due to the large-scale nature of this event, the advisors manage a lot of the communication with external vendors and campus partners.”

Garrett noted that OSL was a major supporter of the event, as they helped to promote, implement and enhance the overall experience of this event.

At the Presidents’ Ball, members of the Traditions Team could also be seen volunteering at activity stations, such as the photo booth and sensory-safe room. 

“This year, our sensory safe room (was) completely revamped,” Cybulski said. “Our goal (was) to make the Presidents Ball accessible to everyone.” 

In previous years, the occasion featured a combined dinner and award ceremony before the dancing commenced, which recognized recipients of the Presidential Appreciation Award, Student Award for Faculty Excellence and the Laker of the Year Award. However, this time, an emphasis was placed on fostering a more casual atmosphere for the event. CAB’s planning teams aimed to provide an easily accessible and fun-filled night for all students. 

“The structure (was) more free-flowing this year,” said Garrett. “Instead of a formal program, the main emphasis of the event (was) the dance. Students (were) able to enjoy time with their friends and the greater GVSU community.”

The combination of the change in venue, emphasis on accessibility and disco theme resulted in a fresh interpretation that entertained students and helped them form lasting memories with friends. 

Garrett explained that since GVSU is a younger institution, the University’s list of traditions is smaller than other schools’ repertoires. However, Garrett believes the Presidents’ Ball is one of the University’s longest-standing and beloved events.

“This event has always been to honor and bring together the campus community,” Garrett said. “As the tradition has continued over time, the event has evolved to meet the expectations and interests of the current student body. Our hopes remain the same as when it started, to bring together the GVSU community for a night of fun and to celebrate who we are as a community.”

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Anthropology Department reminds students they’re on Indigenous land https://lanthorn.com/122039/laker_life/anthropology-club-reminds-students-theyre-on-indigenous-land/ https://lanthorn.com/122039/laker_life/anthropology-club-reminds-students-theyre-on-indigenous-land/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:00:08 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=122039 Editorial Revision 2/3- The original article wrongly stated that Anthropology Club hosted “Land Acknowledgements in Anthropology: Starting the Conversation,” instead of the Anthropology Department.

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.

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From brownies to bake-offs: Baking Club’s sweet journey https://lanthorn.com/121892/laker_life/from-brownies-to-bake-offs-baking-clubs-sweet-journey/ https://lanthorn.com/121892/laker_life/from-brownies-to-bake-offs-baking-clubs-sweet-journey/#respond Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:00:57 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=121892 Two months ago, a group of Grand Valley State University roommates affectionately coined themselves “the Brownie Girls.” The students found themselves frequently baking treats in their dorm room and inviting others to join in. Their love of sharing brownies and forming connections sparked an idea– why not expand their passion for baking into something bigger?

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.”

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Diplomacy 101 aims to equip students with interpersonal skills https://lanthorn.com/121757/laker_life/diplomacy-101-aims-to-equip-students-with-interpersonal-skills/ https://lanthorn.com/121757/laker_life/diplomacy-101-aims-to-equip-students-with-interpersonal-skills/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:00:55 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=121757 In an era where face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills are often overshadowed by digital interactions, Diplomacy 101 is stepping in to fill the gap. The new student organization aims to equip Grand Valley State University students with the skills necessary to navigate complex social and professional situations, ensuring they grow into confident and effective communicators.

Diplomacy 101 is built on the principle of handling interactions with sensitivity and effectiveness, creating a foundation for students to refine their skills in negotiation, communication and networking. The club aims to provide a supportive environment where members can grow as confident communicators while engaging with a diverse and like-minded community.

The organization recognizes a growing need for soft skills in the modern world, particularly as many young people navigate a culture increasingly dominated by digital communication. Employers across industries consistently highlight the importance of interpersonal skills and, in turn, the club aims to prepare students to meet these expectations.

The club welcomes students of all majors and backgrounds, valuing a variety of perspectives. Diplomacy 101’s inclusive approach ensures that all students, regardless of experience or confidence level, can find value in the club’s offerings. From those who thrive in social settings to those who find mingling intimidating, every member is encouraged to learn, grow and contribute.

“If you’re socially adept and want to refine your skills, this is the right place for you,” said Lincoln White-Day, the club’s president. “If you’re socially anxious and find this (communicating with new people) intimidating, this is still the right place for you. We grow by learning from each other.”

The group’s first meeting, titled Networking 101, took place on Jan. 18. Designed to address the anxiety many feel in social situations, the session taught attendees how to approach a room full of strangers, initiate meaningful conversation and build connections.

“Have you ever found yourself in a room full of intimidating strangers?” the event’s description. “Did you want to make new friends but didn’t know what to say or how to say it? Diplomacy 101 offers a solution.”

During the meeting, the group also held practical discussions on how to introduce oneself, “read a room” and make lasting impressions in both professional and personal contexts. With a focus on active participation, the meeting aimed to provide a supportive space for students to practice such skills and invest in personal growth.

Diplomacy 101 plans to host weekly meetings throughout the semester, each with a unique theme. The itinerary typically includes an icebreaker activity to encourage camaraderie, followed by a presentation led by White Day. These presentations will tackle topics such as negotiation, compromise, free speech and conflict resolution, incorporating case studies and practical exercises for real-world application.

After the presentations, members will participate in workshops where they can practice their newly acquired skills in a collaborative setting. The club emphasizes experiential learning, allowing members to gain confidence in a hands-on, growth-oriented environment.

Diplomacy 101 arms our members with a social arsenal of applicable skills and communicative tools to navigate complex situations, gain confidence in themselves and their abilities and expand their network with a cohort of like-minded, growth-oriented peers,” White-Day said. 

As the club launches its inaugural semester, the club’s leadership remains committed to its mission of creating a community where students can thrive, both personally and professionally. By providing tools, strategies and a supportive network, Diplomacy 101 hopes to make a lasting impact on its members and the broader campus community.

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Advertising Club shapes future professionals https://lanthorn.com/108274/laker_life/advertising-club-shapes-future-professionals/ https://lanthorn.com/108274/laker_life/advertising-club-shapes-future-professionals/#respond Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:00:44 +0000 https://lanthorn.com/?p=108274 Grand Valley State University’s Advertising Club blends creativity with connection through client campaigns by emphasizing the importance of relationships between students and professionals. By facilitating networking opportunities, agency tours and workshops, the group enables members to immerse themselves in the industry long before graduation.

President Helena Wilson, a senior majoring in advertising and public relations, uses her position to emphasize experience and engagement. Her experience as an account executive for the National Student Advertising Competition and internship with AJGA Communications have helped her provide members with industry exposure. Under her leadership, the group has organized numerous initiatives, including agency tours of organizations such as 8THIRTYFOUR, and visits to advertising hubs in Detroit, Chicago, Ada and Grand Rapids. Collaborative events with professional organizations, such as the West Michigan Ad Fed, allow students to interact with industry leaders and gain career-defining insight.

“Our club has also been instrumental in helping students secure jobs,” Wilson said. “For instance, a recent graduate leveraged a connection with a guest speaker at one of our meetings, and now works at a local sports agency. These success stories highlight how Ad Club bridges the gap between academia and the professional world, giving members a competitive edge in their careers.”

Many students who have been part of the club have secured professional opportunities immediately after graduation. One such example is Jessica Hay, the club’s former vice president and event team lead. She has since advanced to the role of social media lead at Bloom Social in Grand Rapids.

Junior Hannah Johnson, is majoring in marketing with an emphasis in sales and American Sign Language, curates the club’s social media presence. Her cohesive and engaging approach keeps members informed of upcoming events, guest speaker sessions and agency tours. Through her work, she ensures the club’s activities are accessible and visually appealing, which helps contribute to a sense of community and professional readiness among members.

Johnson aims to present the club’s initiatives in an organized manner to social media users. The group’s Instagram page currently features a white and red theme, with graphically designed squares that maintain a consistent and visually appealing layout. 

I’m loving all the connections I’ve made thus far with Ad Club and I cannot express how happy I am that I have another year still with this club,” Johnson said.

For members, Advertising Club is more than an organization—it is a launchpad for their futures. The club breeds creativity and professional growth while providing students with the tools they need for success in the industry. By participating in tours, networking events and skill-building workshops, members gain valuable experience and connections for the years to come. With the dedication of its leadership, the club continues to shape the future of advertising at GVSU.

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