Articles by Matthew Makowski
IBM leaders to discuss company's design thinking approach during upcoming event
IBM defines design as "the intent behind an outcome," and the company uses design thinking to apply that intent to its products and services by developing understanding and empathy for its users. During an upcoming presentation presented by Grand Valley's Design Thinking Academy, two design thinking leaders at IBM will describe the company's approach to the design thinking process and what it means for the future of the design profession.
Mar 19, 2018
Performances of "J.B." to question traditional views of mankind and religious belief
Is there any meaning to human suffering? Is great wealth an indicator of anything? Is there a God or a Satan? These are just a few of the moral questions that Grand Valley students will explore during multiple upcoming performances of "J.B." March 23-31.
Mar 16, 2018
"Wonder Woman" and "Julius Caesar" to conclude Mimesis Classic Film Series
In the 2017 blockbuster film of the same name, Wonder Woman is shown being raised among Amazonian warriors who were created by Zeus to protect humankind against the evil plots of Ares, the Greek God of War. The film generated much discussion about how powerful women can be portrayed in Hollywood, yet few may be aware that the ancient history of the Amazons is rooted in the not-so-powerful insecurities of men. These types of connections between the past and present are the focus of the Mimesis Classic Film Series. The final t
Mar 12, 2018
Play written by professor explores moment that shaped President Ford's views on social justice
A new play written by a Grand Valley theater faculty member dramatizes a moment from President Gerald R. Ford's time playing football at University of Michigan that shaped his views on social justice. "Victors of Character: A Story of Loyalty, Integrity, and the Courage to Make a Difference" will be performed March 1. The 45-minute play, written by Allison Metz, associate professor of theater, is based on the 2016 documentary "Black and Blue" by Brian Kruger and Buddy Moorehouse.
Feb 26, 2018
Grand Valley joins statewide network to support STEM education
Grand Valley State University is now a part of a new regional support system for STEM education in West Michigan. Each of the newly formed 16 regions, referred to as the MiSTEM Network, will receive a portion of nearly $1.3 million in state funding to develop their own strategic plans that create a robust regional STEM culture. Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center will lead these initiatives after receiving more than $110,000 in state funding. The MiSTEM Network is the result of the recommendation to make Michigan
Feb 23, 2018
Students to create music inspired by campus art exhibit for annual competition
Music will meet art when Grand Valley music composition students create one-minute compositions inspired by the current Art Gallery exhibit "Ebb & Flow: Explorations in Painting by Herbert Murrie" for an upcoming competition. The compositions will be performed by Grand Valley's award-winning New Music Ensemble in rapid succession and judged by a guest panel and the listening audience for various prizes.The annual New Music Ensemble Composition Competition will take place March 1.
Feb 21, 2018
Design Thinking Academy accepting student applications for 2018-19 academic year
The Design Thinking Academy is striving to help Grand Valley students blossom into innovative thinkers and problems solvers who are able to make lasting impacts in their societies by utilizing the design thinking process. The application window for the 2018-19 Design Thinking Academy is now open to Grand Valley students, regardless of their majors. The deadline for applications is April 1. The Design Thinking Academy will expand to encompass an entire academic year beginning in the fall.
Feb 21, 2018
Annual event to celebrate diversity in the mathematical sciences
An upcoming lecture at Grand Valley will explore and celebrate the increasing representation of women and minorities in the field of mathematics. Deanna Haunsperger, president of the Mathematical Association of America and professor of mathematics at Carleton College, will deliver the 2018 Mosaic Lecture on February 27. The presentation, "Making Connections: Lessons Learned From Women Mathematicians," will take place at 7:30 p.m. in room 103 of the Loutit Lecture Halls, located inside Henry Hall on the Allendale Campus.
Feb 20, 2018
Faculty, staff members to host second free Repair Clinic for students
During the hustle and bustle of a busy semester, accidents happen and it is not uncommon for students to rip their jeans, lose buttons, break their eyeglasses or bust a zipper or backpack strap. An upcoming Repair Clinic will offer students a free opportunity to have all of the above scenarios and more mended by Grand Valley faculty and staff members. The free Repair Clinic will take place Thursday, February 22, from 6-8 p.m., in the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center's Multipurpose Room.
Feb 20, 2018
Student-produced play "Oleanna" to explore the subjectivity of the truth
A curious and questionable interaction between two fictional characters, a college professor and a student, during the professor's office hours, leads to a difference of opinion about what actually took place in that office. This plot sets the stage for the upcoming performances of "Oleanna," which will take place February 22-24, at 7:30 p.m., and February 25, at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, located in the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts.
Feb 15, 2018
