Articles by Matthew Makowski
Alumna awarded fellowship to research history of people of color in youth theater programs
Shavonne Coleman, '07, has been named a 2018 Theatre for Young Audience Emerging Leader Fellow. In the spring, she will travel to Arizona State University to research the history of people of color involved in youth theater programs. Coleman is currently serving as a visiting professor of theater.
Feb 14, 2018
Local middle school students learn about creative side of STEM fields during event
About 90 local middle school students embraced the fields of science, technology, engineering and math during a daylong, interactive STEM event hosted by The Association of Women in Science (AWIS) - West Michigan. "Fall in Love with STEM," which took place February 10 at Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College, offered workshops and activities focusing on the fields of geology, math, physics, biology and chemistry.
Feb 12, 2018
Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster receives surprise diploma during special presentation
John Records Landecker can look back on a storied career as a radio broadcaster, entertaining millions of listeners around the U.S. and Canada for more than 50 years. In honor of his career, Landecker was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2017, but that wasn't the only "class" he joined last year - he also became a member of the Laker Class of 2017. He just didn't know it until this month. Landecker visited the Allendale Campus February 8 to discuss his career and autobiography, but what he didn't know was tha
Feb 9, 2018
Anti-violence peer theater troupe to help define healthy relationships for students during event
ReACT!, Grand Valley's anti-violence peer theater troupe, will present "Like, Love, Lust, or Bust!: ReACT! Presents Healthy Relationships for College Students" on February 12. The event will also include a discussion about recent news stories that have emerged regarding the #MeToo movement. ReACT! student actors are trained in interactive theater programming that is aimed at preventing incidents of violence against women, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes on campus.
Feb 8, 2018
Visual and media arts exhibitions to spotlight student talent
Two exhibitions opening on the Allendale Campus in February will provide students in the Visual and Media Arts Department with opportunities to curate their own showcases while highlighting their artistic expertise. "Beyond the Frame" will be on display through February 16, and "Mixtape.jpg" will be on display February 19-March 2.
Feb 6, 2018
Faculty authors to discuss their craft and careers during annual Writers Series
Two Grand Valley State University writing professors will discuss the inner-workings of their creativity and craft during the annual Grand Valley Writers Series. Patricia Clark and Roger Gilles will present a faculty reading on Wednesday, February 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center. Readings will be followed by a book signing.
Jan 31, 2018
Alumna shares Laker Effect through passion for environmental advocacy
Angela Chaffee's love for nature and the environment began during her childhood while enjoying fishing trips with her father, gardening with her mother and spending countless days exploring the flora and fauna of the outside world. That love grew into passion, which Chaffee, '04, further nurtured while attending Grand Valley. Chaffee currently serves as the outreach and events director with the Connecticut River Conservancy in Greenfield, Massachusetts. In this position, she strives to protect the Connecticut River, and prom
Jan 30, 2018
Opera Theatre to celebrate 75th anniversary of "Oklahoma!" with multiple performances
Running for more than 2,000 performances, "Oklahoma!" opened on Broadway in 1943. The show has withstood the test of time, boasting a 1944 Pulitzer Prize, numerous Tony Award nominations, national tours, international performances and even a 2003 film. To celebrate the show's 75th anniversary, GVSU Opera Theatre students will bring Rodgers and Hammerstein's first collaborative production to West Michigan with multiple performances February 2-11.
Jan 26, 2018
Grand Rapids quartet to kick off Arts at Noon winter concert series
The Arts at Noon concert series at Grand Valley will continue its 40th season this winter with seven free concerts on the Allendale Campus, beginning with a performance by Grand Rapids' own Perugino Quartet. All Arts at Noon concerts will take place in the Cook-DeWitt Center, begin at noon, and last approximately one hour. Each concert is free and open to the public.
Jan 17, 2018
Alumna spreads Laker Effect around the world by ice skating for Disney on Ice
Shanda DeWitt, '11, has been traveling around the world skating alongside 42 other professionals with Disney on Ice since 2016. Her travels have taken her to many areas of the world, including Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and across the U.S. DeWitt currently portrays Elsa from Disney's "Frozen" and said she enjoys spreading her Laker Effect through creating a fun and positive experience for fans of all ages.
Jan 16, 2018
