Articles by Matthew Makowski
New GVSU podcast spotlights historical letters and the stories behind the people who wrote them
"To the Letter: A Podcast from Grand Valley State University Special Collections and University Archives" is a new, episodic podcast that was created to provide more exposure to the various historical collections owned by the university. The initial episodes will spotlight a correspondence of letters between a member of the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Division and his sweetheart during World War II. Grand Valley students have been tapped as voice actors who will portray the authors of the letters during each episode.
Sep 8, 2017
GVSU, Grand Rapids Symphony musicians to kick off Arts at Noon concert series
The Arts at Noon concert series at Grand Valley will kick off its 40th season with a performance by an ensemble of Grand Valley music faculty and members of the Grand Rapids Symphony. The series will feature seven concerts this fall followed by seven performances in the winter, beginning in January. The fall series begins Wednesday, September.
Sep 6, 2017
Mozart's largest composition to be performed during Fall Arts Celebration
In the time of Mozart, serenades were considered "dinner music" to be performed only at upper-class events. Mozart's "Serenade in B-Flat Major, KV 361, the Grand Partita" transcended that limiting category to become one of the composer's most beloved compositions, and the wind band genre's earliest masterpiece. The piece will be performed during this year's Fall Arts Celebration music event, "The Timeless Genius of Mozart: The Grand Partita, KV 361," which will take place September 11, at 7:30 p.m., in Louis Armstrong Theatr
Sep 5, 2017
Quest-based game app aims to familiarize students with library resources
As a new academic year is underway at Grand Valley, a quest-based game app called Library Quest is aiming to educate students about important library resources and spaces. Through completing quests in the game, students can learn about the Knowledge Market, how to use tools like library databases and Document Delivery to request books and articles, how to read call numbers to locate books in the stacks, and much more. Students can also trade in points earned by completing quests for prizes. The new season of Library Quest ru
Sep 1, 2017
Library exhibit aims to ease students into college life
College life can be a big pill to swallow for some first-year students. New living spaces, loaded class schedules and many miles between Grand Valley and home can be intimidating for some but a new exhibit is aiming to alleviate those concerns. "Tied Together" is a unique effort by University Libraries to welcome students to campus by inviting them to use string art to make connections to one another. The exhibit will be on display through September 24 in Mary Idema Pew Library.
Aug 30, 2017
GVSU center upcycling solar eclipse glasses for schools in South America and Asia
Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center will be collecting eclipse glasses through September 15, which will then be sent to schools in South America and Asia through the organization Astronomers Without Borders for when eclipses cross those continents in 2019. Grand Valley is the only designated collection location in the Grand Rapids area.
Aug 29, 2017
GVSU celebrates dedication of expanded performing arts center
The Grand Valley community celebrated the formal dedication of the newly renovated and expanded Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts on August 25 on the Allendale Campus. The addition includes the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, an expanded theater costume shop, additional prop storage, new dressing rooms, two theater classrooms for costume design and fabrication, four music ensemble rooms and additional rehearsal spaces. The Haas Center also includes a classroom for students studying music educatio
Aug 25, 2017
GVSU to celebrate dedication of Haas Center for Performing Arts
The performing arts have long played a vital role in the West Michigan cultural experience, and Grand Valley has made the performing arts an integral part of its liberal arts education. As the university's arts programs have grown, so has the demand for expanded, flexible, multidisciplinary performance spaces and the resources needed to prepare students for regional and national stages. To meet these needs, the Grand Valley community will celebrate the dedication of the newly renovated and expanded Thomas J. and Marcia J. Ha
Aug 21, 2017
GVSU study: activity-permissible classrooms lead to more student engagement
The typical classroom has taken the same shape for more than 200 years with students sitting in rows and columns of desks facing the front of the classroom while the teacher progresses through a lesson plan. A newly published study by Grand Valley researchers argues that this classroom design may not be the most beneficial for students and teachers.
Aug 18, 2017
Solar Eclipse 2017: Faculty weigh in on how, where to watch
On Monday, August 21, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun, and anyone within the "path of totality" will be able to see a rare total solar eclipse.Physics Department faculty will also facilitate activities during the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Eclipse Party. NASA's solar eclipse live stream will be available to watch at select locations on campus as well.
Aug 16, 2017
