Articles by Matthew Makowski
New Music Ensemble supports National Parks System through performances
The student members of Grand Valley's award-winning New Music Ensemble recently travelled 5,000 miles over the course of 17 days to perform at some of the most famous national parks in the U.S. For the tour, the ensemble commissioned five composers to write original compositions inspired by Voyageurs, Glacier, North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier national parks. The compositions, which were funded through the National Endowment for the Arts, were then performed in the parks through interactive and educational performan
Jul 26, 2018
Fall Arts Celebration to spotlight the arts during multiple events
For the past 15 years, West Michigan audiences have enjoyed a series of six free events every fall at Grand Valley that celebrate the positive impact of the arts. During this year's Fall Arts Celebration, audiences will have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of Mars, listen to variations of Italian street songs, enjoy the rhythm and artistic nature of African dance, contemplate the idea that business and art are changing each other, and much more.
Jul 23, 2018
Students, faculty spread Laker Effect in Haiti through service projects
Eleven students from various majors traveled to Haiti this summer on a service-learning trip. During the study abroad expedition, the students distributed 150 water filter systems, led art workshops, taught motor skills activities, and explored the rich history and culture of Haiti.
Jul 18, 2018
Art expands health education in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall
When Grand Valley State University constructs a new building, artwork from the university's permanent collection of more than 16,000 works is selected to tell visual stories that help connect students to curricula. The more than 280 works of art found in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, Grand Valley's newest health building, tell stories of community connections and the importance of health professionals in West Michigan and around the world.
Jul 18, 2018
New director named for Design Thinking Academy
The Design Thinking Academy at Grand Valley State University helps students develop into inventive thinkers and problems solvers by utilizing the design thinking process. David Coffey, professor of mathematics, has been named the new director of the academy.
Jul 17, 2018
New art exhibits feature global travels, the art of preservation, and idealizing common objects
Grand Valley State University's permanent art collection currently consist of more than 16,000 works by various artists from around the world who have explored numerous mediums through varying inspirations. Rounding out the summer months and transitioning into the fall semester, Grand Valley's Art Gallery will offer four free exhibitions displayed in its multiple galleries on both the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses.
Jul 10, 2018
GVSU camp teaches students about benefits of renewable energy
Fifty students from 28 local middle schools learned about the benefits of renewable energy and how that form of energy impacts the environment during Grand Valley's Energizing Our World summer camp. During the camp, facilitated by Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center, students participated in various sessions where they engaged in hands-on STEM activities to learn about solar, wind and hydropower. The lessons highlighted the benefits of renewable energy, best sustainable practices and the applications of renewable
Jun 25, 2018
Concert series to feature carillonneurs from around the country
Carillonneurs from around the U.S. will travel to Grand Valley State University this summer to fill the air around both campuses with music during the International Carillon Concert Series. The 24th annual Cook Carillon International Concert Series begins July 1, and the 18th annual Beckering Family Carillon International Concert Series begins July 11.
Jun 25, 2018
Community event led by GVSU faculty, staff explores how math impacts nature
The 7th annual Allendale Community Field Day offered West Michigan community members of all ages the chance to learn about how math impacts the natural world. The free event, coordinated by Grand Valley faculty in collaboration with Allendale Public Schools, took place June 16 on the district's K-8 campus.
Jun 20, 2018
New Music Ensemble to perform at five national parks
The student members of Grand Valley's award-winning New Music Ensemble will travel 5,000 miles over the course of 17 days to perform at some of the most famous national parks in the U.S. The ensemble commissioned five composers to write original compositions for the tour inspired by the natural beauty of the selected national parks, which include Voyageurs, Glacier, North Cascades, Olympic and Mount Rainier. These pieces, funded through the National Endowment for the Arts, will be performed at the parks through interactive a
Jun 13, 2018
