2023-2024 Annual Report
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Message from the Dean
How We Roll
Brooks folks roll differently. We roll our eyes but roll in to the spaces where students need us. Employed in many different roles, we roll up our sleeves to get the work done in advancing equity, sustainability, writing skills, or critical thinking.
Despite our distinctive personalities and programs, it’s sometimes hard to tell us apart. In attending end-of-year presentations by students, I often found it difficult to know from the topics which showcase I was hearing. The first several GSI presentations, for example, were all on gender disparities or women’s empowerment. Integrative Studies presentations highlight environmental concerns, and WGS students do deep dives into questions of diversity and equity or systemic racism. What was common to all, though, was the fact that students are driven by the stuff that matters. The vexing problems of humanity and earth are what matter. They are what students—and faculty—are passionate about. We share the concerns and the passion, and we approach both in our own way.
Brooks College is a unique and wonderful collection of committed students, faculty, and staff. We bring our unique passions and talents. We show up to all the spaces. That’s how we roll. [dibs on the Pickle Car].
Mark Schaub, Dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Copyright (c) 2024 by the Richard Scarry Corporation AG. Image used with permission of Huck Scarry
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Introducing the School of Interdisciplinary Studies
This year, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies reorganized our academic units into the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (SIS).
SIS launched with the goals of:
- Inviting teacher-scholars to bring their expertise and enthusiasm to multiple programs
- Embracing interdisciplinarity more fully, with our infrastructure reflecting the reason for our being a college
- Eroding barriers for interdisciplinary faculty teaching, scholarship, and service
- Opening up new space for teaching and learning innovation coupled with greater long-term stability for smaller and previously 'unit-less' programs
Events
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Robin Wall Kimmerer visits GVSU
Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies and GVSU proudly welcomed Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, national best selling author of the book Braiding Sweetgrass, On November 8, 2023. Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling collection of essays Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants as well as Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses. Kimmerer is a 2022 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Syracuse, New York, where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.
Robin's talk, entitled "What Does the Earth Ask of Us?" explored how we are showered every day with the gifts of the Earth and yet we are tied to institutions which relentlessly ask what more can we take. Drawing upon both scientific and indigenous knowledges, her talk explored the covenant of reciprocity, and how we might use the gifts and the responsibilities of human people in support of mutual thriving in a time of ecological crisis.
The talk was brought to GVSU through a multidivisional effort, headed by Brooks College. Support was also provided by Academic Affairs, Activation & Accountability Leadership Team (AALT), Division of Inclusion and Equity, Enrollment Development & Educational Outreach, Finance & Administration, Native American Advisory Council (NAAC), Office of Multicultural Affairs, President's Office, Provost's Office, Student Affairs, University Development, and University Relations.
The opening ceremony featured Native American drum group Wandering Nation, who performed both a heartfelt welcome song at the beginning of the presentation, and a soul-stirring travel song at the conclusion.
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The audience was a beautiful blend of Native American tribe members, GVSU students, staff, faculty, and general public. Some individuals traveled hundreds of miles just to be present. As an estimated 600 attendees gathered in the Grand River Room at the Russel H. Kirkhof Center, an atmosphere of profound emotion enveloped the space. By the time the event concluded, tears flowed freely from many touched hearts.
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The event was not confined to those physically present; it was also livestreamed on Zoom. Hundreds more joined remotely to witness this powerful presentation. For those unable to attend or watch live, a recording is accessible through the Brooks College virtual event archive using a GVSU login.
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Following the event, Robin shared an intimate lunch with a group of Native American students and community members. In a heartfelt gesture, she was presented with a sweetgrass braid by the Native American Student Association and the Native American Advisory Council. As they connected over their shared experiences, stories were shared and laughter mingled with tears.
Robin expressed her overwhelming emotions about this visit; she felt deeply honored and profoundly moved by seeing so many from her native family in attendance. With tears glistening in her eyes, she professed, "I will remember this day."
We are humbled by our ability to touch Robin's heart as her presence brought immense joy to all who attended this memorable event. To delve deeper into this extraordinary event, we invite you to read this article on GV Next that captures its essence beautifully, as well as this spotlight article on the Brooks website.
Robin Wall Kimmerer "What does the Earth ask of us?"
Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
View More Robin Wall Kimmerer "What does the Earth ask of us?"
10th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium
On November 16, the Charles W. Loosemore Forum in the Seidman Center on GVSU's downtown campus was packed with people from all walks of life, gathering to discuss issues in our public education system. The occasion was the 10th annual Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse symposium.
The symposium theme was "Calm the Chaos: Honoring All Voices in Public Education." Following a welcome from center director Lisa Perhamus and remarks by Provost Fatma Mili, a short video was played depicting the uncivil discourse happening at school board meetings and in public regarding public education.
The video, produced by Phil Oosterhouse, featured many different clips taken directly from news stories, showing people expressing a range of extreme emotions while they shouted about their local school systems and officials...it was a shocking sight for many attendees.
The program transitioned into a moderated panel discussion led by the endowed professor of civil discourse, Dr. Gregory Warsen.
Four guests from different perspectives in local public education were the featured panelists: Dan Behm, a retired superintendent of Forest Hills public schools; Rick Dernberger, a member of the board of education of Zeeland public schools; Dominique Rickett, Dean of Taylor Exemplar Academy and a former elementary school teacher; and Alexia Youngman, an english and language arts high school teacher of Grandville public schools.
The evening shifted to small table discussions in groups of four with a facilitator guiding the conversations, using the guidelines for civil discourse that were provided during the event. Attendees were highly engaged in discussing three questions:
1) Where do you see societal division in schools?
2) What education/school issues do you wish this country could talk more constructively about?
3) What questions do you have for our panel?
The civil discourse guidelines encouraged participants to be curious and listen to understand, while reserving judgment and seeking common ground. Attendees were given a generous chunk of time to delve deeply into these issues.
Following the table conversations, the panelists fielded questions from the audience, and offered their insight and experiences in relation to many different issues that were raised related to public education.
The panelists had very diverse backgrounds that allowed them to address questions thoughtfully and with real world experiences. The attendees asked very thought-provoking questions.
Attendees surveyed after the event shared that they felt the discussions modeled civil discourse effectively and they were highly satisfied with the experience.
Attendees noted that the symposium was a very memorable and impactful experience for them. They expressed that civil discourse should be taught more widely in society, and that public schools should provide a space similar to this for discussion of issues.
To stay up to date on the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, visit their website and consider subscribing to their newsletter!
Wicked Problems in Sustainability
Affiliate professor Kate Fairman posing with her Wicked Problems in Sustainability class over the spring/summer semester. They enjoyed kayaking on Boardman River/Lake and biking around Traverse City.
Read more, and view more photos of this exciting experience, in the featured story on GV Next.
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Inaugural Water in the West Trip
Professors Peter Wampler and Peter Riemersma led the inaugural Water in the West trip in May. After 26 days spent exploring issues facing water systems in the western United States, participating students and faculty returned to Allendale on June 7. The trip followed the Colorado River and featured stops at several impactful geological sites.
This unique interdisciplinary experience empowered students to explore the drought issues facing our country in a very personal way. Their assignments were based around the field study nature of the experience. Students kept field journals and notes as they travelled to each new location. They participated in research sessions, listened to speakers, read books, and wrote reflective essays at the conclusion of their experience.
The students were challenged to a photo contest during their trip. The resulting photos range from hilarious to awe-inspiring. Explore all the photos, including the winners, in the photo gallery for the Water in The West Program.
Read more about the experience and view more breathtaking photos of the trip in this article in GV Next.
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Fall Startup
The startup meeting was held on Friday, August 18, at the Seidman Building on the downtown Pew campus. President Mantella addressed Brooks College faculty and staff, and the group was able to have dialogue about the upcoming year.
Faye Richardson-Green takes new career path with Honors College Role
The prospect of teaching a university course had never occurred to
Faye Richardson-Green. With nearly 40 years of business, leadership
and nonprofit experience, she admitted she was “technically retired,”
when she connected with Melba Vélez Ortiz, a faculty member in the
Frederik Meijer Honors College.
And yet, after she spoke with one of Ortiz’s classes, Roger
Gilles, director of the honors college and professor of writing,
gauged Richardson-Green's interest in teaching a class.
“It was an interesting proposition,” Richardson-Green said. “This
became an interesting sort of new pathway for me, and so I got really
excited about the opportunity to engage in learning activities with students.”
The fall semester marks Richardson-Green’s first as the Meijer
Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the honors
college, succeeding Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss in the position.
Read the full article on GVSU Forum.
Brooks Breaks
Over the course of the fall semester, we held Brooks Breaks in Lake Ontario Hall, across from the Dean's Office. Brooks College faculty and staff enjoyed taking a moment to relax and socialize over tea. Afterward, Lynnette Keen (Dean's Office Assistant) led the group in a series of easy stretches that helped everyone feel recharged.
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Halloween in Brooks
Brooks College had fun on Halloween!
Right: Patrick Johnson (Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors Director) as a baseball player.
Left: Aubrey Dull (School of Interdisciplinary Studies lead PSS/administrative assistant) as a queen and Maureen Strand (Brooks College Dean's Office coordinator) as a butterfly.
SAP Farm Stand
The Sustainable Agriculture Project farm stand is a regular feature over the harvest season. This year, they were set up at the Cook Carillon Clocktower each Wednesday with fresh seasonal produce, pumpkins, and honey all produced right here at GVSU.
Beekeepers Club
On September 18, the Beekeepers Club held their annual honey bottling. Volunteers assisted in preparing this year's honey for sale at the farm stand.
Harvest Time
The Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) grew some beautiful gourds this year! See more great photos of this year's harvest season in this photo essay.
Celebrating a Job Well Done
The Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) held their annual harvest party on October 13 to celebrate a job well done for all who helped and supported the SAP farm's growing season. The drizzling rain didn't dampen the spirits of attendees, who gathered to enjoy a potluck style spread of delicious homemade foods.
Director of the Office of Sustainability Practices Yumi Jakobcic, visiting with the students who worked at the SAP farm this growing season
Welcome Isak Davis
Isak Davis is the new Farm Manager and Educator at the Sustainable Agriculture Project.
Although they were born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Isak grew up in the southern United States (Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida) which instilled in them a passion and love for home cooked food, especially shared over long leisurely meals. It was only during college, while working on the campus farm, where Isak learned they could grow the delicious food they craved so much.
Isak received their Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies and Chemistry from Kenyon College in Ohio before interning and eventually managing New City Neighbors, a nonprofit urban farm centered around youth empowerment based in Grand Rapids. Over the last five growing seasons, Isak has become accomplished at growing nutrient dense vegetables in harmony with the larger cycles of nature, including utilizing cover crops and mycorrhizal networks to increase the overall soil health. They are excited to connect with GVSU educators and students over the interdisciplinary nature of farming.
In their free time, you can find Isak exploring the natural beauty of Michigan, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and carving new linocuts.
Night Against Procrastination (NAP)
On April 11-12, the Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors welcomed 131 students who attended to work on their end-of-semester papers and projects. This annual event is called Night Against Procrastination (NAP). Each year, we spread out across Lake Ontario Hall and designate each room by a different noise level to account for student preferences.
Meanwhile, we provide coffee/tea/hot chocolate, brain food, and midnight pizza to encourage productivity. Writing consultants are staffed throughout the night to work with students on their writing projects.
Based on responses for the event, advertising, word-of-mouth, and faculty encouragement were the biggest contributors to our strong attendance. That said, after several years of running this event, we are seeing more and more students who are making it an annual tradition. Student responses continue to request more NAP-type events. Participants had a great time and made huge strides in their end-of-semester work!
Introducing the Writing Center mascot, "The Great Write Shark!"
Writing Center Hard at Work
Patrick Johnson (Director) and Meredith Fedewa (Assistant Director) were hard at work on the schedule for the writing consultants in the Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. The Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors has four locations, an online presence, countless handouts and other resources all created by their highly trained staff, over 65 consultants from majors all over campus, and a continued presence at local, regional, and national academic conferences.
Brooks College Town Hall
Brooks College held its first in-person town hall on November 17 in the Honors College multipurpose room. Dean Mark Schaub provided updates and fielded open questions from attendees.
Soup's On
We continued our finals week tradition, Soup's On! Brooks faculty, staff, and students enjoyed a selection of soups with cornbread muffins and crackers on the side.
Top: Mary Williford (SIS office assistant) and Jen Cathey (General Education office coordinator)
Bottom: Amy McFarland (ENS Program Director) and Julia Mason (WGS Program Director)
Climate Change Awareness Concert
Despite taking place on April fools day, students in Grand Valley State University’s ENS 242– Climate Change in Popular Culture class purposefully used trash cans and recycling bins as instruments during their Climate Change Awareness Concert.
“I believe very strongly that the solutions to climate change will require people to have creativity and imagination far beyond what we are doing now,” said Rebecca Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor in GVSU’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies and lead organizer of the event. “We wanted our students to have that experience of having to think differently about a really big problem.”
Read more about the concert in the Grand Valley Lanthorn article.
Eclipse Viewing on Campus
On April 8, a rare solar eclipse brought everyone outside and had them looking skyward.
Brooks College Student and Alumni Features
Brooks Student Spotlight: Michael King
Michael King is a student who has undergone an incredible transformation from struggle to success. Last academic year, Michael faced a setback that greatly affected his grades. There was even a suggestion that he should drop the rest of the school year and return the following year. However, for African Americans like Michael, failure is not an option as they carry the weight of their communities on their shoulders. Dropping out would have been seen as a failure not just for him, but for his family and community as well.
Fortunately, affiliate professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall had the opportunity to work closely with Michael to help him overcome his challenges and find a better path forward. Today, we are proud to say that Michael is now a Senior in college. He has successfully completed an internship and has been offered a permanent position at the organization where he interned. This is truly a remarkable achievement.
But it doesn't stop there. Just recently, Michael demonstrated his leadership skills by leading over 100 students in rallying for clean energy at the state's capital. His passion for environmental justice in marginalized communities is evident, and he is being positioned as a powerful advocate in this important cause.
We are filled with excitement for what lies ahead for Michael. It is truly inspiring to witness how he has blossomed into such an incredible individual. From struggling with his grades to becoming a catalyst for change, Michael's journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
As we celebrate his accomplishments, let us also recognize the importance of providing support and guidance to students who face obstacles along their educational journey. With the right resources and mentorship, every student has the potential to transform their struggles into success stories just like Michael's.
Student Scholars Day
Shajuana Johnson, who is majoring in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS) with a minor in African/African American Studies (AAAS), presented her work during the Student Scholars Day events on April 9-11. Brooks College student Shajuana Johnson presented during the poster session.
Shajuana Johnson presents her work to professor Leifa Mayers (Honors faculty-in-residence, SIS)
Brooks Student Workers Graduate in Winter 2024 Ceremony
Two very special Brooks College students graduated on April 26. Congratulations, Randee and Sammie! We will miss you but we know you both have bright futures and will do amazing things.
Top: Randee Gage, posing with her supervisor and mentor Ginele Johnson (SIS academic program coordinator), graduated with a minor in Digital Studies.
Bottom: Sammie Craig, also posing with supervisor and mentor Ginele Johnson, graduated with a minor in Human Rights.
Catching up with a Brooks Graduate in the Field
Joe Guzman III is a former student of the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program. Joe has been promoted to Lakeshore Food Rescue Volunteer & Technology Coordinator at Community Action House. He was recently visited by Professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall and gave her a tour of the facility.
Community Action House provides area families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter, and the opportunity to build necessary skills to achieve a stable and prosperous life.
Joe has been working for Community Action House since his internship with the non-profit. Joe is striving to make a difference in the local food system and he desires to connect with other stakeholders in this work. Congratulations to Joe! We wish him great success and are happy to see him making a positive impact on our local community.
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Q & A with Alumni Lauren Weimer
In Brooks College, our faculty regularly receive updates from our wonderful alumni. The reminders of the impact we can have, both in and out of the classroom, on these students as they embark on their lives and career journeys after graduation always warm our hearts.
Alumni Lauren Weimer recently reached out to her former professor and mentor Crystal Scott-Tunstall to wish her happy holidays and provide her with a life update. Crystal's work as the Environmental and Sustainability Studies internship coordinator has led to many fruitful connections between our students and community. We reached out to Lauren to catch up with her and find out what this Laker for life has been up to!
What year did you graduate GVSU, and what were your major/minor(s)?
I graduated from GVSU in April of 2023! I double majored in International Relations and Environmental & Sustainability Studies with an emphasis on Culture and the Built Environment. I also got a certificate in Geospatial Technology.
What was your journey like after graduating? How did you get to where you are now?
I knew I wanted to live in Chicago and work within the food system, so I searched for jobs pertaining to food access in the city while working a few different jobs in the summer. I ended up getting a position a the Greater Chicago Food Depository with Americorps in October to start my career in food access! I want to especially thank my professor, Crystal Scott-Tunstall, for sharing her passion of improving the food system with me. It opened my eyes to a side of environmental studies I had never truly considered before and now it is my passion.
How did your courses in Brooks College help prepare you for your field?
My capstone and internship classes with Professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall were two of the most helpful courses by far. The hands-on experience I gained in food access interning at the Fulton Street Farmers Market led to another internship at the Kent County Food Policy Council. These two opportunities allowed me to have sufficient experience to land a job at the exact organization that I wanted to work for in Chicago. Not only that, but my final project in my capstone class was so spot on with my job description that I was able to send it in as an additional material for my job interview, setting me apart from other applicants.
What were your favorite memories of your time here in Brooks College?
Some of my favorite memories were meeting my best friend, planting garlic at New City Neighbors farm, and having the opportunity to hear from a variety of professionals in the environmental and sustainability field in my ENS courses.
What advice would you offer the students who are still working toward their degree in your field?
Your degree doesn’t define what you can do after college. It is the experience you gain and the opportunities you run with. I had no interest in the food system and chose not to emphasize in it during my studies. I later had two internships my senior year in the food system and fell in love.
Brooks Alum wins WMEAC Intern of the Year
Liberty Mason is a recent graduate of our Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) program. ENS Internship Coordinator and affiliate professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall helped connect Liberty to an internship with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).
On January 24, WMEAC presented Liberty with the Intern of the Year Award! Our Brooks College flowers continue to bloom, and we are looking forward to seeing the amazing things Liberty does in the future.
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Brooks Alumni publishes her senior capstone thesis
Torri Blue received her Integrative Studies degree through LEADS in Spring 2024. Torri has been keeping in touch with her mentor Denise Goerisch (Director of Integrative Studies). Denise shared that Torri has published her INT 495 senior seminar capstone thesis, My Mind is a Forest: An Autistic Wandering Through the Language of Silence and the Poems of Mary Oliver in Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture (Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024).
Torri is a proud queer autistic poet, writer, lyricist, administrator, and founder of NOTESONTHEWAY, a small custom poetry and art business.
"This fall I'll be joining the University of Guelph's MFA in Creative Writing program where I hope to continue my work in autistic poetics," said Torri. "I am looking for fulfilling work opportunities that will allow me to leverage my diverse skill set and passion for the arts in a dynamic and collaborative literary environment. I look forward to connecting with other artist-scholars and neurodivergent researchers professionally in the years to come."
Well done, Torri! We look forward to future updates on your bright future.
More Stories
- Student researchers unveil summer research at showcase
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Cuts at the Clock: Pilot program offers more than free haircuts
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GVSU's work earns sustainability honor from national organization
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Food and questions from around the world: For the Culture Quiz Bowl
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Outstanding faculty members will be recognized at awards convocation
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Writing Center consultants at forefront of AI tools to assist their peers
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Faye Richardson-Green will share life experiences in lecture series
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Inaugural Water in the West trip gives students invaluable experiences, new perspectives
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Intensive trip forges strong bonds for Water in the West team
Engaged Global Citizens
ITC 100 Travels to Spain
The ITC 100 Spain Study Abroad Intercultural Training - Spring/Summer
2023 class is currently in Ourense, Spain. Justin Pettibone, Faculty
Coordinator shared, "We all arrived safely in Ourense on Friday,
May 26. Students are fully immersed in the culture here, living with
host families, and participating in many cultural experiences. We've
already visited a pre-Roman archeological site, gone to the natural
hot springs, had a tapas tour of the city center, participated in
service learning, and we have much more to do over the next two weeks!"
Students in this course meet asynchronously for 3 weeks of online
learning followed by 3 weeks in Spain.
Students who have taken this 6-week course have shared that it
was an amazing opportunity to travel out of the country, and for many,
the first time they had traveled outside of the United States, a
once-in-a-lifetime college experience!
Model Arab League Goes to National Competition
On March 21, the Model Arab League, led by Middle East Studies program coordinator Chad Lingwood, participated in the activities of the Arab League Model Competition for American Universities in the United States, representing the State of Kuwait in the competition. The delegation was accompanied by the President of the National Council for Arab-American Relations. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on Features of the State of Kuwait's foreign policy and its contributions to supporting the process of joint Arab action.
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Michigan Model Arab League Conference
GVSU hosted the Michigan Model Arab League Conference this year. The keynote speaker was Dr. Russell Lucas, MSU professor of International Relations and Global Studies. Dr. Lucas gave a public talk on campus, "Who Cares About Arab Public Opinion?", which garnered great turnout from the GVSU campus community.
Community Connection
Juneteenth Celebration
SIS affiliate professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall ran the Sustainability resource table at the Grand Rapids Juneteenth celebration. Many sustainability items were given to the community including ethnically appropriate zero waste shampoo and conditioner bars, reusable utensils, gardening hand tools, and over 400 vegetable plants!
Crystal also had a table at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council's (WMEAC) Community Conversations event.
Sustainability Awareness
A student film crew visited the farm at the Sustainable Agriculture Project in March, as part of making a short documentary about food insecurity on college campuses.
Farm manager/educator Isak Davis was interviewed about how the SAP provides fresh produce to campus dining, and has community gardening beds available that can be used by students to grow their own produce on campus.
Sustainability Community Service Day
April 19 was Sustainability Community Service Day at the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP). The day began with a land blessing led by the West Michigan Jewels of Africa. The organizers of this event included Crystal Scott-Tunstall (ENS internship coordinator and SIS affiliate professor) and Yumi Jakobcic (Director of the Office of Sustainability Practices).
After the land blessing, volunteers helped to prepare the community garden beds for the upcoming growing season. There are 18 beds available for rent in the SAP community garden.
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten visits the Sustainable Agriculture Project
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten's visit to the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) on October 18 highlights the crucial significance of sustainability in our community. During her visit, the students of SAP passionately showcased their farm and engaged in meaningful discussions with the Congresswoman about their year-round efforts and the positive impact they have on both Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the broader Grand Rapids community.
Kutsche Office of Local History Roundtable
Each year, the Kutsche Office of Local History hosts a free, public conference that delves into different aspects of West Michigan history. This year, historians, gardeners, chefs, and other community activists joined forces to explore how humans have transformed the very soil of West Michigan. The 15th annual Local History Roundtable took place on March 20 at the Richard M. DeVos Center.
The event kicked off with inspiring remarks from Brooks College Dean Mark Schaub. Peg Padnos, a member of the Kutsche Office of Local History Advisory Council, was honored with the prestigious Gordon Oldon Award for embodying the office's mission of "using history to give voice to diverse communities."
The first panel, "With the Land: Anishinaabeg Perspectives on Environmental History," featured three Anishinaabeg tribe members who are engaged in progressive work in West Michigan that weaves indigenous wisdom into community change.
The audience was able to engage in discussion with the panelists during the question and answer segment following each panel.
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Top Photo: Camren Stott, Good Food Systems Program Manager for Access of West Michigan
Bottom Left Photo: Kaya DeerInWater, Citizen Band of Potawatomi and Tribal Restoration Ecologist for AIHEC
Bottom Right Photo: Andrea Riley-Mukavetz and Camren Stott look on as Kaya gives his presentation
The second panel, "Shifting Lands, Seasonal Labor, Unsettled Movements," featured four experts shedding light on West Michigan's history of land use, labor dynamics, and population shifts.
Left: An old map of West Michigan that included burial mounds. The Grand River Burial Mounds — commonly referred to as the Norton Mounds — are one of the few mound groups still standing across the Midwest and one of the best-preserved sites of Hopewell Indian culture.
Right: An aerial drawing of Grand Rapids while it was being developed along the Grand River.
The second panel (left to right): Jennifer Tompkins (Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation), Andrew Schlewitz (Brooks College), Jacey Adams (GVSU Student), Eric Gollannek (Saugatuck-Douglas History Center), and Jeff Smith (Grand Rapids People's History Project).
The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Dr. Jennifer Bonnell from York University Department of History titled "Foragers of a Modern Countryside." Dr. Bonnell's engaging talk on the historical significance of bee populations captivated the audience as she delved into controversies surrounding pesticide use dating back to the 1800s. Her discussion on legal battles and legislative developments impacting bees left attendees enthralled.
The Roundtable concluded with closing remarks from Nora Salas, Director of the Kutsche Office of Local History, who commended coordinator Mary Williford for her meticulous planning efforts and thanked all present for helping to make the Roundtable successful. Attendees were deeply engaged in the discussions and found immense value in the conference proceedings. Anticipation is high for next year's theme!
Kutsche Office of Local History Internship Partner Program
Internships are a prickly subject. Organizations that cannot afford to pay interns are at a competitive disadvantage and may struggle to find qualified, engaged candidates. Students who cannot afford to work for free are effectively kept out of the running, having to choose between furthering their career or feeding themselves. This cycle perpetuates inequalities in all aspects of the local history field.
The Kutsche Office's new Internship Partner Program seeks to bridge that equity gap. Each semester, they will partner with a local history organization that has unmet internship needs, and provide 100% of a student intern’s wages at a fair market rate.
This pilot partnership began in the Fall 2023 semester with GVSU History major Hannah Krebs. Ruth Stevens of the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council collaborated with Kutsche Office staff in defining an appropriate project, composing and sharing a job posting, and ultimately hiring Hannah.
Brooks College Professor partners with Local Genealogical Society
Assistant professor and Latin American Studies coordinator Andy Schlewitz received the Community Collaboration Grant to work in partnership with the Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society in Hart, Michigan. He and a student researched the interactions between WWII German POWs placed into agricultural labor during the war and the foreign-born workers who had dominated the state's seasonal agricultural labor force.
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Awards and Recognition
Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award
On Wednesday, September 20, the GVSU Women's Commission held its annual Celebrating Women Awards. This event was co-sponsored by Positive Black Women, the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE), and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) program.
The Women's Commission is the longest-established faculty/staff affinity group at Grand Valley. Since 1996, the Commission has been advocating for all women on campus by acting on their issues and by promoting equity and social justice, ever conscious of the intersection of race, class, gender, and orientation.
During the ceremony, our very own Associate Dean Melanie Shell-Weiss was presented with the Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award. This annual award is presented to an individual who has provided leadership in support of the rights of women at Grand Valley State University.
Melanie is known to many of us for her outstanding leadership as she manages the many lines of coordination and communication for which she is responsible in Brooks College. Her kindness and patience, combined with her experience and empathy, make her an ideal Associate Dean. Melanie's expertise enables the inner workings of this college to run smoothly. And her passion for advocacy has influenced our learning community to be an inclusive place where people are supported and their voices are lifted up. We are thrilled that she has received this recognition for her efforts.
Unsung Hero Award
Crystall Scott-Tunstall, affiliate professor and internship coordinator for the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) program, was presented with the Unsung Hero Award. This award honors the contributions of those who improve the GVSU community who may not be well known by the general public for the outstanding efforts they make. Brooks College is very proud to have Crystal as a part of our faculty.
Crystal is known to many of us for her vast knowledge of horticulture, her work with local non-profit organizations and committees, and her additional skills and passions, such as professional skill mentorship and food canning and preservation. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Kent County Food Policy Council. Her experience, connections, and insights bring a vast wealth to our learning community. She truly goes above and beyond to implement positive change. She carries a genuine passion for sustainability, and she is driven to mentor students and help them make connections which will grow into careers for them, and a positive impact for our community.
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Glenn A. Niemeyer Award
The GVSU Faculty Awards Convocation was held on February 15 at Loosemore Auditorium, in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. University awards recognize outstanding achievements in teaching excellence, scholarly contributions that advance the professions and benefit society, mentorship that guides students successfully on their academic journey, and dedication to service to our University and the broader community.
Peter Wampler, Professor of Geology in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, was honored with the Glenn A. Niemeyer Award. He was among an elite group of faculty receiving a University Award for Excellence during the ceremony.
2023-2024 Awards and Recognition
Faculty & Staff Awards
Daniela Marini (Jan issue) - Outstanding Teaching Award (Graduate Student Association)
Joel Wendland-Liu (Jan issue) - Outstanding Mentorship Award (Graduate Student Association)
Service Awards
Robyn Toth - 25 years
Gary Greer - 20 years
Julia Mason - 20 years
Deana Weibel-Swanson - 20 years
Justin Pettibone - 15 years
Jeremy Robinson - 15 years
Andrew Schlewitz - 15 years
Jeremiah Cataldo - 15 years
Student Awards
Sustainability Champion Awards
Isabelle Ciarrocchi
Laura Colley
Vivian Gaskin
Parker Hice
Stephanie Moore
Isabelle Notarnicola
Joe Portelli
Kendra Slater
Shehnaz
Kat Vann
Feenstra Award
Alyssa LaFave
ENS Academic & Service Awards
Academic Achievement
Miranda Gonyeau
Katherine Carron
Annabelle Robinson
Madeline Brennan
Ella Carr
Vladimir Tomorsky
Avery Koan
Emma Sherman
Carly Sowirka
Kaitlin Escobar
Maxwell Gradisher
Jacob DeBoer
Distinguished Service
John Read
Michael King
Wendy Wenner Outstanding Thesis Award
Cassie Kendra
Stan Krohmer Outstanding Project Award
Rachel Enders
Excellence-in-a-Discipline Awards
Ruhi Khanna, Global Studies and Social Impact
Jonathan McCabe,
Honors College
Torri Blue, Integrative Studies
Tonya Mongar,
Leadership and Business Fundamentals
Brandi Kinyon, Professional
Innovation
Kali Blick, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Recognition
Kimberly McKee, associate professor, was interviewed this summer by Teen Vogue for an article titled, "Adoption Gratitude: How Expectations Weigh on Adoptees." She shared her ideas surrounding the complexities of adoption, and the backlash that those who acknowledge those complexities face. Kim was also interviewed for two different podcasts in relation to her new book, “ Adoption Fantasies: Fetishization of Asian Adoptees from Girlhood to Womanhood ” (The Ohio State University Press). Lee, Julia. (2023, December 3) “Kimberly D. McKee.” New Books Network: Asian American Studies Podcast. [Online] Available at: https://newbooksnetwork.com/adoption-fantasies. Radke, Haley. (2023, November 24) “268 Kimberly McKee, Ph.D.” AdopteesOn Podcast. [Online] Available at: https://www.adopteeson.com/listen/268. Kim also has a guest essay in the Korea Times. The essay is an opinion piece that is part of a series centered on intercountry adoptions.
Melanie Shell-Weiss, associate Dean and Professor, was presented with the Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award at the GVSU Women's Commission annual Celebrating Women Awards. This annual award is presented to an individual who has provided leadership in support of the rights of women at Grand Valley State University.
Crystal Scott-Tunstall, affiliate professor and internship coordinator for the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) program Crystal Scott-Tunstall was presented with the Unsung Hero Award at the GVSU Women's Commission annual Celebrating Women Awards. This award honors the contributions of those who improve the GVSU community who may not be well known by the general public for the outstanding efforts they make. Brooks College is very proud to have Crystal as a part of our faculty. Crystal was featured in an article titled Black Excellence in Sustainability 2024, from the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Crystal is a member of many important committees and councils in our community, and co-chairs the Kent County Food Policy Council. She is a passionate advocate in our community for inclusion, equity, and sustainability. Crystal has been featured in an online article titled Women Making History: Celebrating Women's History Month. The Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC) co-develops, facilitates, advocates for, and supports implementation of policies that advance food justice and food sovereignty in Chicago and across the region. Crystal was one of two women featured in their blog centered on Women's History Month dated March 27, 2024.
Daniela Marini, assistant professor in SIS, was recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Award at the Graduate Student Association (GSA) award ceremony and reception held December 8 at the Eberhard Center.
Joel Wendland-Liu, associate professor in SIS, was recognized with the Outstanding Mentorship Award at the Graduate Student Association (GSA) award ceremony and reception held December 8 at the Eberhard Center.
Santos Ramos, assistant professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and program director for the Leadership & Professional Innovation program, collaborated with community partner Masa Center to win a $600,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation. He will serve as Program Director on the project—La Milpa Michigan—to increase community-based engagement with Xicano/Latine Studies education in Michigan.
Karen Zivi, professor and program coordinator of the Human Rights program, recently had a research article published in The International Journal of Human Rights: Reason enough to hope? The citational practices and disorienting subjects that make menstruation a matter of human rights.
Andy Schlewitz, assistant professor and program coordinator for Latin American Studies, received the Kutsche Office of Local History's Community Collaboration Grant. His work with the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society explores the complicated relationships between migrant agricultural laborers in West Michigan during WWII and the Nazi POWs who were shipped over to perform the same agricultural work towards the end of WWII. Andy gave a presentation on his work on November 9 at at the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society in Hart, Michigan.
Melba Vèlez-Ortiz, professor of the Frederik Meijer Honors College, was featured with her guide dog Professor Chad in the September/October 2023 edition of American Kennel Club Family Dog. The article is on page 6 within the publication. Check out the article for free online on their website. Next up for Professor Chad: world domination!
Jeremiah Cataldo, associate professor of the Frederik Meijer Honors College, published a new book: Disembodying Narrative: A Postcolonial Subversion of Genesis (Lexington Books / Fortress Academic, 2023).
Denise Goerisch, Dawn Rutecki, and Lin Bardwell have been awarded a $3,000 Brooks Interdisciplinary Collaboration (BIC) Grant to center indigenous voices in the teaching of INT 370 Anishinaabeg Lifeways: Past Present, and Future. This will include supporting co-teaching of the class, facilitating connections with GVSU’s Native American Advisory Council (NAAC), developing anti-racist pedagogies, and facilitating connections beyond the course. In these ways, the project hopes to interrupt harm caused by extraction, exploitation, and colonizing practices.
Jenna Lyons, visiting faculty in SIS, was awarded a Center for Missouri Studies Fellowship through the State Historical Society of Missouri for 2024. The press release can be found at this link from the State Historical Society of Missouri website.
Peter Wampler, professor of Geology in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, was honored with the Glenn A. Niemeyer Award. He was among an elite group of faculty receiving a University Award for Excellence during the ceremony at the Faculty Awards Convocation on February 15.
Azfar Hussain, associate professor in SIS, Director of the Graduate Program in Social Innovation, and a committed bilingual writer—had his third book in Bengali titled Chinho Bhasey Oboseshe (Signs Drift At last) published from Poondra Publications, Dhaka, in December, 2023. This book is an experimental, interdisciplinary, intersectional, and mixed-genre work in which the elements of travelogue, docufiction, and critifiction are interspliced to make theoretical and critical points about time and space, music and dance, and, of course, about politics and philosophy and poetry. Link: ¿¹Í¨ ¾¸Ç ¬¶Ç·Ç (Signs Drift At Last), 2023.
Krista Benson, associate professor in SIS, has published a book Reproductive Justice. Adoption, and Foster Care (Routledge), co-written by Krista Benson (School of Interdisciplinary Studies, GVSU) and Tanya Saroj Bahkru (San José State University) released on 2/26/24. In this book, the authors situate the colonial legacies of family separation, what it means to center the right parent, and Reproductive Justice and transnational feminist frameworks in conversation with one another in order to elucidate a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to recognizing the significance of contemporary examples of family separation.
Denise Goerisch, Director of Integrative Studies and assistant professor in SIS, was awarded a Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (FTLC) Grant for her proposed project, "Changing the Student Debt Landscape Symposium." This project will be completed with Heather Moody and Brian Deyo from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) within GVSU. Denise published an article, “Considering ethics of care in online learning spaces,” which she co-authored with PMASI student Ty Krueger and Honors alum Madison Edwards in Digital Geography and Society. This article was the product of a pilot project that the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) funded. It is very exciting to see what came of that project finally in print.
Jakia Marie, assistant professor in SIS and coordinator for the African/African American Studies program, was awarded a Pew FTLC Grant for her proposed project, "Experiencing the Cape Coast Castle and the Assin Manso Last Bath." The Pan African Network of ACPA 2024 awarded Jakia with a spot in their Annual 30 under 40 Sawubona class. This class recognizes the work of individuals of African heritage across various roles within higher education who embody one or more of the Pan African Network core values: advocacy, campus partnerships, civic engagement, mentorship, programming, and research and scholarship. Jakia was specifically recognized for her programming accomplishments. The programming category intends to recognize those who create and/or facilitate impactful and intentional initiatives that highlight and/or mirror the core values of the Pan African Network (Educational Leadership, Collaboration, Fellowship, Advocacy, Professional Development, and Mentoring). Jakia was also presented with the Mary McLeod Bethune & Carter G. Woodson Award for Outstanding Service in the Promotion of Social Responsibility in Africana Studies by the National Council for Black Studies. Jakia was the youngest person to receive a national award and only junior faculty member to receive an award this year! This is a truly amazing achievement.
Patrick Johnson, Director of Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors, will be presenting at the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) in March on the subject of “From Writer's Block to Writer's Bot: ChatGPT and the Future of Writing Assistance.”
Jeremiah Cataldo, professor in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, published an article titled Trauma of (Un)civilized (Wo)man in Hosea in the Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament on February 28, 2024. Jeremiah was awarded a Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE) grant for his proposed project, "Anti-Intellectualist Trends in Biblical Interpretation."
Aaron Eddens, assistant professor in SIS, published his book, Seeding Empire: American Philanthrocapital and the Roots of the Green Revolution in Africa , with University of California Press in March 2024 (enter discount code UCPSAVE30 for 30% off). This book is available to borrow from the Brooks College Dean's Office collection, and is also featured on the Brooks Books website.
Jack Mangala, Director of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, has contributed two learning modules to the Migration Law course hosted by the online learning platform edX. At the invitation of the Belgian University Foundation, Dr. Mangala traveled to Brussels in May to participate as a trainer in the EU-sponsored certificate in transitional justice. Dr. Mangala will return to John Cabot University (Rome) this summer as visiting faculty.
Ramya Swayamprakash, SIS assistant professor, was awarded a Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE) grant for her proposed project, "Islands in the Straits: Technology, Transformation, and Remarking Nature along the Detroit River 1860-1960."
Ayana Weekley, Julia Mason (Director of WGS), and Danielle DeMuth, associate professors in SIS, have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation. Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) will use the funds to advance the study of gender, race, and sexuality. Grant activities include supporting on-going programs and new initiatives including discussion groups, speakers, and building connections with regional WGS faculty to amplify work in the discipline. Check out this GVSU Forum article which details their accomplishment.
Joel Stillerman, professor of sociology and faculty-in-residence in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, received a Fulbright Scholar Award and plans to spend the upcoming fall semester at the Universidad Central de Chile, where he will co-teach a doctoral class on economic sociology and conduct research. Joel was also featured in this GV Next article with the other two GVSU recipients. Go to the article to read more details from Joel on his research.
Retirements
Brent Smith, Associate Professor of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (Religious Studies Coordinator), retired in May 2024 after 14 years at GVSU Read Brent's Reflections At Retirement