SPRING 2024 — ORIGINS ISSUE
SPRING 2024 — ORIGINS ISSUE
FEATURE
Two-Eyed Seeing
Dig looks beyond history of logging town to displaced peoples
Two-Eyed Seeing involves using one eye to understand the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and the other to understand Western knowledge, then braiding those perspectives together for mutual benefit.
FEATURE
Two-Eyed Seeing
Dig looks beyond history of logging town to displaced peoples
Two-Eyed Seeing involves using one eye to understand the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and the other to understand Western knowledge, then braiding those perspectives together for mutual benefit.
FEATURE
Grand Valley ‘Firsts’
The lore behind Lakers, Louie, logo and more
Brush up on your Laker lore and learn the stories behind your favorite campus landmarks, trivia and traditions.
FEATURE
Grand Valley ‘Firsts’
The lore behind Lakers, Louie, logo and more
Brush up on your Laker lore and learn the stories behind your favorite campus landmarks, trivia and traditions.
FEATURE
The Toughest Yard
At one time, the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia was the oldest prison in Michigan. At one time, it was also the site of one of the earliest games in Grand Valley football history.
FEATURE
The Toughest Yard
At one time, the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia was the oldest prison in Michigan. At one time, it was also the site of one of the earliest games in Grand Valley football history.
FEATURE
Vietnam
Four decades later, refugee leads students to her homeland
Even four decades later, Connie Dang’s face showed a lot of emotions and her voice cracked at times as she retold the story of the day in 1979 when she and her family fled their home in Vietnam.
FEATURE
Vietnam
Four decades later, refugee leads students to her homeland
Even four decades later, Connie Dang’s face showed a lot of emotions and her voice cracked at times as she retold the story of the day in 1979 when she and her family fled their home in Vietnam.
On the cover
The print cover of the spring issue features artwork from Michigan artist Alan Compo
ARTIST STATEMENT BY ALAN COMPO
I am an Anishinaabek Artist from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa. I create paintings of the stories, culture and Circles I’ve grown up within. Since the beginning of my art-making career, these stories have always found their voice within my work. These connected Circles within Circles that tell stories of living art, and lessons to be found.
I start with an idea of one of these stories, and allow it to branch out into baskets, floral patterns, and, in essence, its own Spirit. I use color and patterns other Anishinaabek may recognize as being a part of Our stories.
These stories and patterns are not mine alone. They are created with the many Circles of Anishinaabek, family and Spirit that have helped me bring them out, within my way of creating. My work allows me to be apart of that voice of our land, and its multilayered narrative.
Ngushe Aki, “Mother Earth,” was created to tell a story of beginning, strength, and growth. I want my art to be another extension of the viewer’s Circles, and for them to be inspired, learn, and ask questions.
On the cover
The print cover of the spring issue features artwork from Michigan artist Alan Compo
ARTIST STATEMENT BY ALAN COMPO
I am an Anishinaabek Artist from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa. I create paintings of the stories, culture and Circles I’ve grown up within. Since the beginning of my art-making career, these stories have always found their voice within my work. These connected Circles within Circles that tell stories of living art, and lessons to be found.
I start with an idea of one of these stories, and allow it to branch out into baskets, floral patterns, and, in essence, its own Spirit. I use color and patterns other Anishinaabek may recognize as being a part of Our stories.
These stories and patterns are not mine alone. They are created with the many Circles of Anishinaabek, family and Spirit that have helped me bring them out, within my way of creating. My work allows me to be apart of that voice of our land, and its multilayered narrative.
Ngushe Aki, “Mother Earth,” was created to tell a story of beginning, strength, and growth. I want my art to be another extension of the viewer’s Circles, and for them to be inspired, learn, and ask questions.
Campus Stories
Starting a scholarship fund, an app that showcases GVSU’s robust art collection, a community garden that grew into so much more
Alumni Stories
A graduate races around the world, seeking stories of happiness; the Kirkhof Center celebrates a milestone
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable Agriculture Project
Community garden grows into community space
Now at four acres, the Sustainable Agriculture Project got its start in 2008 when a group of students took on the challenge of creating a community garden on campus.
ALUMNI FEATURE
Journey of happiness
Alumnus filmmaker races across the world to break a world record, while collecting stories of happiness along the way.
