Yard Show embodies Black resilience following HBCU lockdowns
During the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Yard Show Saturday, Sept. 13, the Divine Nine historically Black sororities and fraternities strolled, stepped and chanted in an energetic performance, serving as proof that cultural expression blooms and endures despite political turbulence.
Held at the Mary Idema Pew Library’s Amphitheater, the show drew an influx of students, alumni and faculty for one of the most culturally significant events of the semester. Chapters representing groups such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi took the stage, gathering to celebrate Black culture and showcasing the importance of the Divine Nine on campus. The event combined elements of tradition and entertainment, engaging the audience with the rich history of Black Greek-letter organizations.
Read more of Braxton Scullark’s coverage of the NPHC Yard Show here.
Teach-In sessions explore challenging conversations
Grand Valley State University hosted its annual Teach-In Nov. 12-13, bringing together students, faculty and staff for two days of programming centered around the theme of ‘Power, Privilege and Critical Conversations.’
The event was designed as a cross-campus effort to bring together disciplines, confronting difficult issues and sparking change through plenaries, poster sessions and workshops. Since its inception in 2014, the Teach-In has focused on the belief that communities can learn better when members are willing to ask hard questions, listen across differences and reflect on institutional structures. This year’s theme built on that foundation by encouraging participants to examine how power and privilege operate within classrooms, communities and broader social systems.
Read more of Abbie Suarez’s spotlight on the Teach-Ins here.
Planning for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of getaways near GV
With February beginning, it’s time to start making plans for you and your Valentine. Whether you’re thinking of impressing someone with a formal dinner experience or opting for a laid-back date night, there’s no need to drive far. Both Allendale and Grand Rapids have accessible options to explore for the upcoming holiday. Though the ice and snow may leave students wanting to stay indoors, there’s plenty of activities and events that are only a bus ride or a walk away.
The Grand Ravines is a public natural area located in Ottawa County, just a short drive from the Valley Campus. The park features a network of trails that run through forested ravines carved by the Grand River, offering visitors views of steep wooded slopes, riverbanks, wetlands and open clearings.
Read more of Abbie Suarez’s review of date spots here.
Lakers set sail for vacation over spring break
With midterms in the rearview mirror, students at Grand Valley State University turned their focus to spring break, a week away from classes to travel, visit family and catch up on hobbies. For many university students, spring break serves as a checkpoint in the middle of the semester to rest and recuperate before heading back to the “grind” of the second half.
Due to Michigan’s erratic weather, many students from GVSU and other Midwestern universities took trips to warmer climates. As a result, travel-related expenses increase this time of year, with popular U.S. destinations including Arizona, California, Texas and Florida.
Read more of Quentin Campbell’s coverage of spring break here.
Spring Concert goes ‘All the Way’ with BigXthaPlug
Held in the Fieldhouse Arena April 10, the event drew hundreds of attendees into the packed venue. While BigXthaPlug served as the focal point of the concert, DJ Q89 provided beats, chants and mixing for the audience. Also performing was Armani Thompson, a GVSU student and 2026 GV’s Got Talent winner.
This year’s Spring Concert came one year after the controversial decision to cancel the 2025 event. In a now-deleted Instagram post made a little over a year ago, CAB expressed regrets over the outcome, stating it had made several offers to various artists but was unable to secure any of them. In an effort to maintain students’ confidence in the return of the tradition, CAB published a survey gauging feedback on future Spring Concert artists and genres.
Read more of Quentin Campbell’s highlight of the Spring Concert here.
