Conquering China

Holly Miller will be speaking Tuesday, Oct. 18 about her travels through China over the past summer. Miller received the Gilman scholarship and is a Gilman scholar. Her talk will go from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Miller was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at age four and since then has conquered many obstacles in her life.

She will be talking to other students about studying abroad and encourage them to go, even if they have doubts. Miller also hopes she can shed some light to other student about autism and autistic people on campus. The Frederick Meijer Office of Fellowships is sponsoring the event.

Community Partner Award

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas accepted the Community Partner Award on behalf of the university Monday, Oct. 10. The award is presented by the Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc.

GVSU received the award for its participation in the LITE program, an organization which helps provide work experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. For over eight years, GVSU has employed individuals in locations such as the bookstore, Fieldhouse Arena, campus dining, facilities services and more. The award ceremony took place at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Bystander Intervention Training

Grand Valley State University’s “It’s on Us” campaign will host a bystander intervention training Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m in Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room.

Bystander intervention is a method of making sure students and those in the GVSU community feel comfortable, equipped and knowledgable about positive ways to intervene in a situation where there is a risk of sexual assault.

This training will assign specific roles to people so they know how to safely approach the situation. Contact Ashley Schulte at [email protected] with questions regarding the event.

Laptop Loan program

Students at Grand Valley State University who find themselves in a situation where their computer breaks down can now rent an emergency loaner laptop thanks to several departments on campus. The laptops are free to rent, but the student must meet eligibility requirements.

The student in need must be a Pell grant recipient, demonstrate financial need or be a student veteran. Laptops have been donated by the GVSU Surplus Store. Students can apply for a laptop at the Office of Integrative Learning and Advising in Lake Michigan Hall Room 133. Questions can be directed to Anita Benes at (616) 331-8200.