Grand Rapids Public Museum opens new summer exhibit

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is debuting a new exhibit called “Mindbender Mansion” for the summer through Labor Day.

The exhibit will feature puzzles and brain teasers set up like rooms of a house, according to GRPM Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Kate Moore. The 45 different activities that will make up the exhibit can be completed individually and in groups. Moore said the exhibit is intended for all ages.

The exhibit is part of a traveling exhibit put together by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. To get into the exhibit, there will be a small upcharge of $2 for non-members.

New app allows viewing of GV art collection online

Grand Valley State University features more than 14 thousand pieces of art across campus, and now, thanks to Nathan Kemler, curator of collections management, all of GVSU’s art is available anytime and to anyone with a smart device.

The “Art at GVSU” app not only allows users to view GVSU’s art collection, but it also allows them to favorite pieces of art and share them on social media.

The app is currently available free of charge on all Apple and Android devices.

New scholarship announced in retiring professor’s honor

Retiring director of the Frederik Meijer Honors College, Jeffrey Chamberlain, is being honored with a scholarship in his name for his time at Grand Valley State University.

Chamberlain’s career at GVSU began 10 years ago when he transitioned from a small school to teaching at the honors college at GVSU. He is now being honored with the Jeff Chamberlain Frederik Meijer Honors College Alumni Endowed Scholarship.

Chamberlain’s last day at GVSU will be Tuesday, July 25, and from there he will be teaching at the University of Northern Florida.

GV receives gold status award for sustainability

Grand Valley State University’s Office of Sustainability has won national gold status for sustainability practice for the third time in a row by The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

STARS tracks colleges for their sustainability practices based on education and research, management of energy, waste, buildings, etc.

GVSU’s score has increased this year from 66.05 to 70.80, but still lacks in key areas such as clean and renewable energy, lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, students graduating with environmental degrees and policies that encourage investment in sustainability. Discrepancies in these areas are what prohibit GVSU from receiving the platinum ranking.

Construction project for I-196/Ottawa Avenue ramps scheduled

A reconstruction project for the off-ramps on Ottawa Avenue begins Tuesday, June 5, and will last until early September. The eastbound and westbound Interstate 196 off-ramps will be closed for approximately two to three weeks, and freeway traffic will be directed to use the College Avenue exits, according to the communications director of the City of Grand Rapids, Steve Guitar.

This closure is coordinated with the ongoing Michigan Street resurfacing project, which aims to reconstruct Ottawa Avenue between Michigan Street and Hastings Street; reconfigure and widen the eastbound I-196 off-ramp to allow traffic to turn left and use two lanes to turn right onto Ottawa Avenue; make Ottawa Avenue north of the off-ramp one-way northbound; install a new traffic signal at the I-196 off-ramps and Ottawa Avenue; upgrade sidewalks and ramps to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and install a new water main on Ottawa Avenue.

The project will cost the city $1.36 million.