Washington Monthly names GVSU a “Best Bang for the Buck” college in the Midwest

Grand Valley State University has been named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college in the Midwest by the Washington Monthly yet again. 

The nonprofit magazine based in Washington, D.C., ranks colleges in the U.S. on cost versus performance rate. GVSU received the 73rd place. 

Humane Society of West Michigan helps animals put in danger by Hurricane Harvey

The Humane Society of West Michigan put out a statement in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, calling for donations to the animal relocation fund to help animals displaced by the natural disaster. 

Donations will go toward transporting animals to shelters in West Michigan to provide relief from overflowing shelters in the states affected by the hurricane.  

Provost will hold town hall meetings with GVSU faculty and staff

Maria Cimitile, Grand Valley State University provost and executive vice president for student affairs, has announced her intentions to hold “town hall” meetings with GVSU faculty and staff in order to share her intentions for the 2017-18 school year and answer questions.

In an emailed statement, Cimitile expressed her desire to offer an opportunity to “further dialogue” with campus faculty and staff. 

Cimitile will appear on the Allendale Campus Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Kirkhof Center, Room 2215/2216, and Monday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Room 2204. For the Pew Campus, Cimitile will appear in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Room 123, Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Cimitile was selected as provost following the retirement of former Provost Gayle Davis last academic year. This year will be the first for Cimitile in this position.

Protesters in downtown Grand Rapids interrupt Labor Day bridge walk

Grand Rapids residents were listening to the opening remarks of Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on the morning of Monday, Sept. 4, for the annual Grand Rapids Labor Day Bridge Walk when a group of protesters interrupted Bliss’ speech.

According to Wood TV8 coverage, the group of people were protesting the purported “unwillingness” of Bliss to negotiate a contract with The Rapid bus systems employees. They said The Rapid employees have been working without a contract for two years. 

Footage from Wood TV8 shows protesters interrupting Bliss mid-speech, surrounding the mayor with signs saying, “The Unions Make Us Stronger” and “Ignorance is Bliss.” Mayor Bliss at one point was blocked from the crowd listening to her speak by a large red banner that read, “Labor Solidarity.” 

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. celebrating the labor movement, which created organized labor unions to help advocate for workers’ rights.

‘GV’s Got Talent’ auditions

Spotlight Productions will host its “GV’s Got Talent” auditions Friday, Sept. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 2259 of the Kirkhof Center.

The auditions are open to any GVSU member with a talent they want to showcase, whether’s it’s singing, dancing or something else entirely. While walk-ins are welcome, interested individuals can reserve a specific audition time in advance by emailing [email protected].

The actual talent show will take place Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 9 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center. 

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/events/gvs-got-talent-auditions-10/.