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Gum to return to campus stores

Gum will soon be making its way back onto campus stores’ shelves.

At the Open President’s Forum last Tuesday students asked President Eric Gilbertson why it is never available to purchase.

Gilbertson said the rule was set in hopes of keeping the campus clean, as some individuals tend to dispose of gum by sticking it on university property or spitting it on the ground.
However, after some discussion, attendees decided that since the campus community can bring gum from off campus, it’s not clear if the rule is effective.

Gilbertson decided to reintroduce it to campus on a trial basis.

Dean of Students Merry Jo Brandimore said bringing back gum will most likely be well received by the campus community. … Read More…

November 23, 2013 | Permalink

Departments open the curtain for ‘The Producers’

The Departments of Theatre and Music opened its long-anticipated production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” last Wednesday in the Malcolm Field Theatre.

Ever since I was 13, I’ve loved “The Producers.” Though my first experience with the production was with the 2005 film adaptation of Mel Brooks’ deservedly praised Broadway show, my love for it has always existed since then, and only grown stronger after each repeated viewing.

The show itself is one of those rare comedic pieces whose hit/miss ratio is almost entirely for the former. Its speed, its pacing, its timing – from a comedic aspect, personally, it’s one of the finest comedies to come out of Broadway not only recently, but of all-time as well.

So, naturally, … Read More…

November 22, 2013 | Permalink

Preserving campus history

One SVSU student knew just what to suggest when she realized the university’s 50th anniversary was right around the corner: a time capsule.

Social work senior Gwin Simpson got the idea from her 4-H group, which utilized a time capsule as a dedication for an awards ceremony.

“I wanted to do something similar with my residents,” Simpson said. “I never expected the capsule to flourish the way it has.”

Vanguard photo | Arianna Paver

Student Gwin Simpson and SVSU President Eric Gilbertson commemorate the university’s first 50 years at the dedication of the 50th Anniversary Time Capsule. The capsule will be placed in a wall of the new Fieldhouse builidng once it is completed in May 2014..

More than 100 … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

Area 22 Special Olympics to receive $25,185 from BOV annual fundraiser

Battle of the Valleys entered its 11th year, but Saginaw Valley defeated rival Grand Valley for the sixth consecutive year in the annual fundraising competition.

The fundraising spanned more than six days, beginning at noon Sunday, Nov. 10 and ended Friday, Nov. 15, at 11:59 pm. Throughout the week, a different day brought a different fund raising measure.

All of SVSU’s $25,185 proceeds from the week will be donated to the Area 22 Special Olympics.

According to fifth-year student Zachary Eick, the decision to donate to them was nearly unanimous among the selection committee.

“One of the reasons the selection committee chose Area 22 Special Olympics is because they’re already here, they’re already making a difference for students and we … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

PHE encourages smokers to kick smoking habits ‘in the butt’

Smokers on campus are being encouraged to “kick the habit.”

Peer Health Education (PHE) has been handing out hacky sacks and Quit Kits as part of the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout.

“The majority of smokers do not want to continue the habit, but are unsure of how to go about quitting,” said nursing senior Bridget Billin, who is a part of the tobacco and drug education committee for PHE. “We want to provide a nonjudgmental way to distribute resources to those who want them.”

The Great American Smokeout occurs every November and encourages smokers to develop a plan for quitting, even if just for a short period of time.

“We’re asking people that are currently smokers to … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

Setting the table for cultural awareness

The Office of International Programs celebrated 50 years of red pride worldwide with International Education Week.

One of the highlights of the week was the annual International Food Festival, which brought in 1,185 students, faculty and community members. Attendees tasted and sampled international cuisine from 14 different countries, including Japan, France, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, India, Poland, China and more.

Vanguard photo | Taylor LaPlace

Taiwanese students serve up made-to-order green onion pancakes during the International Food Festival in the Marketplace at Doan. Food from 14 different countries, including the U.S., were represented.

Even the U.S. represented itself at the Marketplace Grill Station, serving deviled eggs, cream cheese jalapeno burger sliders and deep-fried Twinkies.

Third-year student Sam Bragg said she … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

Departmental coordination supports student involvement

The Circle of Support is focused on promoting student success in the classroom.

The Circle of Support is the combined effort of seven centers and departments that offer individual opportunities for SVSU students to receive free tutoring, services and programs that can help them develop academically.

Director of Academic Programs Support Ann Coburn-Collins said the collaboration was inevitable.

“All the departments are here for students,” she said. “So together we are a one-stop shop for students wanting to improve academically.”

The Circle of Support is now coming together, hoping to re-emphasize the opportunities it offers to students.

“At the beginning of the semester, students are given so much information,” Coburn-Collins said, “We wanted to wait until the noise quiets down … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

LCSW trumps GV by fundraising through Euchre

Living Center Southwest is trumping the resident’s routine of staying in their dorms.

A euchre tournament, which was put on by the Resident Assistant staff and the Community Council of Living Center Southwest, was another small step in the help to raise money for the Battle of the Valley’s Week. It was also a good outlet for residents to get out of their dorms and socialize in a relaxing environment.

Not only was the euchre tournament held, but there was also $200 worth in prizes.

Professional and technical writing senior, Justine Defever helped oversee the tournament.

“We all know that euchre is a classic Michigan game,” Defever said. “Most people, no matter where you’re from in Michigan, have at least … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

Zetas sweeten campus experience through programming

Zeta Phi Beta gave the word “sweet” a whole new meaning.

The sorority hosted an event each day from Sunday Nov. 10 to Saturday Nov. 16. They dubbed the week, “The Sweetest Week Ever,” incorporating sugary treats into each activity’s name and theme.

The week kicked off with Sunday night’s “Art, Beats and Sweetz” event. Attendees created key chains and refrigerator magnets while eating cupcakes and listening to music.

Another social event was Tuesday’s jeopardy event, “Extreme Airheads.”

The sorority also partnered with Phi Beta Sigma and Phi Kappa Tau for a mini comedy show called “Cry Baby.” The format of the show was similar to Nick Cannon’s show, “Wild ‘N Out.”

“It’s just supposed to be something fun to … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink

Taking the classroom into the wilderness

The Chippewa Nature Center is full of teaching opportunities, according to SVSU professor of geography Martin Arford.

“It is the best place to teach a lesson,” he said. “I want my students to be able to see it for themselves.”

Last weekend, Arford brought the students to the river for a lesson on atmospheric and geomorphology as part of his introduction to geography course.

Vanguard photo | Tyler Bradley

Students visit the Chippewa Nature Center as part of their introduction to geography course. The visit allows students to study different vegetation and landforms, along with encouraging them to be more involved with their surroundings.

At the Chippewa Nature Center, students were able to see first-hand the network of interpretive trails … Read More…

November 18, 2013 | Permalink