Latest news with #GrandValleyStateUniversity
USA Today
5 days ago
- General
- USA Today
LGBTQ+ students seek social networks, safety in fraternities and sororities
LGBTQ+ students seek social networks, safety in fraternities and sororities When Dylan Mason was an incoming freshman at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, his mom dropped him off at his dormitory with three earnest admonitions. 'She told me: Don't get a tattoo, don't get your ears pierced and don't join a fraternity,' chuckles Mason, 20, who recently finished his second year of college and his first year as a member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau. Mason, who identifies as gay, had never planned to join a fraternity. He changed his mind when he overhead members of another frat laughing at him. 'During winter recruitment, I was walking through the student center and heard a comment about me rushing. They thought it was funny. At the time, that really affected me,' Mason says. 'I wanted to prove them wrong. So, I made it my goal to join Greek life.' From that initial spite came genuine fellowship. 'My fraternity brothers are people who probably wouldn't have hung out with me in high school, but now they're some of my best friends,' says Mason, who is vice president of his fraternity. 'That's the beauty of diversity … even though I'm so different, I'm part of this community now — this brotherhood — and that's something I think a lot of gay people are lacking.' Greek inclusion growing Although fraternities and sororities have a history of homophobia, Greek life today is more diverse and inclusive than ever, observes Douglas N. Case, former coordinator of fraternity and sorority life at San Diego State University and an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In studies of Greek life that he published in 1996 and 2007, Case observed a 'remarkable' shift in LGBTQ+ representation: In 1996, just 25% and 19% of LGBTQ+ men and women, respectively, said they were out to their Greek brothers and sisters. By 2007, 79% of LGBTQ+ participants in Greek life said they were out. 'Now it's 2025, and things have continued to evolve,' Case says Although she's careful to note her small sample size, Chana Etengoff found similar evidence of inclusion in a 2022 study of 50 LGBTQ+ students: 66% of LGBTQ+ participants in Greek life said their Greek experience was positive and 88% said Greek life contributed positively to their overall college experience, she reported. 'It was different than I would have expected,' says Etengoff, an associate professor of psychology at New York's Adelphi University. 'To me, the takeaway is that LGBTQ+ individuals are more complex than just their sexual or gender identities … just because you're LGBTQ+ doesn't mean you can't also be motivated to participate in Greek life.' 'A built-in community of lifelong friendships' A fraternity that perfectly embodies the benefits of Greek life for LGBTQ+ students is Delta Lambda Phi (DLP), which describes itself as a 'Greek organization started by gay men for all men.' Inclusive by design, founder Vernon L. Strickland III established it in 1987 to create an alternative social space for Queer men whose relationships were often predicated on sex. 'In the gay world, bars and hookup culture are very pervasive. And that's not a bad thing, but sometimes people want a little bit more,' says Brosnan Rhodes, who joined DLP in 2017 and currently serves as its trustee. 'Delta Lambda Phi offers a built-in community of lifelong friendships and bonds that you can plug into at any time in your life, anywhere you go.' And because DLP is Queer, the relationships its members create — for purposes of friendship, mentoring or professional networking — are inherently benign. 'In our community, it can be hard to get close to people because we don't always know who is safe,' Rhodes says. 'I love the fact that within our brotherhood, we can form bonds and connections without worrying whether a space is safe. Because we have a shared experience, I know that my brothers in every situation are going to treat me with the same kindness and respect that I'm going to give them.' Nearly 40 years after DLP's founding, other fraternities and sororities are carrying its torch of inclusion. At Indiana's DePauw University, for example, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association recently drafted a joint statement of inclusion to which all fraternities and sororities have committed themselves, says Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students John Mark Day. The statement reads: 'The best version of Greek life is a community where everyone feels not just tolerated but welcomed to exist as their authentic self.' 'This is deeply personal for me,' Day says. 'As someone who is both gay and a member of a fraternity, I know that these spaces can be welcoming of students who are both figuring out and fully living their LGBTQ+ identities … I also know there's a business case for this. As students become more diverse and inclusive, the organizations that will thrive will be the ones that truly live their values of brotherhood and sisterhood.' DePauw's inclusion statement is a sign of progress across the Greek system. 'It used to be the case that maybe you had a gay-friendly chapter of a fraternity or sorority that folks would gravitate to. Now, inclusion is becoming more of a priority throughout the Greek community,' Day says. For pioneers like DLP, that progress is a 'double-edged sword,' according to Rhodes, who says DLP has only eight active chapters in 2025 along with three groups currently seeking chapter status as prospective brothers find acceptance in other, larger fraternities where they previously weren't welcome. 'When Delta Lambda Phi was formed, it was because gay men could not join traditional fraternities,' says Case, an honorary DLP member. 'That's not true anymore.' What about trans and nonbinary students? Clearly, organizations like DLP are no longer necessary for some LGBTQ+ students. For others, however, they're more relevant than ever. 'More organizations are accepting, but they may not be wholly accepting,' notes Rhodes, who says DLP membership among individuals who are gender-nonconforming, nonbinary and trans has 'dramatically increased' in recent years. 'There are many parts of our community that are still underrepresented in Greek life because they aren't the 'typical' gay person. But at DLP, we're still a safe space for those people. Given the high rates of suicide among transgender and nonbinary youth, safe spaces in the Greek system can be 'lifesaving,' according to Case. 'Homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia still exist, and they're even more prevalent in single-sex organizations. So, there's still work to be done,' he says. 'But we've come a long way, and I find that to be reassuring.' Progress is evident in individuals like D. Perez-Sornia, who was one of the first trans nonbinary members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon when they joined it in 2019 as a junior at Cal Poly Humboldt, in Arcata, California. 'Our core values as a sorority were justice, sisterhood and love. So being in a sorority exposed me to a group of women who were into the same things I was into and had the same values I had, and that gave me an opportunity for self-growth and identity formation that I really needed at that time,' explains Perez-Sornia, who says Greek life can be rewarding for people of all gender and sexual identities when they're fortunate enough to have inclusive brothers and sisters. 'You have to be smart and do your research to find out where you'll be accepted. But if I could join a sorority as a girl with a mustache, I think anybody can.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Symposium offers blueprints for success of Black men
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A national conference focused on the success of Black boys and men is taking place in Grand Rapids this week. The fourth annual Black Boys & Men National Symposium hosted by Grand Valley State University brought together educators, leaders and students to share strategies and build connections. 'We are grateful to have a record number of participants at the symposium,' B. Donta Truss, GVSU vice president for enrollment development and educational outreach, said. 'Through the past four years, we have worked to foster conversations, such as those that begin at this symposium, to bring community leaders together to identify solutions for success of all and bring those to their communities.' Hundreds of people gathered at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel downtown to discuss the tools young Black men need to succeed. Among the many people absorbing the wisdom in various breakout rooms was Leroy Harvey, a 10th grader at Battle Creek Central. 'We are going to different sessions learning about what it means to be a Black male and how to help Black males around schools,' he said. 'The more I know, the more I can help my friends around in school and I can help people learn about how it is as a Black man in school.' Harvey has set big goals for his future. He said hearing from inspirational speakers has given him a clear vision of what is possible. 'I see a lot of Black men that have high positions and have a lot of power, so it's cool to see Black males where I want to be,' he said. 'Knowing they've had the same or similar background to me, coming from a small town and seeing where they are now, it's cool to see where I could go and how I could get there.' The goal of the symposium is to create long-term change by tackling the real-life challenges Black boys and men face every day. One attendee, a school counselor Brandon Weddle, works with students returning from long-term suspensions and said the conversations at the event hit close to home. He said the keynote speaker on Wednesday, Detroit native Judge Greg Mathis, gave him new tools to break generational cycles. 'Just seeing his story definitely impacted me to know that I'm on the right path and we can give other people what the blueprint should look like,' he said. Judge Mathis gives keynote address at symposium While ensuring a good academic standing was a big focus, one educator said the biggest focus is what happens outside the classroom. Marques Johnson, a paraprofessional at Lincoln Consolidated in Ypsilanti, said student success starts with understanding what's going on at home. 'Just focus on that so we can then conquer the educational part,' he said. 'Meeting the kids where they are right now and then bumping them up slowly but surely as we navigate through their lifestyle and then coming back to the educational part.' He said he hears directly from students about the stereotypes Black men and boys face. The conference is helping to dismantle them. 'Getting to know the Black young men and not just having a stereotype is important,' said Johnson. The symposium continues to grow year after year and for many who attend, it's a step toward building something better. 'There's just a lot of good things going on, a lot of powerful people sharing and informing people on how they can connect and network,' Harvey said. 'They need to do this more frequently.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
GVSU holds fourth annual Black Boys & Men National Symposium
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Valley State University is holding its fourth annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium Wednesday through Friday. Wednesday's event was held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids. Thursday's and Friday's events will be at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Judge Greg Mathis gave a keynote address on Wednesday and spoke with the media beforehand. He addressed his experiences and how they played a pivotal role in shaping the message that he wanted to share with the audience. 'This is an issue that is dear to me,' Mathis said. 'Having been a street youth, in and out of juvenile and tried for carrying a gun as an adult at age 17, I know the life that many of our young people are subjected to living in poverty. And having their education fail them. And so, I think I am uniquely qualified to talk about this.' GVSU to hold third Black Boys and Men Symposium Mathis, a Detroit native, said a piece of his message was focused on keeping children on the best path possible, regardless of the challenges they may face in the household. 'We can't let the child fall through the cracks,' he said. 'That's one of the things I've always advocated for and that is we must save the child even if we can't save the household. And that's part of what we're going to be discussing. Solutions to keep a child from falling through the cracks. And particularly as it relates to black boys and black men who have an additional burden based on the stereotypes that have been perpetuated that we are typically angry criminals.' Mathis noted his professional challenges, such as running for judge, going to law school and becoming a lawyer as opportunities he used to his benefit, rather than being deterred. 'My obstacles, each one of them I flipped,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Laketown considers options for new beach stairs, including EZ Steps from local inventor
Laketown Township is examining multiple options for replacing a set of stairs leading to Lake Michigan, which were closed and later removed earlier this year. The municipality's Parks and Recreation Commission, according to meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 21, instructed staff to seek cost estimates for either new wooden stairs or adjustable aluminum stairs called EZ Beach Steps. EZ Beach Steps are adjustable and adaptable steps made of aluminum and PVC coating. They can be easily moved or adjusted to respond to changes in water levels or erosion along the water. They were invented by Lisa Spaugh of West Olive, who was inspired after seeing the stairs and deck at her Lake Michigan home destroyed during a storm. In her efforts to regain access to the water, Spaugh wanted something that would last. More: West Olive woman nets award for erosion-friendly EZ Beach Steps The steps earned Spaugh the title of 2023 Lakeshore Innovator of the Year from Grand Valley State University's Muskegon Innovation Hub. The Parks and Recreation Commission also asked staff on Wednesday to install fencing to protect dune grass along the path to the beach, according to a post on the township website. A set of stairs leading from the parking lot at Laketown Beach to the top of the dune remain. Volunteers from EagleEye Performance Vision of Zeeland recently helped clear those stairs of sand on Community Impact Day, according to the township. Without the other set of stairs, beach access is still possible, but more difficult. The township recommends taking the stairs up from the parking lot, then following the marked path down the bowl — a steep drop with a flat bottom amid the dune — staying on the trail and off the edges to avoid disturbing the dune and dune grass. Once at the bottom of the bowl, go over the small hill and to the lake, heeding no trespassing signs. To get back to the parking lot, visitors must walk back up through the bowl. The township advises this is 'a difficult walk' in the soft sand and there is no handrail or other assistance. The Parks and Recreation Commission is next scheduled to meet Wednesday, June 18. — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@ This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Laketown Township considers options for replacing removed beach stairs
New York Post
19-05-2025
- New York Post
Michigan college student Connor Lotterman killed at house party in ‘intentional' shooting
A Michigan college student was killed when multiple gunshots were fired through the floor at a house party in an 'intentional' shooting, according to reports. Connor Lotterman, a 19-year-old engineering student at Grand Valley State University, was struck in the head by a recklessly shot bullet fired from an upstairs bedroom during the May 9 party, WOOD-TV reported. The tragic scene unfolded just after 11 p.m. in Tallmadge Township, MI, 6 miles east of the school's campus. Advertisement 4 Grand Valley State University student Connor Lotterman died after being shot during a house party in Tallmadge Township, Michigan on May 9, 2025. Langeland-Sterenberg Yntema Funeral Homes Officials say a 20-year-old suspected gunman unloaded several rounds from his own gun into the floorboards as 10-20 people were partying inside. 'The shooting was quite intentional,' Ottowa County Sheriff's Office Capt. Jake Sparks told the outlet. 'Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn't like as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional.' Advertisement Lotterman was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but died on May 10, three days shy of his 20th birthday. The coroner's officer ruled Lotterman's death an accident, with alcohol suspected of playing a role. 'Encourage people to be smart, firearms and alcohol don't mix that's for sure,' Sparks said. 'I think this situation could've been avoided without those things mixing.' 4 The tragic scene unfolded just after 11 p.m. in Tallmadge Township, MI, 6 miles east of the school's campus. WOOD-TV Advertisement 4 Lotterman was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but died on May 10, three days shy of his 20th birthday. Langeland-Sterenberg Yntema Funeral Homes The suspected gunman has not been publicly identified as police and prosecutors are considering criminal charges in the fatal shooting. Lotterman was the youngest of five and is survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents and nieces and nephews, according to an online obituary. His sister mourned her younger brother in a touching birthday message posted to social media. Advertisement 'Thank you for being the best little brother a girl could ask for,' Marielle Lotterman wrote in the tribute. 'I am so thankful to God for the 20 amazing years you had on this earth.' 4 Officials say a 20-year-old suspected gunman unloaded several rounds from his own gun into the floorboards on the second floor as 10-20 people were partying inside. WOOD-TV Lotterman was completing his second year at GVSU when he was killed. 'The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor's tragic death,' Dean of Students Aaron Haight said in a statement obtained by WOOD-TV. 'On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.'
