Here is where ecology, economics, and spirit are woven together…that third row goes by many names: Respect. Reciprocity. All Our Relations. I think of it as the spirit row. Whatever the name, the three rows represent recognition that our lives depend on one another, human needs being only one row in the basket that must hold us all.

--Robin Wall Kimmerer

Last week, GVSU was recognized by the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum for its leadership and successes on the “triple bottom line” of sustainable practices. Those principles include: supporting people and culture, economizing on resources, and helping the environment heal itself. This not-new concept applies to so many things, including some of our highlighted topics this month.

One event in particular, the annual Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse Symposium (Thursday, November 16; 6:00 p.m. in the Seidman College of Business downtown), will focus on an important element of our collective lives that most of us would agree is broken: our public education “system.” What we’re doing isn’t sustainable. Teachers heroically and passionately do their best amidst an increasingly impossible backdrop. That contentious backdrop includes public gatherings related to the operation of our schools—most notably local school board meetings. Civil discourse has eroded. Violence has ensued. Our teachers suffer for it. And of course our children are paying the price. Join us for this important conversation on the 16th.

Brooks College is delighted to be part of bringing Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer to GVSU next week. She’ll be doing a public talk on Wednesday, 8 November at 11:15 a.m. in the Grand River Room (Allendale campus). Live streaming is available via the registration page.

Among other things, Dr. Kimmerer reminds us that so many “discoveries” on how we can be more sustainable across the triple bottom line are in fact the most important lessons from collective memory—memory of all living things including humans.

Mark Schaub, Dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies

On Friday, November 17, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will hold a town hall at 11:00 a.m. in the Frederik Meijer College, Chamberlain Multipurpose Room. Light refreshments will be served, and we are excited to see the smiling faces of our Brooks College community!

In  January 2024, Grand Valley is moving to Workday!  Workday’s cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system will replace Banner Finance, Concur, OnBase, PageUp and more. 

ALL employees ARE REQUIRED to complete the initial training, WD 101: Getting Started with Workday for All Employees, by December 22.

Get started with Workday courses beginning November 6.  Sign up at this link: Workday Courses!  

Find out more at the Workday web page or contact Noreen Savage or Aubrey Dull if you have any questions.

Join us for the 10th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium: Calm the Chaos - Honoring All Voices in Public Education. This highly anticipated event will take place on November 16, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Seidman Center in Downtown Pew Campus.

In today's society, we are faced with numerous polarizing issues within our public schools. However, it is crucial to address these challenges in a constructive and respectful manner. At this symposium, we aim to foster healthy dialogue and deliberation around current cultural tensions related to managing collections in media centers, teaching U.S. history, and responding to LGBTQ+ issues.

Gone are the days of shouting matches at school board meetings and politically-driven policies dictating curriculum decisions. It's time to embrace a new approach that prioritizes open conversations and inclusivity within our education system.

By attending this symposium, you will have the opportunity to engage with educators, administrators, and community members who are passionate about creating safe spaces for students to learn and grow. Together, we can ensure that every student receives a quality education while feeling supported and respected.

Don't miss out on this important event! Join us on November 16th as we work towards fulfilling our fundamental promise of providing a basic education within safe school environments. Let's calm the chaos and honor all voices in public education.

Register now to secure your spot at the 10th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium!

The 11th Teach-In at GVSU, titled "Power, Privilege and Difficult Dialogues," aims to improve inclusion and equity outcomes on campus.  The Teach-In is comprised of a series of panel discussions which educate students, faculty, and staff on topics related to inequality, oppression, social justice, and liberation. 

This year's Teach-In will span two days. The first day will feature thought-provoking discussions at the Pew campus in the Richard M. DeVos Center. The opening plenary session will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Loosemore Auditorium and will include a reception followed by a streamed presentation from Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of Braiding Sweetgrass. On the second day at the Allendale campus in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center, there will be more engaging sessions. To view the program with panel schedules and topics covered, please visit the official Teach-In website. We warmly invite you to join us as we come together to learn, discuss important issues, and take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive future!

Join us at Grand Valley State University as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of national best-selling author Robin Wall Kimmerer on November 8. Experience her captivating talk titled "What does the Earth ask of us?" This extraordinary event, organized by Brooks College in collaboration with various divisions within GVSU, promises to be a highlight of the year.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our opening ceremony, commencing at 11:15 a.m. Be enchanted by the melodies of Wandering Nation, a local tribal drum group, as they perform a welcoming song. We anticipate a remarkable turnout for this highly anticipated event, attracting individuals from both near and far. Whether you choose to attend in person or virtually via Zoom, prepare for an unforgettable presentation. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity - register now to receive the Zoom link for the event. Visit the event website for more information, including the event program. We hope to see you there!

Please join us for our Fall 2023 seminar series where our faculty share their past, recently completed, or on-going scholarly projects.  These are informal events open to everyone.  Seminar presentations last approximately 35-40 minutes followed by conversation for as long as schedules allow.  Bring a lunch (cookies and coffee provided!) and your curiosity.

Thursday, November 9, 12:00 p.m., Honors College Niemeyer Multipurpose Room
"The song-and-dance Caribbean areíto: A 16th Century Context Reexamined."  Elizabeth Gansen.  Modern Languages & Literatures.

Wednesday, November 15, 12:00 p.m., Honors College Room 220 
“Toward a Reproductive Justice Framework for Gene Editing Technologies.” Leifa Mayers.  Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Thursday, November 30, 12:00 p.m., Honors College Niemeyer Multipurpose Room
“Stunt Double Puppetry” Jason Yancey.  Modern Languages & Literatures. 

In Brooks College, we are proud of the unique accomplishments of our learning community. In case you missed them, here are some GV stories which feature Brooks College faculty!

Professor Melba Vèlez-Ortiz was sought out by a GVSU graduate for help with their accessible vehicle design. Read more in the Forum feature.

Associate Dean Melanie Shell-Weiss and affiliate professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall were recognized with awards during the Women's Commission fall luncheon. Read more in the Forum feature.

The Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors was featured in this GV Next article: Writing Center consultants at forefront of AI tools to assist their peers.

The Fall 2023 edition of Grand Valley Magazine was designated as the Water Issue, with features that highlight Brooks College-related stories, including the Water in the West trip, the Wicked Problems in Sustainability Traverse City course, as well as quotes from Brooks College faculty members. Check out the issue on the GVM website! 

Michael King is a student who has undergone an incredible transformation from struggle to success. Last academic year, Michael faced a setback that greatly affected his grades. There was even a suggestion that he should drop the rest of the school year and return the following year. However, for African Americans like Michael, failure is not an option as they carry the weight of their communities on their shoulders. Dropping out would have been seen as a failure not just for him, but for his family and community as well.

Fortunately, affiliate professor Crystal Scott-Tunstall had the opportunity to work closely with Michael to help him overcome his challenges and find a better path forward. Today, we are proud to say that Michael is now a Senior in college. He has successfully completed an internship and has been offered a permanent position at the organization where he interned. This is truly a remarkable achievement.

But it doesn't stop there. Just recently, Michael demonstrated his leadership skills by leading over 100 students in rallying for clean energy at the state's capital. His passion for environmental justice in marginalized communities is evident, and he is being positioned as a powerful advocate in this important cause.

We are filled with excitement for what lies ahead for Michael. It is truly inspiring to witness how he has blossomed into such an incredible individual. From struggling with his grades to becoming a catalyst for change, Michael's journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

As we celebrate his accomplishments, let us also recognize the importance of providing support and guidance to students who face obstacles along their educational journey. With the right resources and mentorship, every student has the potential to transform their struggles into success stories just like Michael's.

Congresswoman Hillary Scholten's visit to the Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) on October 18 highlights the crucial significance of sustainability in our community. During her visit, the students of SAP passionately showcased their farm and engaged in meaningful discussions with the Congresswoman about their year-round efforts and the positive impact they have on both Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the broader Grand Rapids community.

Please consider joining the GVSU community for Prof. Peimin Ni’s final colloquium presentation as a regular professor at GVSU, and for a celebration of his work and contributions in honor of his retirement afterward. 

The colloquium will take place Friday December 8, 2023 from 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. in Mackinac Hall MAK BL-L110. The talk is open to the GVSU and broader community and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Colloquium Talk title: "From Hannah Arendt’s ‘banality of evil’ to the Confucian idea of ‘banality of good’"

The Retirement Celebration will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Alumni House near the entrance to GVSU’s main Allendale Campus. Please join in celebrating Professor Ni’s career and accomplishments, and in wishing him well on his next steps. Light refreshments will be served. 

Join us for an exciting and engaging event - the "For The Culture Quiz Bowl" - to be held on Friday, November 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the DeVos Center in Loosemore Auditorium on the GVSU Pew Campus.

This event promises a fun-filled afternoon of trivia, competition, and celebration of diverse cultures. Come test your knowledge, compete with fellow participants, and win amazing prizes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your cultural expertise and have a great time with friends. Mark your calendars and be prepared for an unforgettable experience at the For The Culture Quiz Bowl!

Check out these fun events that have been happening around Brooks College since the last newsletter!

Assistant professor Ramya Swayamprakash gave the students of the INT 301 Creativity and Innovative Problem-Solving course a creative mid term: creating their own pulli kolam designs. The kolam is traditionally drawn as an act of charity, to bring prosperity to a home and also ward away the evil spirits.

Brooks College faculty and staff taking a moment to relax and socialize over tea. Afterward, Lynnette Keen (Dean's Office Assistant) led the group in a series of easy stretches that helped everyone feel recharged. Feel free to swing by Lake Ontario Hall room 225/227 for a Brooks Break session on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 12:30 pm!

On October 26, faculty and staff gathered to surprise Justine Kibet (School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse coordinator) with a farewell party in the Environmental and Sustainability (ENS) program office. She will be greatly missed!

The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) program held their Pumpkin Pageant on October 25.  Attendees enjoyed company, candy, soup, and doughnuts while they decorated pumpkins and colored pictures.

The Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) grew some beautiful gourds this year! See more great photos of this year's harvest season in this photo essay.

The Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) held their annual harvest party on October 13. The drizzling rain didn't dampen the spirits of attendees, who gathered to enjoy a potluck style spread of delicious homemade foods.  

Brooks College faculty and staff gathered on October 19 at 40 Acres Soul Kitchen for the Brooks College Social!

Brooks College had fun on Halloween!

Above: Patrick Johnson (Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors Director) as a baseball player.

Below: Aubrey Dull (School of Interdisciplinary Studies lead PSS/administrative assistant) as a queen and Maureen Strand (Brooks College Dean's Office coordinator) as a butterfly.

#12732-2023. INT 311: Meaning: Ideas and Words

(Change of course description, number, SOR, and title)

#12758-2023. AAA/HST 357: The Black Athlete in History

(Change of course SOR, title)

Associate professor Dr. Kim McKee may be on sabbatical in South Korea this year, but she is staying busy! 

Kim made an appearance on the podcast Adapted to speak about her latest book, “Adoption Fantasies: Fetishization of Asian Adoptees from Girlhood to Womanhood” (The Ohio State University Press). Check out the episode on their website.

The following is a special message from Kim:

Hello from Seoul! I wanted to share the good news that my monograph was released earlier than its expected November publication date. For those who pre-ordered the book, it arrived last week. I received my copies today (October 31) in Seoul.

Here’s the link to the book: https://ohiostatepress.org/books/titles/9780814215579.html.

I will be giving a book talk on November 30 to celebrate the launch at Sogang University.

Congratulations, Kim! 

Associate professor Dr. Laurence José participated in a panel on “AI in Communications: Understanding Impact & Unlocking Potential” organized by The West Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of Michigan (WMPRSA) on Wednesday, September 20, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. (Link to the event is available here, along with photos of the participants). The event was part of Tech Week.

On September 27, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Dr. Laurence José was one of the respondents in a discussion led by Dr. Maria Cimitile, following the lecture of artists Ben Grosser and Lauren Lee McCarthy. The lecture was a part of the “Feeling Technology” GVSU Arts Fall Celebration event.

On September 27, 3:00 -4:15 pm, artists Ben Grosser and Lauren Lee McCarthy visited Dr. Maria Cimitile’s section of DS 360, Ethics of Digital Culture. The discussion investigated the ethical concepts emerging alongside the digital world. This was a part of the “Feeling Technology” GVSU arts Fall Celebration event.

Well done, Laurence! 

Justine Kibet has transitioned to a new position within Grand Valley State University as an executive assistant in the Office of the Provost. Congratulations, Justine!

Justine has been a fixture of Brooks College, most prominently as the academic coordinator for Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS). She has also supported several other programs over the years: Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS), Integrative, Religious and Intercultural Studies (IRIS), Professional Master of Arts in Social Innovation (PMASI), and Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse.

To leave a farewell message for Justine, you can visit this virtual kudoboard we have set up for her. All of us who had the pleasure of working with her know that her sharp intellect, outstanding organizational skills, and kind presence will be greatly missed!  

We are saddened with the news of the recent passing of David Stark. David was a long time history professor in the Frederik Meijer Honors College. 

David loved history, and loved teaching. He cared deeply for his students and colleagues who affectionately called him Tío (uncle), boss and chief. His students became family.

View his obituary online and share any memories you wish of David, if you had the privilege of knowing him during his tenure at Grand Valley State University.

November 7: Design Your Mug, Design Your Future (Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

November 8: Robin Wall Kimmerer (Kirkhof Center/Grand River Room) 11:15 a.m.

November 9: Honors Faculty Seminar Series: Elizabeth Gansen (Honors College, Chamberlain Multipurpose Room) 12:00 p.m.
November 13: Brooks College Leadership Council Meeting 9:00 a.m.
November 15: Wing Wednesday with AAAS (Honors College, Chamberlain Multipurpose Room) 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

November 15: Honors Faculty Seminar Series: Leifa Mayers (Honors College, Room 220) 12:00 p.m.
November 15: Conversations of Color: Health Disparities in POC Communities (Kirkhof Center, Room 2266) 12:00 p.m.
November 16: Civil Discourse Symposium (Pew campus, Seidman Forum) 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
November 17: Brooks College Town Hall (In Person) 11:00 a.m.

November 17: For The Culture Quiz Bowl (Pew campus, Loosemore Auditorium) 2:00 p.m.

November 20: Brooks College Social (Honors College, Chamberlain Multipurpose Room) 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

November 22-26: Thanksgiving Recess

November 27 - December 2: Sustainability Showcase Virtual Presentations

December 1: Sustainability Showcase Presentations (Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room 2204) 10:30 a.m.

*New events are posted regularly.
Stay up to date on Brooks College Events by checking the event calendar on our website.

November 13: Brooks College Leadership Council Meeting 9:00 a.m.
November 17:Brooks College Town Hall (In Person) 11:00 a.m.
November 22-26: Thanksgiving Recess

December 9: Classes End and Commencement

December 9 - 16: Final Exam Week

December 16: Semester Ends

December 19: Final grades due by 12:00 p.m.

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