GV PS

Cuba's Challenges

Professor Maria de Los Angeles Torres is director of the Latin American and Latino Studies area at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She will be speaking about Cuba's current political, economic, and social challenges at the Cook DeWitt Center in Allendale on Thursday, 10/11, from 2:30 to 4 pm. Professor Torres has written about her experiences as one of the children flown out of Cuba via "Operation Peter Pan" in the early 1960s in her book, "In the Land of Mirrors: Cuban Exile Politics in the United States" (University of Michigan Press, 2001). Here is a lovely pdf describing the event: Download CubaFlyerSponsors.pdf

Alumnus Update: David Slentz '06

From David Slentz, PLS '06: After graduating in December
2006, I moved out to Washington, DC to accept a 7 week internship with
Presidential Classroom. I worked as a Congressional Assistant at PC and
planned and executed meetings for the programs students to meet with their
Congress persons. I also worked as a liaison for some of our featured guests
who spoke to the students. Those guests included WH Press Secretary Tony
Snow, (Then) Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty, author of the PATRIOT ACT
Viet Dinh, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Secretary of Labor Elaine
Chao, NBC Justice Correspondent Pete Williams, Special Assistant to the
President for Counter Terrorism Frances Townsend, and Congressman Dennis
Kucinich. The program also included seminars at the Eisenhower Executive
Office Building, Department of State, FBI HQ, Secret Service HQ, the floor of
the House of Representatives, and a private engagement at the Smithsonian Air
and Space Museum. My time was well spent there and my professors at GV
prepared me well for the questions the students often asked.

Following the internship, I went immediately into a job that was waiting
until the end of my internship. I currently work as a private defense
contractor for the Department of Defense/Department of the Navy on
acquisitions. I have offices both in the Crystal City area of Arlington, VA
and the Pentagon. I work to support the Special Assistant to ASN RDA
(Assistant Sec. of Navy for Research Development and Acquisitions). As an
EA/AA for the Special Assistant, I perform tasking mostly with Power Point
and Excel ensuring that all information is ready to present and that
information gets to all those who need it. I credit my professors with
pushing me to be open minded about exploring my options.

If anyone is interested in the world of defense contracting, please hit me
with an email. I would be happy to help anyone with any questions about the
DC area or defense contracting.

Very respectfully,

David Slentz
Junior Program Analyst
Delta Resources, Inc.
P: (703) 418-1960
F: (703) 418-1962
dslentz@delta-va.com

Welcome Back

Today marks the start of the classes for the fall 2007 semester. We welcome all of you veterans back to GVSU, and we'd like to extend a special welcome to new first year and transfer students beginning their GVSU careers. If you have any events or information you'd like published on GV PS, please contact Professor den Dulk (dendulkk@gvsu.edu), Professor Mark Richards (richardm@gvsu.edu) or any of your professors.

The Convocation ceremony of Friday, August 24 marked the start of the academic year. Picture below (L-R) are Professors Kevin den Dulk, Mark Richards, Robert Stewart-Ingersoll and Heather Tafel in their academic regalia just before the ceremony.

President Haas's Editorial

In case you missed it last Friday, August 24, GVSU President Thomas Haas had an editorial published in The Detroit News entitled, "Stop blame game, forge solutions for college."

Here are some interesting quotes from the editorial:

"96.5 percent of our students are Michigan residents and almost 40 percent come from Metro Detroit.

Our graduates take up careers in professions for which there is significant demand. Ninety-seven percent of our most recent graduates are employed or in graduate school.

Of those employed, 88 percent are working in Michigan.

Grand Valley remains affordable, and our students are among the state's best qualified. Our tuition rate places us 13th among Michigan's 15 public campuses; our rate of change is lower than the national, Midwest and Michigan averages.

For 11 years in a row, Grand Valley has been named one of the country's 100 best college buys. In every year that we have increased tuition, we have increased financial aid by at least the same amount -- despite the fact that we rank last in state funding per student."

- Detroit News, August 24, 2007 (see link above for full editorial).

Alumnus Update: Tara Walkotten '05

From Tara Walkotten '05:

After graduating from Grand Valley in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science, Minor in English, I worked as Campaign Manager for two State Representative races in the Grand Rapids area. A few months after the November election it became apparent that I needed to either return to school or relocate for work. I decided to make the move from Grand Rapids to Washington D.C. where I took a job with DCI Group (www.dcigroup.com). DCI Group is one of the largest independently-owned strategic public affairs firms in the country. We use a campaign-style approach to solve the communications and policy challenges facing corporations, trade associations and non-profit organizations. Our areas of expertise include: intellectual property, technology, global health, trade, financial services, and energy. Our client list includes such names as Exxon Moble, Verizon, Microsoft, AT&T, GM and McDonalds.

I work directly for the Chairman, President, CEO, and the firm’s 30 year-old “rising star” doing anything from policy research and tracking to event planning and execution. I am also very involved with the private equities firm owned by our executive team and an Endowment started by our Chairman, both of which are independent of DCI Group.

DCI Group has an excellent internship program and I would encourage Grand Valley students to apply if they are interested in spending some time in the District. Many interns find themselves with offers if the opportunity affords. For information on how to apply, head over to the PLS majors internship board on Blackboard.

And, of course, GV students are welcome to contact me with any questions about DCI Group or Washington DC in general.

Tara Walkotten

DCI Group, LLC

1828 L Street NW

Washington, DC 20036

C: 202.256.6112

O: 202.777.3712

F: 202.315.3668

Email: twalkotten@dcigroup.com

Scholarship for Perugia, Italy Study Abroad

THE UMBRA INSTITUTE IN PERUGIA
SISTER CITIES SCHOLARSHIP

The Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy will offer two partial scholarships annually, one per semester, each worth $6,500. In addition, the Grand Rapids – Perugia Sister City Committee will offer $750 to the winner. (Recipient must cover remaining expenses.)

For application, procedure, deadlines, and costs, please visit the Umbra Institute site.

The site also contains a list of courses.

Purpose:
To strengthen the friendly relations between the Umbra Institute, the City of Perugia, and her U.S. Sister Cities of Grand Rapids and Seattle.

Selection criteria:
This scholarship is offered to current undergraduate college/university students for either the fall or spring semester. Applicants must be a resident of Grand Rapids attending any U.S. college, in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and sophomore or higher status. Applicants must complete application form (available online) which includes a reference and an essay. The Umbra Institute will select the recipient at its sole discretion by considering academic and personal qualifications and needs.

Please also check with your school’s deadlines for study abroad applications and eligibility. *

* GVSU students apply for study abroad by Sept. 10, 2007 for spring semester 2008 and by Jan. 15, 2008 for fall semester 2008 at GVSU, Padnos Center for International Studies (contact: Kate Stoetzner).

The GVSU Political Science department also sponsors a faculty exchange with the University of Perugia. Click here for Professor Richards's recent photos and impressions.

Latin American Studies Minor

LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES MINOR
Coordinator: Joel Stillerman, 2166 ASH, 616-331-3129

Latin American Studies offers a flexible, interdisciplinary minor that works well with many majors, including: Spanish, English, Liberal Studies, International Relations, Business and International Business, Anthropology, Geography, Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Nursing, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Why minor in LAS? What kind of knowledge and training will help my career?
Latinos are now the largest minority group in the United States.
Latin American countries are major trading partners with the US and Michigan.
To understand U.S. history and foreign policy, you need knowledge of Latin America.
Knowledge of Spanish is now necessary for key jobs in the human services, criminal justice, healthcare, business, government, hospitality and international work.
LAS promotes direct knowledge of Latin America through study abroad or internships.
The program sponsors a rich variety of academic and artistic events on campus.
LAS supports a career working with Latin Americans or with Latinos in the U.S.
The program fosters involvement with Latino student groups as well as local Latino businesses and social service agencies, helping build experience and contacts.

The minor consists of 21 credit hours, including:
A three course core:
a. LAS 210 Exploring Latin America
b. LAS 374 Revolution in the Americas
c. Spanish 202 Intermediate Spanish II or higher (or equivalent knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese).
2) Four electives selected in consultation with an LAS faculty advisor (listed below). Eligible courses focus on Latin America as well as Latinos in the U.S.

How can I get started?
Check out our website: www.gvsu.edu/las
Register for the LAS 210 course for the 07-08 academic year.
Satisfy your General Education credits, including Cultural Emphasis and Theme “Continuity and Change in the Americas” (formerly “Revolution and Evolution in the Americas”).
Consult faculty advisors from across campus to plan your courses:
Joel Stillerman (SOC, Coordinator); Russell Rhoads, Cindy Hull (ANT); Gabriela Pozzi, Yvette Fuentes, Khedija Gadhoum, Zulema Moret, Keith Watts, Michael Vrooman (SPA); Jim Penn (GPY); David Stark, Cliff Welch (HST)
Contact the Padnos International Center (PIC) about study abroad in Latin America.
Pick up an LAS Minor brochure at the Area Studies Center, 117 LOH.
Leave your name, address, and phone number with Barb Blankemeier, Office Coordinator, Area Studies Center, 616 331-8110, email: blankemb@gvsu.edu

Memory, Truth and Justice: A Benefit for Guatemala

GVSU Global Citizenship Course Announces
“Memory, Truth and Justice: A Benefit for Guatemala”

Grand Rapids, MI: - Grand Valley State University LIB / LAS 380: Global Citizenship students are excited to sponsor an awareness raising and fundraising event where they will share their experiences from a recent service-learning trip to Guatemala. Global Citizenship students initially took part in a 5-week study of the history of Guatemala, globalization, solidarity, sustainability and activism at GVSU. Once completed, students traveled to Guatemala in June and spent 16 days meeting with various Guatemalan organizations and individuals. There, students sought to uncover the history of Guatemala, to learn about the role of the US in that history, and to understand the current political and economic situation in Guatemala. In response to expressed request of Guatemalan organizations and partners, GVSU students have been moved to raise awareness in the local West Michigan community of our role as US citizens in the formation of Guatemala’s current and historical socio-political and economic reality.

The students of Grand Valley State University’s Global Citizenship course would like to formally invite the community to “Memory, Truth and Justice: A Benefit for Guatemala,” an awareness raising and fundraising celebration on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 from 6-9pm. This event will be held at Wealthy Theatre, located at 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids. This event is open to the public, with a suggested $5 donation at the door. The event will include live music, food, information on Guatemalan non-profit organizations, student photography and art exhibits, student documentary screening, and a brief Guatemalan history presentation by GVSU students. “This event seeks to make connections between our lives as US citizens, and the lives of others in other parts of the world”, says GVSU student Mare Mueller. “We want to respond to our friends and partners in Guatemala and act as responsible global citizens by sharing their stories with our community at home. Hopefully, together we can make a difference.”

For additional information on “Memory, Truth and Justice: A Benefit for Guatemala”, contact Melissa Baker-Boosamra or Dawn Heartwell with the GVSU Liberal Studies Department at #331-8020.

ABOUT Global Citizenship – An International Service Learning Course Developing Local Solutions to Global Issues is an innovative class that leads Grand Valley State University students on a journey from the experience of global problems to reflection and understanding of their role in them, to action and impact, by developing local solutions through service learning.

CONTACT:
Melissa Baker-Boosamra, Visiting Professor, Liberal Studies Department
Grand Valley State University, 240 Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale, MI 49401
bakerbom@gvsu.edu

Golf with the Law Society

The Law Society is sponsoring a golf outing at the Meadows as a fund raiser and social event. Alumni, faculty, legal professionals and students are all invited.

Date: August 25, 2007

Time 1:30-4:00PM

Location: The Meadows Golf Club

Detail: 18 holes with cart, alcohol/beverage cart, meal (TBA), $80 credit at golf shop for prizes and includes practice fall.

Price: $25 for LS PAID members and every other GV student $35
$100 for professionals/alumni

Deadline for registration will be August 13

Send your check to:

The Law Society
008 Student Organization Center
Kirkhoff Center
Allendale, MI 49401

Contact Law Society with any questions (lawsoc@student.gvsu.edu).

Here is the event on Facebook.

Alumnus Update: Erin Meteer '06

From Erin Meteer, PLS '06:

I finally graduated after being a super senior at GVSU with a major in Political Science and a minor in French. I graduated on April 29th, moved up to Traverse City on April 30th, and started my job on that Monday May 1st. I had zero time to unpack and get comfortable back at my parents pad… yes a college graduate living with mom and dad… it was painful. I began my journey as State Senator Jason Allen's Campaign Manager. I ran his campaign in 8 counties: Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Mackinac and Chippewa. I started the campaign with a local paper who took every chance to attack my boss. He was running for Senate Majority Leader and re-election; having a Senator from northern Michigan would have been great asset for northern Michigan, but, the paper didn't see it like that, so that was challenge number one. Our opponent was no problem at all, she played a little dirty, and had absolutely no experience in holding a public office. We kept our noses clean and pressed on with a smile. I have never had a boss so willing to do the work himself. He would go door to door with me, and he would make phone calls to people who came into the office. He wrote thank you notes to everyone who helped him in anyway. He is probably the most generous, hard working and honorable man I know. I learned that dirty campaigning doesn't pay off; playing nice wins the heart of voters. After we won every county in our district (which wasn't pulled off in his first race) I was offered a job with him in his Lansing office. I mainly handled constituent calls and letters, which was fun when I could actually help people. I wrote my first (and only) resolution that was voted in by the Senate. I was able to meet a ton of great people (elected officials included). I learned a lot from my time in the Senate.

Recently I took a job with the Michigan Republican Party. I am the Major Donor Program Manager, which basically means that I plan events and raise money from our major donors. I was able to see Rudy Giuliani, have my photo taken with him, and help plan for the huge fundraiser benefiting State Party and HRCC. It was a successful dinner, and we had a great time. I am currently planning an event with special guest Governor John Engler and Lieutenant Governor Connie Binsfeld. I am learning that there is a lot of work that goes into planning events. It's hard work, but I love it.

On a non-political note, I have found a wonderful man who can put up with my crazy political life. He and I will be married summer of 2009. He works for the State Senate, has been involved in politics and is a graduate of Grand Valley. We look forward to spending the rest of our lives together and continuing our work in Republican politics.