Latest news with #GVSU
Fox News
19-05-2025
- Fox News
Teen engineering student dies after 'intentional' gunfire penetrates floor during party
A Michigan college student was killed in an "intentional" shooting when multiple gunshots were fired along the floor during a house party, police said. Connor Lotterman, 19, was struck in the head by a bullet recklessly fired by an unidentified 20-year-old suspect on May 9 at approximately 11:11 p.m., Ottowa County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital. "The shooting was quite intentional," Ottowa County Sheriff's Office Capt. Jake Sparks told WOOD-TV. "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." The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department revealed that the 20-year-old male suspect obtained a firearm that was located in the residence. The male suspect then fired multiple rounds through the floor of an upstairs bedroom, police said. The bullets penetrated the floor and one struck Lotterman in the head. Lotterman, an engineering student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), was transported to the local hospital in critical condition. Dr. Stephen Cohle, the Kent County medical examiner, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the manner of death was accidental, caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the incident, police said. All individuals involved in the incident were known to each other, police said. Investigators are working with the Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for a review of any potential criminal charges against the 20-year-old male. Police said his name would not be released at this time. Sheriff's detectives continue to investigate and anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or Lotterman was the youngest of five, according to an online obituary. His older sister mourned him in a birthday message posted on Instagram. "Thank you for being the best little brother a girl could ask for," Marielle Lotterman wrote. "I am so thankful to God for the 20 amazing years you had on this earth. What a day that will be when we all unite in heaven." Aaron Haight, GVSU dean of students, told Fox News Digital that the college community is "saddened by Connor's tragic death." "On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," he said. "Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program."
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
People gather at GVSU to protest speaker who detransitioned
ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) — A large crowd of protestors gathered at Grand Valley State University's campus Thursday afternoon. Demonstrators protested a speaker brought to campus by a conservative student organization to share her story about detransitioning genders at a young age. Turning Point USA's GVSU chapter invited Chloe Cole, a conservative figure, to host 'Exposing the Trans Agenda: A Talk With a Detransitioner' in the Kirkof Center on campus. Protesters outside argued they feel the event promotes anti-transgender ideologies and harms the transgender community. Zack Telly, a senior at GVSU, told News 8 he protested to show his support for the transgender community. MHSAA waits on guidance for transgender athletes 'It's dehumanizing, its hurtful to see. I hate seeing that it's here at Grand Valley because I have always thought of this as a really safe space and that hurts my feeling of safeness and I am not even a trans individual,' he said. Zack's friend Alyssa Leineke, another senior at the university, joined the protest as well. 'I do feel that its harmful, this sort of narrative that she is sending to young people,' Leineke said. It was a sentiment shared by their friend Ashlyn Jenkins. 'She was making everyone fearful in a way that that was blatantly transphobic,' she said. TPUSA GVSU President Andreanna LaRue told News 8 that free speech is encouraged on campus and the group wants to bring different voices to the table. 'Our goal today, as is our mission for our chapter on this campus, is let's bridge that gap of conversation,' LaRue said. News 8 was not allowed inside the event due to what the organization said was capacity issues, but did speak with Cole afterwards. 'I want to talk not only about my experiences but to invite everyone else to join the conversation,' Cole said. 'I think that everyone that is experiencing these feelings with their body and their sex have this trauma that is making them feel this way. They deserve grace, they deserve compassion. But I don't think that looks like lying to them about who they fundamentally are or that they can become somebody that they never will be.' Cole said that she came to this event to invite others to be part of the discussion. She also responded directly to claims that she is against the trans community. Corewell Health limits gender-affirming care for minors 'I have plenty of friends who identify as transgender and while I might personally disagree with their life choices, I love them the way that they are, and I still consider them my brothers and sisters,' she said. News 8 reached out to the university for comment. They responded with the following statement: 'This speaker was invited by a student organization to speak on campus. As a public university, GVSU upholds the First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly without viewpoint-based restrictions. We recognize some may find this speaker objectionable and may choose to peacefully protest her message, which is also their right. 'GVSU will not restrict anyone's ability to use their voice in a lawful and non-disruptive manner that is in compliance with the Grounds and Facility Use Policy and all other applicable university policies.' Grand Valley State University Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Daily 8: Feb. 12, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Wednesday on the Daily 8, we're looking at a deadly incident in Lowell, a proposed skybridge to connect GVSU and the YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids, ways to enjoy Valentine's Day all across West Michigan and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for Feb. 12, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again on Thursday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mural created by GVSU student sparks controversy
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A mural at Grand Valley State University has sparked controversy, with some calling the piece religiously offensive. 'Pétalos De Cambio,' or 'Petals of Change,' was created by artist Irlanda Beltran for her graphic design senior thesis exhibition, according to . that GVSU paid Beltran $1,800 for the art and hung it in the Kirkhof Center. The mural's three panels include portrayals of Our Lady of Guadalupe — one of the titles for the Virgin Mary — who can symbolize Mexican identity as well as religion, the description says. Its goal is to draw attention to issues like violence against women and homophobia, according to GVSU's website. In a statement provided to News 8, the artist said the goal of 'Pétalos De Cambio' was to address societal challenges without undermining the core tenets of the Catholic faith. 'These murals seek to confront gender-based violence, homophobia, and mental health disorders, advocating for a nuanced reevaluation of certain aspects of Catholic teachings to foster a more inclusive and compassionate culture,' Beltran's statement continued. 'The intent is not to criticize, but to encourage thoughtful reflection on interpretations that may inadvertently contribute to societal issues.' On Saturday, a group gathered on GVSU's campus to oppose the display of 'Pétalos De Cambio.' 'Today is a peaceful rosary prayer protest to the art installation known as Petals of Change being displayed at Grand Valley State University,' GVSU student and organizer Noah Mullins told News 8. 'The installation came down from its spot in the Kirkhof Center this past Wednesday, but the university has vowed to put it back up in another location that they have not disclosed yet. And we are continuing to protest the university owning and displaying this installation.' He termed the artwork 'troublesome to the faith' and said it promoted violence. 'Really, one that is troublesome to anybody, religious or not — the far right panel of the installation has an X through Mary's face and a gun pointed at her,' Mullins said. The panel includes phrases like 'no mas feminicidios' ('no more femicides') and 'nos están matando' ('they are killing us'). 'Our Blessed Mother represents holiness and purity, and the image that they have is really disturbing to us,' Meredith Burl, a Catholic and another demonstration organizer, said. 'We came out today mainly to make a reparation to God and to our Blessed Mother for the sacrilege … but also to tell Grand Valley that we think it's unacceptable.' Mullins said the piece could also be offensive to those of other religions. 'Mary holds an incredibly high place in Christianity … but not just Christianity. Mary is a highly, highly revered figure in Islam,' he said. 'But also Mary is, historically through religious and non-religious records, a Jewish woman.' At Saturday's prayer and protest, attendees held signs bearing messages like 'Christ is king' and 'shame on the GVSU leadership for allowing this abomination.' Mullins said some people traveled to GVSU from other states to join. 'We're urging the university to not redisplay (the piece), and we're encouraging them to remove it from their collection,' Mullins said. 'Pétalos De Cambio' was in storage as of Saturday, GVSU's website indicates. News 8 reached out to the university Saturday seeking a statement but did not immediately hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daily 8: Feb. 5, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Wednesday on the Daily 8, we're looking at an invasive bug intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposed budget for 2026, GVSU highlighting Black student organizations and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for Feb. 5, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again on Thursday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
