Reverend Matthew Cockrum, middle, discusses the topic of same-sex marriage and the obstacles couples face here in Michigan and throughout America. (Photo: Michelle Smith/Collegiate)

Gay Straight Alliance "comes out" by changing name to StandOut
By Marcus J Reynolds
Collegiate Staff Writer

GRCC “queers” or LGBT students take a strong stance this year by changing their organization’s name from Gay Straight Alliance to Stand- Out.

Once used in a derogatory manor, today the gay community is using the word ‘queer’ as a positive or neutral description.

“Queer is the name of our movement not our sexual or gender identity,” GRCC StandOut vice president Garret Imhoff said.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), and straight students can join the student group called StandOut.

“The word gay scares people. We wanted people to know that its not about being gay, but recognizing your individuality and being proud of it,” GRCC StandOut marketing director Terry Hardaway said.

GSA was originally formed seven years ago with only six members.

They have grown to a constant membership of fifteen people and a group of 30 Facebook members.

“We wanted to see our community become educated, accepting of queers… (and) provide a positive space for queers and clear up misperceptions,” Imhoff said.

The name change resulted from the shared individual life experiences of the group. Some members have suffered pain for being themselves, but by banding together now they have turned it into satisfaction.

Misconceptions lead to discrimination from society, tor
family relations, and difficulty on the part of the individual accepting one’s self.

“My mom knows but my dad is in denial… I knew it was something they wouldn’t accept,” StandOut member Audra Hagy said.

Group members not only expressed pain, but a genuine passion for their counterparts, and who they are as people.“I’ve always known forever I was gay; my first kiss was from a boyfriend,” GRCC Culinary Arts student Leroy Haynes said.

“What makes me different from the next chef… we don’t want to be put on a shelf, like were not here... we want to be treated equal,” Haynes said.

According to a recent study conducted at the University of Illinois comparing 30 committed gay males and 30 committed lesbian couples with 50 heterosexual couples, researchers found same sex couples were similar to those of opposite sex couples in many ways. Researcher Glenn Roisman, PhD said, “ Gay males and lesbians were generally not different from their heterosexual counterparts on how well they interacted with one another.”

“StandOut is working to provide GRCC students with an opportunity to network, discuss issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students in a safe environment,” StandOut advisor Jeff Hartman said.

Josh Bloom, GRCC StandOut president, was reluctant to share his personal painful experiences, but passionately opened up about who he has become.“StandOut helped me be more open…it made me feel better because I was able to be truthful to myself,” he said.

The group’s next event is a drag queen show called Masquerade held in the Raider Grill on April 11 at 7p.m.

Professor returns to his roots
By Dana Finkler
Collegiate Staff Writer

GRCC Professor Harold Lee endures long days of teaching, but that is not the only job he holds.

On the side, Lee sells eggs on campus for $2 a dozen to those willing to purchase his natural farm grown eggs.

Lee owns five acres of land in Caledonia, where he and his wife run and maintain a small farm that produces hen eggs and chickens. His range of customers stretch from Kentwood, Grandville, GRCC, and other local areas.

“Sometimes I just give eggs away for free,” Lee said. “But I especially enjoy the camaraderie within the faculty and staff.”

Lee had been a farmer through his youth. He ran and financially maintained his own farm from which he sold eggs and butchered his own chickens.

He farmed full-time for eight years while taking a position with the Michigan Wheel Cooperation as a molder in the foundry.

After 13 years of bouncing around between jobs, Lee became a teacher. Lee received a Bachelors Degree from Aquinas College, and Masters Degree from Central Michigan University.

Lee has a diverse and unique teaching style that includes a burst of wise jokes in the morning to keep students awake his 7:45 humanities class. Lee is now in his seventh year of teaching at GRCC.

“I’m amazed and appreciate how hard students work,” Lee said. “When I see students struggle, I get enjoyment when you see a student finally understands the material.”

Lee was hired to teach Humanities by GRCC in the winter of 2001. Being hired as a professor was not the only significant event that happened that winter; he also found love.

One afternoon, Lee decided to grab lunch at the cafeteria and GRCC Professor Bob Taylor called him over to join his table. This is where Lee met his wife, Jacquelyn Sato, and the two began talking.

“Once we started talking, we never stopped,” Lee said.“The discussion has never stopped in seven years.”

The two were married February 28, 2004, among family and colleagues. They have nine children between the two of them, as well as eight grandchildren.

“Between the ability to communicate and faith in God, our marriage and family becomes blessed everyday,” Lee said. “I admire my wife. She has taught me how to be a better listener and be patient.”

Professor Lee teaches a wide range of subjects at CC: humanities, cinema, world religions, and philosophy. He also said you might catch him and his wife enjoying long walks on the pier in Grand Haven.

Immigration in West Michigan
By Nicholas MacDonald
Collegiate Staff Writer

Western Michigan has seen its fair share of immigration from conflict areas around the world.

Students from Darfur, Kenya, Serbia, and many other countries have joined our community. The presentation Acculturative Stress in the Career Transition of Immigrants is an opportunity for students to share the experiences they have had.

The African Student Organization is sponsoring this event. They sought out a speaker who could tell the story. They found Patrick Kamau, who is finishing his doctoral degree at Western Michigan.

A graduate of Cornerstone University and a counselor at Bethany Christian services, Patrick came here 12 years ago from Kenya and now works with refugees in the area to help them make the transition into American culture.

“He (Mr. Kamau) made up the title which is rather technical sounding. It’s basically about getting to know your classmates,” African Student Advisor Susan Heisler said.

The hope of the African Student Organization is that experiences will be shared and understanding will be reached.

According to Heisler, the presentation will involve the entire student organization in a question and answer session after the presentation. Donations will also be accepted through the Red Cross for helping other people in war torn areas around the world.

Light refreshments will be served. The event “Acculturative Stress in the Career Transition of Immigrants: Bridging the Cultural Gap through Knowledge and Awareness” will take place Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Calkins Science Center Auditorium.

Dance Team teaching real world lessons
By Sandra Sabin
Collegiate Staff Writer

Encouraging respect, teamwork, and diversity is constantly used in real world situations.

Along with those adapting easily, being versatile and having a passion for dance is all Patrick Johnson, the coach of GRCC’s dance team, is expecting for the 2008 season.

Although there are many, Johnson’s favorite time coaching was when a new dancer joined mid-season.

All the team members welcomed her with open arms and taught her the dances quickly, but patiently.“It was really cool to see them take her by the hand. It was a beautiful thing,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s plans are to expand the dance team and engage his dancers with more experience.

Right now the team pumps the crowd up at GRCC’s basketball games during halftime. Johnson would love to compete once his team reaches his expectations.

“You must creep before you can walk. My expectations are high.” Johnson said.

He also explained how every year the dance team becomes better and better. Last year’s team raised the bar for this year’s.

Johnson doesn’t joke around about his love and commitment of dance. His dancers don’t either.

Rachael Harper, a dancer and first year student at GRCC said, “I love making people aware of my passion for dance. I do it for the entertainment.”

Harper moved to Michigan from North Carolina to further her education. She is 18 years old and has been dancing for 17.

Harper said, “Many people aren’t aware GRCC even has a dance team.” She hopes to let people know and therefore more will tryout.

Tryouts will be held at the end of May. Johnson is unsure of the dates, but students can access this information at the Student Life Center.

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Campus Events for April 9, 2008
Compiled by Charles Jurries
Web Design Editor

Exploring High Demand Careers
April 10, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., 4:30– 5:30 p.m.
Taking a look at the wild jobs in today’s career field. Held in room 336 of the Student Center.

AFSO Winter Lecture
April 11, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
A discussion on what it is like for immigrants and new arrivals who have to adjust to life in the United States. Light refreshments will follow. Sponsored by the African Student Organization. Held in room 348 of the Calkins Science building.

National Alcohol Awareness/ Counseling
April 14, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Counseling and Career Center will free confidential alcohol screenings in recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month. Students, faculty and staff will be able to get more information and talk with a counselor regarding alcohol use and abuse. Held on the fourth floor in the Main building.

Gathering Momentum: The Power of Language
April 14, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
English professor Kim Wyngarden will share a selection of her poetry in honor of National Poetry Month. Held in the tutoring area of the campus library.

GRCC Finals Relaxer
April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Featuring free food, entertainment and much more to relax you before your final exams. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and Student Life. Held in the Ford Fieldhouse gym.

Open Mic Night
April 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free talent competition for students. Held in Quiet Café, sponsored by the Black Student Union.

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