Student Association raised $41,765 for Batte of the Valleys. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward 
Monday night’s battle all stars finalists include social work sophomore Austin Urlaub, political science sophomore Toni Gjerkaj, and biology senior Thomas Metiva. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey 
Euchre winners include Vanguard Reporter Emily Burke, Dylan Gary, Vanguard Photo Editor Brooke Elward, and McClain Mercer. Courtesy Photo | Student Association 
Theatre elementary education freshman Scout McCulloch(left) and theatre freshman Zoe Gilbert(right) pie professor David Rzeszutek(middle) on Tuesday. Vanguard Photographer | Sarah Brege 
Max Gervis raises the most money on stage at the date auction on Wednesday. Vanguard Photographer | Audrey Bergey 
Exercise science fifth-year Tyler Hanna kicks a soccer ball at an inflatable dart board on Monday. Vanguard Photo Editor | Brooke Elward
From Sept 26. through Oct. 1, Battle of the Valleys (BOV) overtook SVSU’s campus with a myriad of fun events for students to participate in.
While attempting to surpass Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in fundraising efforts, students were eager to participate in events like the color run on Sept. 26 and pie-a-professor day on Sept. 28.
Ultimately this healthy competition allows for both participating schools to provide funds to chosen local benefactors.
SVSU Student Association chose the Children’s Grief Center, headquartered in Midland, as this year’s benefactor.
Josie Koenigsknecht, communications major and Student Association co-battle chair, said this choice was in part because of the pandemic.
“Many are grieving the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19,” Koenigsknecht said. “We had many wonderful applicants, but the Children’s Grief Center stood out the most be- cause of their wonderful work, community involvement and passion for helping those who grieve.”
The event that managed to draw the most student support was the date auction that was held on Sept. 29.
“This event took place … in the [student life] rotunda, which was a great place for students to participate and have some fun after a long week of classes,” Koenigsknecht said.
Madeline Lowry, rehabilitative medicine senior and fellow co-battle chair, noted that many of the other events were also able to draw more student interest than in years past.
“This year we have had an incred- ible turnout with our events and a significant increase in overall par- ticipation,” Lowry said. “This could very well be due to (GVSU’s) return, but it could also be due to students being excited for all of our in-person events.”
Based on the high turnout for the week’s events, Koenigsknecht had high hopes that SVSU would be victorious over GVSU in their fundraising efforts.
“We are expecting to do very well by the end of the week,” she said. “We hope to win the fundraising competition, and we feel pretty confident with our current circumstances.”
BOV culminated during halftime at the SVSU vs. GVSU football game where the results of which school raised the most for charity were re- vealed.
Ultimately, SVSU won the com- petition by raising $41,765 for the Children’s Grief Center and getting to keep the coveted BOV trophy until next year.
GVSU managed to raise $3,855 for its benefactor I understand – love heals.
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