If you are anything like me, it often seems there is so much going on around campus that it is hard to keep up. I’m usually the clueless one asking, “Why is there a tent set up by the bookstore?” “What’s going on in the UC?” “Why is the parking lot blocked off?” So, it’s kind of ironic that I’ve been picked to write the Around Campus section of the USA Newsletter for fall quarter, which is always the busiest quarter of the year. With that being said, please forgive me if I neglect to mention a particular group or organization you think should have been included in this section.

Something I think everyone is aware of, but is good to mention again is that enrollment is at an all time high in SSU history, with a total of 3,820 students being registered at the 15 day headcount. Good job Admissions! (And everyone else who assisted students with registering for classes, getting settled in housing, processing Financial Aid, etc.)

A fall event on campus that everyone enjoys is "Founders Day."  This year the USA Spirit Committee headed a salad competition to help celebrate the event.  All entries were sampled and voted on in the UC, then were transported out to the cookout on Massie lawn for the campus community to enjoy. It was a nice touch to the cookout. Thanks!

In an attempt to assist the American Red Cross with Hurricane Rita & Katrina relief efforts, October 5^th was designated as “Disaster Blaster” day here on campus. Events included various donation opportunities, a popcorn sale, a Cut-A-Thon, a live radio remote with WNXT personalities Steve Hays and Mistie Cook, and a Dunk Tank. The University community raised over $1,500. Thanks to all to contributed.

The Women’s Forum planned many activities this fall. They hosted a “Welcome back to Campus!” event where they served refreshments and hosted a performance by singer Ripley Caine. September 21 – 27 they held film showings of “Homeless to Harvard” and on September 27^th featured Liz Murray, who told her story of being a homeless teen who, against all odds, not only graduated from high school, but went on to be accepted at Harvard University. This was co-sponsored by the Portsmouth City School District and the Jane M.G. Foster Distinguished Lecture Series.  Because October is “Domestic Violence & Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” the Women’s Forum is also collecting donations for the local Domestic Violence Shelter and is conducting a ‘Self Defense for Women’ clinic.

The VRCFA has had wonderful productions this fall, including Rockapella and Barber of Seville. Coming soon are Blast!  and the Boys Choir of Harlem. For a complete listing of events scheduled for the VRCFA, please visit the University Campus Calendar.

The Athletic Dept. has been busy this season. They directed the 11^th Annual Fall Bear Run this year. SSU honored Dr. Larry Mangus, VP of Student Affairs, by creating the Larry Mangus Award, which will be given to the first place male and female students in races to come. Dr. Mangus directed his first Bear Run in 1995. This years' winners were Scott LeMaster and Star Emmertt. The Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams, and the Volleyball team are all over half way through their seasons. For complete team stats and news releases, please visit SSU’s Athletics web page.

In conclusion, I hope everyone has a good quarter. If I missed any major event or if you see something going on Around Campus and don’t know what it is, do what I do…ask somebody!