A Whirlwind of Activities

Just returned from an incredibly impressive Officer Candidate School graduation ceremony on the Columbus State University campus. Using University Hall, 900 attendees enjoyed the impressive ceremony and recognized the exceptional service and commitment of the 151 graduates honored today. The fall semester is in full swing, and I am delighted to share with you an array of activities that truly energize the Columbus State University campus. Today, we kicked off our 2009-10 Annual Fund campaign with a faculty/staff leadership breakfast. These dedicated colleague volunteers and their associates raised record levels of support on campus last year (an increase of 6.5%) and have helped commit to Columbus State University's first-ever $2 million Annual Fund. Rick Gordy, a 1990 Columbus State University alumnus from the Turner College of Business, is chairing the Annual Fund and brings a wealth of volunteer experience and business leadership to this effort. Again, the Columbus State University Foundation has agreed to provide matching $$$'s for funds raised supporting specific departments on campus. Last week, Lauren and I thoroughly enjoyed the Theatre Department's fall premiere of Streetcar Named Desire. The acting was superb, and the house was packed. We have likewise enjoyed the Lamar Dodd Exhibit at our Illges Gallery as well as at the W.C. Bradley Gallery and a number of student and faculty performances at Legacy Hall by our Schwob School of Music talent. Last Sunday, we had the great pleasure of attending a Club Football game against the University of South Alabama at Kinnett Stadium. The Cougars won, 16-7, and more than 1,000 in attendance were treated to a great afternoon. Rick Cravens and Michael Speight have done a great job building an array of club sports that looks like the following: TACKLE FOOTBALL- established, has a 7 game schedule. COED TENNIS- established, first match against Auburn University, Saturday, Sept. 20 BASS CLUB- established, first tournament of the year is middle of October. MEN'S SOCCER- established, first tournament at the University of Florida, Sept. 27-28. WOMEN'S SOCCER- established, first tournament at Clemson University, first part of October. WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL- established, first tournament at the University of Central Florida, first part of October. WRESTLING- established, first tournament at University of Florida in the middle of November. ICE HOCKEY- Have a core group of 11 students who are forming the club sport ice hockey. Have had one general organizational meeting Sept. 16, will have another Monday, Sept. 20. ULTIMATE FRISBEE- trying to form. These activities help to provide an array of options to our students. Tonight, former envoy Jack Pritchard speaks at our Hallock Lecture Series. In two weeks, Ishmael Beah, the author of A Long Way Gone, visits Columbus State University to speak and meet with our students and faculty and staff. The campus is vibrant, alive and engaged. Great things are happening here, and we invite all to join us on this exciting odyssey.