Editor’s note: this news video mistakenly refers to the event as the State of the University.  It should have been identified as a Town Hall meeting held by Dr. James Birge.

For the Youtube link click here: http://youtu.be/hbfnqDsm8cE

(Photo by: franklinpierce.edu)

The Rindge Faculty Federation (RFF) is offering a scholarship to a Franklin Pierce University student with a relative or acquaintance who is a member of an AFL-CIO-affiliated Union. The deadline for the competition is Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 5:00p.m.

Students who enter must be in good standing with at least a 2.4 GPA. Students must write a five-page essay on Union membership as experienced by their relative or acquaintance, and can include scholarly sources. They must also submit a cover sheet including the essay title, name, Franklin Pierce University email address, and the union affiliation of the relative/acquaintance. The name should only appear on the cover sheet.

All applicants must pass in a hard copy to Doctor Andrea M. Bergstrom RFF secretary in the third story of the Fitzwater Center.

Dr. Andrew Hatchett,who is leading a research project at the University of Lafayette’s Cancer Services Center, came to campus as a candidate for the new Health sciences position.  Hatchet is currently teaching at the University of Lafayette as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and has been teaching there since 2008. His work with the Cancer Services Center is meant to better their physical activity-based cancer rehabilitation program. Hatchett was on campus for a teaching presentation in Marcucella Hall.

(Photo: Mike Husson)

A steady stream of students attended Soul Food Night hosted by the Black Student Alliance (BSA) club on Thursday.

Soul Food Night has generally been held in Pierce Hall for the past few years, but this year it was held in the cafe. Musician Mark Rust performed at the dinner and was provided by student involvement.

“It’s an awesome time which gave students an opportunity to try something different and take in another culture,” said BSA member Steve Jeune.

Food that was served included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, collared greens, and cornbread.

Overall students were pleased with the food. “Soul food was a great change from the everyday food at the cafeteria, everything was delicious,” said Mike Harris.

BSA members were happy with the turnout and plan on doing it again next year.

(Photo: Facebook)

by Katie Achilli
edited by Amanda Cote

Students continue to have the opportunity to volunteer and help animals at the Monadnock Humane Society (MHS) in Swanzey, New Hampshire.

Students can help care for the animals by feeding and socializing with them, and also by cleaning and maintaining their sleep and play areas. Washing blankets and food bowls is also another option to help the shelter keep the furry companions comfortable and happy.

Other opportunities include walking dogs, greeting and assisting customers, working for facilities, administrative assistance, and working at special events. MHS Volunteer Coordinator Sam Mathewes said “All students may participate in all aspects of our volunteer program. It really depends on their schedules and when they are available.”

According to student community service manager Stephen Lavoie volunteering at MHS and other animal shelters has been the most popular option for students for years. “In the early ’90s, a group of students came forward to start a community service program,” said Lavoie.

In order to sign up, “Students can come to the community service office and talk to one of the student managers, or email us at commserv@franklinpierce.edu,” said Lavoie. Students must also go through volunteer orientation and other training sessions depending on what volunteer service they want to be involved in. These training opportunities, which take place at the Humane Society, include canine, feline, and small animal safe-handling and enrichment training.

Each allow a student to work more extensively with the animal of their choice. “All of the training offered will be outlined during orientation,” said Mathewes. “Training is approximately one hour in length. Times and dates will be announced at general orientation.” After the orientation and the training sessions, “volunteers can meet one-on-one with the volunteer coordinator to determine future goals and direction,” said Mathewes.

“Volunteers learn how to be a part of a team dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals and people through humane education, and to provide shelter and facilitate adoption for lost, abused or abandoned animals and so much more,” said Mathewes. “It is a very rewarding experience to get to know the animals and care for them.”

More information about volunteering at MHS can be found at their website: http://www.monadpets.org/index.html

(Photo: Kait Taylor)

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Raven’s Nest will be opening at 4:30 p.m. instead of the usual 6 p.m. to allow students to pick up their pre-ordered food before the 6:30 p.m. kick-off.  Manager Nancy McMillan is also allowing students to pre-order their pizzas, nachos, chicken tenders and other snacks the day before on Saturday, February 4. McMillan will be offering “party packs” with football-friendly snacks, and said that students interested in the bundles should check the Raven’s Nest Facebook page for more information.

With there being no snow on the ground, the winter carnival is being postpone until April.

Students are going to have to wait until the flowers start to bloom in order for the carnival will take place. There still will be prizes and t-shirt giveaways to all of those who will participate.

BRO member Colin Dailey said, ” Its very upsetting that we can’t put it on in the winter but we are very happy and pleased that we can at least put on an event in the spring.”

(Photo: BRO Facebook )

Most of the events that were voted in by the club will still take place such as Dodge ball, Frisbee/Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Mud Bog, Volleyball, Horse Drawn Carriage, and Flag Football.

“It will be a great time with great friends,food, and prizes. What more could you want from a carnival? You would be crazy if you missed it,” said B.R.O. President Nicholas Felix.

Spring Carnival date is still to be determined.

(Photo: Google)

by Zach Murphy
edited by Kristin Carbone

The freshmen class will be hosting the annual Super Bowl party in Pierce Hall on Sunday, February 5th.

The event, which the freshmen class has been putting together since the fall before the break, will be open to the entire school and is free.  The event will include a Madden 12 tournament, free food and other football related activities for students to take part in.  The main attraction though, will be a live showing of the Super Bowl in Pierce Hall.

Last year, about 120 students attended the event and Sophomore Class President Bianca Aceborn Peco hopes that this year’s event will be just as successful.  “The Super Bowl party is one of the biggest events,” Aceborn Peco0 said.  “The event is always a good time.  What’s better than food, friends and football?”

Sophomore Adam Spencer, who took part in the event last year, was very excited to take part in the event again.  “The event was a great time,” Spencer said.  “It was well put together and the game was entertaining so it made for a good time.”

The event will run from 1 p.m. until the Super Bowl ends. Any student that attends this event will have the chance to win various prizes which include two football jerseys and a copy of Madden 12.

Freshman Class President Michael Black encouraged any and all students to take part in this annual event.  “The event is open to the entire campus,” Black said.  “All are encouraged to attend, watch a great game and have a chance to win big prizes.

(Photo: Google)

Any student that is interested in taking part in the Madden 12 tournament, contact Black at BlackFarrellm11@live.franklinpierce.edu.

(Photo: Sheryl Delieto)

The class of 2013 hosted 210 people with their second annual semi-formal Snowball event in Pierce Hall surpassing last years attendance of 125.

The Snow Cup tournament had 24 teams sign up as opposed to the 12 teams last year.  Alex Terrill and Tyler Visgilio won the championship for the second consecutive year.  Jeff Andres and Samantha Deabay were crowned Snowball king and queen.

“Last year, the Student Government voted the Snowball its best event and this year was a great success as well,” said Mulcahy.

The event, along with over $1000 worth of giveaways including a 32’ flat screen television and an Xbox 360 bundle, was funded by the Student Government Association.