If you weren't at the grand opening of the East Campus Athletic Village, all I can is wow; a lot of other people said it too. The opening of this facility has a lot of Rensselaer students excited, and for good reason; the football stadium, basketball arena, conditioning center, cafe, and conference areas mean that the current 70% of students that are athletes will undoubtedly grow and that there is a destination at ECAV for the rest of us. This addition to the RPI campus will be accessible to all students for use, and the hours of operation will be extended with staff hiring provided by the President's Office. The next football game is during Parent's Weekend, but don't let keep you from going to ECAV beforehand, there's plenty more to experience.

If you're looking for something to do a little closer to central campus today on Wednesday, stop by Pizza with the Cabinet at 6pm on the 2^nd floor of the Russell Sage Dining Hall. This event, sponsored by the Student Senate and the President's Office, allows an opportunity for the student body to ask some questions, voice their concerns, or just pick up a slice or two; it's well worth the visit. You'll find school deans, institute vice-presidents, as well as key members of the institute that really have a way in making some change, all they need is the direction from you.

Pizza with the Cabinet is just another aspect of the communication goal of this year's Student Senate. We're here to listen, and to answer whatever questions you may have; no question is too small or trivial, we want to help. The goal to improve communication is why we created the Just Ask campaign; e-mail us anything at justask@rpi.edu and we'll answer you back or find the right person to help. We've had lots of students already use this program to ask questions and we're still waiting to hear from you. Members of the Senate are out looking for your input, you might see them in their red polos throughout the Union making sure you're voice is heard, how about giving them a word or two? You can always let me know what you think: gm@rpi.edu, http://twitter.com/rpigm, or stop by the office in the Student Government Suite in the Student Union.

With Freshman Elections over and the Senate with full membership, we're full steam ahead with projects and programs. I'm proud of the group that represents the student body in the Student Senate, impressed with the progress they've done thus far, and optimistic that we can keep getting a lot accomplished by April.

This past weekend we experienced Reunion and Homecoming 2009 and I had the opportunity to meet many alumni and alumnae, including some former GMs and PUs (they all like the red top hat). They talked a lot about how even though the campus has grown or changed, that they saw themselves in many of the students; smart, resourceful, and with lots of school spirit (and maybe a little sleep-deprived). And that hasn't changed what it's all about to be a RPI student: about focus and commitment, and about fulfilling one's dreams and making the world a better place. I hope everyone got some great memories of this past weekend, I certainly did.

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