By ERIN HOPKINS

Staff Writer

Food, games and other activities brought 170 education students, staff and faculty to a new event sponsored by the College of Education.

The College of Education Fall Extravaganza was held Nov. 3 in Memorial Gymnasium. The event was organized by the College of Education Academic Excellence Committee.

"I am especially appreciative of Dean Jo Ann Dauzat for organizing meetings with our student organization leaders during this 2004-2005 academic year," Dr. Amy Vessel, an assistant professor of curriculum, instruction and leadership, said.

"These meetings are allowing the students' voices to be heard, and this event was created based upon student recommendations."

Students got the chance to participate in group games such as hula-hoop contests, cage ball soccer and scooter races.

Students also got the chance to participate in karaoke and the Titanic, which was provided by Backus True Value.

"I was amazed at the popularity of the Titanic inflatable; it is definitely not for the faint of heart," Dr. Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, an associate professor of curriculum, instruction and leadership, said. "Once it was set up, it literally stretched from one end of Memorial Gym to the other end."

Lopez said everyone helped with the event.

"For the actual event, faculty and student volunteers from all three departments provided assistance at different stations that were set up for everyone to enjoy." Ê

Lopez said the activities planned for the event came directly from student input.

"Our students wanted the opportunity to mingle with the faculty and staff in the College of Education outside of the classroom setting," Lopez said. "It was our hope that this informal event would enable them to accomplish this goal."

Students and faculty enjoyed the opportunity to mix.

"The games, the Titanic, the music and the tables set up for food were all designed so that faculty, staff and students could interact and get to know each other in a fun environment," Lopez said.

Lopez said the event was also designed to help everyone to build a sense of community within the College of Education.

"Basically, we are a blend of different programs ranging from our Teacher Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership, to Counseling and Psychology in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, to Physical Education and Kinesiology in Health and Exercise Sciences," Lopez said.

LeBreeska Wilkinson, a sophomore elementary education major, said she enjoyed the event, and it was a good experience.

"We wanted to get to know more people in our major and the other professors," Wilkinson said. "It was a fun, laid-back atmosphere to visit."