Displaying “Spirit” in the New Student Center

The Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity wishes to give Spirit’s pelt a permanent place in the new student center when it opens. Spirit was the original living and breathing tiger mascot of RIT. The tiger was said to be part of their initial investment, as many brothers put forth financial contributions to help acquire him.

Spirit was purchased in 1963 from a zoo in Dallas, Texas and lived in Seneca Park Zoo when he wasn’t being featured in RIT athletic events. Fourteen months later, the tiger suffered from pelvic and joint problems and was put to sleep in 1964. His pelt can be seen today in the RIT archives, located on the third floor of the Wallace Library.

Dr. Heath Boice-Pardee, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and advisor to Student Government (SG), explained, “Spirit would have to kept in a climate-controlled area in order to be stored correctly. Still, there are many on campus who would be opposed to doing this and it could anger many students.”

CAB representative Megan Maksymowich added, “Perhaps it would be better to have a framed picture of him hanging instead.” Boice-Pardee noted, “This could also be done in a more respectful manner.”

iTunes U

“iTunes U will be up and running by winter quarter,” said Gerry Brunelle, Director of Services. iTunesU allows students and faculty to find, download and keep up-to-date with lectures, music, and related videos of universities and cultural institutions throughout the country. For more information, visit www.apple.com/education/itunesu.

YeleHaiti

During the opening session of Speak to the Senate, where students are given the opportunity to voice their opinions to SG, the Caribbean Student Association spoke to the senate about Haiti, which was struck by Hurricane Gustav earlier this year.

“Haiti is in peril,” said a representative from the group. “800 Haitians are already dead and 300 are still missing. People’s livestock are gone, their crops have failed and there is massive starvation.”

The student group is working with YeleHaiti, a grassroots project started by Grammy Award winning musician and producer Wyclef Jean. Their goals are to increase social responsibility on campus by building awareness of international relations, especially in Haiti. The group hopes to have the help of SG and RIT to undertake fundraising efforts and in seeking eventual corporate sponsorship. For more information, visit www.yele.org.

Art Supplies in Campus Connections

SG Public Relations Representative Kari Calenzo addressed that she would like to have art supplies available for sale at the Campus Connections store in the Student Alumni Union. The decision to follow through with this is yet to be determined.

MSOs & RSOs to have New Creation Procedures

The senate voted that no new student organizations — both Representative Student Organizations (RSO) and Major Student Associations (MSO) — will be added until SG writes a new version of its bylaws.