Collegiate Times

Last night the Student Government Association announced a variety of new programs and initiatives affecting the student body for this school year.

"We represent the student body in every way possible," said Adeel Khan, SGA president.

One of the main events announced was the Relay for Life, scheduled for the 18th and19th of April. The Virginia Tech Relay for Life was recognized for its national success from last year's event, including its win for fundraising per capita, and fourth place for total money raised.

"The relay has grown so much from when it started in 1999," said Stephen Milleson, American Cancer Society staff member.

Also introduced during the evening was the "Hokies on Fire" campaign, a new program designed to bring spirit to the Tech basketball games.

"We want to fill all of the seats for all the games this year," said Matt O'Leary, executive committee member.

The program is designed to create an effect similar to Orange and Maroon Effect at football games.

"We're trying to build a basketball culture here at Tech," O'Leary said.

The "Hokies on Fire" game is planned for the Jan. 24 home game vs. Duke, which will be broadcast on ESPN.

Making an appearance at the event was the Tenants' Association of Blacksburg (TAB), which introduced its new goal of student advocacy.

"If a student was having a problem with their landlord, they could contact TAB, and we would write them and attempt to resolve the issue," said Alyssa Katz, TAB director. "TAB would act as a mediator in housing disputes."

Another item discussed during the evening was "The Big Event," a day for Tech students to contribute community service for Blacksburg and the surrounding area. Northwest Mutual, who contributed $10,000 to "The Big Event," is sponsoring the day's activities, which will be taking place Apr. 5.

The highlight of the evening came from the Constituent Outreach group, who introduced the Extreme Makeover: VT Campus Edition.

"We strive to be the most active body of student government," executive committee member Alex Stewart said.

Student body participation was a focal point of the plan.

"Our sole goal is to take your ideas and turn them into legislation," said Dan Strickland, executive committee member.

Student ideas are being taken in with T-shirts and a corkboard on display on the Drillfield.

"We wanted to learn the student body's most pertinent needs and their ideas on how to improve the campus," Stewart said.