Last spring my friend Jenn and I went to On the Tracks. Held in Downtown Opelika, this event features a wine trail with different samples of wine and appetizers at local shops, restuarants, etc. We had a blast in the spring and I found out this week that another one was being held last night.
Jenn and I arrived just after 7 pm, but quickly realized that we wouldn't be there for long when we almost ran into someone from the past. So, we visited a couple of shops instead. Sadly, I didn't find anything I just needed to buy at Taylor Made Designs (super cute jewelry store). I did find a great jacket at Fringe though. We also noticed that in 2010 an Irish Pub will open Downtown. Fun!
After the quick shopping trip, we decided to head to head to Laredo's for dinner and a margarita. Good food, good strawberry margarita for me (regular/rocks for Jenn), and good conversation. Not exactly the evening that we had planned, but sometimes it is more fun to let the night unfold into something unexpected.
This morning Collins picked me up and we headed to Downtown Opelika for the Think Pink Walk benefiting the fight against breast cancer. Just last week I had thought about finding a walk to take part in, however wasn't aware of one taking place. I always seem to miss them and find out about them after they happen. My mom is a survivor and I really wanted to do some active to show support. Thankfully I found out about this one just in the nick of time to pre-register.
We arrived early for registration, paid (we registered over the phone), and changed into our Think Pink shirts. Then we had some breakfast (Panera...yum) and did some people watching. The funny thing is that in the sea of people out there for the walk Collins and I wind up getting interviewed for a story in the Plainsman. What are the odds?
Before the walk started, the organizers said a few words and there was some entertainment. The main performers were the Yahooters...yup, that is how you spell it. They have one person who sings and several other ladies (of all ages) dance. It was funny and entertaining. Collins and I danced a little and I of course took some pics. Shortly thereafter the walk started. Downtown Opelika really is a cute little area. Collins was on the lookout for a loft space...one can hope.
We did a little shopping and then headed home. It was a great start to the day. Sadly, the Auburn Tigers did not have a great game day. Although the outcome of the game was not what I was hoping for...I still believe in the team. I think that this game will only make them stronger. Looking forward to the game against Kentucky next week (my parents alma mater) and the UPC family and friends tailgate. Come out and join us for good food and fun!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
NACA
This past weekend I traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina with eight students and my two graduate assistants for the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) South Regional Conference. I love conferences...all kinds. Love meeting new people, networking, attending educational sessions, etc. Sadly though we did not get to explore Winston-Salem. We did have the chance to eat at two local restuarants. Highly suggest NOMA. It was delicious!!! If you are in Winston-Salem, it would be a crime not to go. Had Kernel Kustard for dessert...popcorn and ice cream...yum! We also went to Foothills. The food was good, but the service was way to slow. Not sure if I would recommend.
Ok, onto the NACA recap. The conference is typically held the first weekend in October. This comes at the end of the first month and a half of classes, tons of events, and four home games in a row. Needless to say, a good excuse to get away, but already tired before we even arrive.
Auburn presented three educational sessions at the conference. Melissa presented to staff on student development theories. Collins and one of our students presented on Basic Programming Skills. I presented with one of our student on Co-sponsorships. All presentations went well. I had planned on finishing the co-sponsorship presentation much earlier than I did. The student that I presented with met several times, but everytime I went to work on putting the information together I was needed by someone else. So, my own needs and that of the presentation got put on the backburner. Thankfully, I finished the powerpoint and we were able to work well together to deliver a great presentation. Whohoo!
This year for NACA Auburn applied for the Board of Excellence Award. We haven't applied for any awards in the past. The selection process was broken down into two parts. The first was written materials. There was a series of questions that we had to answer about UPC. We also had to provide letters of support from staff and students. We had to include budget information, but also added some of our forms (event evaluation and co-sponsorship), as well as promotional materials and publicity. In total, the final document was probably around 45-50 pages. We had it bound and if I do say so myself, it was AUsome!
Well, we were selected as one of two finalists in the $325,000 and over programming budget category. By the time we found out our students had one week to prepare. Well all we knew is that they would need to prepare a 30 minute oral presentation...but covering what. Our VP led the presentation team that included three other delegates from UPC. We guessed that it would be an elaboration of the written materials and through email clarified that. Once the information was compiled...the students had approximately two days to finalize preparations. The team rode in my car up and we went through the presentation a bit. Then Thursday night they "presented" for the rest of us and we gave them feedback. The next day they did one last run through before the presentation before the six judges.
The presentation could not have gone better. The students did a fantastic job! I was so proud of them. There were a few funny parts when they may have said something that they didn't practice, but that made it all the better. While we knew they had done well, we had no idea how the competition had done. The next day at the closing banquet, the awards were presented. And.....drumroll please.....Auburn UPC won the Board of Excellence Award! So AUsome:) I was proud of their presentation and their efforts, but so very thankful that all of their hard work and the great things that our students provide for Auburn were recognized. This award is for our current council, but also for all of the students that have participated in the past working long hours, working up a sweat, and brainstorming lots of ideas. Thank you UPC for serving Auburn!
Ok, onto the NACA recap. The conference is typically held the first weekend in October. This comes at the end of the first month and a half of classes, tons of events, and four home games in a row. Needless to say, a good excuse to get away, but already tired before we even arrive.
Auburn presented three educational sessions at the conference. Melissa presented to staff on student development theories. Collins and one of our students presented on Basic Programming Skills. I presented with one of our student on Co-sponsorships. All presentations went well. I had planned on finishing the co-sponsorship presentation much earlier than I did. The student that I presented with met several times, but everytime I went to work on putting the information together I was needed by someone else. So, my own needs and that of the presentation got put on the backburner. Thankfully, I finished the powerpoint and we were able to work well together to deliver a great presentation. Whohoo!
This year for NACA Auburn applied for the Board of Excellence Award. We haven't applied for any awards in the past. The selection process was broken down into two parts. The first was written materials. There was a series of questions that we had to answer about UPC. We also had to provide letters of support from staff and students. We had to include budget information, but also added some of our forms (event evaluation and co-sponsorship), as well as promotional materials and publicity. In total, the final document was probably around 45-50 pages. We had it bound and if I do say so myself, it was AUsome!
Well, we were selected as one of two finalists in the $325,000 and over programming budget category. By the time we found out our students had one week to prepare. Well all we knew is that they would need to prepare a 30 minute oral presentation...but covering what. Our VP led the presentation team that included three other delegates from UPC. We guessed that it would be an elaboration of the written materials and through email clarified that. Once the information was compiled...the students had approximately two days to finalize preparations. The team rode in my car up and we went through the presentation a bit. Then Thursday night they "presented" for the rest of us and we gave them feedback. The next day they did one last run through before the presentation before the six judges.
The presentation could not have gone better. The students did a fantastic job! I was so proud of them. There were a few funny parts when they may have said something that they didn't practice, but that made it all the better. While we knew they had done well, we had no idea how the competition had done. The next day at the closing banquet, the awards were presented. And.....drumroll please.....Auburn UPC won the Board of Excellence Award! So AUsome:) I was proud of their presentation and their efforts, but so very thankful that all of their hard work and the great things that our students provide for Auburn were recognized. This award is for our current council, but also for all of the students that have participated in the past working long hours, working up a sweat, and brainstorming lots of ideas. Thank you UPC for serving Auburn!
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