Semester off to a good start

Robert Maxon, CSULB president

Congratulations to the No. 1 volleyball team in the nation - our own women 49ers! After being on the road for an extended time, the team will be at home for some exciting home matches. Go see them if you get a chance.

I also want to congratulate our new women's soccer team, which is off to a roaring start in its premiere season.

Whenever your schedule permits, I hope you will also take in some of our men's water polo competitions and the 49er cross country team meets.

The other night I attended a wonderful dance department-sponsored performance by artist Claire Porter at the Martha Knoebel Dance Theater.

I hope everyone gets an opportunity to attend a few of the dozens of concerts presented by the dance and music departments each semester.

I am pleased that the semester started smoothly. My biggest joy has been renewing friendships with returning students and getting to meet many new students every day.

One of the most valuable gifts students will take with them after college is the warm and diverse circle of lifelong friendships that start at Cal State Long Beach.

Students should take a moment from their busy schedules to tour the newly expanded University Student Union.

Congratulations to all the new student leaders who have been tremendously busy in organizing its grand opening.

Speaking of the Associated Students Inc. officers, if students want to see democracy in action, they should stop by the A.S.I Senate Chambers any Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. to listen to lively and passionate debates on issues that are of interest to all CSULB students.

In a few weeks, students will be able to tour the renovated Student Health Center.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff will be available to assist with medical needs or to make a referral.

The Daily Forty-Niner is off to a very good start. My warmest congratulations to the committed and talented staff for a job well done!

I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate the Greek clubs and chapters for having the largest pledge class in recent history.

On an almost daily basis, fraternity and sorority members stop by to let me know about the exciting and rewarding experiences they have with their involvement in the community service and campus life.

The inaugural "Rockin' the Mid" Midnight Madness should be fun.

This marks the official opening of 49er men's and women's basketball practice season at The Pyramid.

It will begin at 11 p.m. Friday. Free food and drinks will be available and prizes awarded before the men's and women's scrimmages.

Congratulations also to the 49er cheerleaders! I know that students will agree with me that we have the most awesome cheerleading squads in the country!

Again, I hope everyone takes some time to attend a few of the campus events, whether artistic, cultural, athletic or social, many of which are free to 49er students.

I know doing so will make one feel proud of CSULB.

Have a great fall semester, and ...

GO BEACH!