Smells like school spirit

Sophomore Nicole Kaplan didn’t go to last year’s Round-Up because she had class. This year, she’ll be there.

“I have to go because Dane Cook is going to be there, and he is my favorite comedian,” she said.

This year’s Round-Up begins at 7 p.m. at the Sun Dome. Cook’s performance – he takes the stage at 9 – will be preceded by a student organization fair, information about upcoming USF events and speeches by Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Capeheart-Meningall, Director of Athletics Doug Woolard and student body President Maxon Victor.

Cook, who recently performed at MTV’s Video Music Awards in Miami and has also appeared on Comedy Central Presents, is one of the year’s main draws.

“Last year’s attendance was over 3,000 and we anticipate that we will pass that this year,” said Senior Program Coordinator Keri Riegler. “With the inquiries we have gotten so far, we anticipate going well beyond 3,000,” she said.

In addition, the USF Sun Dolls, USF cheerleaders and The Herd of Thunder Marching Band will perform. There will also be free food, prizes and giveaways.

Among the prizes is a free trip to the USF-Miami football game, merchandise from the USF Bookstore and – for one lucky resident hall student only – a semester of free rent.

Riegler encourages everyone to attend.

“First of all, it is free and there will be free food. Second, it is an opportunity to get involved,” she said. “Start the year off right and experience what it means to be a USF student. It is going to be a wonderful night of entertainment and it is put on for USF students so they can have a great first experience, especially for freshmen who might not know how to get involved.”

Riegler added that students should arrive at or before 7 in order to get good seats.

Latasha Jefferson, a junior majoring in business administration, has gone to the Round-Up for the past two years. She is planning to attend this year as well.

“It is fun,” she said. “The atmosphere is great and it is a good experience, especially if you are a new student.”