Nu�i’s Space has been successful in reaching out to the Athens music community, and its more recently formed student organization aims to introduce University students to all it has to offer.

The Nu�i’s Space Student Organization works with Nu�i’s Space to plan events, raise money and spread awareness about the organization. NSSO was founded in 2003 as an extension of Nu�i’s Space on campus, said NSSO Vice President Victoria Salegna, a senior from Alpharetta.

Nu�i’s Space is an organization created in memory of Nu�i Phillips, a University student and musician who committed suicide in 1996 after many years of battling depression. The Nu�i’s Space Web site defines the organization as “a resource/support center dedicated to promoting the emotional, physical and occupational well-being of the music community.”

Nu�i’s Space serves as a music venue for practice and performance as well as a supportive place for counseling and medical services. Salegna said the big goals of the NSSO are to raise funds for Nu�i’s Space and to increase awareness of the facility and its events to students on campus.

Last year, the NSSO used the money they raised to buy a copy machine for Nu�i’s Space.

Freshman Stephanie Beer of Lawrenceville said she was first introduced to Nu�i’s Space during the Freshman College Summer Experience Program, when she attended a concert at Nu�i’s Space.

“Remembering the wonderful time I had at the concert this summer, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the organization,” Beer said.

With the graduation of many of its members over the last year, NSSO is hoping to attract new members this year.

When asked what interested her about NSSO, Beer said, “Simply put, great

people, great music and a great cause! NSSO and Nu�i’s Space are a beautiful thing!”

NSSO President Leah Kapa, a senior from Cedartown, said one of their main functions is to get people to Nu�i’s Space that have never been there or don’t know what it is so they can see what goes on there.

Kapa also expressed a desire to take away the stigma she feels is associated with mental health issues.

Since its formation, Nu�i’s Space has become an important part of the Athens music community.

“A lot of musicians in town feel really strongly about Nu�i’s Space” Kapa said. “They’ve gotten involved in many different ways.”

Some musicians involved with the space include Drive By Truckers, R.E.M. and Tommy Valentine to name a few.

NSSO is great experience for students of any major as the NSSO does many things for Nu�i’s space, including graphic design, event planning and more.

“We’ll integrate any talents; we’re open to new ideas” Kapa said.

Salegna also talked about how the NSSO is an important part of Nu�i’s Space and how the work they do is rewarding.

“We feel like we’re really helping them out,” Salegna said.

Kapa described Nu�i’s Space as a low-stress volunteer environment. Volunteers often bartend, stamp hands at shows and enjoy the music.

“Everyone who works there is so open and friendly, they care so much about the space,” she said.

For more information, visit www.nuci.org