Obama’s inauguration

The Red & Black sent an editor to this year’s ceremony, and it was an experience like no other. Not only did we celebrate the inauguration of our nation’s first black president, but a wave of change that many of us had been waiting on for eight years.

Firing Felton

The University fired Dennis Felton the day after a 26 point loss to Florida. Our only question: what took so long? Georgia basketball fans are dying for a winning team again. Good luck, Mark Fox.

Lodging complaints

Dorm residents pay up to $3,000 per semester for a place to live on campus. The editorial board believes that a certain standard should be met when it comes to living accommodations. Mold, leaky toilets and pipes and pests should not be found in the dorms.

Snow day

The blizzard of ’09 hit Athens hard in the beginning of March, leaving campus a mess. Though we’re glad the University decided to cancel class Monday, it should have considered conditions for the following morning. When it gets colder at night, ice refreezes, and students bombarded the health center with broken bones.

All fired up

The University got a little paranoid and charged the campus chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws with trademark infringement, budding from an illustration of a bulldog smoking a joint in front of an arch. After NORML lost a formal hearing, its probation was lengthened from one year to two. We find the University Judiciary’s treatment of NORML a bit half-baked.

Tuition increase

The Board of Regents approved a tuition hike and re-approved the $100 fee, yielding $21 million in additional revenue for the University. Though we support raising tuition and the extra funds it will generate, we feel students were not given adequate notice. Just as with the $100 fee, the Regents have made a decision affecting students without seeking any student input.

Gym Dogs win – again

The Gym Dogs won their fifth consecutive national championship last month with former head coach Suzanne Yoculan at the helm for the final time. Seniors Courtney Kupets, Tiffany Tolnay, Paige Burns and Abby Stack also will be sorely missed. Kudos to the team for their record-tying performance, and good luck to new head coach Jay Clark.

Stafford’s No. 1

Georgia football players made out well in last weekend’s NFL Draft, with quarterback Matthew Stafford signing a $78 million deal with the Detroit Lions. Good luck to Stafford, Knowshon Moreno (now a Denver Bronco), Mohamed Massaquoi (a new Cleveland Brown), Minnesota Viking Asher Allen, Corvey Irvin (Carolina Panthers) and Jarius Wynn (Green Bay Packers). And to the remaining Bulldogs here in Athens – we can’t wait for next season.

Town & Gown shooting

Our University is still mourning the loss of Marie Bruce, Ben Teague and Tom Tanner. April 25 will be a tragic anniversary for Athens, and an annual reminder for the University, that we aren’t immune to school shootings. With alleged shooter, Professor George M. Zinkhan still at large, many families are still waiting for justice. Go to redandblack.com for any updates.

Quote of the semester:

“I’ve got to go drink a whole lot of beer tonight and pass out. That’s my only chance of sleeping is going to be to pass out.”

- Gym Dogs head coach Suzanne Yoculan after the meet against Florida.