For the first time, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Safe Ride program is operating over the summer, and usage is growing, proving there is still a demand for the service, even during the summer months.

Josh Wright, ASUA Safe Ride director, reported the service had given more than 600 rides by June 9, and more than 500 of them were during Pre-Session.

The service had transported 890 passengers as of Monday night, Wright said. [Read article]

UA President Peter Likins has nominated an internationally recognized engineer for the rank of Regents' professor, an honor reserved for faculty scholars of exceptional ability who have achieved national and international distinction, according to a press release.

Farhang Shadman, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering in the College of Engineering, also holds a joint appointment in the College of Optical Sciences. [Read article]

For many incoming freshmen, the transition from high school to college can seem intimidating. Many students have trouble meeting friends and getting acquainted with the campus and college-level classes.

The New Start program, which has three components, is designed to help incoming freshmen ease that transition, and familiarize themselves with the UA.

New Start is a six-week program for UA students, sponsored by the Department of Multicultural Programs and Services, said Patrick Bryan, student recruitment and retention specialist. [Read article]

Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson's historic movie palace, recently reopened in partnership with UApresents after shutting its doors in 1974. During its heyday, between 1920 and 1945, the theater was famous for showcasing film and live entertainment.

The new partnership makes it possible for UApresents to showcase some of its smaller shows in the Fox Theatre while still keeping the majority of its shows on campus at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. The newfound partnership will help to usher in a new generation of spectators to the historic downtown theatre in hopes of gaining a more city-wide audience, said Herb Stratford, executive director of the Fox Theatre Foundation. [Read article]

On the first day of summer, many Wildcats are taking time out to relax from hectic school and work schedules. Others have taken the initiative to get a jump on their degree by adding a few summer classes. In the end, almost everyone will have something to show for their time off.

Jake Vernon, a resident of Tucson and future UA student is no different. He has chosen to take a different path, one of hard work and dedication. [Read article]

The investigation of a reported rape at a fraternity house last April is still open and no charges have been pressed. According to officials, information has been turned over to the Pima County Attorney's office for review.

A University of Arizona student contacted police in the early morning of April 13 and said a man had sexually assaulted her at the Sigma Pi fraternity house, 1525 E. Drachman St. [Read article]

Wednesday, June 22

The New Mexican Revolution - Good luck trying to Google these guys. If you like politics and music, you might enjoy the way this band will most likely combine the two when they perform at Plush. 340 E. Sixth St. 798-1298. 9 p.m.

Thursday, June 23

"King Kong" - Starring a scantily clad Fay Wray and that giant gorilla, this 1933 classic film will be screened outdoors at La Placita Village Plaza. 110 S. Church Ave. 326-5282. 7:30 p.m. $3 donation. [Read article]

taken weekly with a grain of salt