Sound Bites

UCLA has been called an "amazing place" for all that occurs here every day. Do you take advantage of the many campus Happenings — movies, music, lectures, sports and other events?

Dennis Lyday, assistant to the assistant vice chancellor, Office of Student and Campus Life

I've attended some Friday evening events in the Concerts in the Rotunda series in the College Library that were absolutely magical. Being there in that space at night — hearing a student group performing medieval or Renaissance music — truly makes you feel that you've been enveloped in a time capsule and transported 500 years into the past. [Coming next: Payam Larijani and Friends classical guitar Nov. 13, 4 p.m.]

Priya Mohan, recruitment unit coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools

I go to a lot of events, probably more so than other people because I used to plan events as an undergrad [at UC San Diego] so I know where to look. You just have to log onto MyUCLA. I go to movie sneak previews at Melnitz and the campus film commission at Ackerman — a lot of times they have Q&As with the film's director. I freelance for People magazine, too, so I'm always into film and music and TV and culture. It's my personality.

Akhil Gupta, professor of anthropology

I attend many lectures. I do interdisciplinary work — my field of study is India. So I go to lectures on many subjects: history, archaeology, political science, geography and many others. But I can do this during the day only. Evenings and weekends are very difficult because my wife (Purnima Mankekar, associate professor of Asian-American studies) and I have a small child at home.

Ro Rowan, personal fitness training coordinator, UCLA Recreation

I graduated from the Musicology Department '04. As an undergraduate, I attended many events: concerts, museums, lunchtime music in Bruin Plaza, sporting events, free lectures, movies in Ackerman — you can't beat just a few dollars for a movie.Many times free lectures were offered on topics that I was very interested in. I love being a part of the UCLA community. As a staff member, I'm a part of programs like BruinWalkers, and I attend women's gymnastics meets and rugby games, and the pro tennis tournaments.

Respond to our next Sound Bites question: What steps have you personally taken to conserve energy, recycle and contribute to a better environment at UCLA and beyond? (See story in this issue: The greening of UCLA.) Email your response by Oct. 29 to today@support.ucla.edu. Please include a photo of yourself if you have one.