Urban Latin music, known as reggeatton, was blaring. Tables lined the room displaying native costumes, jewelry and other items from different nations. There was food that some students probably didn’t recognize.

The cafeteria of NOVA’s Alexandria campus was transformed for the 2010 International Festival on April 14. Anyone who walked in could instantly feel the energy in the room.

Kevin Brosnan, 3-year-old Brooke Duncan of Alexandria and Brooke’s father, Ryan Duncan (with pink hair), smile with joy at the St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser at Paddy’s Steakhouse & Pub in Stafford on March 14. One reason they are so happy is that, after being treated for neuroblastoma at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Brooke has shown no signs if the disease for several months.

Brooke’s father used to be a NOVA student. The Duncans came to the event to “support to all those still battling.”

The event raised over $25,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to combat childhood cancer.

A recent job fair at the University of Mary Washington attracted more than 6,000 people and halted traffic on both U.S. 1 and Interstate 95 at the U.S. 17 exit.

Janet Giles of JobZone, which holds job fairs throughout much of Virginia, has reported an increase in the number of job fairs attendees and a decrease in the number of companies that exhibit. She also said she’s been seeing people who have never lost their job before.

When one thinks of Brazilian music the fervent samba drum beats of Carnival or the smooth sounds of bossa nova may come to mind. Whatever the style, one may not think of NOVA music major Mark Sawasky. Don’t let his Dearborn, Mich. roots fool you though. He plays as passionately and soulfully as any world musician. He is a true artist.
Sawasky got his start in a rock band in his hometown. When a two-stringed Albanian Lute musician wanted to record with the band, they took their music to the recording …

Trust is a very difficult thing to get, especially when talking about sharing personal information.

The Census is a prime example. Thanks to the data collected through the 2010 Census, communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year. This money helps job training centers, hospitals, senior centers, schools and other educational institutions including NOVA.

Most know that some information must be given to the government every decade. Everybody is informed that personal data provided is protected under federal law, and yet many people are reluctant to cooperate.

If you like food, music and fashion, then the International Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. Best of all, it’s free for everyone. The event will take place on April 14 in the cafeteria of the Alexandria campus in Bisdorf Building.

That day, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the International Club will be hosting a variety of activities that will celebrate countries from around the world such as a multicultural fashion show, free henna temporary tattoo body art and booths with items representing various countries. Students will also be able to enjoy an international food buffet along with different cultural artistic performances such as salsa and belly dancing and a performance by Erica Anderson, one of this year’s NOVA Idol finalists.

Everyone has dreams of fame and fortune. At one point or another, many believe that they have what it takes to perform for thousands of screaming fans. Hundreds of NOVA students have received this opportunity. NOVA Idol has been letting NOVA students have their 15 minutes of fame for several years. This year’s NOVA Idol was described by many as the best so far.

“Something special is being created at NOVA.” Those were the opening words of A’Lelia Bundles, biographer and great granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, when she addressed her interested United States History 122 class on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. “With more than 180 countries represented at NOVA, it is an interesting representation of what America will look like in the next three decades,” Bundles began.

President Barack Obama came to NOVA’s Alexandria campus on March 30 to sign the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
A long line had formed outside the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center long before doors opened at 9:30 a.m. Inside, the 1,000-seat Mary Collier Baker Theater filled up quickly with students, staff and members of congress.

President Barack Obama will sign health care and student loan reform into law on Tuesday at NOVA’s Alexandria campus.

The modified healthcare reform bill contains several new provisions from the one Obama signed into law earlier this week. One of the largest changes is the inclusion of student loan reform, which makes the government more involved in handing out loans. It also caps the maximum loan repayment to 10 percent of a person’s annual income.