We knew it would be a big hit if it was not only the students, it was the community.

In Auburn, the Italian community is small but very enthusiastic, and many students enroll every term in our Italian classes, displaying an uneatable desire to learn the Italian language and culture.

There are links that the students are working on. The point is to bring them together in a community where they are seriously involved in the arts.

If the Legislature approves the governor's proposal on community colleges, we could kick off a cohort of students on our west campus this fall.

There's no question this has been a rallying point for students and the community. We were packed at the Bloomington South game (on Jan. 14), and we've had tremendous support at our last four games on the road. It's become a real sixth man for our team.

What we want these students to know is that as a community we recognize them and we appreciate them.