Surprising

Freshman, Justin Kadoura strums some tunes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers while during a break from classes in the commuter lounge in the Whitaker Campus Center.

Charming

Sophomore, Alexander Smith waits for a friend to join him for lunch in the Coblentz Dining Hall.

Freshman, Camellia Jahanshahi combines sunshine and cell phone minutes on the steps of Shriner Hall

Brainy

 It's all about strategy as David Poch practices his opening chess moves in the commuter lounge, at top, and Todd Ploski, plots his next shot on the table in the Whitaker Campus Center.

Friendly

Basketball player Jordan Diggs greets friends in the dining hall.

Seniors and friends since freshman year, Rian McHenry, Tyler Snoots, and Chris Carson, from left, catch up with each other in the dining hall.

Friendly

 Hosted by the Muslim Student Association, students, friends and faculty share in the Iftar dinner, the meal which accompanies the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. They do not even drink water during this time. The practice of fasting, teaches participating Muslims the values of patience, devotion and selflessness. Iftar during Ramadan is often done as a community, with Muslims gathering to break their fast together.

Sanna Sayed, a member of the Muslim Student Association socializes before the Iftar dinner.

Dr. Daoud Nassimi, Professor of Islamic Studies in Fairfax Institute, is the Imam of prayer prior to the Iftar dinner

Tania Shabri , a member of the Muslim Student Association helps to serve the Iftar dinner.

 Guests at the Iftar dinner enjoy a lively conversation.

Friendly

Keandra Smith, Chelsea Taylor and Tynaea Brown, from left, enjoy each others company following dinner at the Coblentz dining hall.

Brainy

Dorm life, where Monica Chickering spends time working on her laptop in the 50's style common area of a dorm.

Practical

Dorm life, where freshman, Dawn Fahey gets down to business reading for her Honors 101 class and doing a load of laundry.

Dorm life, where Jon Heile works on his laptop in the golden light of the setting sun.

Charming

 Students take advantage of clear, calm weather to study outside in the residential quad.

"This is the first time we've done this, but I think it's going to be a habit." says Kelsey Moore, at left, as she and Molly Fabricatore, both freshman,appreciate the view of  the pergola vines from a new perspective.

"Blaze" the mascot makes his debut!

Surprising

"Blaze" the brand new mascot for Hood College waits with only Adrienne Mullikin, of Marketing and Communications for company as its arrival during Convocation is to be a big surprise to the campus community.

Friendly

"Blaze", Hood College's brand new mascot prepares to get a big hug from enthusiatic admirer and a member of the Dean of Students office, Dr. Ted Chase, following Convocation.