University UNIQUE programs is just that ? unique.

Semester after semester, the UNIQUE Programs organization puts on free or low-cost events for the campus.

Exciting events include former presidential candidate John McCain?s visit last February, last week?s Politically Incorrect: On Campus show, the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and an abundance of “Nooners,” which features a variety of programs that are put on almost every Wednesday at noon.

UNIQUE does all this on a limited budget, which allows for only $148,000 in expenditures. UNIQUE receives funding from many sources, which include a portion of student dollars, revenue received from gate receipts and other sources. Not only that, but the majority of UNIQUE?s staff consists of student volunteers.

In a time when student (and taxpayer) dollars are being squandered on repainting administrative offices, or electronic signs at campus entrances, it?s refreshing to see a program run so well and providing well-appreciated music, free movies and cultural events. While the staging of these events is to be commended, it is the flair with which UNIQUE Program Adviser Dean Sorensen goes about promoting UNIQUE programs that really deserves recognition. Many weekdays and before every Wednesday Nooner, Sorensen can be found wandering the quad, shouting about the UNIQUE events, handing out fliers and encouraging students to take a break from their routines.

If all other program directors on campus had his enthusiasm, Sac State would be far better known than it is.

UNIQUE?s latest effort ? getting the television program Politically Incorrect ? will help put Sacramento State on the national map (even more than our football teams? loss to Division II UC Davis this past weekend in the Causeway Classic).

Events such as Politically Incorrect and John McCain?s campaign stop have a great effect on our school that not only pulls the community to our campus, but makes our campus more visible in the Sacramento area.

The State Hornet would like to commend UNIQUE for making our university more vibrant with campus life and we hope to see more events such as these in the future.