Jessica Sobel didn’t notice anything unusual when she followed three men into Claudius on Jan. 27. Nothing struck her as strange even when the male trio held open the elevator door for her. Typical ORU male courtesy.

And then they followed her onto the elevator, pressed a few buttons and waited. Sobel just had time to look at the languid resident advisor sitting desk, who said nothing about the flagrant violation of “No males beyond this point,” before the doors closed. Only afterward did Sobel realize the reason behind this odd — and uncontested — elevator company.

“I only found out that it was open dorms because of the three guys in the elevator with me,” Sobel said.

Any one who knew Dr. Joseph Mukasa knew his distinctive laugh, his passion for prayer and his untiring efforts to encourage every one he met.

The assistant professor for communication never missed a chance to remind students, staff and colleagues that they were loved.

His students meant so much to him that he carried around a note card in his breast pocket with all of their names written on it to keep them “close to his heart.”

Don’t worry. You weren’t the only one to notice neon lights flashing from the construction site of the new Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center over the past week.

The curious light show serves as just one more colorful sign that the new building nears completion.

The grand opening is planned Feb. 1, following chapel. An exclusive Oracle tour of the building on Jan. 16, revealed a space boasting abundant light, clean, sloping lines and pops of vibrant colors.

The beginning of February will mark an important event in the ORU community.

Homecoming events for alumni, students, parents and friends of the university will be held Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, just in time for the dedication of the Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center on Feb 1.