Wednesday Sept. 10, Salve Regina University celebrated the official opening of the 2008-2009 academic year. I arrived at the Wakehurst lawn around 2:15 p.m., apparently already late for the Junior Class seating.

Students milled about and strained to hear where each department was to sit.

It’s my favorite time of day in Newport as I meander along the back roads away from the hustle and bustle of tourists on the main avenues. After a dreary and drizzly day, the gray fog has dissipated just enough for the brilliant sunset to peak through the clouds.

Rome, Italy – Amazed, frantic, excited, overwhelmed. This pretty much sums up the emotional rollercoaster I have experienced since arriving in the ancient city of Rome just over two weeks ago.

Anyone who has ever studied abroad is most likely to tell you that it was one of the best experiences of their entire life.

As I walked into the art gallery of the Antone Center to see the exhibit “New Work: Drawings and Paintings” by Jenny Maloney, I was instantly intrigued by her work. Maloney is an artist and professor at Adelphi University. She has previously taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and the New York Institute of Technology.

The season’s most notable releases and a guide to the area’s best concerts