Vice President of Student Affairs, Manny Newsome, recently announced his plans to retire in July or August of this year. With a Bachelors and Masters degree in physical education and a PhD in philosophy and higher education, Newsome’s career has spanned over 40 years. He has worked at schools like Western Michigan, Palm Beach Atlantic, Indiana State, and Toledo. Newsome spent his college days playing basketball and was the second highest scorer in the nation, which earned him a spot in the Indiana and Western Michigan Halls of Fames. He tried out for the 1960 Olympic team and had hopes to go pro. But since at that time the NBA only took four black players per team, Newsome knew he needed something to fall back on. He decided he wanted to be a coach or teacher, so completing his degree became a necessity. When bad days come around the office, Newsome feels that his sports background gives him the knowledge he needs about wins and losses. “Everyone has good or bad days and has to just deal with it,” he says.Newsome also says he has had a fulfilling career at FAU. “I have been part of a lot of changes.” He said the biggest change has been the enrollment. In 1988, when Newsome arrived at FAU the student body consisted of about 12,000. It now exceeds 25,000 students. In his last year as vice president of Student Affairs, Newsome aims to get more state funds to make a Student Government (SG) mandated recreation center. He wants a place where students can workout and visit the Wellness Center in one building. He says SG is already in the process of planning for this center, with an estimated time of completion in 2008. Nearly $6 million has already been raised, and another $6 million is needed to reach the goal. Newsome is also working with the FAU Foundation to get more funds for scholarships. As recruiting is completed and enrollment goes up, “we want to offer the student more assistance.” Newsome says he would like to be remembered at FAU by the growth that it has seen over the years, the student retention office and the volunteer center. “Dr. Newsome has been such an asset to FAU,” says Tracy Boulukos, associate director of Financial Aid. “He is the heart and soul of student affairs. We are going to miss him.”After he retires, Newsome says he plans to teach higher education at FAU. Newsome adds that he has had a rewarding career. “I have met a lot of different people over the years working in Student Affairs,” he said. “I have worked with great people, great students, and it has been a journey. If I had to do it all over again, I would. I have loved it.”