By Chuck Corra

Special to the Chronicle

Shepherd University’s spring events schedule is packed full this year and many activities highly encourage community involvement. Although Shepherd seeks to primarily serve its student population, several of the events hosted this spring will provide a great opportunity for community members as well.

On Monday Mar. 26, The Shepherd University Republicans will be hosting nationally acclaimed author and political commentator S.E. Cupp at 6:30 p.m. in the Erma Ora Byrd Auditorium. Cupp will be speaking about modern conservatism in the United States as well as the upcoming Presidential election for 2012. Admission is $5 for members of the community.

Changing pace from modern conservative speakers to two medieval plays about prostitution, the Shepherd University Rude Mechanicals will be performing “Holy Harlots” beginning Friday Mar. 23 at 7:30 p.m. until March 31, with seven showings. This event is also $5 for admission for community members. Other events encompassing the arts that may interest members of the community include several performances related to Shepherd’s music department. During the month of April, the music department will host a composition recital (April 16; 3:15 p.m.), a small ensemble concert (Apr. 17; 8 p.m.), and Jazz night at the Frank Center (Apr. 10; 8 p.m.).

One of the biggest events, arguably, for the entire Shepherd University campus is Relay For Life.

Every year, Shepherd students form teams and compete to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The event will be held in the Shepherd Wellness Center this year, and will start on March 30 at 4 p.m., and last through the night until the next morning.

Several fundraising events coinciding with Shepherd’s relay have already happened, including bracelet sales, raffles and bake sales. Because Relay For Life unites everyone together toward a common goal, not just college students, community members are highly encouraged to find a team and join in on the fun and advocacy. Many fundraisers will occur during the actual event and teams will be walking all night around the track in the wellness center. Registration for team members is 10 dollars, but people are encouraged to have some extra cash handy, if possible, for the various fundraising activities on site.