Summer ended early for some Northland students Monday.

Classes began Monday morning at Lake Superior College.

As Dave Anderson reports, enrollment is up and so are the spirits of the student bodyFor recent Denfeld High School graduate Terry Beckman, this is his first day of college.

The Lake Superior College freshman may be a little flustered but he's not nervous.

"Not really. I'm just waiting to get my books. My class starts at noon and it is five to!" said Beckman.

Terry may not make it in time because the line at the book store is a long one.

The line is long because of record enrollment at L.S.C.

"We have more students on campus than ever before. We have the highest enrollment since 2004 which was the previous high enrollment." said President Kathy Nelson.

Many of the new students are people of color which is a goal of the school's intercultural coordinator.

"We're happy to say our diverse population has grown the last couple of years and now we're seeing an influx of more students coming from different backgrounds." said coordinator Carl Crawford.

According to LSC's president, the college's wide variety of programs is what has enrollment up.

"Our allied health program picks up many of our students and those students who are completing the first two years of a four year degree." said Nelson.

With forty one hundred students milling around campus, the student life department is working hard to make friends of thousands of strangers.

A game based mixer is helping to raise spirits among the student body.

"They each get a clue and they start here and then travel to other parts of the campus and at the end they get a prize." said student activities coordinator Heather Grillo.

President Nelson says the best prize for freshmen like Terry is to get involved in campus activities as soon as possible.

"Show up, get involved, get to know people and ask lots of questions." said Nelson.

LSC opening week student activities:
Monday, August 25: The Amazing Place
New Student Life Center, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Individual students and class or department teams compete to find important locations on campus through clues – watch out for the detours! This event is designed for new students to become familiar with the campus and have fun in the process. Students can receive their first clue at the new student life center kiosk. Amazing Place locations will be decorated with racing flags. It should take about 1 hour to complete the race.
Tuesday, August 26: Dancing with the Students
Commons Area, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Think disco balls, shiny stars, punch bowls – this is salsa/swing dance instruction and an opportunity to try the game Dance, Dance Revolution. All participating students will receive a gift certificate for one free dance lesson with Hanson Dance. Student organizations and program related clubs are invited to set up a table and inform students of their activities.
Wednesday, August 27: Fun Factor
East Entrance Plaza, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This is Fear Factor with Scary Food Challenges, Velcro Wall, Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling, Guitar Hero and popcorn! KAT Country will be broadcasting the event live – with interviews from LSC students. (This event will require some extra assistance from the audience-so if you are not busy-we would really appreciate your help!)
Thursday, August 28: LSC Idol
Commons Area, 11 a .m. – 1 p.m.
Student or class teams compete in a karaoke/open mike competition judged by the student senators. Faculty members are invited to sing along with their students or sing on their own. Classes can also write their own theme songs describing their departments/future careers or individual students can share their talents. To get a shot at your 3 minutes of fame contact: h.grillo@lsc.edu.
Friday, August 29: LSC Survivor
East Entrance Plaza , 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Students survive the first week of school and the Where's Bob? cyclists for the Foundation survive their ride! The celebration includes beach ball volleyball, BBQ and a live band !
Saturday, August 30: Survivor Miller Creek
LSC Front Yard, 7 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Campus Camp-out with Joshua Tesch- for any student that likes adventure !