BRC allocates money for four campus events The Budget Review Committee (BRC) allocated funds to four student groups for upcoming campus events and approved funding for Springfest’s major concert at its Oct. 24 meeting. BRC allocated more than $2,100 for the National African Student Organization (NASO) for World HIV/AIDS Awareness Week. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, NASO will host activities promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, like a documentary film screening, a fashion show and volunteering opportunities at a local Boston HIV/AIDS center. Northeastern University Dance Company was allocated more than $4,300 for its fifth annual Winter Concert. Set for Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, the performance will feature several dance pieces, including lyrical, modern and contemporary dances. The Student Alumni Association was allocated $83,800 for its third annual Northeastern Formal (Snowball) Feb. 2. This will be a formal dance for 1,000 students and guests at the Marriot Copley. Finally, BRC allocated $8,500 to Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority to bring former Red Sox player Gabe Kepler to campus Nov. 28 to give a lecture on domestic violence. The Council for University Programs was also granted $82,600 for this year’s Springfest. – Kate Augusto, New Staff

Retired general to discuss conflict in Middle East The Office of the President, along with Northeastern’s Middle East Center, will host “The Way Ahead in the Middle East” Tuesday. As part of the event, a former Commander of the United States Central Command, retired Gen. John Abizaid will discuss the United States’ involvement and future plans in the Middle East from a political and military standpoint, according to a press release. Abizaid retired from the army in May 2007 after 34 years of service and was the longest-serving commander of the United States Central Command. Director of the Middle East Center and political science professor Denis Sullivan will lead the lecture and discussion, which will be held in West Village F, room 20, from 9:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

– Kate Augusto, New Staff