Facilities: Belmont University recently completed the largest construction project in school history, cutting the ribbon on a $52 million three-building complex that includes a 5,000-seat arena, a grand atrium for large events and a new center for student life. "We have opened the door to the next chapter of Belmont's history," said Belmont President Robert Fisher. "We believe our students and our community will find that these facilities rate among the finest in the world." The Beaman Student Life Center, funded in part by a $9 million donation from Sally Beaman, the widow of Nashville business leader Alvin G. Beaman, brings Belmont students a vastly improved collection of student life amenities. The Center offers attractive casual seating areas, a full-court basketball gymnasium, two indoor racquetball courts, dedicated aerobics room, weight rooms, offices and meeting rooms for student organizations, student locker rooms and a convenience store. The Curb Event Center, funded by a $10 million donation from the Curb Family Foundation and well-known music executive Mike Curb, is the new home of the Belmont Bruins basketball teams and will host the 2004 Atlantic Sun Men's Basketball Tournament. The Maddox Grand Atrium, funded by a $5.5 million donation from the Maddox Foundation, is an expansive anteroom that will be used for receptions, dinners and concerts ... Iowa State University has installed an innovative sound-system product in its skyboxes at Jack Trice Stadium. The "Whispering Windows" audio product from Iowa-based Etrema Products, Inc., uses an advanced "smart metal" to inconspicuously transform any pane of glass or solid surface into a high-performance audio speaker. The technology provides fans sitting in skyboxes the opportunity to listen to a public address announcer, or a TV or a radio broadcaster in a manner that is unmatched by traditional speakers. Using two devices resembling chrome-covered hockey pucks that attach to smooth surfaces, Whispering Windows emits music or messages throughout an entire pane of glass or other solid surface, transforming whole surfaces into speakers. The Whispering Windows system allows for people on both sides of a surface to hear the sound, and emits consistent sound throughout the entire length of the surface. Whispering Windows is currently being installed in storefronts and restaurants in the U.S. and Europe, and is starting to be introduced to athletics departments. Bruce Van De Velde, Iowa State's athletics director, said, "We're committed to providing our supporters with the best possible environment for watching a football game. And being able to listen to a game in such a clear and enjoyable manner enhances the overall game-day experience."

Conferences: The Atlantic Sun Conference celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding September 19, and will continue to celebrate its anniversary throughout the year with season-long promotions and interactive Web-based activities. The celebration includes the release of a 25th anniversary logo. The league was formed at a meeting in Dallas among representatives from the eight charter members [Centenary College (Louisiana); Hardin-Simmons University; Houston Baptist University; the University of Louisiana at Monroe; Mercer University; Oklahoma City University; the University of Texas, Pan American; and Samford University]. With only one charter member remaining, Mercer, the conference has seen a number of changes in both membership and the extent of its championship programs. "It gives me great pride to see how far we have come since my days as a head coach in this league 25 years ago," said Commissioner Bill Bibb, who was the head basketball coach at Mercer when the conference was formed.

-- Compiled by Gary T. Brow