Sixty Cooley students, staff, and faculty participated in the Grand Rapids Student Bar Association's kick-off event for the Fall 2005 semester on Friday evening, September 9.

A scavenger hunt started off the evening, with teams being sent in different directions to find clues scattered around the downtown Grand Rapids area. Students also collected poker cards at each clue station hoping to have the highest hand at the end of the night. Shortly after 7 p.m., everyone gathered at a local restaurant for a murder mystery dinner. While students, faculty, and friends enjoyed a steak dinner, the Grand Rapids Improv kept everyone guessing as to the killer's identity.

Professor Jim Peden's team completed the scavenger hunt in the shortest amount of time. For their efforts they were given stage-side VIP seating for the dinner theatre. First-term GR student Robert Hinojosa had the highest poker hand at the end of the night, and was the lucky recipient of the "Golden Rat" award, which will allow him to pass on recitation for one class.

Professor Dena Marks, GR-SBA President Matt DeLange, and Professor John Marks particpated in the scavenger hunt and dinner event.

First-term Cooley students (l to r) Emily Blomgren, Kelly Laughlin, Ryan Tetloff, Joann Dickinson, and Amanda DeChamplain with friend Chad Edwards (far right) enjoy socializing at the GR-SBA dinner.