Story by Breanna Sill, Staff writer

From MTV superstars to traveling churches, this fall semester had a little bit of everything to keep students entertained. Here is a look back on some of the most mentionable occurrences of the fall semester.

CAMPUS PLUNGE

A record amount of money was raised in a record amount of time on Nov. 12 for Alpha Sigma Alpha’s philanthropy, the Special Olympics at their second annual Campus Plunge. Before the event, the organization had a goal of reaching $12,000, but by the end of the night, the girls had not only raised that amount, but surpassed it by raising $13,272.

As part of the Campus Plunge, 170 people took the plunge down an inflatable slide located on the Quad.

Fourteen teams participated in the event, along with a few last minute additions, but members of the sorority said this year the participation from the whole university was much higher than the past year. They said they have high hopes for next year’s event and hope to surpass their goals once again.

CHRIS THILE

Chris Thile, member of the band Nickel Creek and the quintet “Punch Brothers”, performed at Lovett Auditorium on Oct. 29 and raised more than $28,000 for Murray State’s Music Department.

Why would this cause be so near and dear to Thile’s heart? Because he is an alum of the Murray State College of Humanities and Fine Arts as a music major.

Thile made Murray State the first stop on his solo United States tour. This was the first major benefit concert on campus where all the proceeds are donated back to the university.

The money raised, named the Chris Thile Music Scholarship, will go toward creating scholarships within the Music Department for students.

BIBLE GROUP

In October, a visiting church to campus stirred controversy when they preached their message while standing in the Free Speech zone near the Curris Center.

The group, called Truth on the Web Ministries, took to campus toting signs that read things like “Trust and obey Jesus, repent and sin no more.”

They also had other signs that were not as tame and sent many students into outrage.

Some members of the church were as young as nine years old.

Students took to social media networks like Twitter and Yik Yak to express their disdain  over what the travelling church was preaching on campus. Some even wrote to President Bob Davies on his Facebook page to ask him to address the issue, but due to the location of the demonstration on campus, no matter how many complaints were issued, they were allowed to remain and preach their message, regardless of how upset it made students.

TODRICK HALL

On Sept. 28, Murray State’s campus was graced by MTV and social media superstar, Todrick Hall. Fans rushed to the CFSB Center for their chance to see the artist perform some of his hit cover songs, along with some of his famous skits.

After having first come into the spotlight after a stint on “American Idol,” Hall took the social media world by storm and created his own web series called “Toddy’s World,” which is where most of his oldest fans know him from.

After the event, fans were treated to a special screening of the newest episode of his MTV show, “Todrick,” and a meet and greet with the artist.

During his time at Murray State, Hall performed covers of hit songs like “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith.

And his message to fans who are struggling with finding themselves and figuring out who they want to be?

“It gets better.”