From banners hung on buildings to flyers strewn about campus, it seems as though life at UB has completely changed focus.
Although the usual fraternity party flyer or Chinese food menu still makes its way to students, the big event next week will be the Dalai Lama's visit, and it seems like all of campus is preparing - including the University Bookstore.
According to Nadine Manzella, customer service manager, UB has been working for ten years to get him here, and the bookstore has been preparing since the announcement in May that he would be coming to campus.
"It's nuts over here," Manzella said. "I think it's the biggest event on campus in its entire history. It's a bigger deal than when President Clinton came."
Statistics certainly cannot argue with this sentiment, since the University expects 30,000 people to show up for the lecture given by His Holiness on Sept. 19.
The bookstore has been hard at work stocking the store with their new line of products devoted to the occasion.
With everything from books and movies to postcards and 1000 piece puzzles, Manzella recommends saving the Tibetan merchandise for a snowy day in the dorm.
"(We tried to) choose more popular titles that everyone could read, even if they're not Buddhist," Manzella said.
The Dalai Lama's publishing company, Snow Lion, gave UB exclusive rights to sell his books.
With 40 different titles available in the bookstore, there is bound to be something for everyone.
For Mark Colicchia, general books coordinator, running out of stock is one less thing to worry about.
"We have 20,000 books for this thing," he said. "We really tried to over-shoot."
Despite the array of products for sale, one of the most popular attractions has been the free poster given to students who present a corresponding advertisement flyer and lecture ticket.
"I'm a typical college student who wants free stuff," said Andrew Hatt, a sophomore aerospace mechanical engineer major. "I'm going to get my ticket. Whether or not I use it, I want a poster."
Hatt was not the only one who cashed in on the free goods.
"Last count, over 900 posters were given away," Manzella said.
These numbers seemed to have an influence on those who weren't persuaded originally to see the Dalai Lama.
"I might go home and look him up online," said Mary Distasio, a graduate education major. "I spent too much money this semester (to buy merchandise)."
With time until Dalai Lama's visit dwindling, more work is being put in by the bookstore staff.
"A couple of days before and the week of we'll be putting in a lot of overtime," Colicchia said.
Eileen Fisher, junior communication major, will be one of over 30 staff members feeling the crunch for the big event. She has been working to organize and stock the store.
"I only price hundreds of books. Literally, boxes stacked upon boxes taller than me," Fisher said.
On Sept. 18, during the Interface Service with the Dalai Lama, the bookstore will have tables set up at Alumni Arena.
About 6,000 people should be attending, according to Manzella.
The next day, opening at 6 a.m. and not closing until every customer has been helped, the bookstore will have tents set up on either side of the stadium. They will also share another tent with the Faculty Student Association across from Bissell Hall.
"We're literally setting up a mini store that is semi-permanent, with two registers," Manzella said. "The university has been remarkably accommodating."
This mini-store will be set up from Sept. 17 to Sept. 20 at the Center for the Arts. It will also be running during the Sacred Dance and composer Philip Glass's concert, both of which are being held at the CFA.
All sticker prices already include tax so that no one needs to fumble for extra change while waiting in line.
The tents will accept all major credit cards, checks and cash, but will not be able to take campus cash. Students may use their campus cash in the main store for their purchases.
Students can continue to learn about the Dalai Lama's teachings and practices even after the event is done with.
"We will continue to keep items in stock as long as people are interested," Manzella said. "I think he appeals to absolutely everybody. He's charming, intelligent and a delightful man."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
