This semester, the Statistics Graduate Student Association (SGSA) continued to strengthen its graduate community while deepening connections with neighboring students in SAS Hall, including those from the mathematics program.

The semester began on a celebratory note as the now–second-year students successfully completed their qualifying exams. Their accomplishments were recognized alongside the arrival of the new first-year cohort, marking an encouraging start to the academic year. Following the exam period, the second-year students also organized a coastal outing that offered a welcome opportunity for their cohort to reconnect before the semester gained momentum.

Cultural events remained a highlight of SGSA’s calendar. Diwali was once again a great success, with strong participation from both students and faculty. Similarly, the annual Moon Festival drew an enthusiastic crowd, made even more memorable by the introduction of Mahjong. While many domestic students were new to the game, the event provided a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange and shared learning with international peers.

Intramural sports continued to grow in popularity, expanding to include both basketball and soccer on consecutive nights. Although neither team claimed a championship this year, the enthusiasm, teamwork, and shared spirit made these activities a consistent source of energy throughout the semester. With nearly 30 students participating in soccer (including several from the math department), the league felt as vibrant as ever.

A new addition to SGSA programming this fall was the launch of after-hours movie nights in SAS Hall, co-hosted with mathematics graduate students. The inaugural screening featured Twilight, while students closed out the semester watching The Twilight Saga: New Moon to celebrate their last day of final exams. Both gatherings offered plenty of shared laughter and lighthearted fun for everyone in attendance.

With the close of the Fall 2025 semester, the SGSA community looks forward to a well-earned break and an upcoming spring filled with continued collaboration, events, and opportunities to support one another. With such a strong and engaged community, graduate life continues to feel both welcoming and rewarding.