Members of Rainbow Alliance painted the Rock today to advertise for John Cameron Mitchell’s speech tonight. The NU alum/award-winning actor, writer, producer and director will speak about his life experiences, being out in the entertainment industry, and themes of gender and sexuality in his cult-classic films “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Shortbus.”

Mitchell will speak at 8 p.m. tonight in the McCormick Auditorium in Norris.

The women of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority painted the Rock today to advertise for their upcoming event. Co-hosted by Starbucks, the Eighties Karaoke Dance Party will feature soloists and duos competing to win prizes. Raffle tickets will also be sold for the chance to win a Nikon camera.

Taking place Thursday at 7 p.m. in the ZTA house, all proceeds from the event will go to Greek Build.

To participate in Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale, the Communications Residential College (CRC) is hosting their own bake sale at the Rock today. Co-Philanthropy chairs Kat Wong and Dana Molina say the sale is raising money to end childhood hunger.

Dorm residents will be at the Rock selling cookies, brownies and muffins from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Dance Marathon participants painted the Rock today, promoting IGNITE: A benefit concert for DM 2009. Featuring the Graffiti Dancers and other groups, the concert will take place tomorrow from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Great Room of Jones Residential College.

Northwestern University Conference on Human Rights (NUCHR) painted the Rock today, to advertise for their free movie screening and discussion on humanitarian aid. The group will screen Beyond Borders, starring Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen, in the Library Forum Theater at 7 p.m.

The theme for group’s conference this year is “Humanitarian Aid: Sovereignty, Accountability and Effectiveness.” It will be held January 22 to January 25, 2009.

Friends of Weinberg freshman Mikhail Attaar painted the Rock today in celebration of his 19th birthday. An e-mail was sent to Attaar requesting more information, and here’s what he had to say:

“Yes, my friends did surprise me by painting the rock for me for my birthday! I had no idea it was going to happen and when I found out on that day I was actually really excited and amazed that it had happened. Honestly, all day people were coming up to me and saying things like ‘Hey is the rock painted for your birthday? Wow that is so cool, you must have the best friends!’ And everytime they would say that I would think to myself, yes, I do have the best friends.”

It seems that some mysterious painters nominated Weinberg junior Patrick Dawson for President, though even he doesn’t know what for.

“I wasn’t exactly informed by the painters as to what I am running for President of,” Dawson said in an e-mail. “But I hope that whatever it is, my experience and aptitude for change will bring hope to whatever constituents I am apparently seeking to represent.”

In true PWild fashion, members of Project Wildcat braved the harsh weather to paint today’s Rock. From the group’s Web site:

“Project Wildcat is a program by students, for students. On a basic level, Project Wildcat’s purpose is to provide incoming Northwestern freshman and transfer students with an orientation to the school and its students. The trip offers an opportunity for new students to make a group of close friends which, for the beginning and duration of their college experience, will be a comfort and support in new situations. The week that new students spend backpacking and camping in the woods eases the transition into college and offers an opportunity for introspection before beginning their Northwestern experience.”

The men of Lambda Chi Alpha painted the Rock today to advertise for their “Teeter-totter-a-thon.” From the Facebook event page:

“The 24 hour teeter-totter-a-thon is Lambda Chi’s fall philanthropy benefiting Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV). The teeter totter will be located outside of Deering Library from 8 AM til 5PM. It will then be moved to outside Lisa’s Cafe from 5PM til 8AM the next morning. Participants pay $5 ($20 for a team of four) to ride the teeter totter.”

BEHIV is a AIDS service organization in the Chicago area, more information can be found on their Web site.

Supporters of John McCain and Sarah Palin are getting in on the political rock painting. Fans of the Republican ticket chose Election Day to show their support.

Update: Check out North by Northwestern’s Election 2008 coverage for a look at how the night went.