In 2001, just over 1 million hopeful young adults graduated from college and stepped into the real world, mostly hoping to find a job substantial enough that they would not have to move back in with their parents. Throughout the last 15 years, that number has increased to 1.9 million graduates. This means many more people are now attending college, demonstrating positive development in our society. However, this also means that every college graduate now must compete with almost 2 million other … [Read more...]
Q & A with Dr. Jaye Rogers
Dr. Jaye Rogers is a history professor, as well as the chair of the department of history and politial science at AU. She has been at AU since 1996. She received her PhD from Union University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Q: Tell me about yourself. A: I was born in Appalachia, right on the Ohio river. My grandparents were illiterate; most people in my family got out of high school and that’s about it. We moved to Northwest Indiana to the steel mills when I was little and I was in an … [Read more...]
Trump win calls electoral college into question
The 2016 presidential election was arguably unlike any election this country has ever seen. Many can recall their doubt as Donald Trump presented the idea of running for president a mere two years ago. This January, however, he will move into the White House. Trump’s campaign against seasoned politician Hillary Clinton included bitter debates, uncovered scandals and even a few Twitter fights between the candidates. In the end, Trump won the presidential race with 290 electoral votes, even … [Read more...]
Student band to perform at Indy’s “Circle of Lights”
One of Indiana’s most cherished traditions, the Indy Circle of Lights, is in its 54th year this Christmas season. Thousands will gather around Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis to ring in the holidays by lighting up the Monument. Several AU students and alumni are involved in this year’s festivities, including the Celebration Band, one of the Circle of Lights featured performers and the winner of this year’s Indiana’s Got Talent competition. The band, directed by AU student Luke … [Read more...]
Centennial homecoming celebration preview
Homecoming week is always an exciting time on campus, but this year it is bound to be extra special, as AU is also kicking off its yearlong centennial celebration. Students, faculty, families and alumni will have no shortage of fun events to take part in all weekend long. To kick off Homecoming weekend, several distinguished alumni will gather in Reardon Lobby for the Alumni Career Fair. This is an excellent opportunity for students to fellowship with alumni while also building their networks … [Read more...]
Q & A with Dean MaryAnn Hawkins
MaryAnn Hawkins grew up in the Church of God and has been serving as an intercultural studies professor at AU for the last 10 years. In July, she stepped into the position of Dean of the School of Theology. Q: Tell me a little about yourself. A: I was born and raised in the Church of God. My grandmother was the first cousin of John A. Morrison [AU’s first president]. I did my first two and a half years of college at Gulf Coast Bible College and ultimately graduated from Bartlesville … [Read more...]
Many departments welcome new faculty and staff
This year, the Department of Communications has added several new faculty and staff members throughout the past year, as well as shifting the positions of some existing faculty members. Stephanie Leiter previously held the position of manager of online communication and community relations specialist at AU. Last winter, she transitioned into the role of director of content strategy and public relations. Leiter says that this change has “expanded [her thinking to] how all of the content the … [Read more...]
Bob Goff brings energy and Love to campus
This past week, AU had the honor of welcoming Bob Goff to campus to speak to and spend time with students, faculty, staff and the greater Anderson community. Goff is best known for his New York Times Bestselling book “Love Does.” Since it was published in 2012, “Love Does” has sold over one million copies and has been translated into 10 languages. People all over the world are being called to action and inspired by Goff’s message of passionately loving our neighbors, our enemies and everyone in … [Read more...]
Religious departments to come together
Throughout its nearly 100 years, AU has always offered some form of religious studies major. It wasn’t until 1950 when the School of Theology was opened for seminary students. From then on, AU’s Department of Religious Studies and School of Theology operated as two totally separate entities. However, starting in the fall of 2017, the two will merge and become the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. This merger will benefit AU financially, maximizing the use of available resources by … [Read more...]
Students explore culture with annual Heritage Week
Each year, the AU community sets aside one week to focus on recognizing and appreciating all of the different heritages that come together to make our community diverse and unique. Heritage Week is sponsored by the Cultural Resource Center and will take place March 1-5. This year’s theme is “In Search of Home.” Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use this time to consider what home means to them, as well as what it may mean to others. The week started off with a special chapel on … [Read more...]