Students are familiar with the Anderson area while classes are in session, but how does the Madison County community change in the summer? Students who have remained in the AU area for summer jobs or internships have had the opportunity to explore Anderson during the warmest months of the year, and have discovered some hidden gems. Senior visual communication design major Noah Volk spent the summer of 2017 in the city of Anderson for an internship. “I think the city of Anderson has a … [Read more...]
Rock Bottom Boys of Madison County working on first album
Now coworkers, Trent Palmer, director of student engagement, and Dr. Jason Varner, assistant profesor of the history of Christianity, were once just two friends with a mutual passion for Americana and bluegrass music. The two guitar players met regularly for “jam sessions,” and after being asked to perform at a few AU campus events, they formed the Rock Bottom Boys band. Fast forward nearly a decade—the duo has become a trio and together, Palmer, Varner and Mike Snyder make up the Rock … [Read more...]
Anderson ranked 43rd safest Indiana city
This year, the city of Anderson was named to the list of the safest cities in Indiana according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Anderson is ranked 43 of the 58 cities mentioned. Last year, Anderson was omitted from the list. “Although we are always trying to improve the safety of our city, cracking the top 50 safest cities in Indiana is a big deal for the city of Anderson,” said Media Affairs Director and Public Information Officer, Samantha Pancol, of the Mayor’s … [Read more...]
Black History Month has grown, flourished at AU in recent years
The United States has recognized February as Black History Month since 1976. This year, AU’s Black Student Association and Cultural Resource Center planned a month packed with activities for the entire campus and community to get involved with. CRC multicultural student assistant Faith Sayles believes the goals of celebrating Black History Month are to raise awareness, encourage people to take pride in their heritage and to bring people of all backgrounds together. BSA council member Alana … [Read more...]
Women’s March calls for increased political involvement nationwide
With signs in hand and sensible shoes underfoot, millions of women, men, children and pets from around the world took to the streets on Jan. 21 for the second annual Women’s March. According to organizers, last year’s march was about sending a bold message to the new administration, and to the world, that women’s rights are human rights. This year’s goals focused on increasing voter participation with the slogan “Power to the Polls” and encouraging more women to run for political … [Read more...]
Power of the pen: AU students’ poetry to be published
“Poetry is something that demands to be contemplated before, during and after reading it,” said Sam Stimer, a senior English major. “The language and imagery used in poetry forces its way into your mind regardless if you want it to or not. Especially in modern poetry, I think it’s becoming a way for people to process things and reach out to others to create a bridge between author and reader.” This February, Z Publishing House is releasing “Indiana’s Best Emerging Poets.” The book will … [Read more...]
Traveling Chagall exhibition stops at AU in January
AU’s Wilson Galleries will host the traveling exhibition “Marc Chagall and the Bible” this month. The show features several of Chagall’s lithographs, etchings and crucifixion works. Students and members of the community can view these works and attend lectures on the religious significance of the works and the historical background that influenced Chagall’s subject matter. The show will run from Jan. 19 through Feb. 23, with the opening reception taking place on Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 p.m.- 7 … [Read more...]
Anderson and Muncie boast unique art opportunities
As temperatures begin to drop and the winter blues start to set in, it’s natural to want to go into hibernation this winter. The weather outside might be frightful, but nearby art museums and galleries offer unique and fun alternatives to staying in this winter. Many people have heard of or been to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which has recently been renamed Newfields, but for those not wanting to make the trip to Indianapolis there are opportunities to experience art much closer to … [Read more...]
Spiritual Emphasis week events to conclude with first-ever prayer retreat
In the midst of tragedy on AU’s campus and the country, the faculty and staff looked ahead to plan a meaningful Spiritual Emphasis week. To cap off Spiritual Emphasis week this year, AU faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a spiritual retreat centered on prayer. “Because there is so much heartache going on, it is so important to make intentional space for God,” said Director of Spiritual Formation Becca Palmer. “We all need to quiet ourselves and listen for His voice … [Read more...]
Engineering physics stands out with small classes, big resources
Each year, undergraduate students studying the sciences apply for Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs). Hayley Bower, a senior engineering physics major, was accepted to Purdue University’s REU program and over the summer began work with their Resilient Extraterrestrial Habitats (RETH) Project. She is currently one of five undergrads working on Purdue’s RETH team. For her role on the team, Bower is using her engineering physics background to evaluate the risks of radiation exposure in … [Read more...]