Natalie Esarey did not grow up in a Christian home. Her dad believed in a world full of light and darkness but no Jesus, and her mom was raised in a very passionately Catholic family. “I grew up in a very loving family,” she said. “It’s just that Jesus wasn’t the center of the love—it was very human love.” However, Natalie did not have a good relationship with her father. “I had this longing for a father, and there was this hole in my heart that I tried to fill with a lot of things,” … [Read more...]
Jack’s Donuts opens to positive reception
Last week, Jack’s Donuts of Anderson opened within walking distance of campus. Jack’s Donuts first opened in 1961 in New Castle, Indiana. Jack Marcum had been working in a donut shop when he realized that he could just as easily make his own, envisioning a family business that could be passed down through the generations. After creating recipes and opening his first store, his vision became a reality. Marcum passed down his donut shop and responsibilities to his son who then in turn … [Read more...]
Testimonies speak: An identity of hope amidst shame and fear
Sometimes those who seem the most joyful are hiding their fear and shame behind their smiles and laughs. Breaking down the walls of insecurity is impossible for one to do on their own, but with God, the chains can be broken and the burdens can be lifted. Mitchell Stacy has come to believe that wholeheartedly. Born and raised as an only child in Cloverdale, Indiana, a small rural town, Mitchell grew up in a Methodist church. With influential Christian parents constantly talking about faith and … [Read more...]
Testimonies speak: Ryan Perkins finds transformation in Christ
Ryan Perkins is a sophomore from New Haven, Indiana double majoring in mechanical engineering and Christian spiritual formation. Through trials that led to a desolate mindset, Ryan found hope in God. He clung to the grace that God abundantly gave him and ultimately longs to be a vessel and kingdom worker. Ryan Perkins grew up in a Christian family, attended a traditional Lutheran church every Sunday and went to a Lutheran school where he was taught from a very young age about God. He knew … [Read more...]
Club CAUtan hopes to build community through strategy game
Board games have existed for centuries, far longer than one might imagine. The first game was discovered in Egypt, Hieroglyphics associated with the game date back to around 3100 B.C. Engaging people throughout the centuries, games capture people’s attention and creativity. Building, creating and playing are concepts within board games that appeal to many, bringing people together and developing relationships along the way. Whether it be a game of skill, strategy or just plain luck, board … [Read more...]
Testimonies speak: How personal experiences show Christ
There are many significant practices within Christianity that encourage the masses to come to faith and grow in their relationship with the Lord. From constant and persistent prayer to connecting with people and supporting spiritual development, knowing the living God is an essential part in growing and pursuing one’s faith. In a world that is focused on providing proof and solidifying one’s salvation, testimonies present the opportunity to experience real encounters with Jesus and tell … [Read more...]
Mocha Joe’s promotes campus outreach through new event coordinator
Mocha Joe’s offers much more than just drinks and pastries. An atmosphere that provides comfort and enjoyment for many has become a place of study, work and social endeavors. This school year, Mocha’s became connected to Chartwells, allowing the use of Raven Dollars for purchases. This seems to have encouraged a busier and livelier atmosphere. As a central spot on campus, Mocha’s is home to many different ideals. From a nice place to study and catch up on work to the perfect spot to … [Read more...]
Newly approved majors, minors emphasize strategic plan pillars
As society constantly changes and evolves, education does as well. A university’s curriculum is ever-changing and adapting to provide and encourage new opportunities—AU is doing just that. After installing a new strategic plan, the AU curriculum also began to be altered slightly, adding new opportunities for growth and development. This past June, the Board of Trustees accepted the new five-year strategic plan for the university that focuses primarily on the students, prioritizing … [Read more...]
Jackrabbit Coffee officially open for business
Ben Orcutt, a 2011 AU graduate and the owner of Buckskin Bikes, and Josh Stafford, also an AU alum, have opened a local coffee shop: Jackrabbit Coffee. After weeks with only a tentative plan to open around Christmas, the store was finally declared open for business on Dec. 28. Jackrabbit Coffee, which has been served from a cart in Buckskin Bikes for three years and also provides coffee to AU's Mocha Joe's, has expanded to its own standalone shop next door to its original home. Orcutt recently … [Read more...]
Honors students share preliminary findings to year-long research
For senior honors students at AU, the rigorous course load and academic excellence is matched with the opportunity to conduct research and present on a subject that they are interested in. As part of the senior honors curriculum, each student picks a topic that they find important, relating to their major or interests, and conducts research over the course of the year The students have the chance to present their ideas and findings in the form of research projects, papers, business ideas … [Read more...]