The latest change coming to AU is the restructuring of several academic departments on campus; including professor offices shifting around campus. The 2024-25 academic year for AU has been full of major announcements to the changes coming to campus. From President Pistole’s retirement to several majors being phased out, the AU community will have a whole new look when students return for the 2025 fall semester. These changes will begin during the summer term in May 2025 after the spring semester … [Read more...]
AU’s new diversity mural “Thy Kingdom Come” dedicated with a promise and a thankful heart
The diversity mural “Thy Kingdom Come” in the Haven was dedicated this afternoon on Friday, April 4th at 12:30 p.m. by Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE) director Brian “B” Martin. This dedication was more than a long list of thanks; Martin wanted the staff, faculty and students that attended to understand the significance of having a diversity mural on campus, and led the group in an ‘affirmation’. "It reminds me of how thankful I'm to be a part of this community," said … [Read more...]
“CAB wishes you a very Merry Christmas and good luck for finals”: AU family Christmas party brings warmth on a cold night
‘Tis the season for some holiday cheer – and a break from finals. The AU and greater Anderson community came together last night on Tuesday, Dec. 3. for the AU Family Christmas Party hosted in the Valley. This night of fun included a chance to meet Grace and Hope the reindeer, decorate cookies, an inflatable, hear President Pistole read the Christmas story and more. Last year, the AU Family Christmas Party was part of Illuminate: Christmas in the Valley, a “Christmas lights spectacular,” but … [Read more...]
AU shocks campus with big changes: current freshman last class to graduate with majors being phased out
Dance, visual communication, Spanish and chemistry will no longer be offered as majors to incoming AU students. Current students can continue and graduate with these respective majors, as stated by the official announcements made by both the deans of the departments and later by President Pistole Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The changes include the workforce reductions across the university. In Pistole’s official email announcement to students, the reasoning behind these changes have been … [Read more...]
Fake artifacts, real remains and the ethical dilemma of museum displays
As October begins, you may see the Halloween decorations of mummies or skeletons in the lawns of your neighborhood. Outside your neighborhood and inside the museums of your city, those remains may not be a plastic joke, but the remains of a real person. AU’s Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Jeeninga Museum hosts a wide variety of artifacts, including some rarer finds that draw in scholars from around the country. Some of these artifacts bring up a somewhat controversial conversation of … [Read more...]
AU encourages political awareness to celebrate National Constitution Day
As the U.S. enters the presidential election season, AU has recognized the importance of having students be politically aware while equipping them with the skills and education to think critically and engage in civil discourse on a variety of topics. One way that AU has done this is through the history and political science department hosting a reading of the Constitution on Sept. 16 at noon on the front entrance of the Nicholson Library. There were about 25 attendees, with students, … [Read more...]
“The heart of public service:” CPS hosts 50th anniversary gala
Current students and alumni were brought together to celebrate 50 years of the Center for Public Service (CPS) here at AU last Saturday, Sept. 7 with around 100 attendees. CPS is an honors program dedicated to bridging the gap between formal education and career service by providing financial assistance to AU students to afford more experiences in their chosen fields. Whether a student attends a conference, convention, internship or more, CPS teaches skills in grant writing and student … [Read more...]
PJP to retire after 2024-25 academic year
On Tuesday, August 6, John “PJP” Pistole ‘78 sent out a press release announcing his upcoming retirement from his role as AU President after the 2024-25 academic year, officially serving two terms of five years with wisdom, grace and a sense of humor. In his campus-wide message, PJP expressed his gratitude for being a part of the AU community, and stated how “together, we have built a community that is not just about education but about fostering a sense of truth, faith, and … [Read more...]
Anderson, Indiana in path of solar eclipse totality for the first time since 957
Monday, April 8, the spectacular phenomenon of a total eclipse passed over Anderson, Indiana for the first time since 957. Many professors canceled class, allowing students to attend Anderson University’s watch party on the football field with protective eclipse glasses, games, snacks and an excellent view of the sky. The night before at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 7, a panel by three AU professors on the eclipse was held in Nicholson Library. Tyler Williamson, professor of physics and … [Read more...]
Sink or win: AU’s “Wonderful Wednesday” hosts a battleship game in the Natatorium
Last Tuesday, on February 20, students were informed that the next day of classes, Wednesday the 21, had a surprise cancellation for the AU tradition of “Wonderful Wednesday.” This year, a variety of events were scheduled throughout the day for students to come and go. Wednesday kicked off with “Grown Ups” played at midnight. Then, later that morning, donuts were provided to all the resident dorm hall lobbies, a petting zoo was held in the Smartin courtyard in the afternoon, and the … [Read more...]