Christmas in the Commons is a campus‒wide craft fair where students, faculty and others associated with AU can come together and show off their artistic talents. “A lot of people have talents,” said Joyce Pike, chairperson for Christmas in the Commons. “Here is where people can sell what they make and people can buy them for Christmas gifts.” Pike says it has been a few years since Christmas in the Commons has taken place, and everyone involved is excited to put on this event … [Read more...]
SGA shifts focus with new leadership
It’s a new year, which means new people in the Student Government Association (SGA). This year, Student Body President Alexis Franklin hopes to bring awareness to what SGA does by organizing engaging events and initiating positive changes on campus, focusing on boosting student morale and engagement. “Our projects this year focus on being a voice for the student body and creating an environment where students feel safe to express their concerns,” said Franklin. SGA is working … [Read more...]
ReStoring faith in humanity
The ReStore of Chesterfield, Ind., a store affiliated with Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, is giving a 25% off discount to Anderson University students on all of their items. Dawn Davis, the manager of ReStore, explained that “this is a permanent discount for all AU students with a valid ID.” The ReStore is a lot like Goodwill, but it is closer to campus and has a lot of rare and fun finds. “We sell furniture, electronics, clothing, housewares and small and large … [Read more...]
Ricker Family gifts 1 million dollars for Dunn Hall renovations
Anderson University graciously accepted a gift from Ricker Oil founders, Nancy and Jay Ricker, of $1 million to go towards fixing up the dorms, specifically Dunn Hall, due to its lack of renovations over the years. The Rickers decided to donate in response to AU's “Called to Soar” campaign. Jen Hunt, vice president of advancement, said, “[Jay] reached out to ask, ‘How can I help?’ He and his wife, Nancy, visited campus, met with President Pistole and decided to direct their gift to … [Read more...]
Bible museum moves to York Performance Hall
The Gustav Jeeninga Museum of Bible and Near Eastern Studies is taking up residency in York Performance Hall. The process of moving began in the fall of 2018 and is expected to be completed by the beginning of the fall of 2019. Dr. Tai Lipan, director of university galleries, and Dr. David Murphy, the museum director, are heading up this project. “From the beginning, Dave and I saw a lot of different opportunities for the galleries and the museums,” said Lipan. “So we were … [Read more...]
Q & A with Officer Doug Doan
Doug Doan is an officer at the Anderson University Police Department. Before he was on the force, he worked as a correctional officer and a jailor. Doan enjoys being able to act as both a servant of God and as a protector and law enforcer. Where did you work before coming to AU? How did you get this job? Right out of college I worked as a correctional officer with the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility for a year before moving on to Madison County Jail as a jailor. I was then … [Read more...]
Q & A with Dr. Courtney Taylor
Dr. Courtney Taylor came to AU in 2011 and is now the mathematics department chairman. He is also an advisor for the mathematics honor society Kappa Mu Epsilon and the men’s service and social club Dativus. He earned his PhD at Purdue University. Taylor has written a book about abstract algebra and uses his time in the classroom to not only teach math, but encourage students with the love of God. What inspired you to teach math, and what makes your teaching style unique? I’ve pretty much … [Read more...]
SOT and Christian Ministries staff talk impact on campus
The School of Theology and Christian Ministries at AU has helped shape the university’s foundation of faith. The professors in the department are crucial to shaping that strong foundation. Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins is the AU dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries and has been on staff since 2006. When Hawkins first started, she was a faculty member who was later promoted to dean of seminary chapel, then assistant dean of seminary, to her current position as dean of the graduate and … [Read more...]
Nursing faculty promote curriculum diversity
Anderson University’s nursing department has a one hundred percent pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam. The nursing department equips its students in the best way they know how for the workforce. Dr. Lynn Schmidt, dean of the School of Nursing and Kinesiology, has been in office since 2016. She has been teaching since 2008. “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. That is the only thing I have ever wanted to do,” Schmidt said. “The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to … [Read more...]
AU department highlight: English department
English majors are often seen as the quiet students at AU, and many people don’t know much about what makes the major or the department unique. Dr. Kevin Radaker, English professor and former chairman of the English department, believes that English majors are extremely versatile. “Yes, we know how to write and read well,” he said, “but there’s just something more there. English majors have gone places in the workforce no one thought they could.” The backbone of the English … [Read more...]