Despite the demands of working full time at a college, many of AU’s professors and staff members are actively writing and publishing books. These individuals who inspire students on campus have begun inspiring others through writing.Dr. Jason Parks, associate professor of English, has dabbled in many different writing forms, but began writing children’s literature within the past few years, partially thanks to his four children and their interest in stories. “My own children and … [Read more...]
2020 graduates attend in-person Commencement
While many campus events were canceled or moved to a virtual platform last semester and this semester due to COVID-19, AU still held an in-person commencement for the 2020 graduating class. Although it looked quite different from previous commencements due to the numerous guidelines and precautions, it allowed graduates a bit of closure in such an unprecedented and confusing time. Commencement was originally scheduled to take place in May. Some colleges and universities like … [Read more...]
Cinema and media arts program increases cross-campus collaboration
Despite the unforeseen circumstances, the cinema and media arts program has found numerous opportunities to work with other departments and programs this semester. Students within the cinema and media arts program have been working with the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, other programs within the department of communication and design arts and President Pistole. The students within the program will also be broadcasting the virtual graduation over homecoming weekend. Cinema … [Read more...]
New kind of theatre creates opportunities
While the pandemic has created numerous obstacles for the musical theatre department, it has not prevented socially-distanced and masked rehearsals and performances. Although performances this semester will not have live audiences, they still provide unique and innovative opportunities for students. Among the fall productions is one unlike any show performed in AU’s history. Titled “Spoon River Anthology and Beyond,” students from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance are working with … [Read more...]
Musical theatre returns with hopeful outlook
Before most students moved back to campus, AU’s musical theatre students and professors had an entire week under their belts. What is typically a week of set-building, play or musical rehearsals and getting to know freshmen and newcomers, suddenly became a week of adaptation, socially-distanced concert rehearsal and discovery. Many of the classes in the major will follow the hybrid format, utilizing both in-person classes when safe and online classes when appropriate. Students were … [Read more...]
SGA faces fall semester head-on
While COVID-19 poses a threat to many aspects of campus life, SGA is not disheartened. The cabinet, led by President Daniel Gaines and Vice President Madison Rastetter, has been working diligently since last spring to ensure an impactful and successful school year for everyone. SGA was able to communicate often through emails last spring when students were sent home, as well as this summer. Gaines explained that they were able to hold several polls and meetings through … [Read more...]
SGA adapts to COVID-19 pandemic
While students and professors are working to get the most out of online education, SGA is also working to adapt to the new circumstances due to COVID-19. Because students will not be returning to campus for the rest of the semester, SGA has decided to postpone their events for this semester, specifically the 5K planned for this spring. Current President Becca Peach and Vice President Carter Haupt, along with President-Elect Daniel Gaines and Dean of Students Chris Leukenga, have been … [Read more...]
Student-led artist management hosts showcase
Monday evening, Feb. 24, Light Bulb Artist Management hosted a showcase for their represented artists in conjunction with AU record label Orangehaus Entertainment’s artists. The event was orchestrated to bring live venue owners to hear Light Bulb’s artists who could be potential acts to book for different venues. The showcase was open to anyone to watch and was recorded to send to other potential employers.“This is a step in the right direction for artists here on AU’s campus,” … [Read more...]
“The Medium” opera to open in Byrum Hall
As students settle into classes, athletics and extracurriculars of the second semester, a small group of music majors occupy Byrum Hall’s stage, preparing for the next Boze Lyric Theatre production––Gian Carlo Menotti’s 20th-century opera, “The Medium.” The opera is about Madame Flora, her 20-year-old daughter Monica, and the 18-year-old mute servant boy rescued off the streets of Budapest as a child, Toby. Pretending to be a medium, Madame Flora scams grieving customers by holding … [Read more...]
Engineering department to introduce new major
With engineering positions rising in necessity and demand, AU is expanding the School of Science and Engineering. Beginning in Fall 2020, students will have the option to major in Mechatronics. Mechatronics is the engineering and design side of robotics, involving controls and automation. Mechatronics marries electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer engineering to create intelligent and useful robots for tasks such as manufacturing cars and … [Read more...]