The end of the unique school year parallels the retirement of two significant figures in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD): Dr. Richard Sowers and Dr. Fritz Robertson. Sowers, professor of music and director of AU Chorale, and Robertson, professor of music, voice area coordinator and director of Boze Lyric Theatre, retired at the end of this semester. Both worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. However, the … [Read more...]
“Evening of Excellence” to recognize students in SOMTD
Every spring, students in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD) are recognized for accomplishments in both the academic side of the arts as well as the performance side in a gala-style event entitled “Evening of Excellence.” A number of awards are given out for academics, dance history, music history, music theory and many other subjects in the SOMTD, along with a few named scholarships. The performances of the Solo Competition winners will be included in the event, as well. This … [Read more...]
New security studies program locks in executive director
Along with the new Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense (CSSCD) opening this fall, AU will be gaining the leadership and insight of Karl Perman, who will be acting as executive director of the program. Perman began his career in the military, and then moved to law enforcement, both at municipal and federal levels. He has served as a special agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and has held numerous titles within the security field, earning him the honor … [Read more...]
Lights, camera, action: Cinema and media arts students to release three short films
Among the busyness of spring semester on campus, cinema and media arts students have begun casting, filming and editing short films set to premier at this year’s Black Bird Film Festival. The film team for “The First Day” shot many of the scenes last semester, but were forced to delay further shoots due to COVID-19. This semester, the crew picked up where they left off and recently finished shooting. Director and producer Jonathan Williams, a junior cinema and media arts major, … [Read more...]
Modified spring break schedule begins Wednesday, Feb. 17
Daytona Beach, Las Vegas, Cancun and the Bahamas are just a few of the most popular destinations for college students on Spring Break. This year, spring break will look a little different. Instead of the usual consecutive nine-day break, this year it will be broken up into two four-day weekends and one mid-week break. Modified spring break days will be Feb. 17, March 4, 5, 15 and 16. Dr. Sarah Neal, head of the AU task force, explained that a decision was made in early November to … [Read more...]
On-campus museum offers something for everyone
Inside the Krannert Fine Arts Center next to York Hall sits a room full of beautiful artifacts from numerous periods of the ancient Near East. The collection ranges from ancient cookware to idols and even a pair of tweezers and some safety pins. Despite the incredible pieces and educational opportunities the Jeeninga Museum provides, many students are unaware of its existence and accessibility. The Jeeninga Museum was established in 1963 by Dr. Gustav Jeeninga, an AU professor of … [Read more...]
SOMTD adapts to COVID-19 restrictions
Despite the obstacles COVID-19 has continued to present, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD) has been hard at work to ensure students still have opportunities to perform, connect with industry professionals and collaborate in a safe and healthy environment. This semester, the SOMTD will be producing two theatrical productions as usual, but in innovative ways—a PowerPoint opera and a musical podcast were not what anyone predicted for this spring’s productions, but the forced … [Read more...]
I’ll stay home for Christmas
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it is imperative to remain as safe as possible to not only protect our own health, but our loved ones’ as well. While AU is taking steps to protect students between breaks such as staying with completely virtual learning and closing public eating spaces, it is still necessary for students to be mindful of their safety and health to ensure a safe holiday season for everyone. The CDC stated on Nov. 19 that there were 1 million new … [Read more...]
Professor by day, author by night: How AU faculty and staff juggle teaching and writing
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...]