“Undergraduate research pushes the boundary of knowledge and gives students a taste of real research,” said Dr. Daniel Ippolito. “They get a better appreciation of research while strengthening their resume.” Ippolito, professor of biology, works with students in the Senior Science Seminar and is leading the honors program’s senior seminar this year, assisting soon-to-be graduates in their research projects. The senior honors students participated in Academic Honors Day this past Friday, where … [Read more...]
America’s spooky season in full swing this Halloween
The season that perfectly matches AU’s school spirit wear has finally arrived, Ravens. It’s the season where all of the spooks, candy and costumes come out. As you know, Halloween is here. There are many traditions that come with this holiday, and America definitely has some odd ones. The weird, wild and wacky ways of this season will either make you laugh or send shivers down your spine. Anoka, Minnesota, is the Halloween capital of the world. It’s believed to be the first city in … [Read more...]
AU accreditation process needs student participation
The Higher Learning Commission will be returning to AU this February for the institutional accreditation process. Dr. Marie Morris said that, as part of the accreditation process, AU will be posting in the local newspaper, social media and alumni outlets what they call third-party comment. Anyone in the community will be able to submit an opinion of AU to the Higher Learning Commission. “Something really important is the student opinion survey,” Morris said. “On Nov. 5, all students … [Read more...]
Spiritual Emphasis week brings author Aaron Niequist to campus
“Learning to be still. Learning to be like Jesus.” The tagline for the Pause nights, which started this semester, encompasses the theme that Pastor Tamara Shelton really hopes students will take ownership of this school year. Pause nights, Spiritual Emphasis week and the spiritual retreat are all focusing on the idea of stillness and will all be happening this fall. The nights will include some form of a worship experience along with some different practices in hopes that students will … [Read more...]
Kissinger Learning Center undergoes name change
The Kissinger Learning Center has changed its name to the Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence (KACE). The staff have worked hard to prepare for the name change, as well as made changes within the center. Today, Sept. 12, there will be an open house from 1-3 p.m. in the academic center. There will be free refreshments and a student prize drawing. Dianna Stankiewicz, director of learning assistance programs, said that she has been trying to change the name for a few years … [Read more...]
AU Scholar’s Day showcases 51 students’ research
The ninth annual Scholar’s Day showcased 51 undergraduate students’ research from various departments yesterday. Dr. Chad Wallace, dean of the School of Science and Engineering, does a lot to make this event happen. Wallace said that Scholar’s Day is important because it gives students who do their own research and scholarly work the opportunity to share it with the AU community and public. “It gives them a chance to share their excitement and the things that they’ve learned,” Wallace … [Read more...]
Senior artists reflect on creative growth with ‘Refinement’
This upcoming Saturday, the Wilson Gallery will display "Refinement: The Final Projects of the 2018 Senior Class." Cassidy Wheat, a cinema and media arts major, said that the theme Refinement is “the idea of losing parts of yourself to become more whole.” “It’s like in the Bible,” Wheat said. “The process of [people] being refined until [they] come out golden. Our art is like taking a clump of mud and making it into gold. It represents us as artists and how we’ve changed over the four … [Read more...]
Power of film celebrated at Black Bird Film Festival
Creators and festival attendees took to the red carpet and were greeted by paparazzi as they arrived at the second annual Black Bird Film Festival last Friday. The festival consisted of the 336 Hour Film Competition, a special showing of alumni Julia Barnett-Tracy’s film “Chasing Grace” and five short films made by artists in the Department of Communication and Design Arts. Cinema and media arts professor Jack Lugar started this event last year to give students an opportunity to celebrate … [Read more...]
Recital celebrates women through music performance
On Thursday, March 8, Professor Mary Beth Coolidge, Dr. Mary Kathryn Brewer, Dr. Karri York and Professor Diana Huntoon are coming together for a night of celebrating women through music. They are the only four women’s voice professors in AU’s School of Music. The four collectively shared that they’re excited to have the opportunity to perform with their colleagues because they’ve never had a recital like this before. Their passion for music and teaching shows in their excitement for the … [Read more...]
Q & A with Dr. Joani Somppi Brandon
Dr. Joani Somppi Brandon is a professor of music who teaches music education, general and choral methods and Women’s Chorus. She is the former director of the Anderson Area Children’s Choir Chorale. Brandon completed her bachelor’s degree in music education and piano performance with honors in music and education from AU in 1987. She has a master’s of music education from Butler University and a doctor of musical arts from Boston University. Brandon runs the summer music education camp and … [Read more...]