This year, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 50th season and its 28th year with Dr. Richard Sowers, a professor of music at AU, as music director and conductor. “It is significant,” said Sowers of his time with the orchestra. “It is so valuable that I can hardly put it into words.” The orchestra, which was first organized in 1967 by leaders at Anderson College, features around 70 professional musicians, several part-time staffers and one full-time employee. Although the … [Read more...]
AU clubs, organizations join relief effort in wake of Harvey
AU is currently working to extend help to those suffering from Hurricane Harvey damage in Houston. AU students, staff and faculty have multiple opportunities to support the relief effort. The university is working with Dr. James Lewis, former Dean of the School of Theology, and his church South Park Church of God. The church and its congregation have experienced damage and loss due to the storm and are in the process of extending help to their community and the families of AU students who … [Read more...]
To DC and back: President Pistole shares journey of Trump FBI interview
Upon the unexpected firing of former FBI Director James Comey in May, AU’s President John Pistole became a candidate for his replacement. Since then, Pistole has remained quiet about his experience interviewing for the position. For the first time, Pistole is speaking with the media in this Andersonian-exclusive Q&A about what may have been had he left AU and returned to the FBI. Q: You get the call—the FBI position is open and you’re on the list. Could you take me through the process … [Read more...]
Morris on new strategic plan: ‘This is AU’s identity’
AU’s Board of Trustees approved a new five-year strategic plan in June that will position the university for success in its next century of service. “It’s great that we have a 100 year history, but where are we going?” President John Pistole said of the need for the plan. The strategic plan encompasses all areas of the university’s success, specifically focusing on the categories of outstanding student experience, forward thinking, fiscal strength and being an excellent place to … [Read more...]
AU declines to comment on Pistole, FBI rumors
White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that President Trump was interviewing two candidates on Tuesday for the FBI Director position—former Assistant Attorney General Chris Wray and Anderson University President John Pistole. Rebecca Fuller Beeler, vice president of enrollment and marketing at AU, declined to comment on the search for a new FBI Director. The Andersonian also reached out to Ronda Reemer, executive assistant to Pistole, but received an out-of-office reply. Pistole has served … [Read more...]
President Pistole declines comment about FBI rumors
President Donald Trump unexpectedly fired FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday. In the hours that followed, AU President John Pistole was named as a potential candidate to replace Comey. Reports have stated that Pistole declined to comment on the rumors. The Andersonian reached out to Pistole's executive assistant, Ronda Reemer, who confirmed that Pistole is declining to comment at this time. Comey's termination was effective immediately. President Trump has already begun the process of … [Read more...]
60 Hours of Prayer gives participants renewed faith
Over the course of 60 hours this past weekend, more than 100 people visited the prayer room in Morrison House in order to pray for AU’s campus. The event was planned by a small group of friends who are “passionate about prayer and seeking God’s heart for their lives personally and for the campus,” said Campus Pastor Tamara Shelton. Shelton said that there were more than 160 visits to the prayer room during the 60-hour-long prayer journey. Students weren’t the only ones to get involved. … [Read more...]
Historic church tradition of Lent touches AU campus
The season of Lent has a rich historical background, but for those who choose to participate, its present value is even higher. “I've committed to it a couple times before when I was younger, but I don't think it meant as much to me as it does now,” said Abby Johnson, a junior English major. “Now I see it as a way to truly practice the sacrifice I feel God has called me to every day of my life, constantly surrendering every moment, every memory, every relationship to Christ.” Lent, which is a … [Read more...]
Jackie Grondahl
Jackie Grondahl, a visual communication design major, discusses her photography and missions work with a school in Peru. [transcript] … [Read more...]
Q & A with Kayla Brandt
Kayla Brandt is a sophomore music business and musical theater major from Logansport, Indiana. Brandt spent last semester working at Disney World in Florida. While there, she was able to experience everything behind-the-scenes at the world-famous attraction. In the future, Brandt hopes to return to Disney and continue the tradition of creating magical moments for all. Q: What was the process of joining Disney? A: You apply online, and then you go through a personality quiz. If you “pass” the … [Read more...]