From the lighting of the luminaries in the Valley to the busy bustle of the street fair, Homecoming and its festivities have been tradition at AU since the university’s days as Anderson College. The theme for Homecoming this year is “reAUnited.” Scott Tilley, executive director of alumni engagement and annual giving, says that Homecoming this year is about rekindling past relationships. “Alumni most importantly enjoy reconnecting with friends, faculty and staff,” he said. “It truly is a … [Read more...]
President Pistole welcomes alumni and families to campus for Homecoming
By John S. Pistole We’re excited to welcome alumni and friends back to campus for Homecoming this year, with lots of activities, recognitions and fun events. As I think about the significance of Homecoming, I think of the opportunities our outstanding faculty, staff and coaches provide for alumni to reconnect with “old” friends and mentors, whether classmates, teammates or soulmates. So much of what we do at AU is about building and maintaining relationships, with God, with one … [Read more...]
Street fair brings campus together
On Saturday, select departments, residence halls, social clubs, interest clubs and honor societies will join forces to provide food, entertainment and information during the annual Homecoming street fair. Unlike previous years, the street fair will be held on the KWC walkway and in the Smith-Martin courtyard, running from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. According to Kenny Parson, president of Dativus, his club always looks forward to being part of the street fair. “Dativus will be selling … [Read more...]
SGA Instagram hacked over food services concerns
Several students have expressed concerns about a lack of vegetarian and vegan options at the Marketplace. Erin Callahan, a sophomore dance science major, recently took to Instagram to express concerns of her own, sharing a photo of an empty, square plate from the MP. “I was told there would be vegan options,” read the photo’s caption. “This was my lunch. Why am I forced to pay for a meal plan?” Callahan’s post prompted an unusual response from the official SGA Instagram … [Read more...]
AU enrollment numbers reflect gender trends across the nation
Although the official enrollment numbers for AU’s 2019-20 school year have not yet been released, one thing is certain; the freshman class is comprised of more female than male students. Ryon Kaopuiki, vice president for enrollment, explained that, while data does not yet exist for this year, it is clear that the majority of students attending AU are women. “We’re still pulling all the data together,” he said. “The gap isn’t as large as in the past, but it’s still more female than … [Read more...]
Chris Luekenga steps in as new dean of students
After serving as dean of students for more than four years, Dr. Chris Confer left AU last semester to serve as the vice president of student life at Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina. Over the summer, AU hired Chris Luekenga to take his place. Luekenga moved to Anderson from Colorado, where he was the associate vice president for student affairs at Western Colorado University for six years. Luekenga is an ordained Church of God minister with a master’s in pastoral ministry from … [Read more...]
SGA plans summer redesign for Mocha Joe’s
When classes resume in the fall, students will return to find Mocha Joe’s sporting an entirely new look. This summer, the beloved campus coffee shop will undergo substantial remodeling. Partnering with the Business and Auxiliary Committee, SGA is overseeing this operation. SGA President Liam Crays spoke to the logistics of the remodeling process. “We are currently in the process of purchasing new items to refresh Mocha Joe’s,” explained Crays. “Most of these updates will be implemented … [Read more...]
Holcomb to speak at commencement
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb will be the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2019 at the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. in Kardaztke Wellness Center. The address will be open to AU students, graduates and families. Holcomb praised the university and its values in anticipation of commencement in a press release announcing the event. “I’m honored to speak at Anderson University where well-rounded students discover Christ-centered ways to determine their … [Read more...]
Dean of Students to leave AU for South Carolina
Dr. Chris Confer has held the position of dean of students at AU for more than four years. In April, he announced his decision to step away from AU and begin the next chapter of his life at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina. At SWU, Confer will serve as vice president of student life rather than as the dean of students. He will be part of the president’s cabinet and will oversee athletics and police and security. Though Confer has had no previous … [Read more...]
Healing Tent returns to AU for the week
The Healing Tent returned to campus this semester for a week of worship, prayer and healing, after making its debut at the corner of 5th Street and Nursery Road on November 11 of last year. “It’s just a time of being on your face before the Lord,” said Sarah Pierce, one of the founders of the Healing Tent. “It’s really just between you and God what you want to do that week. The tent is available for anybody to use. Even if there’s no one there you can come in, bring a blanket or a chair and … [Read more...]