On Nov. 15, the reopening ceremony of AU’s Jeeninga Museum of Near Eastern and Biblical Archeology will be hosted in its new home, York Performance Hall. This campus museum of ancient artifact collections was established by Dr. Gustav Jeeninga in the 1960s. According to Dr. David Murphy, professor of history and current director of the museum, it closed its doors last semester to begin the process of relocation. “The museum has been located in the basement of the School of Theology since … [Read more...]
Students’ vehicles vandalized
Brenna Taulbee, junior music business major, drove to classes on Tuesday like any other day. When she parked, she realized her tire was flat. “I just thought it was my own doing, as if I ran over something and didn’t notice it,” said Taulbee. “In the middle of one of my classes on that Tuesday, I got an email from the security office saying that my vehicle had been vandalized and that I needed to go to the security office as soon as I could to file a report.” The rear driver’s side tire … [Read more...]
Anxiety workshop returns
A workshop regarding everyday stress and anxiety was one of the many multiple chapel options offered to students this past Thursday, Nov. 7. With Counseling Services holding the workshop, students had the opportunity to learn from two of the full-time licensed counselors on campus. The workshop, which was held in Decker 230, was led by counselors Brian Daugherty and Angela Janutolo. Students in attendance were given a 36-page packet meant to help guide the 50-minute session. … [Read more...]
Faculty layoffs result of declining enrollment
In an attempt to alleviate some of AU’s financial burdens, the cabinet and the board of trustees have made the decision to lay off five faculty members and seven or eight staff members. In addition to the layoffs, departments are being asked to underspend their budgets by 20%. President John Pistole explained that the university operates like a small business. Because AU’s income and expenses fluctuate on an annual basis, the university’s budget changes every year. “There are no set … [Read more...]
Water main bursts causing complications
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 1, water was discovered seeping through various sections of the sidewalk just outside of Olt Student Center. After providing water to the Haven and MP for more than 50 years, a water main in the Valley had burst. According to Joe Royer, executive director of facilities and property management, AU was quick to action. “Our Physical Plant employees did some preliminary work to remove the appropriate sections of sidewalk,” he said. “Due to the depth of the … [Read more...]
SGA discusses event plans
This semester, SGA has worked to improve the student body experience and bring student concerns to the forefront of the campus discussion. By holding forums, putting on events and sending out surveys, SGA leaders hope to encourage student involvement on campus. According to SGA Chief of Staff Mikki Moore, SGA has put an emphasis on encouraging the student body to be environmentally friendly. “The green focus is huge,” she said. “We’re trying to take everything green.” Moore … [Read more...]
This year’s Homecoming theme ‘reAUnited’
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...]