“Celebrating Black History affords us all an opportunity to deepen our understanding of past events which, in turn, broadens our perspective about the present,” said Juanita Taylor, diversity retention coordinator and office manager for AU’s Cultural Resource Center (CRC). Every February, AU students participate in campus events to commemorate Black History Month. Taylor has worked alongside Chief Diversity Officer Michael Thigpen in planning this year’s events put on by the CRC and the Black … [Read more...]
Access is key, according to Mike Thigpen
The biggest issue concerning MOSAIC right now is access, according to Chief Diversity Officer and Co-Chair of MOSAIC Mike Thigpen. Thigpen emphasized that some students do not have the same opportunities as others. “It is the responsibility for those who provide care to diagnose the need for each person that comes in,” Thigpen said about students who enter the university. “MOSAIC is an acronym for ‘Making Our Students an Informed Community,’” Nia Carter, author of … [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...]
Q&A: Kris Rinas
By Melanie Marchena Kris Rinas is currently wrapping up his first year at AU as director of studio and technical operations and professor of cinema and media arts. In 1996, Rinas began his cinema and media arts career as a teenager with a news station in California. After moving to Indiana, he continued his career at Grace Church in Noblesville where he had responsibilities in technical directing, training and managing audio, video and lighting equipment. After 13 years at Grace Church, Rinas … [Read more...]
Pres. Pistole receives Bicentennial Medal
“I'm humbled,” said AU President John Pistole. “I’m honored to be part of this.” Recently, Pistole received IU McKinney School of Law’s Bicentennial Medal of “Distinguished and Distinctive Service.” The medal honored IU alumni who are viewed as “models for future students, faculty, alumni and organizations.” Upon graduating from AU in 1978, Pistole attended IU McKinney School of Law and graduated in the spring of 1981. Pistole remembers his experience fondly. “I learned new critical … [Read more...]
Chapel continues with virtual format
On Jan. 11, AU students received an email announcing that chapel attendance would be mandatory for the spring semester. However, three days later, another email was sent out by Dean of Students Chris Luekenga. The second email read, “Chapel will remain virtual for the foreseeable future, but attendance will not be required.” Luekenga explained that requiring attendance for a virtual chapel would add another stressor for students. “While it is a long-standing tradition to require chapel … [Read more...]
COVID-19: Looking forward
“It’s a big deal,” Professor of Nursing Dr. Sarah Neal said. “Where we’re at right now is a whole lot of bad. We are in the red zone in Madison County.” For the last 10 months, the world has been ambushed with a pandemic that has changed the normal way of life. Many students have had to adjust to online learning and businesses everywhere have been forced to close their doors. “We can mitigate a lot of spread if we change our behaviors,” Neal said. Neal, who has been at AU … [Read more...]
Q&A: Kelsi Allen
Kelsi Allen currently works as the graduate assistant for the Student Engagement Office at AU. After finishing her undergraduate work in AU’s School of Theology, Allen decided to pursue her Masters of Divinity through AU. Allen also works as the programming assistant at Stripped Love in Anderson, Indiana. What is your position at AU and what does it involve? “I am the graduate assistant for Student Engagement. The job involves working with and leading the students directly … [Read more...]
Dr. Lambright steadies the gaming ship
Under Dr. Justin Lambright’s continued assistance throughout a three-year period of building and adjustment, the AU esports team is now set for regular competition. After securing a $25,000 Falls Development Initiative grant, Lambright helped build a lab for games to be played and recruited a team of students ready to play. “I’ve been involved with this from the beginning,” said Lambright. “When our first coach resigned early this semester, I had been working fairly … [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...]