As AU prepares for an eventful Homecoming weekend, Ravens past and present anticipate an in-person celebration full of traditions and new festivities.Unlike last year’s online Homecoming, this year all activities will take place in person, including favorites like luminaries, Encore and the street fair.Director of Alumni Relations Trent Palmer has been busy ensuring this Homecoming will be one not easily forgotten.“The theme for this year’s Homecoming and this whole year at AU, is … [Read more...]
Ricker Family gifts 1 million dollars for Dunn Hall renovations
Anderson University graciously accepted a gift from Ricker Oil founders, Nancy and Jay Ricker, of $1 million to go towards fixing up the dorms, specifically Dunn Hall, due to its lack of renovations over the years. The Rickers decided to donate in response to AU's “Called to Soar” campaign. Jen Hunt, vice president of advancement, said, “[Jay] reached out to ask, ‘How can I help?’ He and his wife, Nancy, visited campus, met with President Pistole and decided to direct their gift to … [Read more...]
Upcoming Encore to include a Homecoming twist
Every year, student talent is showcased and celebrated in Encore performances presented by the Avanti Boosters. Students have the opportunity to audition and perform for their peers in Reardon Auditorium with a full band. This year, the 30th Anniversary of Encore, will be extra special.Past Encore concerts have included themes like “Soundtrack” and “British Takeover.” The first Encore of this year will be “Anything Goes” but with a twist: a limited number of alumni will have the opportunity … [Read more...]
Select events return to campus as select restrictions lifted
As restrictions on public gathering sizes are being loosened and lifted campus-wide and state-wide, several classic events are making a return to AU to wrap up the semester. Several of these events to which students can look forward are below.April 26 – Pitch on the PrairieEach year, AU’s MBA program hosts a Business Plan Competition, allowing students to pitch business ideas to a panel of judges. This year, the event is titled to reflect its venue: Conner Prairie. “Competitors … [Read more...]
New athlete ministry combines faith, community and service
Next fall, campus ministries will begin partnering with athletes and sports fans on campus to create a ministry centered around the conjunction of sports and faith. Jennifer Myhre, AU Women’s Soccer coach, used to be the advisor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on campus. She shared her excitement to “support and encourage athletes and help them dive deeper into their faith” through this new ministry. “As a college student, and even as a coach, I have been involved … [Read more...]
Lights, camera, action: Cinema and media arts students to release three short films
Among the busyness of spring semester on campus, cinema and media arts students have begun casting, filming and editing short films set to premier at this year’s Black Bird Film Festival. The film team for “The First Day” shot many of the scenes last semester, but were forced to delay further shoots due to COVID-19. This semester, the crew picked up where they left off and recently finished shooting. Director and producer Jonathan Williams, a junior cinema and media arts major, … [Read more...]
Luekenga steps down
Effective Feb. 26, Dean of Students Chris Luekenga will be stepping down, according to an email sent to the student body by Provost Dr. Marie Morris.“Dean Luekenga has served AU during a challenging economic and pandemic environment with compassion, spiritual strength and a heart for AU’s mission,” Morris stated in her email. “His attention to policy and compliance have been invaluable. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Dean Luekenga and for his dedicated … [Read more...]
Indiana Fever president talks women in sports
National Women in Sports Day is an annual day of recognition acknowledging the accomplishments of female athletes and the struggles they have faced due to their gender. It’s been observed since 1987 and has been used to encourage females of all ages into a life of athletic activity and empowerment. “The day has been recognized for 35 years,” said Indiana Fever President Allison Barber. “It’s just a way to set apart some focus and attention on the opportunity for girls to be athletes and … [Read more...]
Title IX reporting system created
AU has a new system in place to help students and staff report sexual harassment and discrimination of any kind. The new system can be found at the bottom of the AU website home page under “Resources” and is one click away for anyone who needs it. Once a student or staff member has clicked on the “Title IX” tab, they will be brought to the Title IX screen where they can then click to “Report Misconduct.” They will then be prompted to the new system. When reporting an incident … [Read more...]
AU Cabinet appoints new Chief Diversity Officer
President John Pistole and members of the university’s cabinet recently appointed Mike Thigpen as Chief Diversity Officer. Thigpen serves as the Director of the Cultural Resource Center (CRC) and multicultural and international student services. He will continue there as he steps into this new position.“Mike Thigpen is a well-known, well-respected leader on campus and in the community,” Pistole said regarding why Thigpen was chosen for the position. “He has a long history of service in … [Read more...]