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...]
Housing issues in Dunn, Morrison, Fair
Residents of Dunn, Morrison and Fair Commons have been finding it difficult to settle into their new living spaces this year due to a myriad of housing issues. There have been multiple reports of bedbugs in Dunn, Morrison has been having issues with hot water and the fire alarms in Fair Commons have gone off about four times this year when there was no real threat of a fire. In Dunn Hall, there have been four reported incidents of bedbugs this semester. Connor Thomas, resident director … [Read more...]
Is Textbook Butler a money-saver?
At the beginning of every semester, each AU student is faced with the same difficult question: to be a Textbook Butler user or to not be a Textbook Butler user? Introduced to AU in 2012, Textbook Butler is a convenient resource for students that automatically purchases or rents students’ textbooks on a semester-by-semester basis. The cost of this service is then added to students’ accounts. However, students often question whether this program is truly cost-efficient. According to Dustin … [Read more...]
Tara East under repair
For some, the various apartment housing options scattered across AU’s campus are an escape from the dorms. For others, the apartments provide additional benefits. Fair Commons combines an immediate closeness to campus with much desired privacy. University Terrace’s cozy atmosphere gives students a feeling of homeliness. Students look to the diverse housing options for extended comfort and privacy. This privacy and comfort may not be a regular specialty of everyday dorm life, but the … [Read more...]
SGA kicks off year with green initiative
Now under new leadership, SGA is beginning to make some changes around campus. Last year, SGA President Becca Peach ran her campaign with a focus on environmental awareness. SGA has taken steps this semester to make AU’s campus more eco-friendly. “We are looking at grants from companies like Coca-Cola and a grant from the state of Indiana that we could apply for for funding to increase recycling on campus,” read an SGA press release. “We also renewed SGA’s commitment to installing … [Read more...]
Prayer Labyrinth under construction
About a year ago, construction began on the Centennial Prayer Labyrinth located behind the Fine Arts building. Over the summer, phase one of the project was completed with the installation of lighting, landscaping and a paved walkway and platform. Recently, phase two has begun with the removal of the old, concrete benches. Joe Royer, executive director of facilities and property management, has been one of many individuals working hard to make this plan a reality. Royer explained … [Read more...]
Free dental service for Anderson community
On Saturday, Sept. 21, Anderson Family Dental will be hosting Free Dentistry Day for members of the Anderson community. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be free cleanings and extractions on a first-come, first-served basis. “Dr. Josh Ratcliff and team at Anderson Family Dental, along with the assistance of Dr. Eva-Marie Powers of Brookschool Dental Care, will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the … [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...]