When Emmy-nominated producer and director Jonathan Tessero was in need of a vocalist who could also dance and play saxophone for the upcoming Broadway show “Home for the Holidays,” it was AU alumnus Luke Stafford who got the call. “This role was undoubtedly a move of God’s hand,” said Stafford, who graduated in 2017 with a degree in music business and entertainment. Tessero was the creative director for the weeklong coverage of Superbowl XLVII in 2013, including the halftime show that was … [Read more...]
United Way of Madison County gears up for winter in the Anderson community
AU groups join “Operation Weatherization” in the program’s 11th year. United Way of Madison County is hosting its 11th-annual Operation Weatherization event on Saturday, Nov. 4. Three AU social clubs will be volunteering their time to assist United Way in preparing the homes of low-income residents in the community for the harsh winter weather. Kim Rogers-Hatfield, vice president of engagement at United Way of Madison County, says that AU has a history of involvement with Operation … [Read more...]
Spiritual Emphasis week events to conclude with first-ever prayer retreat
In the midst of tragedy on AU’s campus and the country, the faculty and staff looked ahead to plan a meaningful Spiritual Emphasis week. To cap off Spiritual Emphasis week this year, AU faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a spiritual retreat centered on prayer. “Because there is so much heartache going on, it is so important to make intentional space for God,” said Director of Spiritual Formation Becca Palmer. “We all need to quiet ourselves and listen for His voice … [Read more...]
AU professors respond to viral #MeToo movement
All across social media, women are avidly posting messages and stories with the hashtag #MeToo to display the reality of sexual harassment and assault. Dr. Joel Shrock, associate provost, dean of the School of Humanities & Behavioral Science and professor of history said, “I think it does illustrate how widespread [sexual harassment and assault] is and how many people have had an unwanted advance against them.” The social media campaign was started in response to recent accusations … [Read more...]
AUPD releases annual crime statistics report
Every year, in accordance with federal regulations, AU Police Department releases a crime report, called the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of the Campus Security Police and and Campus Crime Statistics,” that includes data from the previous year, Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. On Oct. 1, the report for 2016 was released. It includes the total numbers of crime reports for violent crimes, property crimes, fires and other campus violations, such as alcohol and drug abuse statistics, going back three … [Read more...]
Fishers IKEA opens in grand fashion
Today’s Oct. 11 opening of Swedish home furniture giant IKEA, located in Fishers, Indiana, has been met with much excitement. A number of high-profile guests will be in attendance at the opening ceremony, including state Representative Todd Huston, state Senator Victoria Spartz and Honorary Swedish Vice Consul Anna Engstrom Patel. The store is the 45th IKEA in the United States and the 408th in the world. The 289,000 square-foot store is the first IKEA to have one story, and is fitted with … [Read more...]
A nation divided by kneeling and song
Last football season, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt while the national anthem played before a game. He stated afterward that his intentions were to demonstrate solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and protest police brutality in our country. The after-effects of Kaepernick’s actions have been exponential, with teams across major league sports deciding to also “take a knee,” President Trump and Vice President Pence condemning the actions and fans … [Read more...]
Notable quotes from Holder
Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General, visited campus last Tuesday, Sept. 19 in celebration of Constitution Day. Here are several highlights of his conversation with President Pistole in York Hall, to which the general public and campus was invited. On his best moments as U.S. Attorney General: “I went to every district in the U.S.; it took me 6 years to do it. That was enjoyable and the thing I miss most about the department [of justice]… I don’t have an airplane anymore. I miss my … [Read more...]
Record number of scholarships go to AU students
The highest number of Indiana Space Grant Consortium (INSGC) scholarships ever to be received at AU happened this year. The INSGC awarded scholarships to 11 AU students, the highest number of recipients at any college or university in the state of Indiana. Two $15,000 grants were also awarded to faculty members. AU is one of 15 Indiana universities and colleges affiliated with INSGC, a program dedicated to offering educational support and funding to students and faculty involved in STEM … [Read more...]
AU students meet Vice President Pence
Last Friday, Sept. 22, Vice President Mike Pence visited Anderson to promote tax reform. While in town, several AU students had the opportunity to not only see him speak, but also shake his hand and pose for a photo. “I feel way more important than I really am after this,” said Glen Shinn, a senior music education major from Akron, Ohio. “My fear is that my life has peaked and I’ll never do anything cooler than this. Hopefully that is not the case.” Pence’s visit marked the first time that … [Read more...]