On Oct. 20, Former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan visited campus and spent time with students from various disciplines throughout the day. This was the first time President Pistole has been able to bring a speaker to campus since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. McAleenan served as acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security from April 2019 to October 2019. Before that, McAleenan served as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Now, … [Read more...]
Soccer field recently named “Fridley Field”
Just a few weeks ago during homecoming, Head Men’s Soccer Coach Scott Fridley received an unexpected gift. Between the men’s and women’s soccer games, a sign for the newly named “Fridley Field” soccer field was revealed. Fridley has been head soccer coach at AU since 1994. Before that, he played on the team during his time as a student and then served as assistant coach. Before he was a student, his parents, grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins attended AU. The field was originally … [Read more...]
Homecoming weekend filled with in-person events
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 Prairie Each 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...]