“Beginning June 1, AU will operate as a fully open campus with no required masking,” read an email from President Pistole sent May 21. The message that students, faculty and staff have been waiting for was finally received after careful consideration by Pistole and the COVID-19 task force led by Dr. Sarah Neal. Neal has been responsible for providing the AU community with free COVID-19 testing as well as access to the Moderna vaccine. “We are so fortunate to have effective … [Read more...]
SOMTD position filled by a familiar face
The end of the unique school year parallels the retirement of two significant figures in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD): Dr. Richard Sowers and Dr. Fritz Robertson.Sowers, professor of music and director of AU Chorale, and Robertson, professor of music, voice area coordinator and director of Boze Lyric Theatre, retired at the end of this semester. Both worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.However, the … [Read more...]
Black Bird Film Festival to be held in person
While most film-fanatics are getting excited for the upcoming Oscars, AU students, faculty and staff are eagerly awaiting the fifth annual Black Bird Film Festival. A mix between the Oscars and a Hollywood movie premiere, AU’s cinema and media arts program hosts the festival each year to show off student-made short films, commercials and even music videos. Last year, at the height of the pandemic, the festival was held virtually. Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Arts … [Read more...]
‘It has been a rollercoaster’: Senior Hannah Hawkins reflects on basketball journey
“I started playing when I was in fourth grade,” Hannah Hawkins said. “There was a league at the park that I joined.”Although the two-time HCAC Defensive Player of the Year loves the sport, it wasn’t always her goal to play in college. “I never saw it going anywhere,” Hawkins said. “Even in my senior year [of high school], I said I wasn’t going to play in college.Hawkins explained that she enjoys basketball for the fun of it, not the competitiveness, and that she wasn’t … [Read more...]
Wilson Gallery displays faculty work
Until Feb. 26, the Wilson Gallery in the Krannert Fine Arts Center will be displaying works from four faculty members within the communication and design arts department.These faculty members have juggled full-time teaching positions while maintaining their professional practices outside of the classroom. The exhibition boasts published books, paintings, photographs, videos and even 3D design work.Instructor of Art Tai Lipan, Professor of Communication Dr. David Baird, Associate … [Read more...]
Dr. Shrock announced as next provost
On June 1, Associate Provost Dr. Joel Shrock will be shortening his long-held title to “provost.”“[It’s] very exciting,” said Shrock. “In fact, when President Pistole called and offered me the job, I probably sounded like an idiot because I thought he was going to talk more about the process. Instead, he offered me the job—I really was so excited.” As Shrock prepares to step into his new role, he has realized that many are unaware of the duties and responsibilities that come with … [Read more...]
Madison County maintains ‘red’ status as students return to campus
“It’s only been a few days and I have already seen students gathering in large, unmasked groups, as well as complaining about the COVID restrictions,” said senior spanish major Mckala Lindsey.On Jan. 13, AU students filed into their classrooms for the first day of spring semester; despite Madison County maintaining its COVID-19 “red” status, university leadership gave the green light for students to return to campus and resume in-person classes. According to IN.gov, each county in … [Read more...]
Willowby set to be dean of SOTCM
Dr. Nathan Willowby, a four-year professor of ethics and theology at AU, is set be the next dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry (SOTCM). He will succeed Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins, a longtime faculty member of the SOTCM who has decided to step down after 14 years of service at AU.“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve AU and the Church of God,” said Willowby of his promotion. “I have personally known the past seven deans of the SOTCM and the past two deans who guided the … [Read more...]
Fall musical brings depth and vulnerability to the stage
“See Me: The Music of Lynn Lupold” will be premiering on the Byrum Hall stage Nov. 19 through Nov. 21. Presented by Boze Lyric Theater, the show was filmed by AU’s Black Bird Media Lab consisting of cinema and media arts students and will be live streamed through the three days. Professor of Dance Kenny Shepard is the mind behind the show and has earned a great deal of recognition from its success.“‘See Me: The Music of Lynn Lupold’ is based on a show the composer and I wrote and … [Read more...]
Classes to be virtual, policies to be implemented following Thanksgiving break
In a video message sent to the student body on Oct. 23, President John Pistole announced the suspension of in-person classes following Thanksgiving break. “We will be residential after Thanksgiving,” said Pistole, “but with some significant modifications.”Gatherings will be limited to five people and will still have social distancing and mask requirements. Pistole explained that “grab-and-go” meals will still be available for students.Although classes and large gatherings will … [Read more...]