“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...]
Esports team prepares for season without head coach
Last week, the head coach of AU’s new esports program resigned, leaving many with questions as to how and when the team’s season would begin. Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Justin Lambright, the faculty advisor for the esports program, has been working with Athletic Director Marcie Taylor to fill this newly vacant position. “Right now we're in the process of hiring a new head coach,” said Lambright. “We've got a couple of leads.” In the meantime, Lambright is stepping up … [Read more...]
‘Stay-at-HOME-coming’ brings creative ways to connect
As Homecoming week approaches, students, faculty, parents and alumni will experience a new form of connection and fellowship this year. On Oct. 16 and 17, there will be many virtual opportunities for alumni to connect, and some in-person events for on-campus students only. The theme for this year coincides with the new ways of coming together despite the pandemic. “The theme this year is StillAU,” said Director of Alumni Relations Trent Palmer. “We are also making sure to note … [Read more...]
Search for campus pastor put on pause
When former Campus Pastor Tamara Shelton resigned last November, the search for someone to fill the position began quickly. This semester, the search has been put on pause by the President’s Cabinet. “The Cabinet and I decided to put the search on hold until we have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on in-person gatherings,” said President John Pistole. “Since we decided to suspend all large in-person chapels this semester, it seemed to make sense.” Pistole added that if the … [Read more...]
Wilson Gallery welcomes modernist works
The Wilson Gallery has recently opened its exhibit showcasing items from AU’s permanent collection housed on campus. This collection, titled the Legacies of Modernism, displays numerous artists’ works within the artistic styles of modernism and expressionism. Tai Lipan, the director of the Wilson Gallery, explained the importance of displaying the Legacies of Modernism collection and the other various AU-owned collections. “Over the course of three years as director of … [Read more...]
AU to implement randomized COVID-19 testing
In a video message to the student body on Sept. 19, Dr. Sarah Neal, lead of AU’s COVID-19 Task Force, announced the introduction of voluntary randomized COVID-19 testing for AU’s campus. “We need to keep testing,” said Neal. “That’s because about 40-45% of all cases are asymptomatic, meaning people have absolutely no symptoms whatsoever. They’re carrying the virus, and they’re sharing it with their friends, even though they don’t mean to.” Due to the significant number COVID-19 cases being … [Read more...]
Leadership relaxes certain housing restrictions
With the first two weeks of fall semester in the rearview mirror, administration has made the decision to eliminate several COVID-19-related housing guidelines and rules. Dillon Lockwood, Resident Director of on-campus apartments, explained in an email to students that these changes made were “based on hallway traffic, quarantine usage, location of bathrooms and style of living.” For apartments and suites—Fair Commons, South Campus Apartments and Myers Hall—some rules remain the … [Read more...]
Dr. Sowers to leave AU after 37 years
Orchestra director, professor of music, choir director and church organist are just a few of the hats that Dr. Richard Sowers wears. However, at the end of this school year, he will be removing many of those hats for good. Since 1984, Sowers has been teaching and conducting music at AU. But when the 2020-21 school year concludes, Sowers plans to close the book on his 37 years in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. After wrapping up his time at AU, Sowers explained that he … [Read more...]
New COVID-19 policies implemented on campus
As students are returning for the fall semester, campus hardly looks or feels the same. Although this semester will differ from previous semesters in many ways, Dean of Students Chris Luekenga assures students that the campus-wide procedures and policies are being introduced to ensure students’ health and safety. “We understand that there will be inconveniences and that the campus experience will be different for the fall semester,” said Luekenga. “We also know that Ravens are … [Read more...]