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Alpha Phi Alpha Hosts Miss Black and Gold Pageant

By Michael Hansberry/ Staff Writer | October 15

Students came out last Friday night to attend Alpha Phi Alpha's 27th Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant in the Student Center.Three contestants competed in the 45-minute competition, vying for the first place prize of $500 and a chance to compete in the next round this Saturday in Montgomery.The event kicked off with a performance from Therapy, a local seven-member, neo-soul and jazz band, and a dance routine was performed by AU Rhythm, the University's rhythm and dance team.Graduate student in political science, Marvin Price, and last year's Miss Black and Gold, Jessica Alexander, hosted the pageant.The contestants, Candace Brown, a junior in English, Faith Kashaa, a sophomore in biomedical sciences, and junior Andrea Jemison, started the competition with the swimsuit portion.Then the ladies went into the talent portion where Brown sang a soulful rendition of Etta James' "At Last." Kashaa sang "Hero" by Mariah Carey and Jemison danced.Next was the evening wear competition where the ladies showcased their gowns.After a piano performance by Alexander and a question-and-answer round about Michelle Obama, Jemison was announced as the winner.Kashaa was second runner-up and Brown came in second place."I'm thrilled about it.

Auburn University Dean of Nursing Retires after 11 Years

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | October 8

After 45 years as a nurse and 11 years as dean of the Auburn University School of Nursing, Barbara Witt is retiring.

Auburn Thinks Pink: Cater and Samford Hall Light Up Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

By Brittany Cosby / Campus Editor | October 8

Auburn's campus is blushing pink this October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.This is the third year Zeta Tau Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter has partnered with the University to illuminate the campus in pink lights in the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer.The inspiration came from Estee Lauder Companies' Global Landmark Illumination Initiative which illuminates famous buildings, monuments and landmarks around the world in pink lights.

Farmhouse Rodeo Puts Students Back in the Saddle

By Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR | October 8

Grab your cowboy boots and saddle up for the annual Farmhouse Rodeo benefiting Opelika's Storybook Farms.The rodeo is a community sponsored and family-oriented event.Fraternity and sorority teams compete in a variety of traditional events and activities such as stick-horse racing and a Ms. Rodeo Queen Pageant, according to Farmhouse's Web site."The atmosphere of the rodeo is my favorite part," said Farmhouse Rodeo Chairman Fuller McCabe.

Office of Sustainability Teaches Conservation Methods

By Brian Desarro/ Staff Writer | October 8

With global warming fading into the background behind healthcare and the economy, the Office of Sustainability began hosting weekly talks on energy consumption and conservation last Sunday.David Newton, retired faculty member from the Harrison School of Pharmacy, spoke to a small crowd of community members on alternatives to the mass consumption of fossil fuels on which the entire world has come to depend.Newton said he was inspired to volunteer for this talk after reading Tom Friedman's book, "Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How It Can Renew America.""It wasn't full of a lot of happiness," Newton said.

Libertarians Tell How to Talk to Law Enforcement

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | October 8

Despite what they may tell you, sometimes telling the police "the whole truth and nothing but the truth" can hurt more than it helps.This idea was the focus of the Auburn University Libertarians' "Busted" event last Thursday, where Attorney and Opelika Municipal Judge Ben Hand spoke on civil liberties when interacting with law enforcement."I've represented the most hardcore murderer to the drug dealer to the casual user," Hand said.

College of Education in Search of New Dean

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | October 8

The College of Education is searching for a new dean after Frances Kochan announced her decision to resign from the position, effective summer 2010.Auburn University Provost Mary Ellen Mazey moderated a college-wide public forum to hear thoughts on the new dean."I'm here to get input on leadership attributes people want to see in the new dean," Mazey said.A search committee composed of faculty and students has been composed, and is led by June Henton, the dean of the College of Human Sciences."We want to make sure we start with a broad perspective on what students and faculty want in a new dean," Henton said.Mazey, who has chaired three dean searches and one provost search, explained the process of finding a new dean for the College of Education.The college will hire a search firm in addition to the established committee.

Black Student Union Hosts 'Mellow Night'

By Daniel Chesser/ Staff Writer | October 8

The Black Student Union hosted jazz and poetry night at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Thursday.The event was mellow and inviting with live music and free food including vegetable, meatball, hot-wing and fruit platters, along with fruit punch and water to drink.The activities took place on the back patio of the museum parallel.

Asian Student Organizations Hold Festival in Eagle's Nest

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | October 8

An imitation of a Korean traditional wedding was celebrated in the Eagle's Nest Thursday night.The 10th floor of the Haley Center was home to the Mid-Autumn Festival, hosted by the Chinese Club, the Japanese Student Organization and the Korean and American Student Association.The Korean and American Association used two volunteers to perform the ceremony, which included the toss of objects into a blanket to represent how many children the couple would have, the "bride" being spun around on the "groom's" back three times and lots of flashing cameras from onlookers."We're a new club; we'll be official soon," said Joo Oh, president of the Korean and American Association and a junior in biomedical sciences.The organization is open to all students, regardless of heritage."We want to present more Korean culture and language," Oh said.If those in attendance didn't want to watch a wedding, they could make origami with the Japanese Organization."We pretty much put this together in two weeks," said Sherome Hardison, president of the Japanese Organization and a junior in electrical engineering.The Japanese Organization also made origami for Tiger Nights.The Chinese Club is led by President Will Abercrombie, a senior in psychology."Chinese Independence Day is Oct.

'Peace Dinner' Serves Cultural Understanding

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | October 8

Food and fun were on the menu at the International Student Organization's Peace Dinner Monday night.Foods from countries such as Turkey, China, India and Nigeria lined the walls of the Student Center Ballroom as students filed around the building's top floor waiting to get in.

Speaker Talks Money, Credit Cards and Debt

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | October 8

Credit card debt, low credit scores and identity theft are major issues for college students.Yvonne Williams travels the country speaking to students and giving presentations about money management.Williams warned Auburn students about these things in a seminar Thursday."I wish I had something like this when I was your age," Williams said.Williams addressed additional money topics important to college students."Students learned about ... the importance of saving money and living on a budget," said Lucy LaMar, marketing manager in the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Movie Addresses Apartheid Issues

By Alison McFerrin / STAFF WRITER | October 8

"Cry, the Beloved Country" (1995) was shown by the University Honors College Thursday night in the Auburn Student Center Ballroom."Cry, the Beloved Country," is based on a book by Alan Paton.It was published in 1948, first released as a film in 1951, but remade in 1995."All three films in the Honors College fall film series are, first and foremost, wonderful films," said James Hansen, doctor of philosophy and director of the University Honors College.Hansen said the movies are not only wonderful films, but also are beneficial in dealing with race relations."All three are also profound and moving films dealing with the basic human understanding necessary to promote the embracing of something or someone that may seem very different from ourselves but who, in truth, is not so different at all," Hansen said.This movie deals with the apartheid in South Africa.Before the 1940s, black South Africans and white South Africans lived their lives separate, but conditions were relatively stable.Apartheid laws were first passed in 1948.These laws caused tensions between the races to escalate and conditions for black South Africans started to deteriorate.Apartheid, defined simply as racial segregation, remained a defining principle in South Africa until the early '90s.Overtoun Jenda, who has a doctorate in philosophy, introduced the movie.Jenda currently serves Auburn University as associate provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.He has previously been a faculty member at the University of Malawi, University of Botswana and University of Kentucky.Jenda said the movie was "extremely powerful."In "Cry, the Beloved Country," Stephen Kumalo, a black South African pastor, travels to Johannesburg to the mines to search for his sister and son.Upon finding out his son has killed the son of a white neighbor, James Jarvis, the story then concerns the struggle of two men separated by race but united by common sorrows.Several students who attended the movie showing were moved by the story's message."I liked seeing the feelings between blacks and whites at that time in South Africa," said Eric Shaw, a freshman in pre-computer science.

Exercise Program Helps Disabled Shape up Quick

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | October 1

Auburn students, faculty and staff with disabilities have a free exercise program designed just for them.The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Beard-Eaves Coliseum Room 1129."Even if someone doesn't have a physical disability, they are still welcome to come," said Nancy Gell, a graduate student in kinesiology. "We want to help anyone who needs assistance with working out, whether that involves a pain issue or a physical disability."

Students Speak on Diversity

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | October 1

An international dinner coupled with food for thought occupied the Student Center Ballroom Monday night.The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs hosted its "A Taste of Diversity" event, an open forum where students could voice their opinions regarding the state of variation and interaction among demographics at Auburn.A panel of three professors led the discussions and offered their viewpoints."I thought the way the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs student ambassadors set up the evening's agenda did help to get everyone in the room thinking about diversity in more expansive ways," said David Carter, associate history professor and member of the event's panel.Carter, Jenda, provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and Susana Morris, an English professor who teaches African-American literature and Women's Studies, comprised the panel."I see all sorts of encouraging signs in the work of Dr. (Overtoun) Jenda in the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, in programs like Africana Studies and Women's Studies, in various initiatives within the College of Liberal Arts and elsewhere around campus," Carter said.Each panel member related his or her experiences with diversity outreach.Jenda shared stories of leaving schools in Africa to attend the University of Kentucky."I had two choices," Jenda said.

Students Run for Kids' Lives

By Simpson Fletcher/ Staff Writer | October 1

The AU Students for Life hosted the "Run for Your Life" 5K Race last Thursday beginning at Cater Lawn.

'Sketch' is New Art for Architecture

By Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR | October 1

Dudley Hall's latest art gallery, "Sketch: Drawing Inspiration from the World Around Us," gives students a fresh, new feel to architecture and design projects."Sketch" spans 25 years of artists Bruce Dupree's travels and projects.The estimated 250 works display Dupree's acute attention to even the most mundane details."Just different things catch my eye -- water, an architectural element, a curve, a color, an expression and that can all be changed or modified by the mood, attitude or the time you have to spend on something," Dupree said.

School Adds MRI Facility

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | October 1

Auburn will soon see a boost in its research capabilities with the addition of an MRI-capable facility.The Auburn University Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Center is the result of an agreement between the University and Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.The facility at Auburn University Research Park will contain a Siemens 7 Tesla (T) Investigational Device, which allows for the viewing of microscopic tissue metabolism.It will also contain 3T MRI scanners, which aid in the diagnosis of pathological disorders."The project came about because of a funding opportunity," said Tom Denney, an associate electrical engineering professor who will conduct research with the center.

How to Avoid Marrying Jerks with Circle of Care

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | October 1

Wedding bliss ends when a jerk enters the picture.The Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative and the Circle of Care Center for Families hosted the first of a four-part seminar series on marrying a jerk."How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk: The foolproof way to follow your heart without losing your mind," is based on a book by John Vann Epp.Joanne Kehoe, who works with Circle of Care, and Jeremy Walden, an instructor within the Communication and Journalism Department, taught the class."These curriculum are to strengthen families," Kehoe said.Circle of Care is a marriage and family education center in Valley that works in association with the Alabama Community Marriage Initiative and offers classes for middle-school age children all the way up to adults."We offer classes for very different family situations," Kehoe said.