Articles written by Anna McBee

Digital Resource Lab provides more services to students

wpolley — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Jake Palmer: a senior pre-graphic design major takes advantage of all the services at his disposal in the Digital Resource Lab. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Ralph Brown Draughon Library.

This building, built in 1962 and named after a former Auburn president, is one of most heavily trafficked areas of campus.

Especially this time of year, students flock to the confines of its walls.

Art museum announces appointment of new curator

wpolley — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:32:06 -0400

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art has a new Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.

Marilyn Laufer, director of the museum, has announced Dennis Harper will be the museum curator.

The selection process occurred last fall, and interviews were held before Christmas.

“We interviewed a number of very qualified candidates, and our search committee found Dennis to be the best fit for our program here,” Laufer said.

Concert choir, men’s, women’s choruses give spring concert

wpolley — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:15:42 -0400

The Music Department held a concert April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church.

The concert included performances by the University concert choir as well as the men’s and women’s choruses.

Admission was free, and music department students in music appreciation received credit for attendance.

The concert choir is an auditioned group of 100 singers and is under the direction of Thomas R. Smith, director of choral activities and professor of music.

Auburn now offers air transportation to D.C. for research mission

wpolley — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:08:15 -0400

New University program will provide free transportation to foster communication between researchers and agency officials

A new University program will make transportation to and from Washington D.C. efficient and free of cost.

The University believes that partnerships with federal agencies are pertinent to the research mission of Auburn. Such partnerships also play a key part in the creation of research opportunities for Auburn faculty and staff.

ROTC honors Gogue with parade

wpolley — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Colonel Scotty Lewis: commander of the Air Force ROTC detachment, watches as four F-16s fly over the University during the President’s Parade. Three of the four planes were flown by Auburn graduates. Lindsey Davidson / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Auburn is home to the Reserve Officer Training Corps program for the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.

Thursday, April 3, the ROTC programs joined forces for the President’s Parade, a celebration in honor of President Jay Gogue.

In this annual parade, ROTC members showcased their talents to President Gogue, as well as many faculty, administrators and students.

“It is amazing to see all of their hard work pay off,” said Kathleen Griffin, a sophomore in elementary education. “I’m glad President Gogue has the opportunity to see the dedication all of these men and women have to Auburn and to our country.”

The event was held at the intramural fields.

In addition to ROTC members, the event also hosted the Auburn University Band.

Those who attended the parade witnessed the presentation of military colors and military protocol and procedure learned by all ROTC branches.
Gogue also spoke at the event.

Following the brief presentation by Gogue, the ROTC members marched alongside him.

While ROTC members were on the field, they were arranged in battalion-sized groups, strategic groups designed to fight a small battle.

To conclude the parade, four F-16s were flown over the University, Three of the planes were flown by Auburn graduates.

Film festival displays works of students

wpolley — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Tuesday, April 8, the College of Liberal Arts, Movie Gallery and the Department of Communication and Journalism sponsored the 11th Annual Jay Sanders Film Festival and Movie Gallery Student Film Competition.

The event was held at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

The festival is named for professor emeritus Jay Sanders, who was the first professor to teach film and mass communication at Auburn.

Throughout his 33-year career, he directly impacted the lives of more than 19,000 Auburn students.

Staff Opinion: Kindness: A trait underrated

wpolley — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:28:54 -0400

One of the most blatant signs of maturity is being kind when no one expects you to be.

Likewise, one of the most blatant signs of immaturity is being a jerk when everyone expects you to be.

Henry James once said, “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”

Sometimes I wonder why some people decide to be nice and others clearly decide not to be.

I don’t know if it’s a conscious decision or something that is much deeper within you.

Trustee search needs names

wpolley — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Gov. Bob Riley wrote a letter to the Auburn community last week asking for nominations to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Board of Trustees.

“Choosing trustees to provide oversight for our University is essential to the future of Auburn University,” said Riley in the letter.

Riley hopes to have a nominee confirmed by the state Senate during this Legislative session.

The Legislative session began Feb. 5 and is limited to 30 meeting days within 105 days of the starting date.

Tax-Free Textbooks?

wpolley — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Bill in Legislature Could Make it a Reality.

Tax Free Books

For many students, the most dreaded aspect of the start of a new academic semester is the financial burden of textbooks.

In a world where paying anywhere from $200-$600 on textbooks each semester is considered normal, many students find themselves overwhelmed.

In Montgomery last Wednesday, the Senate Education Finance Committee discussed a bill which would waive taxes on college textbooks.

This waiver would apply to state and local sales taxes and would be valid for 2-year and 4-year college students.

While members of the committee debated the issue, there was no vote.

The bill remains in committee and does not have a set date to be on the floor.

According to the Legislative Fiscal office, the waiver would save students approximately $15.2 million a year.

This concept is not new. Several states, including Kentucky, Mississippi and Virginia, have tax exemption policies for textbooks.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville.

New mandatory dining plan offers variety, comes with price

wpolley — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:00 -0400

David Came: senior in mechanial engineering, eats lunch in the War Eagle Food Court under no binding meal plan requirements. Next fall, all incoming freshmen will be required to purchase meal plans. Kyle Cooper / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Many students are curious and concerned about the required meal plans for this fall’s incoming freshmen.

The concept of a change in dining services arose at August 2007 Board of Trustees meetings.

As originally proposed to the Finance Committee, it will apply to both on and off-campus freshmen entering this fall.

In four years, every undergraduate student will be required to purchase a meal plan.

The installation of the new meal plans will directly coincide with the completion of the new Student Center.

The new dining service is called Chartwells and will provide Auburn students with a variety of new on-campus food choices.

The options were not selected by administrators but by a panel of students who were consulted through a private firm hired by the University.

One venue at the new Student Center will be Mamma Leone’s Pizza, which will provide homestyle Italian pizza options.

Another new venue will be Coyote Jack’s Grill, which will serve fried and char-grilled chicken sandwiches and burgers.

Outtakes Quick Cuisine will provide convenience food and deli style sandwiches, wraps and salads. Chef Yan Can Cook is a venue for authentic Asian cuisine.