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(01/26/15 1:00pm)
Don Andrae, manager of Auburn University Parking Services, said Auburn University is bringing a bike-share program to campus that will enable students to borrow a bike for free for 24 hours.
Sean Flood, CEO of the GOTCHA Group, founded the program known as GOTCHA Ride, an on-campus transportation system that allows passengers to tip the driver, according to Andrae.
Andrae said the Gotcha Bike is the first smart bike and has an app available for Android and iOS. The app enables Parking Services and the bike user to monitor the whereabouts of the bike and control lock and unlock functions as well.
"When you download the app, it's going to ask you for who you are, some address information and then it's going to ask you for some credit card information," Andrae said. "At the end of 24 hours, if you have not returned it then there will be an amount of charge. I think, right now, they are setting it maybe $4 a day."
The University will purchase 75 bikes and place them at various locations across campus. The placement of the bikes will enable Parking Services to monitor where the bikes are needed most and increase or decrease the amount of bikes in that area, according to Andrae.
Jennifer Morse, communications and outreach manager for the Office of Sustainability, said the Gotcha Bike is useful for many reasons.
"The Gotcha Bike is good for your personal body, it's healthier, it helps society, as well with issues of obesity," Morse said.
Morse said the program is economically efficient because students are not spending their money on gas and parking permits.
According to Morse, the Office of Sustainability has previously worked on a project known as War Eagle Wheels, a 2013 program that never made it past the development stages.
Andrae said War Eagle Wheels was not able to give a location for the bike, so students did not know where and when the bike was in use.
Andrae said the service is aimed at making commuting for students more efficient.
Daniel McGee, freshman in pharmacy, said the bike will come in handy when he runs into problems with his current bike.
"I know some people who haven't used their bikes because they might have been broken, so they can use it as a replacement," McGee said.
Andrae said the bikes will be ready for use before the end of the year.
"They are going to Germany next month to finalize plans to get the bicycles produced, and I'm hoping no later than mid-June to first of July to get us implemented for fall semester," Andrae said.
(01/24/15 7:00pm)
The Auburn University Office of Sustainability has condensed the history of the University's sustainable resource efforts into a Prezi.
The Office of Sustainability has a mission of focusing on nature, economy, society and well-being.
The Office of Sustainability has a commitment to bettering individual health, fulfillment and happiness, according to Director of the Office of Sustainability Mike Kensler.
According to Communications and Outreach manager Jennifer Morse, the presentation provides students with information on sustainability related organizations and initiatives they can become a part of.
Morse said she hopes the presentation will give viewers information about the different aspects of sustainability and projects within the University.
"This presentation doesn't even cover the full story," Morse said. "This is just a sampling of all the efforts the University has been and is currently involved in. We wanted to make this a resource of information to be made available to anyone who wants to know more about any of the aspects of sustainability."
Kensler said some of the projects featured in the presentation are the increasing of energy efficiency at the Auburn Arena, Tiger Transit keeping approximately 5,000 cars off campus each day, Alabama Water Watch training students to monitor local streams and the newly introduced Gotcha bike-sharing program.
"It's a comprehensive overview of a broad spectrum of sustainability projects at Auburn," Kensler said.
An excerpt within the presentation from the Auburn University Sustainability Policy states, "Auburn University is committed to integrating sustainability into all aspects of the University including: operations, instruction, research and outreach activities. Auburn University considers sustainability a core value and strives for excellence in sustainability through continuous assessment and improvement."
According to the Office of Sustainability's website, sustainability efforts at Auburn enhance all aspects of the University's mission of research, instruction and outreach.
Chelsea Roadman, summer intern at the Office of Sustainability, said she used Prezi to create the presentation.
"It's very visual and extremely effective as a story telling format," Roadman said.
Morse said the Prezi shows how those four areas are connected to the components of sustainability--nature, economy, society and well-being--over the course of Auburn's history with a focus on current projects as well.
(12/24/14 6:27pm)
An Auburn University sophomore died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a two-car accident.
(12/17/14 9:00pm)
Students come to Auburn from all over the United States and the world. Sometimes maintaining long-distance romantic and platonic relationships with those back home takes a toll.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, families provide members with a sense of belonging and a distinctive identity. Families are typically a source of emotional support, comfort, and security to each member; this is why maintaining a close bond with one's family is crucial to individual growth in young adult years.
"I try to call my family at least once a week," said Kaitlyn Hof-Mahoney, senior in history. "My grandmother will look out for me and text me when there is bad weather and I typically get a lot of care packages from her as well."
Hof-Mahoney said she keeps close ties with her family even though she is several hours away from their Stuart, Florida home.
Connor Romanelli, sophomore in business, also said he talks to his family a great deal, though he also tries to build close relationships with his college peers.
"It's just as important to find people here that you are just as close with," Romanelli said. "They will become your family away from your family."
Long distance friendships are also important to sustain, but can become a more complex task than just picking up the phone according to The Huffington Post. When dealing with friends your own age, their lives are often constantly changing, unlike the family always waiting at home. Long distance friendship requires constant attention, similar to that of a significant other.
"I Snapchat a lot of my old friends and I try to text my really close friends at least twice a week," said Taylor Mollere, freshman in undeclared science and mathematics.
Mollere is from Miami and said she rarely gets to see her old friends.
Eric Turner, sophomore in aerospace engineering, said he also uses social media to stay in touch.
"Social media is always fun and occasionally calling, but FaceTiming is what is really fun and a great way to keep up with each other," Turner said.
Some students use breaks to see their long-distance friends, and are planning special events to catch up.
"When we were in high school, we used to have Christmas parties every year," said Sami Bustos, senior in microbial, cellular and molecular biology, who is originally from the Bay Area in California. "We are having one again this year for the first time in four years. I am so excited to see what's up with all my old friends, one is married now and another one is finally coming home from studying abroad in Italy."
Some students, such as Matt McCutcheon, freshman in business, have a long distance relationship with a significant other.
CBS News reported up to 75 percent of college students are in a long-distance relationship at some point, making it something that affects large numbers of students.
"I went to prep school in Maine last year so we were always separated by a 3.5 hour drive even then," McCutcheon.said.
McCutcheon is originally from Boston, where his girlfriend still lives.
"She has been able to come down two times during this football season, but it's the time in between that is hard," McCutcheon said. "FaceTime, Skype, texting, phone calls, and really expensive plane tickets is the only way to make it work."
(11/26/14 5:00pm)
Bill Hardgrave, dean of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, is making his college Styrofoam-free one ceramic mug at a time.
Tiger Dining, the Office of Sustainability and the Waste Reduction and Recycling department eliminated all Styrofoam products from on-campus dining areas in August.
The College of Business followed suit when Hardgrave replaced all Styrofoam cups in the Lowder break room with individual mugs for staff and faculty.
According to Jeff Long, chief operation officer at the College of Business,the change from Styrofoam cups to mugs will save the college and estimated $3,000 per year.
"We did an analysis that showed that we were spending a couple of thousands of dollars a year buying Styrofoam cups," Long said. "We have 150 staff and faculty here in the building, and at any given day we could easily go through 250-300 cups."
The mugs cost $5, so the switch cost the college $700.
The process of making Styrofoam releases toxic chemicals into the air, according to Courtney Washburn, recycling coordinator at the waste reduction and recycling department.
"Making Styrofoam cups in itself is a pretty dirty process that uses chemicals that have been known to cause health issues," Washburn said.
Cheryl Woodard, Outreach program specialist for the College of Business, said this change is a great way to save money while impacting the environment positively.
"I love the fact that dean Hardgrave saw the amount of money the college had been spending on paper coffee cups," Woodard said. "I believe in an effort to save money and the environment, he chooses to give everyone in the college a coffee mug, which I think is great. It's great to know that our dean cares about the environment."
Marketing instructor Jasmine Le said she enjoys the mugs for several reasons.
"I prefer having my own cup so I can always be sure it's clean," Le said. "Also, if you have a guest and you want to offer them a cup of coffee or hot tea they can drink out of a nice, fancy cup instead of a Styrofoam cup."
Long said he hopes the switch to Styrofoam cups will inspire other colleges on campus to make the same changes.
"There has been a push on campus [to remove Styrofoam], and we were feeding off that idea of doing the right thing for the environment," Long said. "I think, hopefully, that when other colleges read about this, they'll start looking at their own costs of what they are spending on Styrofoam cups."
(11/21/14 6:20pm)
Courtney Lu, senior in chemistry, has dedicated her last three football seasons at Auburn University to help promote recycling and sustainability on campus.
"I've always been involved in some kind of recycling organization since I was in elementary school," Lu said.
Courtney Washburn, recycling coordinator at the Department of Waste Reduction and Recycling, said the game day recycling program celebrated its 10th season this fall.
According to Washburn, the department has partnered with the athletic department to promote recycling at tailgates on game day.
Washburn said the first 12 students to volunteer receive a pass into the football game.
However, she said Lu volunteers even if she does not get a football game pass.
Washburn said two volunteers are sent to each of the six main tailgating areas on campus to pass out recycling bags.
Lu's route is Wire Road.
"It doesn't matter what time it is, how bad the weather is or who we are playing, Courtney (Lu) is there and dedicated to Game Day Recycling," Washburn said.
According to Lu, recycling is fulfilling to her because of the environmental impact it has. Lu said her favorite part about participating in the program is the people she has met on her route and the relationships she formed with them.
"The tailgaters know her, and she knows them," Washburn said.
Lu said she also tries to promote recycling when she goes home to Huntsville. Lu recruited her cousin Emily Ong, freshman in biosystems engineering, to join Game Day Recycling.
Ong said Lu made her aware of the opportunity because she is always trying to get her involved on campus, and she usually says yes to everything Lu suggests.
"We're very close, so it's great to get to spend time together on our two-hour route while also doing our part to promote sustainability and save the planet," Ong said.
According to Washburn, building services deals with all recycling contracts on campus in some way. Washburn also said building services places 900 trashcans and 300 recycling bins on campus every game day.
The goal of game day recycling is to try to promote recycling and make sure all guests on campus have an opportunity to recycle their trash, according to Washburn.
Washburn said game day recycling collected 41 tons of recycled materials in 2013 with the help of Lu and other volunteers.
Washburn said Lu deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication to recycling over the years because sometimes it means waking up early, and sometimes it means dealing with harsh weather.
"She shows up every week with enthusiasm," Washburn said.
Lu said she encourages Auburn students to join the recycling effort.
"It is such a great thing to reduce waste, and do our part protect the environment," Lu said.
(11/18/14 9:00pm)
The Alabama Power Foundation made the largest research gift ever donated to the University, according to an announcement at the Nov. 7 meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The gift will be used to honor board member Charles McCrary and create the Charles D. McCrary Institute.
McCrary is a 1973 Auburn graduate in mechanical engineering and retired from Alabama Power last April as the president and chief executive officer of the company.
The Institute will emphasize the advancement of research in the areas of energy security and conservation of recourses.
The research on energy security will focus on the protection of the electrical power grid that supports all electricity in the United States.
According to Larry Fillmer, director of program development the U.S. government has identified the electrical power grid as essential to support our quality of life.
Students in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering will be engaged in hands-on research projects in the spring.
"[The grid] is a very essential element in our society and our economy that needs to be protected from cyber attacks," Fillmer said. "The research that will be done by the institute will be done to increase protection for that grid, and to increase technology that would support that kind of protection."
The Institute will also open doors for the University to hire experts in the field of energy security.
"It's going to help us to attract some of the world's leading experts in these areas, so we are going to have some great professors," said Christopher Roberts, dean of the College Engineering.
Conservation research will take place in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and will focus on the balance of conserving natural recourses while utilizing those recourses in the most economically beneficial way.
"Our state is blessed with an abundance of natural recourses," Fillmer said. "So part of the focus in this area will be how to balance the needs of development with the use of natural recourses in the state."
The Institute will provide an opportunity for graduate students to work alongside professionals in the field of wildlife and forestry.
"We are going to be able to do a lot more applied research related to certain commercial species of wildlife like deer," said Graeme Lockaby, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. "It will update the expertise in the school as well as enable quite a few students to get their graduate education."
The Institute is in its early stages, so the next step will be to expand research to other areas.
"The intent is that it's a long-term institute that will expand beyond just those two focus areas," Fillmer said. "In furthering the research the institute will also focus on the economic development of the state, workforce development and sustaining an maintaining the quality of life for our citizens."
(11/12/14 10:05pm)
Auburn is considering instituting a moratorium that would entail a delay or suspension of the construction of new apartment buildings.
A public hearing on the issue is scheduled to take place at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce at 714 E. Glenn Ave. on Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Bill Ham said at the Auburn City Council meeting Nov. 4., new apartment growth was getting out of control.
"I don't like the m-word, I don't like moratoriums on anything," Ham said. "I'm not proposing that we do something for a long period of time, and I don't know whether it needs to be 90 days or six months or whatever, but we need to call a timeout for just a little bit."
Auburn studied how much apartment growth the city could sustain each year, 300 beds per year, according to Ham.
"Since 2011, we've had about 2,200 new beds to date, and we have over 2,000 already approved, passed by the Planning Commission and the (city) council currently," Ham said. "That exceeds 300 per year by a long shot."
Ham said at three times the suggested rate, it would not be long until Auburn was inundated with vacant units.
"It's no secret what happens," Ham said. "Our Auburn University students move to the newest stuff and they leave in their wake the older stuff."
Ham said the issue becomes a health, safety and welfare problem as the older buildings start to deteriorate.
"I think there are strong feelings on both sides of the argument and the city council has made it clear that they want to hear from people so they can make an informed decision about it," said Kevin Cowper, assistant city manager.
American Campus Communities, the company building the new 160 Ross apartments, as well as Serendipit Consulting, the marketing company for 319 Bragg, Auburn Reality and Northcutt Reality did not return calls by deadline
(11/17/14 1:30pm)
Named the greenest college campus in Alabama by The Princeton Review's 2014 Guide to Green Colleges earlier this semester, Auburn University is known for implementing sustainable practices and resources, such as Weagle Water, on-campus recycling and the removal of Styrofoam products. Auburn extended its sustainability efforts to include more specific campus areas through the Adopt-A-Spot program.
The program involves certain locations around campus individuals or groups can adopt and maintain. Since the program's launch in October, 16 groups and seven individuals have adopted a spot on campus.
According to the Adopt-A-Spot official website, the program is a collaborative effort between the Office of Sustainability, Landscape Services, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department, the Administrative and Professional Assembly Welfare Committee, Staff Council, SGA and Graduate Student Council.
Amy Strickland, Adopt-A-Spot committee member from the Office of Sustainability, contributed to the initial logistics of the program.
"We hope to see it help to kindle a sense of community among different groups on campus," Strickland said. "Overall, I believe the program helps build that culture of sustainability at Auburn."
James Smith, junior in electrical engineering and vice president of Auburn for Water, maintains the upper quad with his organization.
"Although it is upsetting to see how much litter is casually tossed around our campus, it excites me to see both our group and other campus groups take the initiative to help keep our campus clean," Smith said. "Seeing students clean up after one another really solidifies the idea of the Auburn Family."
Michael Freeman, chair of staff council for Adopt-A-Spot, adopted the Auburn Research Park area and along South College Street with Environmental Management and the Water Resources Institute.
"It gives us a chance to get out of our normal routine and improve teamwork and interaction while helping keep out campus free of litter," Freeman said.
Interested parties can request a spot by following the guidelines on the Adopt-A-Spot website.
(11/09/14 1:05am)
After a nail-biting victory over Ole Miss last weekend in Oxford, No. 3 Auburn came into the afternoon as a 23.5 point favorite over an unranked and inconsistent Texas A&M team.
However, Kevin Sumlin and company had other plans.
In a game full of pivotal booth reviews and big plays by both offenses, the Aggies were able to capitalize on Auburn's miscues and outlast the Tigers, winning 41-38.
"Obviously we are disappointed with the way the game finished." Coach Malzahn said, "Our kids fought back. We got in a hole early and they had a lot of momentum."
Auburn's home game winning streak ends at 14, and the Tigers will fall to 7-2 on the season with the health of their star receiver D'haquille Williams in question.
In the second quarter, Williams went down with an apparent knee injury and left the field on crutches assisted by the medical staff. He did not return to the game.
(11/06/14 8:30pm)
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international fellowship award in the world. Each year, 32 people are selected as Rhodes Scholars, according to its website. Richmond Gunter * Richmond Gunter, senior in finance, is set to graduate in May. Gunter said he hopes to attend law school and dreams of serving others through public service. * "The Lord opened this door for me and has allowed me to walk through it," Gunter said. "The Rhodes Scholarship could be a great stepping stone for me to develop my skills to the fullest so I can best serve others." Azeem Ahmed * Azeem Ahmed, is a recent alumnus in finance with a minor in sustainability. He said he aspires to go to medical school. * "I'm very interested in making sure every child has the nutrients they need," Ahmed said. "If I could help feed 14 million people before I even had a college degree, I'm excited and thankful for this opportunity, and I can't imagine how many more people I could feed when I have an even better education." Tofey Leon * Tofey Leon, senior in biomedical science, said he has a concentration in pre-medicine. * "You just never know what could happen," Leon said. "This process has taught me a lot about myself and what my future goals are. It will greatly influence my ability to have an impact as a physician, no matter what the outcome." Tekisha Rice * Tekisha Rice, senior in human development and family studies, said she was excited when she was sought out to apply to be a Rhodes Scholar. * "Even if I don't receive a scholarship, this has been the best opportunity," Rice said. "It's made me a better writer and has helped me self-reflect on what I want to do with my life." David Shuckerow * David Shuckerow, senior in computer science, said he dreams of producing technology that solves real problems. * "I want to create technology that changes the way people do things for the better," Shuckerow said. "I've always been a people person, and I'm very focused on trying to create the most value for the people I know." Alyssa White * Alyssa White is an alumna in anthropology and Spanish with a minor in Asian studies. White currently resides in the United Kingdom. * "This is a once in a lifetime experience," White said. "There's a professor of archaeology at Oxford who could expand my education farther than I've ever imagined." Peter Lund * Peter Lund, senior in finance, said he hopes to work with start-up companies and help them become successful businesses when he graduates in May. * "It's been a blessing that I was able to apply for this opportunity," Lund said. "Even if I don't get accepted for this, that's not the end, I'll just have to find a different way to get there." Patrick Young * Patrick Young, senior in biomedical science, is expected to graduate in May. Young said applying for the scholarship was one of the best things he ever did. * "My dream is to do a medical administration to better international and developing countries," Young said. "That is the vision I have, and I hope this opportunity will help me pursue it."
(10/31/14 3:30am)
The Auburn men's basketball team's schedule kicks off at home on November 7th against West Alabama.
In an attempt to garner hype for a season that some have said will be the start of a new era in Auburn Basketball, the basketball staff decided to open practice to students and fans for a night dubbed "The Pearl Jam."
Thousands of students piled into the stadium to see the new players head basketball coach Bruce Pearl has assembled, but many of the students I talked to were waiting to see the coach himself.
"I'm excited, mainly to see the passion that Bruce Pearl will bring to the program," junior Jonathan Burson said.
Pearl's enthusiasm was apparent as he came out dressed up as head football coach Gus Malzahn and announced to the crowd that all season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season.
Coach Pearl also made it a point to let the students know that the team would need them this season.
"Together," Pearl said, "I think that we have the opportunity to become relevant in the world of college basketball right away."
In addition to letting the students see the new team, the event was used to teach new cheers for the student section. Pearl even renamed the Auburn student section after a short hype video, dubbing it "The Jungle."
"The university is committed and we are committed to making you guys the best student section in the nation," Pearl said.
Pearl did have issue with one cheer that attempted to use phone alarms to annoy the other team.
"I don't think we will do that one," said Pearl jokingly, "It may be against NCAA rules, and you know how careful I am about NCAA rules."
At the end of the event, and before Pearl gathered the team and students onto the floor for a picture, the new coach spoke about his expectations for the team and where he would like to be at the end of the season.
"I believe with all my heart that Auburn basketball can be one of the top five programs in the SEC every single year, and together we are going to do that," Pearl said.
After the event, one student shared with me his thoughts on the upcoming season.
"The only thing Auburn basketball has been known for is Charles Barkely," senior Eliot Skinner said. "It's about time the basketball program had something else to really get excited about."
With a relatively large turnout tonight, and with their West Alabama exhibition selling out, the basketball program seems to have a good start to the Bruce Pearl era. However, like all other sports, winning will be the only way to sustain the hype.
(11/05/14 5:00pm)
Danielle Tadych has broken every bone in her body at least once, excluding her fingers and toes.
When she was born, she wailed like most babies, but hers was in pain from a broken arm she sustained in the womb.
When she was 6, playing on a trampoline quickly became agonizing. Weighing 20 pounds, Danielle bounced a foot in the air, causing her left arm to snap.
Danielle, junior in environmental science, was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta type III (OI) or brittle bone disease -- a genetic birth defect that prevents bones from producing enough collagen, which makes them weak and easily breakable.
OI is an extremely rare disorder which affects one in 20,000 people.
"My situation could be better, but it could be a lot worse," Danielle said. "When I was younger, I used to think about what I wanted to do and would think, 'I can't,' but then I'd find a way to say, 'I can.' That's what I plan to keep on doing. If there's a will for me to do something, there's a way."
Danielle and her brother, Chris, senior in animal science, commute to Auburn from their home in Opelika every day. Both homeschooled and only one year apart, Chris and Danielle grew up spending most of their time together and share an extremely close bond.
"Danielle has an electric wheelchair now, but for most of our lives, she had one that you push," Chris said. "I spent most of my childhood pushing her in that chair to the point where it felt strange for me to walk without it. That kind of lifestyle seems different to everyone else, but it's the norm for us."
Danielle's physical disability has caused her bones to grow curved and her stature to remain small, which makes her the butt of jokes among her family and friends.
"We harass each other pretty well," Danielle said of her older brothers. "Short jokes always ensue when they're around. If you can't joke about it, what can you do?"
Danielle said she wishes people wouldn't worry so much about being politically correct around her.
"Nowadays you hear people say, 'You can't say handicapped,' because that's politically incorrect," Danielle said. "But it is handicapped. Call it what it is. It's not about what you say, it's how you say it and your intent behind it."
Weighing only 45 pounds at 20 years old, Danielle said she's sure people stare as she rides by, but she said she doesn't notice.
"I'm very comfortable with my disability," Danielle said. "A lot of people aren't, but I'm fine talking about it and answering questions anytime. It's not the elephant in the room that people need to tiptoe around."
Chris said every person defines his or her normal, and Danielle's disability is part of his.
"It's just reality," Chris said. "A lot of our outlook comes from the way our parents raised us and our faith. We know that God made me the way I am and Danielle the way she is for a reason. It's the way it is, and we've embraced it and made the best of it."
Chris and Danielle both plan to get their doctorates and go far with their careers. Because of that, Chris said he's realized he can't drive his sister around forever.
Though she's never stood on her feet, Danielle is learning to drive at Alabama Vocational Rehabilitation.
To meet her transportation needs, Danielle needs to learn to drive, but she also needs a wheelchair-accessible van that will cost approximately $40,000.
"The first time I drove, I was terrified, but it's really exciting," Danielle said. "I can't imagine what it will be like to be behind the wheel of a car that's made specifically for me. I feel blessed beyond measure in every sense of the phrase."
Over the past several months, Danielle has been a part of several fundraisers and a contest to purchase the special equipment she needs, but still needs to raise most of the funds.
Hope, Danielle's mother, said they didn't solicit any of the help or attention they've received to help her daughter.
"We just found ourselves in the middle of it," Hope said. "Because of that, we didn't have to wonder if it was what God wanted us to do -- it was clear. We're supposed to embrace the help and go forward with our fundraising efforts."
Chris said he's enjoyed being his sister's chauffeur over the years, but that it will be great for her to be able to go somewhere by herself in a handicap-accessible van.
"We're working really hard to get one of these vehicles for her," Chris said. "It will change her life."
Danielle and her family have created a Facebook page and fundraiser on GiveForward for the cause
Hope said while she is excited for the opportunity for Danielle to drive, the thought terrifies her like it would any mom.
"I admit I have mixed emotions and often take pause," Hope said "But we're in this for the long haul and we'll do whatever it takes to make sure she can do anything she puts her mind to."
Hope said she's been more than pleased with how kind and accommodating Auburn has been to Danielle, but she wants people to know they aren't waiting for handouts.
"We don't expect people to know about Danielle's disability," Hope said. "That's why we want to educate them that we're okay with it, so they can be, too."
Hope said she hopes people can talk to Danielle and see the person she is when they look at her -- not just the fact she's in a wheelchair.
"If you just talk to Danielle, you'll realize there's a big person inside that little bitty body," Hope said. "Danielle is just like you and the only thing different about her is that her bones grow differently."
Danielle said she has something to overcome everyday, but she's blessed because she has the support she needs to do it.
"Everyone has their own struggles to deal with," Danielle said. "This is mine. It's been mine for my entire life, and from driving to my career, I'm not going to let it stop me from going for the things I want to do."
To donate to Danielle's cause, visit giveforward.com/changedanielleslife and like her Facebook page, Change Danielle's Life.
(10/30/14 7:30pm)
Auburn's head chef has found a way to eat healthy and make delicious meals in a microwave.
"This is a new thing to me, as I have not professionally cooked in a microwave for 25 years," said Emil Topel, senior executive chef of Chartwells.
Chartwells is the food service contractor at Auburn, where Topel uses his culinary skills to leave his mark on campus.
Raised in England, Topel attended culinary school in London before moving to the United States at age 19.
Topel has experience in many restaurants and hotels, owned a gourmet market, produced his own gourmet sauces and wrote and published his own Auburn cookbook.
Currently, Topel oversees every culinary operation on campus and is the brains behind the Plains to Plate dining venue, which has brought sustainable and locally grown foods to campus.
Topel partnered with the Office of Sustainability to teach students to cook meals with microwaves through the Microwave Meals in Minutes event Wednesday, Oct. 22.
"With the dorms on campus and limited cooking equipment, this is a good class to teach so students can create quick, easy meals," Topel said.
Topel said he would use a variety of ingredients, including a store-bought rotisserie chicken, to teach students some basics of cooking and offer simple culinary solutions.
"Speed is a benefit of cooking in a microwave," Topel said. "And in a dorm room with limited equipment, it is a good alternative that can lower expenses and provide healthy meals."
Topel said he loves cooking because it allows him to be creative, loves watching his guests enjoy what he produces.
Mike Kelser, director of the Office of Sustainability, said he admires Topel and is glad he participated in the event.
Kesler said the purpose of the Microwave Meals in Minutes event is to provide students with ideas to eat healthier in dorms.
Topel instructed students on how to cook microwave meals, sustainability when it comes to food, ways to support the local economy and how to eat healthier.
"He has a passion for creating fresh and nutritious food," Kelser said.
According to Kelser, Topel makes a special effort to teach students how to eat well and fresh.
"That's his mission in life," Kelser said. "He's a real asset to Auburn."
Hallie Nelson, sophomore in biosystems engineering, serves as an event-planning intern for the Office of Sustainability.
Nelson said she worked alongside fellow intern Nathan McWhirter, junior in mechanical engineering, to plan the Microwave Meals in Minutes events and chose Topel as the instructor because of his advanced culinary skills.
According to Nelson, Topel has participated in culinary events before, but never using a microwave.
"I think he did a great job coming up with recipes that the students will love," Nelson said.
Nelson said she is thankful Topel is passionate about combining sustainability with food.
Amy Strickland, program manager for the Office of Sustainability, said she agrees with Kelser that Topel is a valuable part of the Auburn Family.
Strickland said Topel will be successful at encouraging students to make better microwavable culinary choices, "which does not include ramen noodles."
(10/30/14 3:00pm)
Join the Auburn Family on Nov. 1 in the Gay Street Parking Lot for the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game on the big screen. Festivities begin at 5 p.m followed by a 6 p.m kickoff. Admission is free and open to the public.
This is an event for the entire family. Kids can enjoy inflatables while hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for purchase through on-site vendors. Downtown restaurants offer take out perfect for family dinner during the game.
Guests can begin arriving at 5 p.m in order to secure a spot and are encouraged to bring tailgate chairs and blankets.
Meg Rainey, public relations specialists for parks recreation, said the Gay Street Parking Lot has been a great place to host several downtown events.
The location is perfect for traffic flow and large enough to sustain a crowd. The Auburn Vs. Kansas State screening hosted 300 people, and it is hoped this event will attract more, Rainey explained in an interview.
Auburn Downtown shops will not be extending hours, but the business impacts on local restaurants will be substantial according to Sarah Brown, owner of Wrapsody.
"It's hard being a business owner when the games are away," Brown said. "All the business leaves, but with an event like this we are able to get that back."
However, not everyone agrees that these events help increase business.
Matthew Casey is a bartender at both Halftime and The Hound Bar & Restaurant.
"If anything business decreases because there is less parking," Casey said.
When people who attend these events go to watch the game. If they want to watch the game and drink they go the bar Casey explained.
Still according to Brown the City of Auburn has worked really hard to make these events profitable for downtown businesses.
"It's been a great having the events on Gay Street," Brown said. "I attend the Kansas State showing with my family and we really enjoyed it, and the restaurants were kept busy."
Because the event is part of the downtown entertainment district, any alcoholic beverages bought at the downtown dinning locations are allowed inside the event, however, outside glass containers and alcohol are not.
Toomer's Corner is just a walk away, providing the ideal game day location according to Rainey.
"We've taken care of all the tailgating needs," Rainey said. "It's a great opportunity to come downtown with the family shop, eat, and enjoy the game."
Sponsors of the event include Satellite & Electronic Innovations, The Tailgate Guys & The Event Group and Summit Graphics.
The event is also made possible by the downtown businesses such as Tiger Rags, who is providing shakers to the first 200 guests.
Anyone interested in more information should contact Meg Rainey with Parks and Recreation at (334)-501-2930.
(10/21/14 2:38am)
The Student Government Association's Senate Council meeting voted unanimously Monday, Oct. 20, to approve the creation of a Diversity Learning Community on Auburn's campus.
First-year students interested in matters of culture, religion, race and inclusion will have the opportunity to learn alongside peers with similar interests and identities.
Though the learning community is not a "living-learning" community just yet, College of Liberal Arts Senator and senior in political science Dillon Nettles said he believes it's a step in the right direction.
"As a senator, I thought it was important the First-Year-Experience Office knew that this was something that was in the interest of students," Nettles said. "I hope as a member of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity that SGA can expand upon issues of diversity, LGBT rights, issues of race, gender, even class on this campus. Those are all things that our committee wants to promote throughout the rest of our term, and I hope that more legislation like this will come to the floor.
The learning community was established as part of a resolution put forward by the College of Liberal Arts.
Nettles said he was happy to bring the issue of a diversity learning community to SGA's attention, but he felt it was not his responsibility to mandate a timetable for its completion.
"It's really a framework to work within and it doesn't actually implement a specific date," Nettles said. "It was important not to do that because I felt that administrators tasked with carrying out the learning community process can do it in the way that they feel will be most beneficial for students.
Members of Spectrum, Auburn's on-campus gay-straight alliance, were in attendance to offer support and gratitude.
Max Zinner, senior in anthropology and Spectrum political affairs director said the establishment of the learning community was a big step in correcting Auburn's LGBT image problem.
"I don't know if you're aware, but Auburn's been listed as one of the most LGBT-unfriendly colleges by The Princeton Review," Zinner said. "Anything that the University can do to get off that list is great. Anything that can be done to make an underrepresented community, especially the LGBT community, more visible would be very welcome by Spectrum."
Auburn University was also recently recognized by The Princeton Review in their 2014 edition of their "Guide To Green Colleges," the only college in Alabama to do so.
In appreciation for their efforts, SGA voted to specially recognize the Office of Sustainability for their work in keeping Auburn's campus clean and green.
There was a brief presentation from the Office of Compliance from within the Athletic Department regarding NCAA infractions at Auburn.
Though there are currently no malpractice claims filed by the NCAA against Auburn, the Athletic Department aims to nip any future infractions in the bud.
"There are two things in the Athletic Department we try to live by," said associate athletic director Dave Didion. "Tell the truth, no matter how painful, and if you see something say something."
Didion said it's easy to get in trouble when you don't understand the NCAA rules, having worked for the NCAA for 25 years himself.
The Athletic Department asks the student body and community not give student-athletes any extra benefits, make special arrangements in restaurants or at businesses for them or to contact future athletic prospects outside of approved Athletic Department communications.
Even paying for a student's free lunch could put Auburn and the team in jeopardy, Didion said.
"If you are friends with someone who is being recruited by Auburn and they send you texts, leave it to the coaches, unless you're a lifelong friend," Didion said. "In any case, you should contact the compliance department first to make sure you're OK. You're helping to protect their eligibility to play college sports."
Next week, a resolution to extend the amount of time between the formal end of the school semester and the beginning of exam week will be up for vote.
The proposition wants to add additional "dead days," or open weekdays, to the schedule for the first time since Feb. 2010.
(10/16/14 6:00pm)
In the midst of class, tests and deadlines, slowing down and enjoying a meal has become a lost art.
In today's culture, eating at a greasy fast food chain is the easy way out. Auburn gives students the opportunity to have quality ingredients at fast-food speed. Any self-proclaimed foodie, such as myself, will tell you it is more about what you are eating, not where you are eating.
As an avid cook and meal planner, I typically try to do my homework on what is in season, and then use that to navigate my order at a restaurant.
In October, keep an eye out for sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin and broccoli. Those are a few of the in-season vegetables many restaurants may offer as they become available.
Vegetarians and vegans alike have jumped on the foodie train, as they are rely more heavily on quality ingredients. Vegetarians and vegans depend on natural foods with protein, such as beans and nuts, to sustain their energy. On campus, there are restaurants that can meet your needs.
Auburn's dining services are taking leaps and bounds to serve local ingredients and produce from Lee County. Students, jump on this offer.
Eating local cuts out the middleman, which in some cases is a corporate manufacturer adding preservatives to food. Foodies thrive on local, natural ingredients because gourmet meals consist of fresh flavors.
One of the latest trends is farm-to-table dining. Eating food grown in our region has never been easier or better for you. Farmers' markets are booming and restaurants are hearing the cry for fresh and local foods.
Auburn's Campus Dining started the Eat Local campaign as an awareness to students that eating local has many benefits in flavor and in one's health. It was created to educate students on the importance of eating fresh and local while supporting the community around us.
However, no one said eating well was necessarily good to your credit card. There is a price to pay if you want to indulge in quality ingredients. Fortunately, Auburn gives students a generous allowance to play with. Especially the on-campus dwellers. With $995 per semester, on-campus students are not going to go hungry.
For commuting students, such as myself, we have to be a little more conscientious of where our dollar is being spent. With $300 per semester on our Tiger Card meal plan, we are given less wiggle room to splurge. That being said, creativity is key in deciding what to eat.
From make-your-own sushi to smoothie trucks, Auburn's campus dining services does not fall short. Next time you are feeling adventurous, try something new and support your local farmers.
(10/10/14 4:30am)
Autumn is in the air, and sweaters, cardigans and boots are once again making their appearance.
But as every college kid knows, we are all poor.
Yes, that's right. You really shouldn't buy those designer jeans or that ugly, oversized Christmas sweater we all know you really think is beautiful.
Yet the unyielding desire to have them still triumphs.
But never fear, there is an alternative to this shopping problem. It's the thrift store.
What was once known as a place exclusively for those in need is now an up-and-coming shopping trend.
Nowadays, young adults and teenagers visit thrift stores to find quality clothes other people have either grown out of or simply don't want anymore.
This trend reflects a sustainable mindset, as customers are now recycling clothes and contributing to charities or churches instead of discarding them.
It's important to be careful about checking clothes and be wary of their condition, but in my experience, most clothing is fine.
One of the most attractive aspects of the wonderful land that is the thrift store is you can find clothing for nearly half the price of its in-store value, though each store's pricing may vary.
Plus, a lot of it is name-brand apparel.
In my shopping experience, I have bought J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, Aeropostale, Coldwater Creek and several other quality brands from the thrift store in great condition for prices ranging from $1-6.
Sometimes the process of thrifting can be overwhelming, especially when testing the waters.
Here are a few suggestions that may be useful as you delve into this new form of shopping.
* Find a friend. Friends help make for a fun atmosphere.
* Know what you're looking for.This definitely shreds off the anxiety of thrift shopping, especially when entering a larger store.
Often, clothes aren't neatly arranged like in mall stores, so knowing what style or color of clothing you're looking for will help ease your search time.
* Be patient. Thrifting is a process. It is not always as simple as grab and go, depending on how large and organized the store is.
This means you may need to take some time to sift through the racks. Take your time looking; the more patient you are, the more likely you'll spot something.
* Be aware. Always inspect your potential purchases for quality. Know materials, manufacturing and return policy to ensure top-notch purchases.
* Don't worry. Have fun with it and keep an open mind. Some days you will find nothing that fits well or strikes your fancy, but other times you will be overwhelmed with great selections.
Thrift shopping is a great way to save money and get quality clothes you like.
Find your local thrift store and give it a try, keeping some of these tips in mind.
Happy thrifting!
(09/29/14 6:40pm)
Most students are aware of the recycling bins around campus and have probably contributed a plastic bottle or two.
However, some people are unaware of what happens to their recycling after they throw it in the bin.
Courtney Washburn, recycling coordinator in the waste reduction and recycling department, said the trash and recyclables from campus go through a specific process.
"The custodians service it first," Washburn said. "Then our staff get it and they bring it back to the food service building. They unload the bins and there's someone here sorting them. By sorting, I mean we're taking it from a small bin and putting it into a larger one."
Washburn said the recycling is sorted into three different categories: plastic and aluminum, mixed paper and cardboard.
"All the recycling from campus comes to our parking lot," Washburn said. "We have a compacter for paper and a roll off for plastic and aluminum. We also have cardboard bailers. You basically just stick the cardboard into it and it spits it out bailed."
According to Washburn, the materials are then sent to multiple locations off campus.
"They're called material recovery facilities, but we call them MRFs," Washburn said. "They're basically a recycling center. The MRF is kind of the middle-man."
Washburn said the plastics and aluminum go to a MRF in Columbus, Georgia.
The mixed paper and cardboard is sent to one in Lee County and the waste from construction and demolition is sent to Sand Hill in Lee County.
Washburn said there is a reason their system is so complex.
"A lot of places do single stream," Washburn said. "That's where you put everything in one bin, you send it to the MRF and they separate it for you. It's very simple. But there's also a very high contamination rate because people can throw everything in. They do and it can get messy."
According to Washburn, mixed paper and cardboard are some of the most recycled materials in Auburn.
"That's where most of our revenue comes from, cardboard and mixed paper," Washburn said. "If we mixed them in together it wouldn't be as valuable. Having that single material is more profitable. And there's lower contamination rates," Washburn said.
According to Washburn, Auburn's diversion rate has room for improvement.
"You measure recycling success through what we call diversion rate," Washburn said. "You measure diversion rate by looking at your total waste, trash and recycling added together, then you find out how much of your total waste was diverted from the landfill. Basically, how much of it was recycled.
The University's diversion rate is 13 percent.
"The national average is around 30 percent," Washburn said.
According to the EPA's website, tax incentives are offered for purchasing recycling equipment.
These tax incentives range from 10-50 percent of equipment costs.
Auburn was recently named one of the greenest universities in the nation.
Mike Kensler, director of campus sustainability operations, said he knows how Auburn became one of the most sustainable campuses.
"About 10 years ago, a couple of Auburn deans saw sustainability as an important trend," Kensler said. "Now we have so much going on compared to the rest of Alabama."
(09/26/14 1:30pm)
Tiger Dining, the Office of Sustainability and the waste reduction and recycling department have been working to remove all Styrofoam from Auburn's campus. The last to go were Chick-fil-A's Styrofoam cups.
"It's one of those processes that we kept chipping away at, and we eliminated it everywhere we could," said Glenn Loughridge, director of campus dining. "We just had that last domino fall."
These groups meet monthly to discuss projects to make Auburn as sustainable as possible.
The cost of removing the Styrofoam cups will cost Chartwells an additional $5,000 per year, but Courtney Washburn, recycling coordinator at the waste reduction and recycling department, said she believes the benefits outweigh the cost.
"I think it makes a statement, and it's a step in the right direction," Washburn said. "The fact that the University is making a stand to not purchase this product is almost priceless."
According to Washburn, the process of making Styrofoam causes air pollution and possibly cancer.
Washburn also said the disposal of Styrofoam takes more effort than paper.
"Styrofoam tends to be kind of bulky in waste bins, it doesn't squish down like paper cups do," Strickland said. "More workers have to check them, and more trips to the landfill have to be taken."
However, the new paper cups cannot be recycled because of the wax coating used to contain the liquid.
Though the cups cannot be thrown in the recycle bin, they leave a smaller environmental footprint than Styrofoam, according to Amy Strickland, program manager at the Office of Sustainability.
"Even though we can't recycle the paper cups, they've been replaced with something that will more readily break down," Strickland said.
The waste reduction and recycling department said they have been working to begin a composting program by participating in a compost pilot program with Village Dining.
In one month, Village Dining collected 4,621 pounds of compostable food.
"Compost is definitely in the works, but we aren't there yet," Washburn said.
Loughridge said his goal is for campus to be as sustainable as possible.
"Our goal is to continue toward zero waste, and that's not going to be something that appears overnight," Loughridge said. "It's a process and it's something we have to work for. We can start here, and maybe we can reach out into the greater community."
