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Discover Auburn lecture focuses on evolution

By Simpson Fletcher/ Staff Writer | November 20

The Discover Auburn series, a yearlong series featuring programs on research, history and other topics of interest, held its last lecture of 2009 Wednesday afternoon, titled "Evolution Proven: The Curious Development of American Anti-Evolution."The talk was given by Charles Israel, chair of Auburn's Department of History, in the Special Collections and Archives Department of the Draughon Library.A special exhibit commemorating the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Darwin's "Origin of Species" is in the Special Collections and Archives Department as well.

A Look Under the Curtains, Cast of 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' Tells All

By Theadoris Morris/ Staff Writer | November 19

The play, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon, had its opening night last Friday at the Telfair Peet Theatre.Brighton Beach, the third of eight productions this year, will be running for six days.The play is about the struggles of a Brooklyn family during the worst year of the Great Depression.

Tubbi and Martin Win Last Comic Standing

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | November 19

The comedy duo Tubbi and Martin had students laughing as they took home first place at Thursday's Last Comic Standing.

Auburn Students Compete in Costume Contest During Screening of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'.

By Brittany Cosby / Campus Editor | November 19

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.At least that was the case Tuesday night when Harry Potter fans dressed like their favorite characters to attend the screening of the year six film, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."In this installment, Voldemort has returned in full force while Harry, Ron and Hermione return to new troubles at Hogwarts.Harry begins taking private lessons from Dumbledore, while Ron dabbles in a new relationship creating a rift with Hermione.Harry becomes suspicious of his school rival, Draco Malfoy, who Harry believes is up to something with the help of Snape."I have been a fan since the beginning of the novel and film series," said Mitchell Kilpatrick, sophomore in social science secondary education and costume constest winner.

Four Auburn Grads Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | November 19

Four Auburn graduates who went on to be movers and shakers will find recognition from the Auburn Alumni Association as its Lifetime Achievement Award is distributed next March.The 2010 recipients will be Robert Kenneth Johns '57, Smith Lanier '49, Gerald Smith '61 and Kathryn Thorton '74."Numerous individuals are nominated each year who have had significant careers and made outstanding contributions over their life times," said Debbie Shaw, vice president for alumni affairs and executive director of the Auburn Alumni Association.

Past Aubies Reflect on Time as Mascot

By Michael Hansberry/ Staff Writer | November 19

Aubie stands as one of the official symbols for Auburn University to many Auburn students and fans alike.Julian Holmes created the prototype decades ago, yet the same costume is still worn today.Every five years there is a "Friends of Aubie" reunion at the University and all the alumni come together to celebrate.Debbie Shaw, vice president of alumni affairs, hosts what she calls a geographic reunion in Atlanta during the Auburn-Georgia game, because she said so many past "Friends of Aubie" live in the area.Shaw said the geographic reunion is their chance to go to them, instead of having them come back to Auburn."It has been extremely important to me that we stay connected with these folks," Shaw said, who served as adviser to Aubie for 20 years before handing the position over to Mike Reynolds four years ago.

Auburn Students Build Their Own Degrees

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | November 19

For those who can't find a major that suits them, they can now make their own.One of Auburn's newest academic programs allows for students to build their own degree, creating a personalized discipline that meets their individual interests.The Interdisciplinary University Studies program is currently in its first year at Auburn under the direction of Patricia Duffy, professor in agricultural economics, and Doyle Bickers, the registrar-continuing.

Voices Against Hunger

By Theadoris Morris/ Staff Writer | November 19

As the weekend concluded, Auburn University's Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs ended Sunday night promoting hunger awareness with the Voices Against Hunger Gospel Fest Fundraiser.The purpose of the fundraiser was to unite communities across Alabama in a spirit of giving as part of a local food drive to replenish food pantries in Lee and Macon counties.The fundraiser was from 5 p.m.

Lee County Master Gardeners Show Off Beauty of Nature on Auburn's Campus

By Emily Beckett/ Staff Writer | November 19

Nature provided pleasant commentary in the form of birds chirping, branches swaying and leaves rustling during a guided tour of the Donald E.

Architecture, Design Holds Open House

By Emily Beckett/ Staff Writer | November 19

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction laid a foundation for prospective students to use in building their futures during the second annual college-wide graduate recruiting open house in Dudley Hall, Gorrie Center and Wallace Center, Friday.CADC featured master's programs in landscape architecture, community planning, building construction and industrial design, as well as two new programs, design-build and real estate development."We are excited to have the support of the dean's office to host such an open house," said Joyce Griffin, director of student services for the CADC.

Auburn Media Digital Resource Lab Goes Modern

By Michael Hansberry/ Staff Writer | November 19

The Media Digital Resource Lab, or MDRL as students and faculty know it, is the one-stop shop for class projects, especially digital needs, such as editing video and making posters.Students can either use the Mac computers or PCs, which features the entire Adobe Creative Suite, high-end video editing such as Final Cut and the iLife series.There are also two large-format printers that print 36-inch-wide rolls.Students can use the MDRL's resources as long as it's for class."Society as a whole is moving toward a digital world," said Gary Hawkins, information technology specialist, who has worked in the MDRL for the past five years.

Beat Bama Food Drive Finishes 15th Program

By Jordan Dailey/ Assistant Campus Editor | November 19

The Iron Bowl is viewed by many as the biggest rivalry between Auburn and Alabama.But in the weeks preceding the yearly football match-up, another competition is going on.The Beat Bama Food Drive is in its 15th year as an annual installment with both universities."The drive supports the East Alabama Food Bank," said Jahnna Hall, SGA chief of staff.In the past 15 years of the competition, more than 1.5 million pounds of food for people across the state have been gathered, according to the Beat Bama Food Drive Web site."The purpose of the Beat Bama Food Drive is to reach out to the Auburn community and surrounding areas by providing them with nonperishable food items that will help them through the holiday season," said Millie Harrison, assistant director of the food drive.In last year's competition, Auburn lost to Alabama by 58,716 pounds of food."The food drive's goal this year was 250,000 pounds," Harrison said.But, as of Monday night, Auburn's collection bins weren't overflowing with donations."Currently, we have an estimated 44,000 pounds of food, which is way below our goal," Hall said.

Auburn Mariners Hear From General

By Aubrie Davis/ Staff Writer | November 19

Retired Gen. Carl Mundy, the 30th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, addressed students and faculty at the Lowder Business building last Thursday.Mundy spoke about the nation's armed forces and national security.The event was hosted by the Auburn University Mariners.The Mariners is a campus organization thats mission is to aid in the advancement of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and support the purposes, traditions and concepts of the U.S.

Auburn alum speaks on campus

By Mary-Glenn Smith/ Staff Writer | November 16

"Where will you be in 2069 - 60 years from now?"That was the question moderator Mark Wilson, assistant director for the Center of Art and Humanities, asked a room full of Auburn students who had gathered to hear Daniel J. Meador speak Tuesday in the Student Center.In 1949, Meador, a native of Greenville, graduated from Auburn with a B.S. degree in pre-law.Sixty years later, the distinguished alum was back on campus to discuss his life and many accomplishments since graduating from the University.

Students showcase talent at open mic night

By Theadoris Morris/ Staff Writer | November 16

Students displayed their vocal and instrumental talents as they performed at UPC's second Open Mic night of the semester.The event was held in the Student Center November 9 at 7 p.m., with the sound system and speakers setup along with about 40 people in attendance."I was kind of nervous because I'm not used to singing in front of this kind of crowd," said Sierra Hicks, freshman in sociology, who sung "Save Room" by John Legend. "But my friends were there to support me, and I really like John Legend."

Students Beat Bama with 'Bingo 'n Chicken'

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | November 12

Numerals and empty calories were king in the Student Center Ballroom last Thursday as "Beat Bama Bingo 'n Chicken" got into full swing.Auburn Residence Hall Association hosted the event to gather supplies for the Beat Bama Food Drive.

AUBURN HOMECOMING: NPHC Hosts Homecoming Step Show Benefiting December Toy Drive

By Theodoris Morris / STAFF WRITER | November 12

The sounds of stomping, chanting and loud music echoed through the Student Activity Center as fraternities, sororities, students and supporters from the Auburn community celebrated the annual National Pan-Hellenic Homecoming Step Show, Friday.The doors opened at 5:30 p.m., and tickets were sold for $5 in advance for students and $15 for anyone at the door.Bia Pete, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, coordinated the event.The seven fraternities and sororities that participated had been practicing and coordinating for weeks leading up to the step show."It is tradition," said Heather Horn, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Counsel.

Auburn's Executive MBA Program Ranks 40th in Nation

By Blake Hamilton / Associate Campus Editor | November 12

Auburn's executive MBA programs have joined the University's already extensive directory of internationally ranked curricula, receiving mention in the Financial Times' list of the world's best.The programs have been in existence for 11 years and are ranked 40th in the nation.