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A spirit that is not afraid

Culture

A large popcorn bucket sits prominently in front of a movie screen, with a filmstrip curling around it.

Thanksgiving movie guide: New films to see in theaters

Thanksgiving is a time that students can finally kick up their feet and relax before finals season comes into full swing. November is typically a time when major movies come out. Do you want to go enjoy a cinematic production on the big screen, while munching on extremely-buttered popcorn and sipping a cold soda? Maybe this sounds appealing, but you have no idea what movie ticket to buy. Luckily for you, I have created a guide of the top three highly-anticipated movie releases that Auburn students will be making sure they go see this Thanksgiving break. In no particular order, here are the must-see movie releases to enjoy this holiday season.


The Auburn Campus Food Pantry's glass door, which features an orange circular sign that reads "CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY," and information about food pantry hours is visible below.

Giving back in times of food insecurity

With the holidays approaching, this is a season of practicing gratitude, giving back and eating delicious food. For many in East Alabama though, food insecurity complicates the season. Food insecurity, the lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, affects at least 16% of Lee County. In times of need, Auburn offers plenty of ways to get involved and give back to the community.


Brain with gears in background.

BrainSTEM guides neurodivergent students to success

College is a notoriously difficult transitional period for young adults because of a mix of increased responsibilities, rigorous studies and a sense of newfound independence. BrainSTEM is a new student organization at Auburn University that seeks to assist all neurodivergent students, who may especially struggle during this transition, with achieving their goals, while providing a community consisting of other self-identifying neurodivergent students.

Football players in white jerseys interact with enthusiastic fans reaching over a barrier, celebrating a victorious moment in a stadium at night.

Auburn's culture of away games

For Auburn students, away games are more than a weekend trip – they’re a ritual. Students plan their fall schedules around the football season, as flocks of students pack their cars to get ready for game days across the Southeast. No matter if a game is home or away, Auburn students bring the same loyalty, passion and sense of belonging everywhere they go. The trip might be long and the city may look different, but the feeling remains the same. There is no doubt that Auburn fans show up for their team and for each other.

GrubHub sign captured in the Chick-fil-A in the Auburn Student Center.

Auburn Campus Dining adapts to students' wants

When it comes to the college student experience, it is safe to say that food is a huge part of it. Auburn University has a variety of options, from dining halls like The Edge to on-campus chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. However, despite the positives, students and staff alike feel like Auburn's dining options have room for improvement.

Santa Claus sits on a chair surrounded by poinsettias, with a campus backdrop and people walking by.

Christmas countdown with Auburn's Letters to Santa program

With the holidays rapidly approaching, excitement is ramping up for Auburn’s unique Christmas traditions that celebrate community and spread joy through various events. Among the most popular is Letters to Santa, a program that allows children from Auburn and surrounding areas to send letters to Santa Claus and receive a letter in return. For several years, the city of Auburn has sponsored this program for children every holiday season.

Graphic with question mark over a calendar in front of a Christmas tree with music notes, a record and headphones around it.

Noel in November: When Auburn students start listening to Christmas music

The unique aspect about holidays is that every individual is able to celebrate them differently. While some people are persistent in beginning Christmas festivities only after Thanksgiving, others eagerly await the morning of Nov. 1 to bring on the holiday spirit. There is one major point of contention, though, for all of those who celebrate Christmas. When is the proper time to start playing Christmas music?

STEM: Deer Lab photo 2

Auburn’s Whitetail Deer Lab: A leader in wildlife study and conservation

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their respective fields. One such opportunity is with the college’s whitetail Deer Lab – a facility that not only studies the characteristics and breeding patterns of deer but also raises conservational awareness for wild animals.

A woman in a white dress with floral embellishments joyfully holds a pom-pom in front of a red brick building.

In memory of Lainey Anderson

Filled with overflowing kindness and a welcoming spirit, Lainey Anderson made an effort to spread love wherever she went. During her time at Auburn, she was dedicated to including everyone at the table, while being a constant friend in her relationships. Anderson graduated from Auburn this past May with a degree in professional flight from the School of Aviation with a minor in finance. She was also a certified flight instructor at Sander’s Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.

Many students are outside the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center. Contributed by Leanne Greene.

Staying active in Auburn

Whether students enjoy late afternoon runs in "The Rec," walks with friends around campus or fitness classes conveniently located near their apartment, there is no shortage of ways to stay active in Auburn. Within the past couple of years, recent fitness additions, such as workout classes or local gyms, have grown to help students maintain healthy lifestyles year-round. These new fitness communities are becoming multigenerational, as they are populated with college students and residents who enjoy a breadth of exercise options.

A colorful children's book titled "Andy: A Dog's Tale" features a cheerful cartoon dog on the cover, with multiple copies stacked below it.

Award-winning animation director Jamy Wheless introduces newest character at Auburn Public Library

Animator, veteran of Lucasfilm, director and Auburn University alumnus Jamy Wheless hosted an event at the Auburn Public Library on Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. to introduce one of his newest characters: Andy the future service dog. Andy made his debut in a short film directed by Wheless and is now the star of a brand-new children’s book based on the film.