Culture

AU Singers: The family behind the music

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | March 4

Often when people think of show choir, their minds instantly go towards media like the tv show Glee– its dramatic storytelling and expert song and dance entrancing even most tone-deaf audience members. However, the AU Singers, Auburn’s very own show choir led by Conductor Dale Farmer, brings a whole new level of dedication and love towards art. The group, consisting of 36+ vocalists and 12 instrumentalists, is working extremely hard to prepare themselves for their Spring Show; a performance that is guaranteed to knock the socks off of anyone who watches.

A collage illustration of a toilet roll, alongside of a tiger plushie, two people smilling with each other and a book with an A grade on it.

What does Auburn mean to students?

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | March 3

For the past 170 years, Auburn University has provided countless students with higher education. Beginning as East Alabama Male College, Auburn’s history is rich and full of diversity. Auburn’s educational scene has shifted significantly from the beginning of its charter on Feb. 1, 1856. As of today, Auburn offers over 150 majors to undergraduate students. In addition to academics, students engage with Auburn through extracurricular clubs, school-sponsored programs, and sporting events. The student body is the defining factor of Auburn University. Engagement, enjoyment, and education are what students mean to Auburn. However, that invites one to question, what does Auburn mean to students?

A two-story red brick house is surrounded by lush green plants and wisteria flowers, featuring decorative windows and a central doorway.

‘Bridgerton’ is so back: Review of season four

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | March 2

On Jan. 29 and Feb. 26, Netflix released the fourth season of its hit series "Bridgerton" in two parts. The drama is set in the regency era, following the affluent and popular Bridgerton family, with each season focusing on one of the Bridgerton siblings and their love stories. Season four features second son Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) attempting to locate a mysterious woman he met at a masquerade ball, who actually ends up being a maid named Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). This season in particular portrays a mixture of emotions, all while successfully bringing back the charm that made viewers fall in love with the show in the first place.

Patrick Barnett and Kathryn Mims play Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett respectively in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" presented by the Auburn University Theatre Department. Contributed by Henry Eiland.

Tunes and terror: Auburn University Theatre Department presents 'Sweeney Todd'

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | February 26

From Feb. 19 through Feb. 28, Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts is hosting a series of performances of the iconic literary and theatrical musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The Department of Theatre and Dance is putting on a presentation of the musical, complete with singing, laughter and murderous fun.

Dr. Rex Dunham: Making waves in aquaculture since 1978

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | February 24

Professor Dr. Rex Dunham, has been affiliated with the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences since 1978, making him the current longest active professor at Auburn University. During Dunham's 48 years at Auburn, he has made extraordinary waves in his research surrounding aquaculture and is recognized as a global pioneer in the genetic improvement of catfish.

Taimoor Hassan speaks at an event. | Contributed by Taimoor Hassan

Taimoor Hassan: Developer of Qalb, the world's largest Urdu large language model

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | February 23

Taimoor Hassan developed Qalb, the world’s largest Urdu Large Language Model (LLM), as a second-year graduate student in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

An open locket features a black-and-white image of a tree, set against a lace-covered green background with bronze ribbons.

Heights without depth: A review of 'Wuthering Heights'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 21

The newly released 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights,” directed by Emerald Fennel, is likely the most infuriating attempt at adapting a classic novel I have ever watched. It acts in contrast to everything the novel does right, has nothing to say and handles its darker elements with a surprising lack of grace.

A group of students socializing with each other and a man in a suit. Archive photo.

The Loveliest Village: An Irish poem turned Auburn moniker

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | February 19

Auburn, in its 170 years of schooling, has claimed many names, vocations and slogans. Two of Auburn’s most recognized slogans have origins from Oliver Goldsmith’s 1770 poem "The Deserted Village."

Big Al and Aubie pose for a photo with a man. Archived photo.

More than a mascot: A deep dive on Aubie

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 18

The energetic, head-bobbling beloved mascot of Auburn University, Aubie the Tiger has been a fan favorite now for over 60 years. His charm and ability to get the crowd on their feet have consistently won over new and longtime fans alike. It’s hard to imagine a time before this lovable mascot was the face of Auburn, but Aubie has not always been around.

Wearing an orange and blue sweater, Danyelle Hillman is lifted and poses for a stunt. Contributed by Danyelle Hillman.

Danyelle Hillman: Auburn's first African American female cheerleader

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | February 18

When Auburn University marketing alumna Danyelle Hillman decided to try out for the Auburn University Cheerleading Team in 1995, she did not initially realize the lasting impact her role would have on the University. 30 years after becoming Auburn’s first African American female cheerleader, Hillman, now an instructional technology specialist for Muscle Shoals City Schools, reflects on how she has carried the spirit of Auburn with her throughout her career in business and education.

A black-and-white vintage gramophone surrounded by bright yellow musical notes and abstract shapes against a textured teal background.

The 2026 Grammys recap: What you should know

By Emily Edgy | Lifestyle Writer | February 15

Every year, artists and viewers alike wait anxiously for the Grammy Awards. It has something in it for everyone: red-carpet looks, iconic performances and the chance to see artists recognized for their hard work and talents. It also has the potential to produce heavy political commentary on the current state of our world. This year was no exception, as the 68th Annual Grammys proved to be an important year for the awards show.

A yellow silhouette of a figure with a hood and wings is set against a black background.

Fear the Yellow Sign: 'The King in Yellow' analysis

By Logan Myers | Columnist | February 11

For almost 150 years, horror author Robert W. Chambers' "The King in Yellow" has entrapped the minds of artists and readers alike. No matter where you turn, this collection of short stories has served as inspiration across the arts, from books to video games to television, while its namesake entity lurks, silently watching from the shadows.

The Fight Against Suicide comes to Auburn

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | February 10

On Friday, Feb. 20, mental health nonprofit The Fight Against Suicide (TFAS) will host its second annual boxing match event in Auburn, bringing the community together to confront one of the most pressing mental health challenges facing young adults today. Through the event, TFAS works to raise awareness of suicide and suicidal ideation among individuals ages 18 to 25 through prevention-focused education and open dialogue. Students can stay connected by following @tfasauburn on Instagram, where they share updates, resources and opportunities for students seeking help or wanting to make a difference. The events leading up to fight week are available to anybody to sign up through either the Instagram or Auburn tab on the official TFAS website.

Two figures in vacation clothing lying down on beach chairs, facing towards each other and smiling.

From friends to lovers: 'The People We Meet on Vacation' review

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | February 10

"The People We Meet on Vacation" is a natural and heartfelt romantic comedy that was recently released on Jan. 9, 2026. This uplifting film captures the beauty of connection, timing and personal growth as experienced through two characters navigating their life and love across years of shared adventures. Directed by Brett Haley, the film combines realistic endeavors with themes of passion, confidence and staying true to oneself. From beginning to end, this film takes the audience on a compelling journey that lasts long after the movie ends.

A vintage television displays a notepad with handwritten text and roses, accompanied by a green pen.

Shakespeare play turned 90s rom-com: '10 Things I Hate About You’ review

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | February 9

As the Valentine’s season draws near, romantic comedy movies tend to be a popular category, with ‘10 Things I Hate About You (1999)’ being a forerunner for the more modern take on the genre. The film follows the two Stratford sisters: abrasive and antisocial Kat (Julia Stiles) and popular and yearner-for-romance Bianca (Larisa Oleynik). When their strict father says Bianca can’t date until Kat does, two of their peers, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Michael (David Krumholtz), do whatever they can to find Kat her ideal mate.

Reverend Dale Braxton at a workshop in Hale County, Alabama, for the "Sew Their Names" project.

The Jule Art Museum hosts Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts hosted the 2026 Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture as an all-day event on Feb. 7. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a series of exhibitions, speakers and other explorations of art originating from or inspired by the South, alongside its usual art displays. Entry to the event was free and various artists and speakers came to further explain their work.

Ferrophobia: A review of 'Iron Lung'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

“Iron Lung” is a must-see for any fans of unique horror, especially eldritch horror, and its smaller scale doesn’t hold it back from being an ambitious movie and a perfect example of what a dedicated team can accomplish on a shoestring budget and a solid concept.

Tori Schultz smiles and expresses emotion after trying a sample of ice cream from, locally owned, Spoonlight Ice Cream during National Ice Cream for Breakfast day in Staks Pancake Kitchen, Feb. 7, 2026 in Auburn, Ala.

Spoonlight Ice Cream celebrates National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Staks

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 7

On Feb. 7, Staks Pancake Kitchen collaborated with Spoonlight Ice Cream to celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Customers were able to try specialty menu items, sample unique flavors and purchase a pint of ice cream for any flavors they enjoyed.

Jack Dutton (middle) with Gavin Fisch (right) and basketball star Keyshawn Hall (left).

In memory of Jack Dutton

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer and Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 2

It is an honor to recognize a student whose character, dedication and impact have left a lasting impression on Auburn University’s community. Jack Dutton, junior in Auburn’s Professional Flight program, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, following a tragic plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Dutton's passing, together with his father Dennis and others, is deeply felt across the Auburn community.

The Auburn Public Library front entrance.

Auburn Public Library launches Request It! service

By Kimber Quinn | Lifestyle Writer | February 2

On Dec. 23, Auburn Public Library reannounced its Request It! service that allows patrons to request a variety of library materials to meet the community's needs.