Culture

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

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

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.

A silhouette of the main character beside a motorcycle in front of forested trees, with text reading "THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES."

Ride like lightning, crash like thunder: A review of 'The Place Beyond the Pines'

By Logan Myers | Columnist | November 17

There are films that entertain, and there are films that haunt you long after the credits have rolled. "The Place Beyond the Pines" belongs unmistakably to the latter. Derek Cianfrance’s third feature is not merely a story about men and their choices; it is a meditation on legacy, guilt and the invisible threads binding fathers and sons across time.

A bustling indoor market features shoppers browsing handmade jewelry displays and vintage goods, with a festive atmosphere highlighted by chandeliers and decorations.

Moore's Mill Christmas pop-up returns with holiday spirit

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 16

On Nov. 16, a line formed outside of the Moore’s Mill Club, as excited buyers and browsers waited for its highly anticipated Christmas market pop-up. Open to the public, the market welcomed people from every corner of the community, as attendees browsed and bought handmade and vintage goods from local vendors.

A stylish interior features a dark tiled wall, illuminated sign reading "Olivine," lush green plants, and plush seating.

Exclusive look at Olivine, downtown Auburn's new rooftop restaurant

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 14

The new rooftop bar and restaurant Olivine hosted an exclusive first look on the evening of Nov. 13. Auburn’s newest rooftop experience offers a menu inspired by Italian cuisine mixed with Southern charm. Although opening officially on Nov. 19, Olivine invited a select few to an exclusive fine dining experience.

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

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 12

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?

A small black dog with expressive eyes and slightly raised ears sits on a soft, patterned blanket.

Where every paw matters: The heart of the CARE Humane Society

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 12

For 51 years, the CARE Humane Society has been dedicated to serving the community by sheltering cats and dogs and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The shelter first started as a volunteer establishment, but has grown into an animal shelter that strives to find a home for every adoptable animal.

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

By Laura Newman | Lifestyle Writer | November 11

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 smiling man in a navy polo shirt stands casually against a column outdoors, surrounded by trees and natural light.

From the Loveliest Village on the Plains to the Most Magical Place on Earth

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 9

Jeff Vahle graduated from Auburn University in 1985 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Today, he is the president of Walt Disney World Resort.

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

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 9

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

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | November 9

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

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 8

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.

A bald man in glasses gestures while seated in front of a computer in an audio studio environment.

STEM side of music composition

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | November 7

In the world of modern composition, technology is no longer an add-on to music; it is a core part of how it is created, taught and performed. At Auburn University, that reality is shaping a growing program where students learn to blend artistry with innovation. Lee Johnson, professor of composition, has seen firsthand how much technology has become inseparable from the craft.

A boy in a yellow shirt and a girl in a pink dress play pickleball across a black net on a light blue background.

Health benefits of recreational sports

By Katie Gibson | Lifestyle Writer | November 4

Many college students grew up with a background of athletics, competing and being a part of a team. Coming to college can be scary for students who are worried they will lose the competitive outlet that they grew up loving. Luckily at Auburn, you do not need to be a “D1 athlete” to continue competing recreationally.

Two lab students decipher cooking instructions at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center on Sept. 24, 2025.

A pinch of science and a dash of math: Auburn’s culinary emulsion of food and science

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | November 4

Inside Auburn’s Tony and Libby Rane Culinary Science Center lies a culinary arts program eager to blend food with science.

Graphic of a black cat in an orange pumpkin costume and a ghost.

Halloween on the Plains: How student organizations are celebrating this year

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | October 31

Student organizations have been getting into the spooky spirit by hosting events across campus this week on the Plains. Whether it's showing off the best costume, embracing the frightening festivities or carving pumpkins, Auburn has plenty of events open to students and the community.

Members of the Auburn University Gospel Choir. Contributed by Olivia Plant.

Auburn Gospel Choir: Stories of faith, resilience and friendship

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | October 28

The Auburn University Gospel Choir is a diverse choral ensemble of passionate singers, dancers and instrumentalists. Auburn University music professors and married couple, Drs. William and Rosephanye Powell have led the choir since 2001, leaving a lasting impact on the music department and students alike.

The scariest movie of all time: A review of Friedkin's 'The Exorcist'

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | October 25

Once hailed as "the scariest movie of all time," William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” follows the paranormal possession of a young girl and the lengths her worried mother goes to help her. Throughout the movie, Regan (Linda Blair) starts behaving strangely, developing symptoms such as vulgar outbursts, grotesque physical transformations and violent behavior. While I did not necessarily find it scary, the practical effects, the story and the incredible performance by Blair really sold the film for me. It is a movie that just feels evil, with its disturbing scenes and the sinister energy that the young girl possesses.

Members of PawPrint Auburn University Organization. Contributed by Erica Teare.

Student organization 3D prints 'pawsthetics' for dogs in need

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | October 24

PawPrint Auburn University Organization is an official university club that 3D prints orthotics and braces for dogs in need. The organization meets on Mondays or Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in ACLC to collaborate with fellow dog-lovers within the club and partner with local animal shelters.

Fall food finds in Auburn

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | October 22

A great way to celebrate fall is by tasting the specialty autumn flavors that Auburn offers. From sweet pumpkin desserts at coffee shops to hearty dinners at local restaurants, Auburn has no shortage of foods to celebrate the season.

Movie title, year, and Michael Myers silhouette on an orange background.

A classic slasher: Review of 'Halloween' (1978)

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | October 21

On Oct. 25, 1978, director John Carpenter’s breakthrough film, “Halloween”, was released. This movie follows the iconic masked figure Michael Myers (Nick Castle), who had been in a mental institution for murdering his teenage sister when he was just six years old. After 15 years, Myers managed to escape this institution and returned to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois to begin his prowl for new victims. “Halloween” became a staple for slasher films as we know them and paved the way for the “Final Girl” trope as well.