Features

A world of wonder: Mary Dansak’s new book plants seeds of appreciation

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | September 9

Mary Dansak, Alabama native and Auburn resident, published her new book, “Box Turtles, Hooligans, and Love, Sweet Love,” in January of this year and will participate in two events at the Auburn Public Library in the fall. Filled with a collection of columns she has written for the Auburn Villager newspaper, the book embarks readers on a journey of appreciating the little things in life and nature.

Look to the skies: Auburn Raptor Center celebrates 25 years of eagle flights

By Laura Newman | Lifestyle Writer | September 4

This fall, the Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the eagle flight, a “uniquely Auburn” pre-game tradition at each home football game. With the return of its event "Football, Fans and Feathers," the AURC is launching a new fundraising campaign – active now until Nov. 29 – to raise awareness and donations for the Center's raptors, commemorate the history of its beloved birds and ensure the longevity of the tradition.

Drum roll please: Insight into local music festival

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | August 8

AubFest, a local DIY music festival, showcases regional bands around the Auburn area, emphasizing community and creativity. The DIY music movement in Auburn was built on the belief that one can make anything happen, whether that means hosting shows in someone's basement or outside in the woods, like AubFest.

Get to know those who know: Campus Orienteers

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | July 21

Recruitment and orientation are major parts of the college experience. Not only for incoming students, but for the orienteers interacting with these students. For Auburn, the “big three,” would be student recruiters, Camp War Eagle counselors and Pi Chis. These orienteers see hundreds of students a year and when incoming students arrive on campus, these faces are the typically first ones seen.

The heart of ACC and the home it built

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | June 5

Auburn Community Church (ACC) has served as a home away from home for both Auburn students and residents for many years. What began as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant community, with hundreds of people coming together each week.

Cicis Pizza is serving up fresh slices under new leadership in Auburn

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | June 4

Cicis Pizza is bringing back a revitalized and affordable guest experience to the area with improved leadership and a return to high-quality standards. Jason Bench, the new owner of Cicis Pizza in Auburn, runs the store with an energized, servant-leadership style, which is bolstered by his more than two decades of experience with the company.

494822984_547536271410142_1876521874705584872_n.heic

The buzz about The Band Honey

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | April 30

With two singles out and a new album anticipated, The Band Honey — an alternative rock group of four Auburn university students — navigates the complexities of balancing student life with their musical ambitions.

James Birdsong sheds light on aviation program reaching new 'flights'

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | April 8

The professional flight program at Auburn is at their top-end enrollment right now, in part thanks to the aviation program's interim director, James Birdsong. It’s a passion for teaching, paired with a passion for Auburn students and faculty, that makes Birdsong love his job.

Making waves: The enduring legacy of Rowdy Gaines

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | March 21

Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines IV is a three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, but his journey to success was not without waves of difficulty. Through triumphs and setbacks, Gaines has proven to be an enduring inspiration and accredits much of his success to Auburn, his alma mater.

Cynthia Tucker: From The Auburn Plainsman to the Pulitzer Prize

By Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor | March 14

Auburn University alumna Cynthia Tucker's journalistic journey began in The Plainsman newsroom. Being awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2007 and the Harper Lee Award in 2022, Tucker's commentary serves as a testament to the importance of free speech.

Kelly Collins Lintz: Hollywood star embraces Auburn community

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | March 12

Actress Kelly Collins Lintz is making her directorial debut with "ABLE," a film about Kayla Kosmalski, a young woman with Down syndrome who has defied expectations. Lintz, who recently moved to Auburn, was inspired by the city's intentionality in serving those with Down syndrome.

Pride on the Plains: Building a found family in Auburn

March 10

Pride on the Plains is an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community in the Auburn-Opelika area. Through events like the annual Pride Parade and Festival, as well as community-building activities, Pride on the Plains fosters a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all.

The heart of Auburn's Greek life

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | March 4

Greek life at Auburn University offers more than social events, fostering personal growth, leadership development and strong community bonds. Fraternity and sorority members highlight the positive impact of their experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, philanthropy and creating a supportive environment.

Esperanza House: Building bridges in the Loveliest Village

By Emily May | Operations Editor | March 3

Esperanza House is a Christian-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income Hispanic families in Lee County. The nonprofit meets the needs of its families in several areas, such as food insecurity, healthcare and an after-school tutoring program.

February at The Well

By Celina Aleman | Culture Writer | February 11

The Well, an Opelika tearoom, is hosting "February at The Well" with love-themed events and offerings. Their "Friday Nights" series features weekly themed events celebrating love in its various forms, including portrait painting, poetry night and a father-daughter tea.

The Collegiate Hotel's bars serving craft cocktails and good vibes

By Piper Bosart | Assistant Managing Editor | October 22

The Wittle Rooftop Bar and Lobby Bar at The Collegiate Hotel are serving up craft cocktails and good vibes for Auburn locals, students and hotel guests to enjoy. The space is rich in Auburn history and shows off the views of town.

Insight into an artist: The work of Gracefully Made Art

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | September 25

Melissa Gullatte, also known as Gracefully Made Art, has been an artist since she was a little girl. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in studio art, Gullatte started her own art business. Gracefully Made Art is known for its watercolor designs featuring different university logos and icons.

The 'tail' of Charles the Tiger

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | September 25

Auburn is a city teeming with game day tradition, including the local stuffed celebrity, Charles the Tiger. An established legend since the summer of 2013, Charles can be found outside Auburn Art on every game day — waiting for passersby to pose for a picture with him.

Kelly gets creative with her growing art business

By Piper Bosart | Assistant Culture Editor | February 15

Auburn student Caroline Kelly shares her story of how she started her very own small business selling art.

From the Plains to Payday: Jamien Sherwood's New York success story

By Rory Garvin | Sports Reporter | March 10

From “War Eagle” to “J-E-T-S”, Jamien Sherwood’s journey wasn’t just a move from the Plains to the Big Apple, it was a transformation.