News ACROSS the VALLEY
New for 2018-19 PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
›› Bachelor of Science in Biology, to
complement the existing Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Black Bird Media Lab: A New Platform for Student Cinema
›› Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, in addition to the existing BA in Mathematics
›› Business Administration & Leadership adult studies major, offered through the Falls School of Business
›› Minor in History of Christianity ›› Minor in Visual Communication Design
A
U’s major in cinema and media arts has launched a production and distribution platform known as Black Bird Media Lab. “This is our new brand for student-driven projects focused on storytelling in film, television, and online media,” said Jack Lugar, associate professor of cinema and media arts. Lugar, who has been leading the film major since joining the Department of Communication and Design Arts faculty in 2016, spent about 12 years in Hollywood as a producer and screenwriter before returning home to Indiana. Lugar noted that the Black Bird nomenclature also is being used for the program’s film festival, which takes place every spring. It features the short films of current AU students while also putting a spotlight on an alum filmmaker. The department also sponsors a summer filmmakers camp for high school students. David Baird, department chair, said “This represents a new chapter in the tradition of Covenant Productions. Although the Covenant brand is being phased out, we’ll build on its model, which served us so very well for 30 years.” | 6
ENTERING THE CLASSROOM: Lugar expressed optimism about the future of the program. “Our numbers are on the upswing, and we’re excited about the prospects for growth,” he said. “We’re probably some distance away from getting this done, but we’re trying to lay the groundwork for a new studio facility.” Also teaching in the film sequence is longtime department member David Armstrong, who has assumed greater responsibilities on the faculty side. Alumni who wish to learn more can email jrlugar@anderson.edu or visit blackbirdmedialab.com.
›› Biology: Dr. Katelyn Joy Butler ›› Dance: Erich Yetter ›› Education: Michael Tatom ›› Electrical Engineering: Dr. Benjamin D. McPheron
›› Exercise Science: Earlene Masi ›› Mechanical Engineering: Caroline E. Baker (beginning January 2019)
›› Music Education and Director of Bands: Adam Waller
›› Music and Artist in Residence: Dr. Caroline Kyunga Ahn
›› Nursing: Cortney Lynn Hofer ›› Political Science: Dr. Abigail S. Post
CHAPEL BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER This summer, President John Pistole and the cabinet decided to close almost all campus offices during chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Although the Welcome Center remains open, all faculty and staff are enabled and encouraged to attend chapel. This supports our efforts to strengthen a Christian community on campus by bringing everyone together. Pistole said, “We each have an opportunity to build into the community, strengthening existing relationships and beginning new ones. The cabinet and I believe this decision on chapel will help us all do that.”
