News

News

AU prof forges interfaith ties, wins prize

By Lauren Gardner | September 7

Akbar Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic studies at AU, was one of five winners of the Purpose Prize, a new initiative to invest in Americans over 60 who are helping to solve long-standing social problems, according to a press release from the think tank that developed the award.

---

News

Soil near Kreeger removed due to high arsenic levels

By Lauren Gardner | September 7

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began excavating arsenic-containing soil from the southeast corner of the Kreeger building, as well as adjacent properties on Rockwood Parkway on Aug. 29, after soil sample tests showed arsenic contamination above acceptable levels.

---

News

Police blotter

By Lauren Gardner | September 7

Monday, Aug. 28 Damage to a vehicle's tailgate was reported from the Public Safety parking lot. Two individuals refused to show their IDs at the Anderson Hall front desk. The students were apprehended and officers resolved the issue. Tuesday, Aug. 29 A female experiencing an epileptic seizure was transported to Sibley Hospital from Leonard Hall.

---

News

Presidential search to begin with board approval of nominees

By Jimm Phillips | September 7

The search for AU's next university president will begin once the board of trustees approves the 15 people nominated to be on the Presidential Search Committee, according to board chairman Gary Abramson. The Presidential Search Committee will include eight trustees, three faculty members, two students, a staff member and a school dean, according to a press release published when the board announced the presidential search on July 10.

---

News

Campaign College to train students for SG elections

By Jess Reamy | September 7

Women interested in Student Government involvement can participate in a free, all-day training program Saturday to learn how to launch a successful campaign in October's elections for the SG's legislative body, the Undergraduate Senate, according to JoAnna Smith, director of Women's Initiative.

---

News

Va. governor scraps underground 'silver line'

By Jimm Phillips | September 7

Four proposed Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner, Va., will remain above-ground, according to Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia. The stations are part of the Dulles Corridor Rapid Transit Project, often referred to as the silver line. The line would link several areas in Virginia's Fairfax and Loudoun counties to the rest of the Metrorail system.

---

News

Campus briefs

By Brian Kalish | September 7

Ben Folds to rock Bender Arena The Student Union Board officially announced to the AU community Wednesday that Ben Folds will appear in Bender Arena on Nov. 15. Tickets, which will go on sale in October, will be $5 through Student Activities. Tickets will also be available for non-students through Ticketmaster and will cost $30.

---

News

Georgetown excludes Chi Alpha, Protestant groups from campus

By Kyra Smerkanich | September 7

Georgetown University decided last week to disaffiliate itself from various outside Protestant groups, including Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and Crossroads Campus Christian Fellowship. The barring of these groups comes as part of a reconstruction effort within the Georgetown Protestant community, according to the university's Director of Communication Erik Smulson.

---

News

Freshman class puts strain on housing capacity

By Stephen Tringali | September 7

A particularly large incoming freshman class has magnified a problem AU faces each fall semester: students living in tripled rooms. "I wasn't expecting [AU] to put me in a triple," said Libby Smith, a freshman in the School of International Service. "And if they did, I expected to make a fuss about it and be in a double.

---

News

Katzen debuts East German exhibits

By Elizabeth Royall | September 7

Five new art exhibits by East German artists opened yesterday at the American University Museum in the Katzen Arts Center, including works from an AU alumna. Mindy Weisel, a member of the Class of '78, reflects her identity as a child of Holocaust survivors and premiers her first exhibit in fused glass as an artist through "Words on the Journey.

---

News

Campus calendar

By Kendra Garstka | September 7

Thursday, Sept. 7 Fidelity Investments Representative on Campus All day A representative from Fidelity Investments, one of AU's retirement plan providers, will be on campus to meet one-on-one with faculty and staff about their retirement savings plans. To schedule an appointment, call 800-642-7131.

---

News

National briefs

By Kyra Smerkanich | September 7

'Crocodile Hunter' dies while filming in Australia Popular TV personality and conservationist Steve Irwin, 44, died Monday after being pierced in the heart by a stingray while filming at the Great Barrier Reef, The Washington Post reported. The Post reported the 10-inch poisonous barb that extends from the stingray's tail is rarely fatal, causing less than 17 deaths each year.

---

News

Unclear lawsuit forces Vamoose bus out of Tenleytown station

By Lauren Gardner | August 31

AU students won't be able to vamoose from the Tenleytown shuttle stop any time soon. The Washington Deluxe bus line that provides services to and from D.C. and New York filed an injunction against the Vamoose bus line many AU students use to go home or to visit New York City on weekends, according to The Washington Post.

---

News

Campus calendar

August 31

Thursday, Aug. 31 Federal Work-Study Job Fair Noon-3 p.m., Bender Arena lobby Looking for a FWS job? Don't miss this opportunity to meet both on-campus and off-campus FWS employers. For more information, contact the Career Center at (202) 885-1800. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Center Fall Mixer 7:30-9:30 p.

---

News

Concerts, friendships greet Class of 2010

By Jess Reamy | August 31

Freshmen and returning students who arrived on campus last week were greeted with Welcome Week programs ranging from salsa dancing and free food to the larger weekend performances of Phantom Planet and the annual favorite Capitol Steps. By far the largest events were Friday's Phantom Planet concert, held in the Tavern and sponsored by the Student Union Board, and Sunday night's political satire performance by the Capitol Steps.

---

News

Princeton Review names AU 'most politically active'

By Kendra Garstka | August 31

The Princeton Review recently ranked AU the most politically active school in the nation. Saul Newman, a professor in the School of Public Affairs, said part of the reason AU is so politically active is because its students already have an active interest in politics.

---

News

KPU 'Steps' into a new year

By Cait Douglas | August 31

The Kennedy Political Union began the year with one of the most successful Welcome Week presentations of the Capitol Steps in recent years, drawing over 1,000 students. KPU Director Taylor Robinson said she was pleased with the event's success. "[It was] nice to kick off with a well-attended event and an energetic audience," she said.

---