News

University receives $30 million Lilly Grant

In December 2023, Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Taylor University a $30 million grant — the largest donation in the school’s history.

New housing options available fall 2024

Public Relations majors receive Platinum MarCom Award, 2023

After a semester of preparation and hard work, students in the Cases and Campaigns class received the 2023 Platinum MarCom award. Fall 2022, the students worked together to compile a campaign for Thriving Grant County/Thriving Mill Township, a small nonprofit resource center. Ashley Shirley, the executive director, was their client. 

Lightrider’s Bible Study takes place Tuesday nights

At 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday nights, discussions on America and the Bible are hosted by the Lightrider Ministries at the GrayBarn. Mike Manganello, executive director of the Lightrider Ministries, said the forum is geared toward high school ages and older. The materials used for the discussion are from Hillsdale College, such as “Constitution 101,” David Barton’s “Foundations of Freedom” and “Constitution Alive.”

Brightspace crashes, delays exam

Approximately 600 freshmen gathered in Rediger Chapel to take their Foundations of the Christian Liberal Arts midterm exam Oct. 23. This exam was being facilitated through Brightspace, Taylor University’s new learning management system. However, when students attempted to access the exam, Brightspace did not load, leaving a majority of students with blank screens. 

Ninja Warrior club starts at TU

The new Ninja Warrior club invites students to practice a unique sport. Based on the show, American Ninja Warrior, the sport is a form of obstacle course racing. It offers a diversity of different leagues, gyms and competitions for people to practice and test their skills. 

Medic 8 provides volunteer EMT opportunities

Flashing lights and sirens — a normal part of the lives of students like senior Natalya Tropea at Taylor who volunteer at EMTs at Medic 8, Upland's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) unit.

Groundbreaking ceremony launches Residential Village construction

Five shovels, three seconds and one plot of land marked the official groundbreaking moment for the rising Residential Village, projected to be completed in July next year. On Nov. 9, the university officially declared the beginning of the new buildings’ construction and prepared to lay down the foundation in the already pre-plowed field located south of the Olson parking lot.

Taylor announces $6 million CMC grant

Taylor University announced the acceptance of a $6 million gift to the Center for Missions Computing (CMC) on Oct. 31.

Social work seniors connect with Hartford City

“It’s hard to learn about community from your desk,” Kara Riggleman, adjunct social work professor, said. Chilly, but warmed by sunny skies, seniors in Process and Practice III — a macro-level course required for social work majors, also dubbed the “communities class” by its participants — prepared to welcome and encourage residents in Hartford City for their Run, Walk n’ Roll 3K event.

University announces plans for new Welcome Center

Meet the new “front door” of Taylor University, created to maximize the institution’s ability to practice hospitality as well as increase cohesion between different facilities and departments on campus.

Bonnie Odle dies at 101

Bonnie J. Odle (’44) died Nov. 7, 2023 at the age of 101.

Campus Bookstore addresses delays

Two weeks, three weeks, four weeks all pass by, and still no sign of that final textbook. Many students across campus rely on Slingshot deliveries for access to class materials, but this semester there have been more than a couple snafus with the system.

Taylor recognizes six outstanding alumni

The alumni awards ceremony took place during homecoming chapel on Oct. 20. It was wonderful to be at chapel and see how responsive students were, Faye Chechowich, professor emeritus of christian ministries, said.

Student contestants swim with the sharks, compete for up to $5,000

The 10th edition of Taylor’s Shark Tank — themed “Back to the Future” — was held in Rediger Auditorium on Nov. 2. It welcomed six business pitches in competition for a first-place prize of $5,000, an amount doubled from the previous year.

Residence Life comments on 2022 'Right-To-Know' report

The 2022 Right-To-Know report was released as a 30-page document detailing the security and fire safety reports of Taylor University in recent years. In the document, a chart explains numerous drug and alcohol offenses. 

Honors Guild attends Intercollegiate Colloquium

During fall break, Honors Guild students attended the annual Intercollegiate Colloquium on liberal arts at Grove City College.The colloquium was a three-day event filled with breakout sessions, featuring speakers and chances to grow in community with other Christian liberal arts students who attended.

OIP introduces new faculty member

Taylor University’s Office of Intercultural Programs (OIP) has hired its newest member. Tia Cavanaugh-Goggans was brought on as the director of intercultural initiatives and programs for the OIP before the 2023-24 school year. She was taken through a lengthy interview process and officially started her new position on Oct. 2.

FAFSA is delayed as changes are made

The 2024-2025 school year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been delayed due to changes in the application process and aid calculation.The FAFSA’s opening date has not been specified, however, the Department of Education said that openings will be sometime this December. The normal FAFSA release date is Oct. 1.

Phishing email attempts to scam TU accounts

A compromised Taylor account emailed thousands of the university’s email addresses on Oct. 9, falsely listing items for sale in exchange for personal information. It was identified as a phishing attack and nobody responded to the email itself, Chris Jones, vice president and chief information officer, said.