Find News

John Lersch ’79 (right) poses with the Peace Pole

Recently discovered Peace Pole now installed at center of AU main campus

ASHLAND, Ohio – A Peace Pole—an internationally-recognized marker that represents love, peace and harmony—was installed and unveiled earlier this semester at Ashland University. There are an estimated 250,000 Peace Poles across the U.S., serving as powerful symbols that each display the timeless message "May Peace Prevail on Earth” in a variety of languages. AU’s first such Peace Pole was erected in an appropriate location – outside Bixlar Hall, where the…

Beth DiDonato

Woman with two AU master's degrees finalist for Woman of the Year award

When it comes to the education she has received in her life, Beth DiDonato said she feels extremely fortunate. “I believe it more than prepared me for what I have accomplished,” said DiDonato, whose education includes two master’s degrees from Ashland University. DiDonato’s most recent accomplishment was being selected as a finalist for the 2024 Lucille Nussdorfer Tuscarawas County Woman of the Year award, presented annually by the Dennison Railroad Depot…

Ashley (Brillhart '07) Hershberger

Alumna honored with a young professional award in Wayne County, Ohio

Seeing TV character Trent Crimm wearing an Ashland University shirt on an episode of “Ted Lasso” got Ashley (Brillhart '07) Hershberger thinking about her time at AU. “It resonated so much with me because my favorite quote from the show is, ‘Be curious, not judgmental,’ reflecting the lessons I learned at Ashland University,” Hershberger said. “AU played a pivotal role in my leadership journey. It not only helped me embrace what makes me unique, but it…

"Death by Gun" art exhibition promo

Art exhibition addressing gun violence opens Nov. 14, runs through Dec. 12

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Coburn Gallery, in collaboration with the Ashland University Department of Art & Design, will present “Death by Gun,” an exhibition featuring works by Eileen Woods, from Thursday, Nov. 14, through Thursday, Dec. 12. It will kick off with an opening reception on Nov. 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gallery admission is free and open to the public. “Death by Gun” poignantly addresses the issue of gun violence by honoring its victims through a…

Kelly Meyer

Meyer brings years of news experience to Journalism and Digital Media Department

As Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose walked into the AUTV studio for an interview, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement among the students and faculty in the control room above. For the newest faculty member of the Journalism and Digital Media Department (JDM), Kelly Meyer, it felt like she was back at her previous job producing news for Cleveland’s FOX 8 in a lot of ways. “I want to bring those real elements to make it realistic for the students,” said…

Suicide awareness bench

Ashland University unveils suicide awareness bench

It is easy to see on campus. It is welcoming. And, most importantly, it is meant to help anyone at Ashland University and in the community who is struggling with their mental health. AU unveiled a suicide awareness bench with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday afternoon on the sidewalk next to the Rec Center leading to Kates Gymnasium in front of a good-sized crowd of AU students, faculty and staff, as well community members.

Mason Boldizar

AU master's degree not only helps graduate with teaching career, but also as council member and now as mayor

Mason Boldizar earned his master’s degree in administration in 2007 from Ashland University to help his teaching career, but it has benefited him in many other ways, too. It also has served him well as a Minerva council member since 2018 and he expects that to continue as the village’s mayor, which the council named him recently following the September death of Mayor Tim Tarbet. “Learning how to deal with people in respectful ways is always something that we…

President Peede and Jim Hess during the investiture ceremony

Jon Parrish Peede pledges commitment to Ashland University during presidential inauguration

ASHLAND, Ohio – Jon Parrish Peede expressed an optimistic vision while pledging his commitment to Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary, as he was inaugurated as president during a joyous ceremony inside Jack and Deb Miller Chapel on Friday, Oct. 25. Prior to Peede’s inaugural address, the formal occasion featured an impressive processional, an invocation and Scripture reading, performances by the AU Brass Ensemble and a series of greetings, led…

Jessica Bruner

AU education helps former inmate find employment after prison release

Jessica Bruner never imagined she would have the opportunity to attend a university. “But in September 2020, on a tablet with a rubber keyboard, I began my journey with Ashland University,” Bruner said. “By May 2022, I proudly accepted my associate’s degree in cap and gown. I didn’t stop there — I pushed forward and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in August 2023, graduating with honors as valedictorian.” And in December 2023, she left…

promo graphic for The Importance of Being Earnest

“The Importance of Being Earnest” coming to AU’s Studio Theatre Oct. 31-Nov. 3

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland University Department of Theatre will present the classic Oscar Wilde comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest,” to be performed Thursday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Studio Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m. This production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” is being directed by Teresa Durbin-Ames, associate professor of…

Contact Information