Warhawk Weekly 3-10: Thank-a-Teacher; Literary scholarship award
March 10, 2026
- Thank-a-Teacher
- Reno earns literary scholarship award
- Holi brings burst of color
- Self-defense training
- Career Fair: Business, Media, Science and Tech
- Paws for a Cause: K-9 Veterans Day
- Volunteer at 2026 GEARSEF
- Athletics: Tennis wins, Softball No. 6, Pitcher of the Week
- Submit research, creativity and community engagement projects
- Graduate Study Merit Scholarship
Warhawks show gratitude to faculty at Thank-a-Teacher
AUMTeach brought a little extra appreciation to the Quad today during its Thank-a-Teacher event, inviting students to show appreciation for an influential AUM faculty member or a teacher who has made a difference in their lives.
Students stopped by to write simple “thank you” messages or short notes recognizing the educators who helped shape their academic journey.
As part of this thoughtful initiative, AUMTeach will hand-deliver notes to faculty on campus and mail notes to teachers beyond AUM, making sure students’ gratitude reaches the educators who inspired them.
Reno honored for literary scholarship
Seth T. Reno, professor of English and Distinguished Teaching Professor, has received the 2026 Eugene Current-Garcia Award for Distinction in Literary Scholarship, presented annually by the Association of College English Teachers of Alabama.
The award recognizes Alabamians who have distinguished themselves as men and women of letters through outstanding scholarly reflection and writing on literary topics. It also reflects the respect of a scholar’s peers in the academic community and highlights the lasting importance of the pursuit of knowledge and literature’s contributions to culture.
Dr. Reno joins a distinguished list of AUM faculty members who have received the award, including Nancy Anderson, Robert C. Evans, Alan Gribben and Eric Sterling.
Since joining AUM in 2013, Reno has built an extensive record of scholarship and creative work. He has published six books and critical editions, along with 18 journal articles and book chapters and 10 book reviews. His work has also been widely shared through keynote lectures, conference presentations and invited talks.
Reno’s research and creative activity have earned numerous recognitions and funding support. He has secured 31 grants totaling more than $60,000 and was named AUM’s Distinguished Research Associate Professor in 2020 and Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2024.
In addition, he was named a 2025 Cauthen Fellow by the Alabama Folklife Association and served as the organization’s inaugural writer-in-residence at Auburn University. He also received a 2026 Folk Arts Apprenticeship Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Reno is currently working on two book projects and several essays exploring topics ranging from eighteenth-century industrial literature to twenty-first-century experimental banjo music.
Holi brings burst of color to the AUM campus
Each year, AUM’s Indian Student Organization turns campus into a vibrant human rainbow as students gather to celebrate Holi, a festival rooted in ancient traditions and mythology.
AUM’s ISO chapter observed the colorful Hindu festival last week, marking the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the spirit of love and unity. One of Holi’s most joyful traditions invites revelers to toss and smear brightly colored powder and water on one another in celebration.
The organization also welcomes members of the campus community to join the fun on the greenspace, where participants leave with smiles — and plenty of colorful reminders of the celebration on their skin, hair and clothing.
AUM Police offers self-defense training
AUM Police & Public Safety personnel will offer free self-defense training for students, faculty and staff.
The Self-defense training session will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today in Taylor Center 230.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable workout attire.
Connect with business, media, science and tech employers
AUM’s Career Development Center will host a Career Fair: Business, Media, Science and Technology, connecting students and alumni with employers recruiting for opportunities across a range of in-demand industries.
The fair will be held from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 in Taylor Center 221-223.
The fair will provide students interested in strategy, innovation, problem-solving and creative industries with access to internships and full-time career opportunities in business, communication, media, science and technology fields. While the event highlights these areas, students of all majors are encouraged to attend and explore potential career pathways.
Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resume. Students in need of professional attire may visit Curtiss’ Career Closet, located within the Career Development Center in Taylor Center 323, where clothing is available in a variety of sizes. Staff are available to assist students in selecting appropriate attire for the event.
Paws for a Cause supports K-9 Veterans Day
AUM’s Paws for a Cause will celebrate K-9 Veterans Day on Thursday, March 12, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on The Quad, honoring the service and sacrifice of military working dogs who have served alongside U.S. service members.
The event will raise awareness about the vital roles K-9s play in protecting soldiers, detecting explosives and assisting in search-and-rescue missions.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn how they can support local animals by volunteering or fostering through the Montgomery Humane Society.
Donations are appreciated and will help support the care of animals in need. Contributions can be dropped off at Taylor Center 325 or made online using the QR code provided at the event.
Volunteer at GEARSEF on Friday
Help inspire the next generation of scientists by volunteering at the 2026 Greater Eastern Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) on Friday, March 13, at AUM.
AUM’s College of Sciences will host GEARSEF, bringing more than 220 middle and high school students from 27 counties to campus to showcase their science and engineering projects.
We’re looking for student, faculty and staff volunteers to help create a welcoming and fun experience for these future innovators. Volunteer roles include chaperoning visitors in Warhawk Alley, screening movies; and monitoring the AUM-STEM Expo.
Sign up to volunteer at GEARSEF.
Interested in judging a category? Email Dr. Chelsea Ward at [email protected].
Warhawk Athletics: Tennis wins, Softball No. 9, Cauley Pitcher of the Week
Warhawks serve up road victories
AUM’s women’s tennis team served up a strong 5-2 road victory over the Augusta Jaguars on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia. The Warhawks will return home to play against Gulf South Conference (GSC) rival No. 3 West Florida at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the AUM Tennis Complex.
The AUM men’s tennis team also delivered a dominant performance Saturday, sweeping the Augusta Jaguars 4-0. The Warhawks will wrap up their nine-game road streak and return to GSC action with a battle against the West Alabama Tigers at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 in Livingston, Alabama.
Softball ranked No. 6 in NFCA poll
The Warhawks softball team is ranked No. 6 in the nation in the Week 5 edition of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll. AUM remains among the nation’s elite programs, marking its fifth consecutive week inside the top 10.
Cauley named GSC Pitcher of the Week
AUM sophomore Reese Cauley is making noise in the circle. The Warhawks standout has been named the Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Week after delivering another strong stretch in the circle.
Cauley ranks among the GSC’s top pitchers this season, sitting second in the conference with a 1.60 ERA and a .198 opponent batting average. The right-hander is also tied for third in the league with 10 wins and tied for eighth with 45 strikeouts while allowing just 16 runs, the second-fewest in the conference.
Showcase your research, creativity, community engagement projects
AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center invites students to submit abstracts for the 2026 Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement.
Submissions may include research or creative activity projects completed in collaboration with faculty or through coursework. Undergraduate and graduate students across all departments and colleges are encouraged to submit their abstracts. Submit your abstracts through April 17.
As part of the celebration, the EEEC will also host the Community Engagement Recognition Awards Program to honor community-engaged students, faculty and staff for the 2025-2026 academic year. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may be recognized for their work at AUM and throughout the River Region.
Submit your nominations for individuals and nominations community partners through April 1.
The Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement awards ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday, April 24, in Taylor Center 230, followed by student research poster presentations in the Goodwyn Hall Lobby.
Graduate Study Merit Scholarship
If you’re a current graduate student who has completed at least nine course hours and possess a GPA of 3.4 or better, you may be eligible to receive the 2026-2027 Graduate Study Merit Scholarship offered by the AUM Alumni Association.
To apply for the scholarship, submit the necessary documents to [email protected] (include “Scholarship Committee, AUM Alumni Association” in the subject line) by April 20 and include:
- Two letters of support, preferably from AUM faculty or staff (on AUM official letterhead), emphasizing leadership attributes
- A 250-word essay outlining the applicant’s educational and career objectives, academic honors/civic activities, and how the award will benefit them.
- A current resume
Apply and learn more about the Graduate Study Merit Scholarship.
