By: Victoria Salters
Since 1971, The Aumnibus, a student-run newspaper at AUM, has been a cornerstone of campus culture, capturing the essence of student life and serving as a platform for voices to be heard.
Originally known as The Aardvark, the publication underwent a significant transformation
under the two-year editorship of Kitty Miller from 1972 to 1974 according to “The AUM Story,” a
book written by former history professor John D. Fair. Now, more than five decades later, this
publication’s rich history continues to resonate on campus.
The Aumnibus has stood the test of time, adapting to the evolving landscape of journalism while
staying true to its roots. Samantha McNeilly, AUM’s teaching and outreach librarian, as well as
the archives and special collections librarian, reflected on the significance of this publication.
McNeilly said, “The Aumnibus holds a wealth of historical knowledge about our university.
Looking at archived articles tells us a lot about the things happening on campus at the time they
were written.”
Keturah Stone, a senior public relations major, recently rediscovered The Aumnibus and found
herself engrossed in its pages. “As a PR student, I’m always fascinated by storytelling, and The
Aumnibus offers a unique perspective on fun things happening on campus.”
“The AUM Story” serves as an index documenting the evolution of various campus
organizations, with The Aumnibus holding a prominent place in the book. Fair’s research sheds
light on the pivotal role played by student media in shaping campus discourse over the years.
McNeilly has a collection of the original copies of the student publications housed on the eighth
floor of the AUM library tower and the collection is also made up of the first two volumes of
“The AUM Story” which chronicles the university’s first 20 years.
Despite its history, The Aumnibus remains a hidden gem for some students. Reyanna
Butler, a senior business management major said she has yet to explore the student news
website but would be open to reading it.
When asked about the standing of the campus news publication, McNeilly said, “ Lots of
important things get published on The Aumnibus, from back then and even now. When a new
dorm was built or when class time slots changed all that information was there.” The Aumnibus
continues to serve as testament to the campus’s legacy of student journalism, McNeilly added.
