“And from Auburn, Alabama…”
If there’s one thing you should know about Auburn, it’s that we are deeply rooted in tradition. You’ve probably heard of or seen our famous “rolling Toomer’s Corner” tradition after a big win, or perhaps you’ve entered Jordan-Hare Stadium a few minutes early to witness our traditional pre-game eagle flight. While these traditions have certainly earned their right to be recognizable and easily accessible to anyone, there are a few sacred traditions that remain unique to only current Auburn students. Affectionately known as “Cater Callouts”, this tradition is a crowd-favorite among students as it encourages a tangible picture of the Auburn Family.
So, what is Cater Callouts? Well, simply put, it is a fun way for all Auburn students to join together to celebrate and champion other members of the Auburn family. Typically, large organizations, clubs, or involvement groups will hold callouts to officially announce their new members. From the Cheerleading team to Camp War Eagle Counselors to Student Recruiters, Miss Auburn, and SGA titles, callouts is the most fun night of the year as a new group is chosen and celebrated in front of the student body. Instead of these groups selecting their members and sending out an impersonal congratulatory e-mail, Auburn opts to make the experience a memorable one. Here’s how it goes…
At the top of the back steps of Cater Hall stands the current executive team, leaders, or captains of an organization. After the votes have been counted, interviews have been held, and try-outs have come and gone, they introduce themselves to the anxious crowd that awaits them below. Hundreds of students rush forward to get as close to the stairs as possible, to make sure they can hear the names. Peeking out of the windows of the Upper Quad Residence Halls are freshmen, eager to watch their first callout experience. Then finally, holding the list of names of those who have been chosen, the executive team has all eyes on them as they read out the list of names, one by one.
Most begin by reading out your hometown. “From Auburn, Alabama” they yell out, and suddenly every prospective member whose hometown is Auburn holds their breath, hoping their name is to follow. As you might imagine, not every name that applied will get called. While this may seem like a massively disappointing experience, there’s one thing that is important to know about those waiting to hear their name; they are never standing alone. Callouts is an experience to share with your friends (and even sometimes your family). It’s common for one candidate to bring a whole crowd of people along to stand in support, hold a hand, or offer a comforting hug if their name is not called. So, whether your name is called or it isn’t, you have a crowd a people there to support and encourage you the whole time.
If you are lucky enough to hear your name at callouts, you are quickly rushed to a celebratory meeting where you get important information, next steps, and begin to meet those that were chosen alongside you. It’s a night of high-energy, emotions, and excitement as a new chapter and opportunity has been afforded to you.
Some of my fondest memories from my time as a student come from the many nights spent standing on the back lawn of Cater Hall, surrounded by my closest friends, anxiously waiting to hear my name at Callouts. It was in those moments (like the one pictured above), that I experienced the most tangible picture of the Auburn family; I was surrounded by friends that become family, and that meant a community that would support and encourage me no matter what.
If you have the chance to witness the beloved “Cater Callouts” tradition, be sure to join in. There’s no better feeling than hearing your name (or the name of someone you love) being called from those back steps.