If you are looking for a simple menu and a unique burger, Jack Brown’s is the place to be! Downtown Auburn’s newest burger spot opened in July of 2023 and has been a hit ever since. Their menu exclusively offers a variety of burgers ranging from a traditional hamburger to their famous “Elvis” burger that is topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese. Their menu is limited, and their founders spoke on how they are not trying to please all tastes, so be sure to check out their menu before you go. Jack Brown’s prides themselves on serving 100% Wagyu Beef Burgers and ensures that you are getting quality farm to table burgers. Don’t forget to grab some fried Oreo’s for dessert!
If you drive by Jack Brown’s on South College Street on a Tuesday night, you might see Bigfoot standing outside to promote Bigfoot Bingo! Tuesday night Bingo offers food and drink specials and prizes for bingo winners.
To learn more about Jack Brown’s Auburn and their weekly specials, be sure to follow them on Instagram @jackbrownsauburn. -Bree Davis
Nestled right in the heart of downtown Auburn since 1996, Mellow Mushroom serves up delicious pizza in a cozy setting. Mellow Mushroom was actually the first meal I had in Auburn during my summer college visit in 2004, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. My family and I had just driven into town and had no idea where to eat. Pizza sounded great (when does it not?), so we settled on Mellow Mushroom and it did not disappoint. The thick, soft crust is dusted with parmesan, and you can ask for honey to dip the crust into when you’re done with your pizza. The Funky Q Chicken with ranch is my go-to order, but there truly is a pizza for everyone. They even have gluten free and plant-based pizza options, wings, salads, calzones, and more. -Heather Rodgers
Moe’s BBQ
https://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/
Another Auburn staple is Moe’s BBQ. With locations in Downtown Auburn and Bent Creek, this is a popular spot for both college students and families. Moe’s has a classic barbecue menu with items ranging from pulled pork, smoked chicken and turkey, ribs and wings to fried catfish and fried shrimp. Their menu offers southern sides such as cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, and banana pudding. My favorite menu item is the Redneck Nachos which consists of your choice of meat on top of their house chips with melted cheese and both red and white barbecue sauce. Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is great for a night out with friends. Moe’s has events almost every night of the week including Bingo, Wing Night (75 cent wings), Trivia, and live music. You can’t go wrong with a night at Moe’s BBQ! -Haylee Dorrill
There are many ways to study abroad as an Auburn student. One popular way is to participate in an Auburn program. Auburn programs are led by AU faculty and often offer AU academic credit. This summer over 900 Auburn students studied abroad! Two students shared their experiences below.
Scout Huff-Streiter, Business Minor in Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain (Harbert College of Business)
This past summer, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in Auburn’s Complete Business Minor Abroad Program. During the summer, I was able to travel to Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain while taking courses to complete an entire minor in one summer. As a senior at Auburn, I have so much advice to give incoming students, as well as underclassmen. However, if I could give only one piece of advice, it would be to do everything you can do to be able to study abroad.
Studying abroad was something that always really interested me; however, it wasn’t until I was approaching my senior year that it really hit me that time was running out. Studying abroad this past summer has been one of my favorite memories from college, and that would have never happened if I hadn’t taken the leap of faith and applied to my program. To anyone considering studying abroad, go for it, even if you don’t know anyone in your program. When I committed to my program, I had no idea who I would meet or how it would go. However, after my summer abroad, I can confidently say that it was one of the highlights of my college experience. As I complete my senior year at Auburn and prepare for life after graduation, I know that I will hold the memories I made and the lessons I learned this summer for a long time.
Taylor Strohmeier, London Fashion Industry Tour in the United Kingdom (College of Human Sciences)
I went on the London Fashion Tour over spring break 2023. I was a little nervous at first because I only knew one girl going on the trip, but walked away with so many new formed friendships that have continued to grow and flourish post-trip as we have classes together and hang out still to this day!
We had a lot of free time in the afternoon after all our set activities and tours for the day, so we covered so much of the city and left with no regrets. Some of my favorite memories include: The London Eye and getting matching “London” earmuffs, a behind the scenes tour of the Alexander McQueen archive, seeing Mamma Mia on their version of Broadway, going to Canary Wharf for dinner at the “Sipping Room”, tube rides (especially Paddington station) while playing fun games, and shopping in Notting Hill. I could go on and on about this program because it truly was the best experience ever. I fell in love with the city of London and all it has to offer regarding fashion and my major. I would recommend this program to anyone time and time again!
For more information about studying abroad, visit the Auburn Abroad website!
If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad at Auburn from the student perspective, please head over to the Auburn Abroad blog, Global Tiger Tales. Here you will learn more about specific programs as students detail their own international experiences.
“Waaarrrr Eagle, Hey!” Something you have heard many times if you have ever attended an Auburn football game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn has many incredible traditions, but the pre-game eagle flight is a tradition that is uniquely Auburn!
For many years, the pre-game eagle flight has been a part of every home football game. Before kickoff the Eagle will take flight circling Jordan-Hare Stadium before landing in the middle of the 50-yard line all while the fans cry “War Eagle, Hey!” The very first eagle flight was in August of 2000 and was flown by an eagle named Tiger (War Eagle VI) during the opening game. Over the years, there have been five eagles who have carried on the tradition of our battle cry and pre-game flight. The names of those eagles are: Tiger (War Eagle VI), Spirit, Nova (War Eagle VII), Aurea (War Eagle VIII), and Independence!
Want to get up close and personal with one of the eagles? The Auburn University Raptor Center is open to the public with an appointment. On Fridays before a home football game, the Raptor Center will put on a presentation called “Football, Fans and Feathers”. You can even take a photo with the eagle after the presentation!
If you ever get the chance to attend an Auburn football game in Jordan-Hare, be sure to take that opportunity. Many fans, Auburn or not, will attend football games just to get to experience the eagle flight. To ensure that you don’t miss it, you will want to be in your seat at least 25 minutes before kickoff – shaker in hand – ready to watch the eagle fly in all its glory!
Planning a campus visit is essential during your college decision process as you determine what college or university is the best fit for you. There is a lot to take into consideration during your visit: academics, campus culture, and student life—just to name a few. Visiting different campuses allows you to experience first-hand the differences that will factor into your final decision. Before you plan your visit to Auburn University, check out the list below to make the most of your time on campus.
Schedule a Campus Tour
The best way to learn about Auburn University’s rich tradition, campus life, and academic excellence is to schedule an official campus tour. Led by a current student (our “Student Recruiters”), the 75-minute walking tour provides a great overview of what Auburn has to offer and helps you get more familiar with the layout of our campus. Don’t be surprised if current students say “War Eagle!” as you pass. It’s what we do as members of the “Auburn Family” to greet each other on campus— and around the world!
Visit Your College
An important part of a campus visit is exploring your academic area of interest. Across all our 12 colleges, there are opportunities to schedule department tours or meetings with a professional staff member. It is important to schedule these meetings or tours before you arrive on campus due to limited availability. During this time with your specific college, you can ask any questions you have about your scholarly interests, explore the different classroom settings, and learn more about the opportunities available in your major.
Tour the Recreation and Wellness Center
Recognized by Men’s Health magazine as one of the “coolest college recreation centers in America,” the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center is a must-see during your time on campus. The 240,000 square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center is home to a 1/3-mile inclining track, two 50-foot climbing towers, a bouldering wall, 6 basketball courts, two multi-activity courts, a resort-style pool and hot tub, and an outdoor equipment rental center and bike shop. The facility also provides group fitness classes, access to intramural and club sports, outdoor adventure experiences, personal training and more! Walk-up tours are available for potential students interested in learning more about Auburn University Recreation and Wellness.
Eat at a University Dining Hall
While on campus, take a lunch break and explore where our students eat daily. The Edge at Central Dining is our newest and largest, all-you-care-to-eat facility located in the heart of Auburn’s campus. The Edge has nine different food stations, including one with allergen-sensitive recipes. The dining hall even features products grown on campus through partnerships with the College of Agriculture. If you are curious, check out the menu before your visit. With two floors full of unique options, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to enjoy!
Explore Downtown Auburn
Auburn’s campus meets downtown at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. Home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants and more, downtown Auburn offers plenty to visitors and locals alike. A trip to Auburn, Alabama is not complete without a glass of ice-cold lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs or grabbing a new t-shirt from J&M Bookstore.
There is so much to see on and off campus making it easy to fill up your itinerary for a day exploring Auburn! With the right planning, you can guarantee that you are making the most out of your campus visit. We look forward to welcoming you to “the Loveliest Village on the Plains!”
Auburn Football Home Games – There is nothing like cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan – Hare Stadium with 88,000 of your closest friends! There are still opportunities to see the Auburn Football team and all the traditions our games have to offer on Saturdays in October and November.
Tradition
Hey Day – Hey Day is a tradition dating back to World War II when Auburn students created a day to properly welcome their fellow peers home. It has grown to become a day where the Auburn Family comes together and meets one another in celebration of all that is Auburn.
Homecoming– Homecoming Week in Auburn, Alabama is centered around events and parades and all that welcomes members of the Auburn Family back to campus. Miss Homecoming, the parade float competition, and the pep rally all serve Auburn in a way that brings the Auburn Family, young and old, together. One of our very own student recruiters, Ellie Korotky, was crowned Miss Homecoming 2023.
AUBURN – OPELIKA FUN
Auburn – Opelika Tourism is the place to go to hear all you need to know! Fall is in full swing in Auburn – Opelika and so are the fun activities! Below you can find Auburn Opelika Tourism’s event calendar full of festivals and fun. If you are visiting town within the month October or November, you are in for a spooky treat with all these great events!
Friday night in Downtown Auburn is a weekend highlight! The town is alive, music is playing and people are out and about. Here are a few unique activities offered to students and visitors, alike:
Pumpkin Patches – With both of these pumpkin patches being located southwest of Auburn and about a 20-minute drive from Auburn University’s campus – this is a for sure stop while in town on a fall weekend!
Farmer in the Dell – “Pick Pumpkins, ride hayrides, buy local honey and more
Choctafaula – “Pumpkin Patches and the Sleepy Hollow Haunted farm”
And we all know that it wouldn’t be fall without tasty fall coffee drinks!
POLL: Where can you find the best fall drink in Auburn, Alabama?
Ross House – @ross.house.coffee – Pumpkin Brulee (caramel and pumpkin)
Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers – @auburnoilbooksellers – Their Drink of the Month is the Out Of The Woods Latte (pumpkin spice, white mocha, maple spice and cinnamon)
Well Red Coffee, Books & Wine – @wellredau – Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Bean – @thebean_au Specialty Lattes like “Caramel Harvest” and “Fall in a Mug” are sure to bring the fall vibes to your coffee cup!
The Exploration Center in Career Discovery and Success is here to help! We support students in exploring the 150+ majors offered at Auburn to find the right one. Incoming first-year students may enroll as an Exploratory major and spend up to two semesters discovering the ideal major for their academic and professional goals.
The Center’s academic advisors and career counselors provide intensive and personalized support, including serving as the instructors for our two-credit course specifically designed for all new Exploratory majors. In the course, students work through an intentional exploring process, including the following elements:
Goal Setting
Career Assessments
Practice utilizing research tools for exploring
Introduction to the colleges and programs available
Exploring insights from people in the majors and different career fields
While exploring, students receive academic advising and career counseling outside of class. Advising focuses on helping students craft schedules strategically so they will still graduate from their degree-granting major on time. Career counseling appointments are an opportunity to dig deeper into identifying occupations and fields that fit a student’s interests and skills. Having both within our office ensures students get the support they need when they need it.
We know it is hard to start college, find the right major, and take classes strategically, and students deserve support in the process. Our goal is to ensure that you confidently choose a major while progressing toward your degree. To learn more, please email us at explore@auburn.edu or call the office at 334-844-7277. We are located in 101 Mary Martin Hall, so if you are on campus, we’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
I highly recommend the Exploratory program to anyone who is even slightly unsure of what they want to do because it not only allowed me to learn about every single major Auburn offers but also taught me about decision-making skills I use every day in college. I was fully confident in my abilities to navigate Auburn academically, professionally, and socially by the end of my first semester. Through the program, you will be able to discover the type of careers that you can do with certain majors, and that exposure was really when I started to figure out what I could see myself doing in the future. With an open mind, active engagement, and a positive attitude in the EXPL class, I truly believe you will not regret taking the time to discover what you are passionate about and turning that into your major!
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) One aspect of the EXPL major course that I found most impactful was the exploring experiences I participated in. The goal of exploring experiences was to connect my interests to an event, a faculty member, or a student involved in the area I was curious about. These experiences not only helped me understand from a first-hand perspective what a particular college, major, class, or organization was about, but they also encouraged me to make various connections across campus. This skill was beneficial to learn as a freshman and I have continued to learn and grow from those experiences as a senior finishing up my degree.
What advice would you give an exploring student? As an incoming freshman, it can be very intimidating to start your college experience and have to decide on a major so early. Choosing to be a part of the EXPL major not only gives you time to learn more about your interests and options, but it also allows you to surround yourself with people who also feel the same way early on in your college career. As an out-of-state freshman, it was very comforting to know it was okay to not know what I wanted to do yet, and I had access to a support system of advisors as well as peers in the exact same spot I was!
Name: Charlie Fleury Major: Public Relations (Minor: Business) Year: Senior
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student? I think the exploring experiences that I was able to take advantage of were some of the most significant experiences I had in this program. Whether I was interested in the career field being discussed or not, I tried to be very intentional about attending as many as possible as this is how I was able to truly identify what was best for me from a major standpoint and a career standpoint. Not only are these experiences helpful when trying to declare your major, but they are also very inspiring. So much valuable insight is shared during these experiences in an effort to help the students, so make the most of these experiences by taking in all of the information and asking questions.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) I found the work we did on O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook [online resources for information about occupations] to be very helpful and valuable. Through conversations with my EXPL instructor and friends in the majors I was interested in, I got a great understanding of what to expect in those majors. However, the assignments on O*NET and OOH were able to further my knowledge and understanding of the fields of interest from a career standpoint. Being able to identify the roles and responsibilities in addition to traits of people in that field/occupation really helped me determine what field was best for me.
What advice would you give an exploring student? Don’t put pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. It’s so easy to feel pressure to create a life plan when declaring a major as a freshman, but in reality, that can be very unrealistic for many students. With that in mind, during your time in college and in the Exploratory program, take advantage of your instructors and advisors. They have a wealth of knowledge and a strong desire to help each of their students find success, so lean on them as a resource. I also believe it’s important to say yes to any and all opportunities that will give you experience in your fields of interest. Whether that be an involvement position on campus or a job off campus, those experiences are truly what will help you identify where you’re meant to be!
What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?
The exploratory program was the best thing I have done as an Auburn Student. Coming into college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It felt that everyone I talked to had their entire life planned out, and I didn’t even know what classes I had to take. The exploratory program eased my anxiety and clarified that it’s normal not to know what you want to do at 18. I was given an immediate support system surrounded by students in the same situation as me and my advisor, who got to know me personally through class and individual meetings. I was given multiple resources on choosing a major and a career that best fit my work style and interests. I was also given resources on navigating Auburn as well as the help available to me as a student. I was taught how to work Tigerschedule, Handshake, Advise Assist, AUInvolve, and more. The knowledge I gained from the exploratory program will follow me throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.
What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component that had a lasting positive impact?)
My favorite assignment that I did in the exploratory program was the Strong Interest Inventory Profile. When I received my results from the test, I was very thankful for how comprehensive the information I received was. Many career aptitude tests will only give students one area of interest, or one specific major that they should inquire about – that’s it. So, imagine my surprise when I receive an email with a 14-page document not only going over my results, but giving details as to why this career path would or wouldn’t be a good fit for me based on my personality, work style, and hobbies. Looking over my general occupational themes, my top five interest areas and strong occupations list reaffirmed that I was on the right track, and gave me other careers that I wouldn’t have even thought to consider. Even though I am no longer an exploratory student, I still refer to my SII results and encourage any student considering multiple majors to take this assessment.
What advice would you give an exploring student?
I would advise an exploring student to talk to students and adults currently working in the career paths they are exploring. Interacting with students studying the majors I was considering gave me an inside look into the classes I would be required to take, how much the workload was, and if they enjoyed what they were learning. I also had the opportunity to interview adults who were currently working in the career paths I was interested in. I was able to ask questions about their everyday tasks, the flexibility of their workplace, what they would consider to be the pros and cons of their career, and so much more. The conversations I had with students, faculty, and current workers was the most influential and informative experiences I had when it came time for me to choose a major.
Summer is over, and another application cycle has begun. The Fall 2024 application is officially open on our website and on the Common Application, and the first deadline is approaching. With September 15th right around the corner, we wanted to share some useful information and hopefully answer questions about the Fall 2024 admissions process.
1. When should I apply?
For Fall 2024, admission decisions will be released in rounds. There are 4 Early Action (EA) rounds this year. For scholarship consideration, you must apply and be accepted in one of the EA rounds. EA decisions are non-binding. This means that you do not have to commit to Auburn if you are accepted in an EA round. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1st. To have a complete application file, all required materials must also be received by the deadline.
Decision Rounds
Decision Type
Required Materials Received By
Decision Released
EA Round 1
September 15, 2023
Mid-October
EA Round 2
October 15, 2023
Mid-November
EA Round 3
November 15, 2023
Mid-December
EA Round 4
December 1, 2023
Early February
Regular Decision
February 1, 2024
Early March
2. What are we looking for in an application?
Admission to Auburn University is competitive. When you apply to Auburn, the Admissions staff carefully reviews your academic achievement, and each application is given personal consideration. As a land-grant institution, we understand and embrace our responsibility to serve the citizens of the state of Alabama. We focus on successful applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for success and can live up to the Auburn Creed.
Middle 50% The ideal candidate will have achieved an academic GPA at or above our middle 50% GPA, demonstrated academic excellence and participated in challenging coursework during high school. As a guideline, the middle 50% profile for students enrolling in Fall 2022 was:
ACT: 23-30 (Alabama Resident)
ACT: 27-31 (Non-Resident)
SAT: 1160-1370 (Alabama Resident)
SAT: 1240-1370 (Non-Resident)
GPA: 3.85-4.31
Early Action – Preliminary Academic Review We select our freshman class through an evaluation that includes a preliminary academic review of an applicant’s academic performance. Our initial review focuses on the rigor of classes, GPA, and test scores as well as a deeper dive into a whole student. We consider the mix of in-state and out-of-state students. As a land-grant institution, our mission is to serve Alabama residents. Academic factors in our review include:
ACT or SAT test scores for students applying with a test score.
Your 9th-11th grade point average including weighted and unweighted.
Grades earned in core curriculum courses.
Planned 12th-grade courses.
Pattern of grades over time. Marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
The number of college preparatory, Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, gifted, and transferable college courses completed and achievement in those courses.
Academic performance relative to other applicants at their high school and the learning opportunities available in their high school.
Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
Academic area of interest.
3. Do I need to send my ACT or SAT scores?
Auburn University is a test-preferred institution; we recommend that students take and submit official ACT and SAT scores for admissions. Freshman admission is based mainly on your high school courses, grades, and academic rigor. While we encourage students to submit standardized test scores, they are not required to be considered for admission or scholarships.
If you are applying with test scores, official test scores are required for a completed application. Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.
Auburn University School codes are:
ACT: 0011
SAT: 1005
Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA and unable to test will be reviewed holistically through our test-optional pathway.
Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s). We will accept an official or unofficial copy.
*Students are eligible for an application fee waiver if certain criteria is met.
**Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.
***If your GPA is not on a 4-point weighted scale or on a 100 pt scale, Auburn will recalculate your GPA. If the recalculated GPA is less than a 3.6 GPA, official test scores will be required to receive an admissions decision.
5. Should I apply through the Auburn website or Common App?
You can submit your admissions application online at auburn.edu/admissions or through the Common Application. Choose the application you’re most comfortable with; there’s no preference given to either application. The same information will be reviewed whether you apply through our website or through Common App. We highly encourage you to submit the application you start, as filling out both applications may delay your application from being processed. A completed application file includes a submitted admissions application, an application fee or fee waiver, your high school transcript and official ACT/SAT scores if applicable.
6. What if I still have questions?
You can find more information about the Fall 2024 admissions process here. You might find our FAQ page to be useful also. If you still have questions, reach out to your admissions advisor. You can search for your advisor here. We are here to help you on your path to Auburn!
The Auburn Family has many sayings like “Bodda Getta” and “It’s Great to be an Auburn Tiger”, but my favorite is “if you love Auburn, it will love you right back”. This could not be truer, and I am among countless other Auburn students who will attest to this fact. I was born into the Auburn family having had both my parents graduate in the early 90’s. I first fell in love with Auburn because of them and their love for this university! There are countless videos of me singing our fight song and pictures of me on Samford Lawn in a cheer uniform with Aubie. I was a die hard fan, and there was no doubt that I bled orange and blue. I remember going to football and baseball games, attending family members’ graduations, and visiting campus for various events. I looked forward to every fall because that meant I would be in the most magical place tailgating with friends, cheering on my Tigers, watching our beloved eagle soar around Jordan Hare, and shouting “War Eagle” as loud as a kid could!
When the time came to choose my post-secondary path, I applied to only one school, Auburn. It was my dream to attend Auburn University, major in Nursing, be on the Tiger Paws dance team, and make new friends from all over the globe. I loved everything Auburn and couldn’t wait to hit the ground running as soon as I stepped foot on campus. I made the dance team, joined a Greek sorority, and got involved in many service projects. In my role as Tiger Paw, I was afforded the opportunity to be a university ambassador, have a front row seat to some of the most exciting games in Jordan Hare as well as Neville Arena, and my senior year I led our team as captain. Nothing will ever compare to the pure joy I experienced each time a child ran up to me on gameday to give me the biggest hug, borrow my poms, or snap a photo. I was now the girl on the field I used to watch not that many years ago. I was able to share my love of Auburn with Auburn’s future, just as my predecessors did for me.
You would think being a nursing major and student-athlete would be enough, but my desire to meet new people, share adventures of a lifetime, and serve Auburn pushed me to inquire about other opportunities that were not originally on my radar. I applied to be a part of a summer study abroad to Italy and Greece where I didn’t know a soul when I signed up, and after 4 weeks I made lifelong friendships. I participated as a volunteer in Nashville courtesy of Alternate Student Break Program, worked as a camp counselor at Camp Smile A Mile, and just this year became a Student Recruiter. My journey over the last four years has made me into the woman I am today. Quite simply, I LOVE Auburn because it’s more than a place on a map to me; it’s family and an undying spirit that resides inside my heart. It will forever be a part of who I am because of the amazing experiences I was a part of and the incredible professors, coaches, and advisors who all poured wisdom, strength and confidence into me. I will always believe in Auburn and love it!
The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, at Auburn University opened in 2019 and is the premier performing arts venue of East Alabama. Broadway productions, concerts, opera, dance, and student and faculty performances are featured here. The mission of the GPAC is to “engage audiences across the university, the state of Alabama and beyond with curated arts experiences that inspire, enlighten and unite”.
A few of our admissions advisors have attended performances at the GPAC so we thought we would share them here with you!
Legally Blonde – Broadway Series
I was first introduced to the magic of Broadway through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances. The 2007 performance of “What You Want” from the show Legally Blonde captivated me. From that performance, I had the cast record album and knew the songs all by heart. I always dreamed of getting the chance to see the show live. I never had the opportunity to visit Broadway to see Legally Blonde and eventually the show was no longer on Broadway. Seeing Legally Blonde live was a dream that I thought was just not meant to be. In October, I had just started working at Auburn when I happened to hear students talking about going to see the Broadway Production of Legally Blonde in Auburn, Alabama. This is how I would first be introduced to the Gogue Performing Art Center. I was able to get a ticket for the show day of and finally see Legally Blonde performed live on stage. I ventured to the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Learning that Auburn had a theater that normally hosts 4 different Broadway Performances a year felt like a dream come true. Going to the Gogue feels just as I would expect seeing a show on Broadway to feel. I find that it is special that I get the opportunity to see Broadway performances in Auburn. The Gogue really brings the shows to life with its state of the art facility, and I have also found that the Gogue does not have a bad seat in the house. All seats are arranged in a way that gives every member in the audience a spectacular view to be transported into the show they are seeing. -Dana Poore
La La Land – Summer Film Series
The Gogue Performing Arts Center is screening movies in their outdoor Ham Amphitheater throughout the summer. The 2023 Summer Film Series opened with Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and bring a date! River Region Ballroom Dance of Montgomery led ballroom dance lessons prior to the movie. We learned the rumba and foxtrot, which the instructor described as “NASCAR but with fewer explosions.”
The GPAC provided popcorn and water, and there was a chance to win a bottle of wine from the event sponsor. Additional refreshments were available for purchase from the Amsterdam Café, Las Latinas, and Kona Ice food trucks. It was a relaxing and fun outdoor summer event for the whole community. -Bryce Gray
The Little Prince – Dance & Movement Series
Ballet X: The Little Prince
I have always been someone who loves the arts, so being on a campus with a premier performing arts venue is a dream! I have attended a variety of performances throughout the years including touring Broadway productions, concerts, films, and more. However, one of my favorite performances was a ballet– The Little Prince by BalletX. I had never seen a professional ballet before, so this performance was a step out of my comfort zone, but it did not disappoint! With an abstract set design and a unique cast of dancers, The Little Prince engaged my imagination throughout the entire performance. It was such a delightful experience!
I would encourage anyone from current students to guests traveling through Auburn to check out the current performances at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Maybe one of your old favorites will be touring through town or you can try something new and different–regardless, you are guaranteed an entertaining night at the Gogue! – Hanna Morrison
In the College of Education, we are building better futures for all! We do this through outstanding teaching, innovative and impactful research, and meaningful outreach in four departments: Curriculum & Teaching; Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology; Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling; and the School of Kinesiology.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. They are future educators, trainers, health professionals and leaders who will have an impact in schools, medical facilities, industry and society as a whole.
Maddy Messick, president of the college’s Student Ambassadors, is a junior majoring in elementary education. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Maddy plans to return to Baldwin County to teach elementary school students after graduating in 2025.
Maddy Messick, junior majoring in Elementary Education
Why Auburn?
I’ve always loved Auburn. Every year I would go to the Auburn homecoming football game and every year I would reassure myself that it was the school for me. Auburn is so welcoming and everyone here is just so supportive.
What is your favorite thing about the college and your department?
I love how big Auburn is, but how small it feels. It can be overwhelming at first because there’s a big difference between a college campus and high school. The College of Education makes the student experience so welcoming. By this I mean that you aren’t necessarily in the huge classes you would expect. Once you get accepted into the college, you are broken up into cohorts and you will stay with that cohort until graduation. Not only will you graduate with your classmates, but you will also graduate with supportive, lasting friends who have watched you develop throughout all four years.
What is your favorite class? How big are your classes?
I absolutely love all the elementary math classes. It’s so cool relearning all the material in ways that will help you teach in the future. My classes are not big at all. When you take your basics, you’ll most likely have a lot of people in your class, but once you get into your curriculum, your classes usually have 25-30 students each.
Do you get any kind of real-world experience in the College of Education?
Yes! One of my favorite things about the College of Education is that you are required to have five consecutive days of teaching before you can even apply to the college. This will help you see if it’s something you really want to do in the future. You will also have lots of other required times to be in a classroom.
What are some perks to being a College of Education student?
I love being a College of Education student because of the smaller classes. I love getting to know everyone around me and hearing about what ideas they have for their future classrooms. I also love our college because there are so many ways to be involved. I am currently a Student Ambassador and I have met so many amazing alumni through this experience.
Goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation is to be the best teacher I can be. I want to make a difference in the lives of every child who comes through my classroom. Not only do I want to be a great teacher, but I also want to make sure each child feels welcomed and loved.
Through instruction, research, outreach and service, Auburn’s College of Education is transforming health and education as we equip students like Maddy to have an impact in our communities and the world.
Want to know more? Visit our website or contact our recruiter for more information at edurec@auburn.edu.
