Why do I love Auburn? Affectionately known as the Loveliest Village on the Plains, Auburn is home to some of the happiest students in the nation (according to Auburn students, the Auburn Family, and Princeton Review’s list of the Top 20 Colleges with the Happiest Students). Known for its friendliness and tightknit family atmosphere, Auburn University is one of the best universities in the nation. As an Auburn alumnus and admissions advisor, I may be a little partial 😊 but …what’s not to love?! It truly is lovely!
As an admissions advisor, prospective students regularly ask many questions like why they should choose Auburn or what is so special about Auburn. While each student will ultimately choose Auburn for their own individual reasons, my response is always that Auburn’s students make Auburn so special. When you tour campus and speak with our Student Recruiters, you’ll experience their energy and excitement. Their strong love for the small college town that they now call home is palpable. When prospective students and their families return home from a campus visit, they rave about how amazing and how genuine and friendly the Auburn students were to them. From a random student asking if the family needed help finding a building or location on campus to their tour guide helping with food recommendations, Auburn students recognize visitors and actively help them while on campus. They know that they were in the same shoes just a year or so earlier, and they want to help prospective students and their families in the same way a current Auburn student helped them when they were touring campus.
Prospective students and their families have such an unexpected and unique experience when they visit campus, I often hear that there must be something in the water in Auburn. We don’t have orange and blue water yet, but we’re working on it! 😊
Auburn students not only help prospective students and visitors, but they truly take care of each other. If you’ve been keeping up with the blog, you’ve most likely seen the AU Creed series. If not, I highly recommend reading through that series. The Auburn Creed gives insight into what Auburn students live and feel every day. Auburn students have a great way of staying on top of their academics all while making the most of their college experience by getting involved. They take full advantage of the many amenities and academic support services available to them so that they can remain mentally and physically healthy and happy.
Auburn students also take full advantage of attending the many athletic events. When attending a sporting event, regardless of the outcome, Auburn students end each event shouting “It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!” at the top of their lungs. Students then lock arms and sing the alma mater together which is an awesome experience. Win or lose, any day as an Auburn student is the best.
From your first campus visit when you feel like you’ve found your home, through graduation and getting your first job, to remaining lifelong friends with your freshman year roommates; Auburn stays with you your entire life. Auburn students know this and take full advantage of the time they have on campus. Hopefully you’ll get to talk to an Auburn student soon to learn why they chose to attend Auburn and what they love about Auburn. Hopefully you’ll be a part of the Auburn Family and shout “It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!” soon too. Then you’ll be able to share your Auburn story with another family one day!
Nursing is a calling to serve others! As a new cohort of students begins classes this semester, current students are preparing for graduation and beginning the next phase of their careers as registered nurses, doctors of nursing practice, faculty members and nurse scientists.
For Kylie Snyder, a native of Pelham, Ala., Auburn University felt like home the minute she stepped on campus. “Not only do I feel supported by my friends and my school, but even the surrounding community has a genuine love for the students in this town.”
Why Nursing?
Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine for years, and every opportunity I’ve had that exposed me to this field has further shown me that this is the career to be in. It allows me to cultivate skills such as kindness, communication, and leadership. I’ll always be able to financially support myself with endless opportunities in a high-demand profession.
Since the first day, AUCON has provided me with an even better experience than I ever imagined. Nursing school is a whirlwind, and even as a second semester student, I can tell it’s going by fast. Although the days are often long and filled with hard work, I love every single minute of it.
Class size:
My cohort is about 82 people, and it’s a great size! The lecture halls in the school are equipped with microphones for the professors, and I’ve always been able to clearly see and hear them. We usually have about 4-5 students per instructor for technical and hands-on skills, giving us an opportunity to ask questions and to practice our skills in a safe and enriching environment.
Favorite Part of Nursing?
My clinical experiences! Connecting what I’ve learned in class and in lab to a real patient has been immensely rewarding, and I love that what I’ve learned in school has allowed me to directly make a difference in my patients’ lives!
Campus Activities:
As secretary and incoming vice president of the Pediatric and NICU Club, as well as a member of Student Nurses Association, I have had the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the surrounding community, and I cannot think of anything more rewarding than that. Being a part of these clubs has helped me develop leadership skills, gain a community of fellow students with common interests and has allowed me an outlet to be creative in the work I do.
Future Plans:
While I’m trying to keep an open mind to all the possibilities, there is just something about working with a pediatric population that gives me “heart sparkles!” I love being around kids, their families, and creating relationships I can cultivate with this specialty. I hope to be a travel nurse for a few years after graduation and then would like to get another degree either as a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist. Whatever I do, I know that Auburn will have prepared me and helped shape me into the best nurse possible.
Axel Moreno, from Phenix City, Ala., remembers telling his parents, teachers and friends about where he wanted to go to college even as a little kid — Auburn University! “It is a renowned institution and is committed to helping students succeed. Becoming an Auburn student is one of the best decisions I have made.”
Why Nursing?
I chose nursing because it is a career that is centered around helping, serving, and caring for others. It is not simply a job but a calling for those who want to shine a light of hope on patients who are going through challenging times. My passion to serve others sparked a desire in me to pursue nursing at Auburn University.
Classes in the program:
The classes here are amazing and instructors make learning captivating and interesting. I have learned many nursing skills and have grown so much as a person and student. Like all nursing students, I have faced challenges and struggles throughout my time in nursing school, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will be successful.
Class sizes vary. There are a little more than 100 students in our lecture classes. However, our faculty make time for each of their students by holding open office hours and answering any questions students have during or after class. In the simulation lab, the class size is close to 20 students and the instructors work closely with us when we practice nursing skills.
Clinical experience is what I have enjoyed most about the program. Our clinicals can range from educating elementary students on the importance of oral hygiene to starting IV lines. Clinicals are designed to give us confidence in our practice. We get incredible hands-on experience and the ability to apply our knowledge and practice nursing skills on patients.
Campus activities:
I serve as the treasurer for the Auburn chapter of American Association for Men in Nursing. This organization focuses on providing a framework for all nurses, students, and other key members to meet, discuss and influence factors that affect men in nursing and men’s health. As an orientation counselor, I help guide students as they begin their first semester in nursing school.
Future Plans:
After passing the NCLEX, I plan to work in an ICU to care for critically ill patients, because caring for these patients with complex conditions is fulfilling to me. After I have gained a few years of nursing experience, I plan to return to school to receive a doctoral degree in nursing practice. I hope to become a critical care nurse practitioner and continue my practice in the ICU.
Kaitlyn Gallaspy, a Madison, Ala. native, fell in love with Auburn University when she spent much of her growing years watching Auburn football games with family. When it came time to apply to college, she sought a university that would challenge her academically yet would still feel like home.
“Auburn University has an incredible community of the most encouraging and loving people that I have ever met. As a concurrent degree student pursuing bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and Nursing, Auburn University could not have been more ideal!”
Inspiration:
My grandmother was my biggest inspiration to pursue a nursing career. She is the embodiment of an inclusive nurse, consistently going above and beyond to care for all people, not just her patients. Healthcare settings can be incredibly intimidating for anyone, and it is important to acknowledge how societal prejudices can impact patients negatively. I recognize my privileges, and I want to be a nurse to actively combat against these injustices to help all patients feel comfortable, cared for, and heard during a vulnerable time. Learning Spanish during my time as a student has allowed me to communicate with so many more patients in the clinical setting.
AUCON experience:
My experience at the Auburn University College of Nursing has been a dream come true. Starting nursing school can be intimidating, but the faculty makes an incredible effort to make all students feel welcome and support them during their time in college.
The class size of each cohort allows for so many special friendships. It is large enough that you can be with new people in each clinical group, but small enough that the cohort feels like a family. The AUCON community is my favorite thing about the program. Nursing school is an exciting time, but it is no secret that it is very challenging as well. Having a support system is critical because you can build relationships with people who understand exactly what you are going through.
Campus Activities:
I am involved in many organizations such as the Social Media Chair of AUCON Student Wellness Committee, PR/Communications of Auburn Student Nursing Christian Fellowship, Member of Pediatric and NICU Club, Member of Student Nurses’ Association, Member of Initiative for Representation in Nursing, Counselor of Summer Transition into Excellence Program, Member of Sigma Theta Tau (International Honor Society of Nursing), and Member of Sigma Delta Pi (National Honor Society of Spanish).
Future Plans:
After I graduate, I plan to move to Birmingham and work as a Registered Nurse in a critical care setting. I also plan to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) as well as a Certified Medical Interpreter in Spanish.
Spencer Gilland from Dothan, Ala., grew up in a house divided between Auburn and Tennessee fans. He was pretty sure that he wanted to go to Knoxville as he had visited the city several times, but his mom convinced him to tour Auburn. “I am so glad she did because the Auburn community and campus were so welcoming and inclusive, truly making it feel like a second home.”
His Inspiration:
I chose nursing because when I was younger, I spent a lot of time with my grandma, who was a nurse. She worked in hospice on the weekends and used to take me with her. I met so many nice people and saw the difference she made in people’s lives, and I wanted to do the same.
AUCON experience:
Nursing school has completely changed my life in so many ways. It is by far the most challenging but rewarding experience of my life. I have made lifelong friends and had amazing clinical experiences. I have also met staff that has your back and wants you to succeed. Each semester in the program I have grown not only in my knowledge but also as a person.
Our class size is perfect! It is large enough to not feel like you are in a bubble but small enough to get to know a lot of people closely. I have definitely enjoyed the opportunity to meet amazing people including instructors, peers, employees and patients.
Campus Activities:
I am currently the president of the Auburn Chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN) as well as a member of the Student Nursing Association (SNA). I also competed with my team and won the Dean’s Fitness Challenge last semester.
Future Plans:
I am interested in either working with the pediatric or psychiatric populations.
Kennedy Mason, from Dallas, Texas, is the first person in her family to attend Auburn.
“As a junior in high school, I came to Auburn with my mom for a college tour and absolutely fell in love with the city’s charm! I felt a sense of belonging and knew this was the place for me. I was also lucky enough to convince a few close hometown friends to tag along to attend college with me all the way in Alabama!”
Why nursing?
I am fascinated by science and human anatomy. I have always been interested in working in the medical field, and throughout high school I debated over whether I wanted to attend medical school, PA school or nursing school. A combination of shadowing experiences, volunteering at hospitals, and a nurse who greatly impacted me and my family (after the loss of a loved one) influenced my choice to become a nurse. I strongly value the community and “human touch” aspect of nursing, establishing rapport with patients, and having the opportunity to impact patients beyond just treating their medical diagnosis.
AUCON experience:
The past two years have been full of incredible amounts of personal growth, exciting opportunities, and challenges as well. I am so thankful for all the knowledge I have gained as well as challenges I have faced in nursing school because I have learned so much about myself in the process and feel confident going into the work world as a new nurse.
What have you enjoyed most about the program?
My cohort is around 85 people, the perfect size! Small enough to where we are all familiar with one another but still big enough to have the opportunity to branch out and make new friends.
I have loved the community, family feeling AUCON provides. Whether it’s spending 12-hour clinical days together, late night studying, or even hosting your clinical group at your family’s home for out-of-town clinical, the feeling of comradery is indisputable. I have formed relationships with classmates and instructors (I may never have met outside of AUCON) which I believe is truly unique and special.
Campus Activities:
I’m a member of SNA (student nurses association), Pediatric and NICU Club and IRN (Initiative for Representation in Nursing). As Vice President of Outreach for IRN, I reach out to organizations in the Auburn/Opelika area to coordinate events such as community health fairs. As a student employee on the Diversity Education and Engagement team in Auburn’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity, I work on a team (of students and staff) to develop and lead diversity training sessions and luncheons for student organizations.
Future Plans:
I graduate from Auburn in May 2023, and I hope to find a nursing position at a children’s hospital in either the ICU, ER or hematology/oncology.
2022 was a big year for Auburn University. The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center opened its doors in August, which also included the opening of the Hey Day Market. This food hall is named after one of Auburn’s traditions, “Hey Day“, and holds nine unique vendors serving everything from burgers, to poke bowls, to gelato. Students are able to use their dining dollars here, so it’s a place that both the campus and the community can enjoy!
The Woltosz Football Performance Center, which opened at the end of 2022, is Auburn’s new football training facility. This building includes indoor and outdoor practice facilities, a state of the art 25,000 square foot weight room, a locker room with zero gravity chairs, a barber shop, a 3D printer, an underwater treadmill, and much more.
In downtown Auburn, construction is well under way for a new Target. This is expected to open in spring 2023. Target will be located on the ground floor with 32 apartments located on the top 3 floors of the building. Auburn residents and students are eagerly awaiting the completion of this exciting addition to downtown!
If there is one thing that our office loves to do, it is to convince students that studying abroad can be for them! We’ve heard it all in terms of why a student might think that studying abroad isn’t for them, so we’re here to dispel a few common study abroad myths!
The Camino de Santiago in Northwest Spain
Myth No. 1 – I Can’t Afford to Study Abroad!
Sometimes, when students see program fees for study abroad programs for the first time, they are overwhelmed and feel like studying abroad is inaccessible for them. In reality, there are plenty of resources in and outside of Auburn that can minimize the cost of studying abroad. For many Auburn custom programs, students already receiving AU scholarships and financial aid can apply those resources to their study abroad programs. Additionally, scholarships such as the Gilman Scholarship are available to support Pell eligible students in studying abroad. (Students interested in applying for the Gillman can receive application resources from our office!) Finally, a quick web search can offer countless resources on third-party scholarships that can be applied to AU and Non-AU study abroad programs. Needless to say, finances do not have to be a barrier to studying abroad and getting an experience of a lifetime!
Myth No. 2 – I’ll Miss Out on Too Many Things While I’m Abroad!
Every year, over 1,000 Auburn University students participate in a study abroad program through the University or another provider. These experiences are once-in-a-lifetime, academically enriching, and make students stand out in future professional environments. Despite all of these benefits, it is completely normal to feel like you’re missing out on “regular college life” while you’re abroad. Just remember that you are gaining an amazing, cultural experience that those back home are not. Try to focus on living in the moment and participating in all the fantastic things that going abroad has to offer!
Monkeys in Kathmandu, Nepal
Myth No. 3 – I’ll be Going Alone and Won’t Know Anyone!
Much like transitioning to college for the first time, studying abroad alone can initially be an intimidating thought. This intimidation is only exacerbated when you do not know the other students in your program. In reality, studying abroad without people you know can be a great learning experience outside of your comfort zone! You and the other members of your program are typically in the same boat – this is your first time traveling without family or friends, and you’re not sure how you will connect with your classmates. What typically ends up happening amongst all the excitement of being in a different country is that you and your classmates will find common interests, go on excursions together, and generally just start connecting. Before you know it, you’ve formed relationships on a program that you would never have had without studying abroad!
Myth No. 4 – I’ll Struggle Because I Don’t Know the Native Language!
Not knowing the native language of the country you are traveling to doesn’t have to be a barrier to studying abroad. English is one of the most spoken languages in the world, being the official or unofficial language of many countries. In fact, most institutions have courses completely in English! Also, all Auburn custom programs are taught by Auburn professors in English. That said, it’s still useful to at least attempt to learn the language of the country that you study in. Oftentimes, locals will take your attempt to communicate in their language as a sign of respect and genuine interest, so they won’t mind that you may have botched a pronunciation or two! Worst comes to worst, traveling with a translator app on your phone can always come in handy, particularly when you’re in a rush and need to communicate with someone quickly.
Myth No. 5 – My Major Isn’t Offered Abroad!
All majors can be studied in a different country, it’s just a matter of finding a program that offers a curriculum for what you study! Some AU Programs are non-major specific, meaning that students in any discipline can participate and receive credit. If Auburn doesn’t offer a study abroad program for your major, you can look to a third party provider program that will have additional course offerings and credit that can be transferred back to Auburn. If you know you want to study abroad and have specific academic needs, doing outside research or meeting with a member of the Auburn Abroad staff can be a great first step to point you in the right direction.
Parque de El Retiro, Madrid, Spain
These are just a few myths that many students believe about studying abroad. If you are even just the least bit curious about studying abroad we highly encourage you to attend Study Abroad 101 or to schedule an advising appointment with our office so that we can answer your questions and debunk any other myths you might believe!
Sheila C’s Burger Barn makes some of the best burgers in the Auburn area. Located by the College of Veterinary Medicine, it is a popular lunch spot among students, faculty, and Auburn locals. The menu is simple but done well. Their Jumbo Burger certainly lives up to its name. It’s a massive hand-packed patty served “all the way” with mayo, mustard, ketchup, onion, pickle, lettuce, and tomato. The fries are also great! The seating has a homey atmosphere, or you can call ahead and pick up your order from the window. The food is made with love, and you will leave feeling like family. -Bryce Gray
Vintage 2298
Vintage 2298 is the newest addition to the restaurant scene in Auburn’s growing culinary world. Located off-campus, just up from Bruster’s Ice Cream, the Auburn Mall, and the Auburn Movie Theater, this restaurant has been a great addition to this side of Auburn. Described as a restaurant with Southern fare with coastal roots, Vintage 2298 is the perfect mix of upscale and casual dining. The menu is outstanding! Their entree menu is diverse, and there is something for every palate, from fresh snapper to short ribs, fried chicken, and more. For dinner, we started with the Fried Bayou La Batre Crab Claws which are battered in cornmeal, giving the crab claws an extra crispiness, and are served with a Bourbon Cocktail & Lemon Sauce. We also tried the Classic West Indies Salad, bright and fresh, full of lump crab meat, oil, and Champagne vinegar. We also tried the gumbo, which may be the best I have ever had. Full of shrimp, oysters, sausage, and a roux that will make you crave more. They also have a Sunday brunch service that balances sweet and savory breakfast and lunch. I had the pancake with Conecuh bacon, and I cleaned my plate! Their menu changes regularly with the change in what fresh produce and meats they can acquire. They also have a great cocktail program and an extensive wine list. Next time you are in Auburn, grab a dinner or brunch reservation at Vintage 2298! You will not be disappointed. -Merideth Davis
Located around twenty minutes from Auburn and in the heart of the community of Waverly (population estimated: 200), The Waverly Local is a true “hidden gem” of the greater Auburn area dining scene. I first dined here a couple of years ago after moving to the Auburn area and was impressed by the entire dining experience. The restaurant itself is situated in a nondescript brick building and makes the diner feel welcomed in a laid-back environment. While the restaurant itself is charming, the food takes the cake (food pun intended).
I always recommend to friends and visitors of the area to try two appetizers when they dine at The Waverly Local: the pimento cheese and the bacon wrapped Wickle’s okra. These two items include three of my favorite foods (pimento cheese, bacon, and any sort of Wickle’s product) and are among some of my favorite appetizers in the area! You really can’t go wrong with any of the entrée offerings, but my favorite dish is the Roasted Ranch Pork. It’s usually served with seasonal sides and vegetables, which makes the meal even more enjoyable when going at different times of the year. The Waverly Local is also a popular brunch spot; while I haven’t had the chance to go yet, I plan to soon – the menu looks divine!
P.S. – If you’re a live music fan like I am, make sure to check out Standard Deluxe in Waverly! It’s one of my favorite venues in the southeast and has a wide variety of bands that come visit each year. A visit to The Waverly Local definitely pairs well with a show at Standard Deluxe! -Ryan Cole
Conservation and Sustainability. A passion for these two words is what often leads students to the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. Each of our degrees helps students pursue careers where they will have a direct impact on the natural resources and environment around us. Here are four students who are working toward that goal.
ANGEL CAGLE
Forestry
This is Angel during her summer internship.
Angel was a volunteer fire fighter in high school. During a call, she met a woman with the Alabama Forestry Commission and realized that it was possible for females to be Foresters. She already loved hiking and being outdoors but being a Forester would also allow her to do something that positively impacted the environment. With forests covering over 70% of Alabama, Forestry has an enormous impact on the economy of our state.
Angel attended her local community college for two years, and then transferred to Auburn University for the summer semester so she could attend the Summer Practicum required of all Forestry students. Once on campus, Angel immediately became involved in the Forestry Club, Save the Bees, the Forest Health Lab, and Student Ambassadors. This summer, Angel was awarded a coveted internship with Resource Management Service, LLC in Florida.
Angel loves being a female forester and the opportunity it provides her. She embraces the opportunity to work outdoors and see the results of her work in the land around her.
ASHFORD BOYINGTON
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Ashford at his summer practicum at the Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia, AL. This bear was darted for blood sampling and testing and then released.
Ashford took time away from his academic journey to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity. As a successful business owner, he recognized the need for improved systems in services that must take our environment into consideration. With new regulations and the impact they make on both government and private industries, Ashford knew having a degree focused on ecology would be a great business decision and a smart career choice that opens doors to future opportunities.
Ashford appreciates the small size of the CFWE where he immediately connected to the faculty and his peers. Ashford serves as President of the Wildlife Society and is a member of the Society for Natural Resources, Student Ambassadors, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Auburn Economics Club.
While a huge decision for Ashford, it was “empowering coming back” because of everything the University and the CFWE has to offer.
EVIE PEARSON
Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging
Evie is a third-year student in our Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging program. Her mom graduated from Auburn with a degree in Forestry, so when Evie attended War Eagle Day as a high school senior, she decided to visit the CFWE table. Once there, she learned about how water bottles could be made from renewable materials and she quickly decided to, “Go BIOP!”
Evie is involved in the college as a Student Ambassador, a research assistant, a leader in the BIOP Society and Forest Products Society, as well as other campus activities like Auburn Christian Fellowship and the International Buddy Program. She is also pursuing a minor in Eastern Asian Studies showing her range in interests.
Evie loves how the CFWE provides a small, family-feel experience. She felt comfortable getting involved early which helped her meet classmates, and her professors and advisors know her name as they pass in the halls. Evie is grateful for a college and major that keeps her engaged and challenges her all while learning ways to help our environment.
RORY SMITH
Geospatial and Environmental Informatics
Rory in her band uniform in front of the Forestry and Wildlife Sciences building
Rory decided to major in Geospatial and Environmental Informatics after talking to her Auburn Band section leader, recent graduate and GSEI major, Victoria Stack. Rory was intrigued by the idea of using pattern recognition to make environmental decisions.
After an internship this summer with the United States Forest Service where Rory not only helped edit roads throughout the Conecuh National Forest but developed software that defines tree species in a specific forest, she knew she had made the right decision. Rory always enjoyed her science classes and GSEI offered her an opportunity to apply those science skills while also developing new skills in computer science and data analysis.
In addition to the Auburn Band, Rory is also in the Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity, and the Honors College. After graduation, Rory hopes to be able to use customer data to make impactful decisions for our environment.
These four outstanding students represent the smallest college here at Auburn making the biggest impact on our environment.
By Cassi Taylor, senior in Finance & Business Analytics
One word…Family. Knowing someone, whether it be professors or friends, will always have your back is what makes this school truly incredible. During campus tours when they say, “You’ll never meet a stranger at Auburn”, that is one hundred percent true. I have had professors reach out and offer me a quiet place to work when the air conditioning stops working or when the Wi-Fi goes out. I also have friends who celebrate the highs and help me through the lows. Coming to college, life can get a little lonely because you are essentially starting over, but you will never feel alone at Auburn. You are bound to meet new people and share college experiences with any of the other 25,000 students that go here. This is why Auburn has been special and will remain special to the surrounding community in the future years. Auburn also has plenty of options for fun activities and things to do. It could be sporting events on the weekends, late-night walks with your friends, and even movie nights on the green space. You’re bound to find something that fits your wants and needs. I personally love to take walks with friends to clear my head from schoolwork and also to get a little exercise in. When I need a snack break, I love to visit the “c-store” in the student center and grab either some sour candy or an ICEE from the machine. Another favorite is the treadmills in the library. Sometimes I get very bored when studying and find myself not being able to sit still, so I love to walk and study at the same time. These are just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE AUBURN!
Students walk in the Auburn University Homecoming Parade in downtown Auburn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Auburn University is truly unmatched in both spirit and tradition, making the week of Homecoming one of the best weeks of the year here on the Plains. We are counting down the days until this year’s Homecoming festivities commence. Homecoming week is beloved as it gives us the opportunity to welcome all members of the Auburn Family back home to campus.
Auburn’s Homecoming tradition dates back to the 1930s and the Auburn Omega Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national honor society for student leaders with exemplary demonstrations of scholarship, athletic achievement, service, skillful communication, and artistic ability. Auburn’s Circle of ODK presented the idea to the student body of crowning a Miss Homecoming to be honored at halftime of the Homecoming football game for outstanding service to the University. The proposal was well received, and the tradition continued to take shape and in the 1960s, the Homecoming Parade was created.
Homecoming week is comprised of several events, all centered around welcoming Auburn Family members home to campus. Here is everything that you need to know about Homecoming 2022:
Homecoming Kickoff
Homecoming week will begin with Homecoming Kickoff hosted by the Student Government Association and the University Program Council. This year, Kickoff will be held on the Campus Green Space on Tuesday, September 20th, and will include a short program. The program will allow students to hear from this year’s Top 5 Miss Homecoming Candidates, and candidates will be able to share a bit about themselves and their platforms before campaigning officially begins. Immediately following kickoff, at 5pm, ODK will be having its 93rd annual Cake Race.
Homecoming Parade
At the end of the week, the annual Homecoming Parade will be held. The Homecoming Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd and helps cultivate a sense of community, as we welcome all generations of the Auburn Family to campus. The parade will feature floats from campus organizations, as well as participants from the local community. Additionally, the Auburn University Marching Band will perform, along with the Tiger Paws, and Auburn University Cheerleaders. The parade route runs from Samford Hall through downtown Auburn before wrapping up in front of Samford Lawn.
Campus organizations create floats as part of the Auburn University Homecoming Parade in downtown Auburn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Homecoming Pep Rally
At the conclusion of the parade at 6:30 p.m., there will be a brief pep rally to excite fans as the tigers gear up to play the University of Missouri in the Homecoming Football game on Saturday. After the pep rally, the Auburn Family is invited to stick around and to participate in ‘Come Home to the Corner’, an event that will run until 9 p.m. and feature live music.
Auburn University Marching Band performs in the Auburn University Pep Rally on Samford Lawn. Photo Credit: Abbey Crank
Homecoming Game and the Recognition of Miss Homecoming
Homecoming Week ends with Auburn University taking on the University of Missouri with an 11 a.m. kickoff. Throughout the week prior, students will participate in Miss Homecoming campaigns and will have the opportunity to hear from the Top 5 candidates on the concourse. Students will cast their ballots on Friday. This culminates in the new Miss Homecoming being recognized at halftime.
The 2021 Top 5 Miss Homecoming Candidates were recognized during the game at halftime on Pat Dye Field. Photo Credit: Greg McWilliams/For the O-A News
We are looking forward to having all generations of the Auburn Family on campus as we celebrate Homecoming 2022! Together we say, War Eagle!
As an undergraduate student here at Auburn, I really wanted to study abroad but never committed to making that dream a reality. During my time as a master’s student, I realized just a little too late into my program that the College of Education had an opportunity for graduate students to study abroad in Australia. Needless to say, I was disappointed in my poor planning and had resigned myself to continuing to live vicariously through other students who were studying abroad.
Everything changed for the better and my dream of studying abroad became a reality after I began working on my Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration a couple of years later. I am incredibly grateful for the support that I received from this office, which allowed me to spend three incredible, life-changing weeks in Australia during the summer of 2019.
During those three weeks, we learned about the Australian education system, toured a variety of schools across all levels of education, and engaged in several immersive experiences that centered the lives and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our trip began in Hobart, Tasmania – now one of my favorite places on earth. The bulk of our time was spent in and around Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Because of my education and professional interests in higher education, I completed a brief internship at the Nura Gili: Centre for Indigenous Programs at the University of New South Wales where I was able to learn more about national policies, initiatives, and programs that help to support Indigenous student success at Australian universities.
From Left to Right – Picture 1: The Auburn (Tiger) Family was represented on the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania; Picture 2: This Aboriginal dot painting is located at the Booderee National Park and Botanic Gardens – the only Aboriginal-owned botanic gardens in Australia; Picture 3: The Three Sisters (rock formation on left-hand side of picture) is located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales; Picture 4: The Sydney Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay (pronounced like “key”) at sunset one evening.
While this brief summary of my experience cannot fully encompass its true impact, I will end by my saying my life as graduate student, higher education professional, and human being are better for the time I spent in Australia. Like Auburn Abroad said in their blogpost earlier this summer, studying abroad is “an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their horizons through cultural immersion and international experiences.” Ultimately, I’m grateful that this dream became a reality of mine, and I hope that all of you will consider studying abroad during your time as an Auburn student!
Allow us to introduce you to the newest building on Auburn’s campus…the Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex! Or simply, the ACLC. The ACLC is a 151,000 square-foot building that can seat a total capacity of 2,000 students in cutting edge academic space. The ACLC contains 20 adaptable classroom/laboratories, 6 engaged active student learning (EASL) classrooms, and 5 lecture halls.
Only second to the Haley Center in total classroom space, the ACLC will offer the largest collection of active learning instructional space on campus. Engaged active student learning (EASL) space will increase by 40%. The classes held in the ACLC will mostly consist of Biology labs, Geosciences, Math, and Physics, but the building will be available to all students.
With plenty of seating outside of the classrooms, the ACLC also functions as a place for students to hangout between classes, study together, or grab a quick bite to eat from the Edge Dining Hall located right next door!
The large lecture halls on the ground floor double as tornado shelters, and there are two rows on each level so students can turn to the table behind them for group work. These classrooms may be able to hold up to 300 students, but the opportunity for easy collaboration will keep the classes feeling smaller.
The design of the building includes wood from the pine trees that were removed from the site during construction of the building.
We would be remiss to not include the view overlooking the amphitheater. An entire hallway of windows provides a panorama of one of our beautiful green spaces.
The ACLC isn’t just a place for students. All university faculty have access to the Biggio Center faculty lounge designed as a place for them to gather and unwind. There are lots of great resources and amenities available to faculty in this area!
