We also celebrate in this issue the 75th anniversary of Dr. George Petrie writing the Auburn Creed. Many feel Dr. Petrie described the Auburn spirit perfectly in this short writing, and it is no surprise how cherished it is by the Auburn family.
If you want to better understand the Auburn spirit and the history of the university, you should consider reading Auburn Man: The Life & Times of George Petrie. Arriving in 1887, just as Samford Hall was being built to replace Old Main, Dr. Petrie’s contributions were numerous, including coaching the first football team, selecting orange and blue as the university’s colors, setting up the first baseball game against another university, building the first tennis courts and cycling paths in Auburn, and playing a key role in the building of Auburn’s first golf course.
While his contributions to Auburn athletics and writing the Auburn Creed is what he is best known for today, the first Alabamian to receive a Ph.D. was more widely known while at Auburn as one of the top scholars in the country. He maintained a personal library with more volumes than the university library. Gratefully, he gave students access to his collection. George Petrie, a true Auburn Man.
The Auburn Alumni Association is one year into our tiered membership model. Please review your membership status and consider supporting the alumni association by making a higher-level tax deductible contribution.
The good Lord has been good to me and one of my blessings is to be a part of the Auburn family. I hope you feel the same way.
Until next time, God bless, and War Eagle!
M. Van Henley ’80
President, Auburn Alumni Association