HELLO AUBURN FAMILY…

As we continue to mourn the passing of Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula I am reminded of how humble Rod remained throughout a legendary broadcasting career that included being named Sports Illustrated’s “National Broadcaster of the Year.” Rod was willing to engage in sports talk with anyone, and even though he knew more than almost any of us, he never came across as a know-it-all. And while humble, he was also fun. A few years ago, I walked into the Auburn University Bookstore where Rod was doing a book signing. After writing a personal note in my copy, I asked Rod to add his favorite broadcast call. Not surprisingly he wrote, “There goes Davis!”

In his book Rod said, “I am blessed, fortunate and honored to be the ‘Voice of the Auburn Tigers.’” In turn, all of us were blessed, fortunate and honored that he lent his voice to some of our most memorable moments as a university. He and Paula will be missed and forever remembered.

Fall is always an exciting time at Auburn; while the beginning of football season brings great anticipation, the opening of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is bringing the fall semester buzz to new levels. The Gogue Center will transform and elevate the Auburn community through experiences that inspire, engage and enlighten us. Be sure to attend at least one of the 27 events scheduled for its first year.

It was amazing to be in Waco, Texas in April to celebrate with the equestrian team as they won their third national title in four years. Hailing from all over the country, these women work extremely hard. It was inspiring to hear their parents — most with no prior connection to Auburn — talk about how special it is to be part of the Auburn Family. If you have never witnessed an equestrian event, you’re missing out!

The Auburn Alumni Association hosted four outstanding AMBUSH events this summer. To no one’s surprise, the Malzahn/Pearl duo proved to be an entertaining and informative combination, selling out each location. Hopefully the momentum of spring football and AMBUSH will continue into football and basketball season. Hope to see you at a game on campus!

If you are anything like me, I enjoyed wearing basketball-themed shirts and hats all summer, and am still reflecting on Auburn’s historic trip to the Final Four. The atmosphere in Minneapolis was very similar to the 2010 football championship game in Phoenix and I was proud of our players and coaches, especially how they handled an unfortunate ending. And then, to see our baseball team’s journey to Omaha and the College World Series was equally thrilling. This resilient team overcame great adversity throughout the season to get to the “Greatest Show on Dirt.” The 2019 runs to the Final Four and College World Series will always be special to the Auburn Family.

If you are not familiar with the EAGLES program on campus, be sure to read about this exciting, new program in this issue (p. 36). And speaking of Auburn Magazine, the award-winning publication is arguably the number-one way Auburn alumni and friends stay connected to Auburn. So, if you don’t currently receive every issue, I hope you will consider becoming a contributing member of the Auburn Alumni Association. Annual memberships are between $25 and $50, and in addition to receiving the quarterly magazine, there are many other membership benefits to enjoy.

Until next time, God bless and War Eagle!

M. Van Henley ’80
President, Auburn Alumni Association

Mission

The Auburn Alumni Association is dedicated to enhancing the engagement and connection of all Auburn University alumni and friends.

Vision

To advance Auburn University by engaging our global community and cultivating their passion for and loyalty to the university.

By Laws & Resources

Past Executive Directors

Past Presidents