HELLO AUBURN FAMILY…

I never tire of hearing Auburn alumni try to explain what makes Auburn so special. The Auburn spirit is something we all know and love, but it’s not easy to put into words. And that feeling we experience when we exit I-85 or U.S. 280 onto College Street, as we once again arrive in Auburn, is a feeling of coming home — and it never gets old. It should be no surprise then that 11 former students have come home to Auburn and are currently coaching various sports teams across campus. Learn more about what Auburn has meant to them in this edition.

The Auburn Alumni Association exists to enhance the engagement and connectivity of all alumni and friends to Auburn University. During my first year as president, I watched — amazed — as that mission was carried out in numerous ways.
In fact, while I had an inkling of how the association’s programs and services impact the Auburn Family, it was not until I formally stepped into this role that I began to fully appreciate the full scope of our activities. I attended many Auburn functions this year, but my favorites included the record-setting AMBUSH events and the Golden Eagles reunion. If your Golden Eagles reunion is approaching, clear your calendar. You will not be disappointed.

The alumni association uses the Auburn Club network as a primary means of engagement and connection. Did you know that there are more than 100 alumni groups worldwide who work to bring Auburn University to you? These clubs host freshmen send-offs, do community service, host sports watch parties and raise funds for student scholarships. Auburn clubs hosted 52 freshmen send-offs over the past year, including a harbor cruise around the Statue of Liberty for freshmen and parents courtesy of the New York Auburn Club. And, yes, it was as cool as it sounds.

But beyond the special events, I am consistently impressed by our alumni clubs’ generosity. In fact, the Auburn Alumni Association and Auburn Club network scholarships represent 23% of all scholarships awarded at Auburn University. At a celebratory dinner last September, the Cullman County Auburn Club, the Greater Houston Auburn Club and the Marshall County Auburn Club were inducted into the 1856 Society (donors who have made cumulative gifts exceeding $100,000). In addition, the Montgomery Auburn Club was inducted into the Creed Circle (cumulative gifts exceeding $250,000).

The Auburn Alumni Association will host the 19th annual Lifetime Achievement Awards on Feb. 29, 2020. Reviewing the winners’ accomplishments is a truly inspirational exercise. This year’s honorees are William Barrick ’68, Jere Beasley ’59, Joe Forehand ’71 and Octavia Spencer ’94, and the 2020 Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient is Dion Aviki ’04. Please join me in congratulating these recipients.

And finally, I may be partial as a graduate in accounting, but the new Horton-Hardgrave Hall on campus is an incredible facility that will boost the Harbert College of Business to new heights. Put it on your list of things to see next time you are on campus, and I think you will understand why students are spending so much time there!

In the past, it was sad to see the end of football season approach. Well, not as much anymore. I’ll see you in the Auburn Arena for more exciting basketball!

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