Auburn Alumni Association History

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History of the Auburn Alumni Association

Although the Auburn University Alumni Association was formally incorporated as a non-profit organization on April 19, 1945, its history traces as far back as the late 1860s. During that time, the name of the association was called the Society of the Alumni.

Nearly twenty years went by before a group of former Auburn students made the conscious decision to establish a fund in order to provide disadvantaged young men an opportunity to earn an education. It is here where we find the early beginnings of the association. The association was first incorporated in 1894, but after enduring severe financial distress, the association folded in 1941. It was not until the end of World War II before interest in alumni efforts began to resurface. As noted earlier, the Auburn Alumni Association was re-incorporated on April 19, 1945. At this time, the name of the association was called the Association of Former Auburn Students.

The first recorded publication sent out to alumni, called The Alumni Quarterly, was launched in 1912. There were approximately three thousand subscribers who received the first publication. Shortly thereafter in 1914, the title of the quarterly publication was changed to The Alumnus. After the association’s re-incorporation in 1945, a new alumni newsletter was put in place and was called The Alumnews. Nearly 50 years passed before the quarterly publication received another facelift. The newsletter concept subsided and the idea of a magazine format was introduced. Auburn Magazine debuted in the spring of 1994 and has since been regarded as one of the premier alumni quarterly publications in the nation.

The first full-time director of the association was Harry M. (Happy) Davis. After serving in this capacity for six years, Davis stepped aside and allowed Joseph B. Sarver to take charge in 1951. Sarver is credited with creating numerous alumni chapters across the state and the country. Increased support of academics, along with the creation of several scholarship opportunities, fueled alumni giving during Sarver’s tenure. The implementation of various programs such as the Auburn Development Program in 1959, the Auburn Annual Giving Fund in 1965, and the Alumni Professorship Program in 1966 were fostered during Sarver’s tenure as well.

Retiring after 25 years of service, Sarver was replaced by former Auburn assistant football coach George L. (Buck) Bradberry as Executive Director of the Auburn Alumni Association in 1976. During Bradberry’s tenure, he not only implemented the Auburn Generations Fund, but is also credited with incorporating a computer system in 1979 as well, which allowed streamlined access to demographic and financial information of all alumni and friends. Bradberry retired in 1985 and Jerry F. Smith took over the reigns as the next Executive Director. Smith spearheaded the funding efforts of the new Alumni Center, as well as implementing The Samford Society, the Library Endowment Fund, and several phone-a-thons.

In September of 1986, a resolution was passed for the new Alumni Center by Smith and former Auburn Alumni Association president Robert D. Word, Jr. ’55. The building opened its doors on May 6, 1989 and houses full-time staff members of both the Office of Alumni Affairs and the Office of Development.

Currently, Dr. Deborah L. Shaw ’84 serves as the Vice President of Alumni Affairs and Executive Director of the Auburn Alumni Association, replacing former Vice President of Alumni Affairs Betty M. DeMent ’71 in March of 2004.

In 1999, the Auburn Student Alumni Association was established as the student chapter of the national Auburn Alumni Association. Originally envisioned as a means to bridge the gap between students and alumni, the SAA has grown and developed into Auburn's largest membership-based campus organization with 2,800 active members. The SAA sponsors events throughout the year that focus on diverse areas of student interest. These events provide students the opportunity for professional and social development, while facilitating networking with Auburn alumni.

The Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors is currently comprised of 26 members (19 voting). The board meets three times a year to discuss matters and issues relative to the Association. The Office of Alumni Affairs currently has a full-time staff of 25 individuals.

The mission of the Auburn Alumni Association is to foster and strengthen the relationship between Auburn University and its alumni and friends; to preserve and promote the University’s traditions, purposes, growth and Alumni; and to keep alive the spirit of affection and reverence for our alma mater.

Sources:          Dwayne Cox, Head Archivist
                        Ralph B. Draughon Library, Auburn University

Older Version of the History of the Auburn Alumni Association
                                                (Circa 1990) (author unknown)

                                                Auburn Alumni Association Pamphlet from May 1945

                                                Copies of The Alumnews

http://www.aualum.org

*All found within AU Archives 4/12/05
Marcus Elliot, Grad Assistant, Alumni Affairs
Updated: 6/07