Alumnae who held the title of Miss Auburn recall the impact it made on their lives

By Christy Kyser ’92

Miss Auburn is a long-standing tradition in which young women are nominated by campus organizations and then questioned by a panel of university campus leaders to reduce the number to 20. These ladies carefully consider a meaningful platform, understanding the importance of connecting the student body with administration, faculty, government and the local population. They share their vision with their peers through an intensive and often exhausting campus campaign. In February of each year, Auburn students cast their votes for the official representative of Auburn University and honorary member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen.

Since 1934, exceptional women have held the honor of Miss Auburn, and many have carried the skills gleaned during this time throughout their post-Auburn lives. Mindy Street ’06 says she would not have pursued a career in university development if not for her time as Miss Auburn 2005.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our generous donors. My passion for this all started when I became Miss Auburn.”

“During my time as Miss Auburn, the university launched the ‘It Begins at Auburn’ fundraising campaign. As the university hostess, I attended the public launch. As I sat in that space with so many generous people—Auburn enthusiasts who give so that students like myself can graduate debt free—I knew then what I wanted to do with my life,” said Street, who currently serves as development officer for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. “We couldn’t do what we do without our generous donors. My passion for this all started when I became Miss Auburn.”

Several Miss Auburns credit the experience with broadening their communication skills and stretching their comfort zones. Jean Johnson ’87 entered Auburn as a shy freshman from a small high school. She was nominated for Miss Auburn in 1986 by the Arnold Air Society as a member of Angel Flight.

“Angel Flight meant so much to me because my father was a colonel in the Air Force. He was a pilot who was shot down on July 4, 1969. He remained listed as a POW for several years until President (Jimmy) Carter declared all missing as Killed In Action. I was honored to be nominated for Miss Auburn by the ‘Arnies,’” said Johnson, who campaigned alongside Jim Johnson (who is now her husband) as he successfully ran for SGA vice president. Their two oldest daughters graduated from Auburn and their youngest daughter will be a freshman this fall.

Kathryn Kennedy ’02 says her time as Miss Auburn 2001 set her up for success in both graduate school and her career as a physician assistant. “I was able to meet so many amazing people—faculty, staff and students—that I otherwise would not have met. They helped me shape and refine personal skills such as communication, teamwork and servant leadership,” said Kennedy.

Pam Scott ’86 laughs that it’s been a minute since she held the honor in 1985, but she fondly remembers the campaign trail. “I actually loved campaigning for the position as much as fulfilling it. For weeks my manager, Tim Warzecha ’85, and I crisscrossed campus and met all kinds of folks. I greeted campus dignitaries like astronauts and politicians. At times, it all seemed pretty surreal for a gal who just felt lucky being an Auburn student,” said Scott.

Once Miss Auburn, always Miss Auburn, as Debbie McGillicuddy ’90 says. She has promoted Auburn inside and outside her home since marrying an Alabama graduate. “I have shared my love of Auburn with my husband and both of our sons, but mostly with our daughter who will be attending Auburn this fall,” said McGillicuddy. “During my husband’s career, we have moved several times. I find myself serving as an ambassador for my family with each move, helping them adjust and find friends, skills I definitely learned during my time as Miss Auburn 1989. I guess I will never stop promoting Auburn University.”

Marybeth Pittman ’61 credits Miss Auburn (1960) for several first experiences. “I’m sure I’m the oldest Miss Auburn—or at least I was at the last reunion. University hosting duties were quite different in my time thanks to an 8:30 p.m. curfew. I do remember going to Jacksonville, Fla. to represent Auburn at the Gator Bowl. We flew on a very small plane with university officials. We didn’t win, but what a memory since it was my very first airplane ride,” said Pittman.

“During my husband’s career, we have moved several times. I find myself serving as an ambassador for my family with each move, helping them adjust and find friends, skills I definitely learned during my time as Miss Auburn 1989. I guess I will never stop promoting Auburn University.”

A common thread among former Miss Auburns is gratitude for the opportunity to serve their beloved university. “I want to give as much back to Auburn as it has given me. This motivates me every day,” said Street.