Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Stories
A Life Well Planned: Rob Pate ’02
A former athlete’s future was uncertain until he became an optometrist. Now he looks ahead with perfect clarity.
Christmas Tree Triumph
Sam, Jim and Agnes Cartner grow Christmas trees so good they’re putting one in the White House in 2024.
Floyd the Barber Tribute Artist is Keeping “The Andy Griffith Show” Alive
IT specialist by day. Floyd the Barber by night. How Allan Newsome ’89 became the man behind all things Mayberry.
Auburn Alum and NBC Entertainment Correspondent, Chloe Melas, is Making News
A meeting at Auburn’s student-run television station launched Chloe Melas’ career as an entertainment news correspondent for VH1, CNN and NBC news.
Alum and Military Veteran, Curtis Pippin, Answers the Call
Life isn’t easy in the military, but transitioning out can be even harder. Curtis Pippin ’17 helps veterans adjust to civilian life one connection at a time.
Auburn Goes to Work on Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure
Roads crack. Sewage leaks and power grids fail. America’s infrastructure is falling apart. See how Auburn is providing solutions.
The Teacher’s Coach
She wanted to be a physical therapist, but now Joy Gaston Gayles ’98 helps support and inspire a new generation of professors.
Emily Blejwas ’06: Putting Life in Print
First-time novelist uses her career working in social work to teach children about tough issues and appreciating differences.
Scouting Champions: Travis Coleman ’07
He scouted the core players that won the 2017 Major League World Series.
We need your great Auburn stories!
We are looking for the newest, most inspiring stories about Auburn students, faculty, staff and alumni. Stories that touch the head and heart and show Auburn as a modern university that embraces its history and celebrates the Auburn Family every chance it gets.
Have you recently had a job promotion, married or had an addition to your family?
More Alumni Stories
From Aspiring Engineer To Juilliard Trumpeter
Wilson Childers ’20 went from aspiring engineer to Juilliard trumpeter in short measure.
Miss Alabama, A Champion for Ambition – Lauren Bradford ’21
Miss Alabama wears the crown to teach young girls their dreams are possible.
Love and War – A romance story on the Plains
A love begun on the Plains outlasts the Cold War, and then some.
Where Kudzu and Country Music Grow – Dustin Herring ’08
A rising country star remembers his “farmer’s boy” roots.
Champagne Shooter: Bradley Hall ’05
How do you make champagne more exciting? Make it last longer—and more fun.
On The Vine: Ryan Reece ’14
Building business relationships with international winemakers began with the Auburn Family.
Back on the Track: Lee Anne Patterson ’85
An Indy 500 veteran brings the Auburn Tigers to the future of racing.
Hooking a New Angle: Jackie Fry ’12
Deep-sea fishing moves into the future.
Inner Visions: Brandon Dean ’08
To find creative inspiration, an artist turned to the subject he knew best: himself.
WEGL is 50
On April 25, 1971, WEGL 91.1 crackled to life in the first floor of Haley Center.