Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Stories
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.
A Love for Writing Goes a Long Way: Jack Stripling ’01
How an aspiring fiction writer became a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Alumna Furnishes Homes for Homeless
A former nurse helps Michigan’s homeless create a new beginning, one piece of furniture at a time.
Miss Auburn Is More Than Just a Crown
Alumnae who held the title of Miss Auburn recall the impact it made on their lives.
Auburn alum spends 40 years convicting Columbus Stocking Strangler
It took Bill Smith ’64 more than 40 years to bring one of Georgia’s worst serial killers to justice. Now at the end of the saga, Smith reflects on the case that defined his career.
Why Auburn Grads Are Hired By ESPN
When ESPN needs talent in the production room or in front of the camera, it turns to Auburn.
Revolutionizing The Way American Eels Are Grown
Fried, smoked or even an “ELT,” Sara Rademaker ’07 wants you to eat more eel.
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.
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More Alumni Stories
The Great Debate
Our national discourse seems as fractured as ever. How do we learn to talk to each other again?
Going International
Ashley Robinett ’01 was once a chemical engineer fresh out of college. Now she’s part of an international organization empowering women around the world.
Finding A Home
For more than 25 years, diversity and inclusion programs across campus have helped underrepresented students and alumni find their place on the Plains.
The Long Road Back
Marsha Bass Schmid ’99 was living her best life before an accident changed everything. Now, she’s using her journey to motivate others.
First Black Auburn Student Finally Receives Degree
After integrating Auburn University more than 50 years ago, Harold Franklin Sr. finally has his diploma.
COVID-19 Frontlines
The fight against COVID-19 has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, from disrupting work to shuttering schools and sidelining almost every event of 2020.
The Power of Black Tears: Kris Sims ’16
A black alumni channels his pain into a new form of protest art.
Oh Baby!
Courtney ’04 and Eric ’04 Waldrop wanted a fourth child, but got six more—and a TV show.
In Search of Evolution: Justin Havird ’14
Exploring how a volcano changes the environment—and the animals inside it.
Helping Harlem in Critical Hours: Karen Sodomick ’93
An Auburn graduate and the Harlem Children’s Zone fight for Central Harlem’s citizens during COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest.