Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Stories
Rowdy Gaines Reflects on Winning Gold
Forty years ago, Rowdy Gaines ’81 won three gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
People and Plants: The Secret Behind Keeping SEC College Campuses Beautiful
Across the SEC and the country, Auburn graduates are overseeing some of the biggest and most scenic college campuses. But it takes more than a green thumb to keep these iconic places inviting for students, staff and thousands of annual visitors.
Wildest Dreams
Author and New York Times writer Margaret Renkl looks for answers to societal ills in the harmony between humans and nature.
Pondering Their Future
Harry Ponder ’70 retired from Auburn in 2017, but his legacy lives on. Three of his landscape horticulture students—Justin Sutton ’05, Kim Byram ’94 and Jeff McManus ’88—cite his leadership and passion as big influences.
Race to the Top
Bret Holmes navigates the twists and turns of the racing world as a driver and an owner.
Data Defender
Stephanie Todd ’04 keeps your financial secrets safe at one of the world’s largest banks.
Building Hope: Disaster Relief Architecture & Design
Combining faith and design, disaster response architect Sarah Elizabeth Dunn ’03 builds shelters for disaster-stricken communities around the world.
Strokes of Genius
Auburn Alumna Rada Owen trains Annette Bening for her Oscar-nominated performance in “Nyad.”
Harold Franklin Reflects on Integration 50 Years Later
Fifty years ago, unsure of his safety, a tall, soft-spoken Black man walked alone across the Auburn campus to register for classes.
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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
Cowgirl Courage: Abigail Benz ’19
“Glitter and Dirt” is key to a Cowgirl’s mission for good.
To the Moon and Beyond: Chuck Bergh ’94
How are we going to explore distant planets? With robots, of course.
Two of a Kind
How two friends in two different fields came together to make a big difference.
Auburn Rugby Club’s Rise to Greatness
For decades, Auburn’s Rugby Club fought for relevance as much as victory. Then they were national champions.
We’ll Meet Again
Thanks to some passionate supporters, a powerful Holocaust play with Auburn ties will extend its run through September.
Dating Advice from Auburn’s Bachelorette
Charity Lawson ’18 discusses her experience—and the lessons learned—as the star of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
Council wins the 2023 BAC Rising Star Award
Auburn Black Alumni Council wins Rising Star Award for their remarkable achievements.
Women of Auburn: Tiffany Welch ’94
Tiffany Welch ’94, exemplifies Women’s History Month with her dedication to community and successful business ventures.
Women of Auburn Heidi Brittain Matthews Wright ’20
Heidi Brittain Matthews Wright, daughter of Auburn’s first Black graduate, shares her journey pursuing a doctoral degree at Auburn.
Coming to a Head
Since 2014, Auburn brewing science graduates have served up some of the tastiest pints in bars across the country. With Auburn’s new Tony and Libba Rane Center, brewing’s future on the Plains is golden.