She wanted to be a physical therapist, but now Joy Gaston Gayles ’98 helps support and inspire a new generation of professors.
Women of Auburn
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.
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.
Revolutionizing The Way American Eels Are Grown
Fried, smoked or even an “ELT,” Sara Rademaker ’07 wants you to eat more eel.
Megan Feringa ’19 Covers The FIFA Women’s Soccer Game
A series of unexpected decisions led Megan Feringa ’19 to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
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?
Send us your class note and remember to add your class year.
More Women of Auburn Stories
Winning a New Game: Joanne P. McCallie ’90
She was one of college basketball’s greatest coaches—but she was carrying a secret.
Angela Morton ’09
Within my business I provide nutrition counseling to patients that have chronic kidney disease.
The Eye of the Artist: Lynthia Edwards ’00
“Black Girl Magic” is the secret of one artist’s work.
Lemons to Lemonade
The proverbial expression, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade inspires optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of difficulty or misfortune. Five alumni share their stories of taking bitter, even devastating, circumstances in their lives and turning them into something positive.
New Characters, New Tales
When Cheniece Kelleher ’13 couldn’t find children’s books with diverse characters, she wrote her own. Now she’s changing the industry one book at a time.
Opening International Doors: Lynda Blanchard ’91
An ambassador uses small-town charm to connect with Slovenians.
Behind the Screams and Scenes: Abby Clawson ’04
A makeup specialist puts the gore back in Horror.
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.
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.
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.