Fifty professors were given a $14,000 per year salary boost Friday, as Auburn University awarded a record number of endowments at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.
"It's very unusual to award so many at once," said Deedie Dowdle, executive director of Office of Communications and Marketing at Auburn University.
The endowments brought donors, family and friends together to recognize the accomplishments of Auburn's faculty.
President Jay Gogue set a goal of awarding 80 endowments within a calendar year.
With Friday's event, the University has now reached 95.
Professors from 11 colleges were recognized.
The greatest number of endowed professorships was awarded to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, with a total of 13 professors receiving recognition.
Deans introduced the professorships for their respective colleges.
"This will help us keep wonderful faculty," said Tim Boosinger, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Keeping wonderful faculty, as well as trying to recruit new faculty, is the main idea behind granting endowed professorships.
Gogue opened the ceremony with a few lighthearted remarks explaining the initiative and praising Auburn's faculty.
"We have a desire to reward exceptional faculty who are committed to Auburn University in order to encourage them to remain with the University," Gogue said. "The very heart of the University is the faculty."
Endowments were made possible by donations from current and former faculty and students, as well as corporations.
In many cases, donations were made in honor of colleagues or teachers, or, in the instance of the endowments given to the College of Veterinary Medicine, favorite pets.
"They were given because of the love owners have for their dogs," Boosinger said of the contributions. "That says a lot about what we do."
This recognition might not have been possible without the contributions of so many donors.
Gogue said the decision to award the endowments was made before the economic downturn.
Against the financial odds, Auburn University was still able to surpass its endowment goal for the year.
Curtis Jolly, chair and professor of agricultural economics and rural sociology, was one of the recipients.
"It is a great feeling to be recognized by your peers and the institution," Jolly said. "It makes me feel more devoted to give something back."
Each recipient was given a wooden chair by Auburn University to commemorate the honor, as well as a set of business cards including the new distinction.
"This is a way to recognize our outstanding faculty," said Mary Ellen Mazey, Auburn University provost and vice president of academic affairs.
After the ceremony, faculty, donors and guests were given the chance to mingle and enjoy a catered, buffet-style dinner.
"I'm just proud of the work that our faculty have done," Gogue said.
Gogue said he hopes the endowments will cause the professors to want to stay at Auburn University for the rest of their careers to maintain consistency, as well as help to recruit new faculty.
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