It's her senior year of high school, and Libby Lukens has yet to decide where she wants to attend college.
She could stay near her home in Stone Mountain, Ga., or she could go out of state to attend the university from which more than 25 of her relatives graduated.
Lukens, junior in biomedical sciences and business, chose Auburn.
"When I made my college decision, my parents left it up to me," Lukens said. "I thought I wanted to be different than everyone else, but in reality, I learned in a spout of maturity that I could go to Auburn like my brother and other family members did and still love this institution."
Of these relatives, many bear the last name Haley.
Paul Shields Haley, Lukens' great-great-grandfather, graduated from Auburn with the highest honor of civil engineering in 1901. The Haley Center bears his name for his 51 years of service on the Board of Trustees.
He only missed one board meeting throughout those years.
His love and dedication for Auburn must have inspired future descendants, Lukens said, because "after him, everyone just went to Auburn."
Although nearly her entire family graduated from Auburn, Lukens said she came to experience Auburn for herself while still remembering her family's history.
"I've been able to create my own Auburn experience, but still value it and appreciate it so much more because there's such a rich family involved here," Lukens said. "It's a common bond that all of us share."
Lukens said Auburn traditions, especially football, were instilled in her family at a young age.
"It's a way of life and the kind of person you are," Lukens said. "It's never something I sat down and learned about. It's just part of everyone's story."
From the time she could throw a football, Lukens said she was taught everything about the sport from her father.
Lukens said football weekends are the prominent event that brings relatives together again.
"I remember going to the Auburn-Florida game in 1996 (and seeing) the winning field goal," Lukens said. "Now, there's nothing like being in the student section at any football game."
Lukens' parents, John and Karen, met at the University, and her brother, David, graduated two years ago as the fifth generation of Auburn graduates.
As for her own story, Lukens said she thought her time here would last forever.
"Starting as a freshman (I knew) so much about Auburn, but I didn't necessarily know anyone else here," Lukens said. "The friendships I've made and the experiences I've grown from are some of the best memories I've had here."
Though her time in college is close to an end, her Auburn experience will forever be family history.
"It's one of those things where it's really hard to describe to someone the Auburn experience, but when you have your whole entire family that has experienced it themselves, you just catch on," Lukens said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
