With the main goal of providing financial aid to students of low income by means of scholarship, the non-profit organization Orange Navy has been working closely with faculty and staff to build a long-lasting relationship with the University.
On Thursday, June 14, Francis Aihe and Johnathan Haynes of Orange Navy met with Assistant Athletic Director for Public Relations Cassie Arner to discuss further developments.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of providing anywhere between one and five students with a scholarship to cover tuition costs based off the money generated by funds raised through Orange Navy with the amount of each individual depending on variations in donations and funding.
"It's an idea that is still in its infancy, but it has a lot of potential to grow for several different purposes," Arner said. "It is obvious that these are very driven individuals who were impacted by getting their degree at Auburn. They all have a lot of passion for the University and what it has done for their lives. All they want to do is share that passion and find a way to give back to their Auburn community."
One strategy discussed was the use of Tiger-i on AU Access.
With every purchase of a student football ticket through Tiger-i, the organization hopes to present students with the option of purchasing an official Orange Navy student section T-shirt with a percentage of sales going toward the Orange Navy Scholarship Fund.
Orange Navy also plans to hold charity events where former athletes and other Auburn alumni will be invited to share in the Auburn spirit.
After receiving guidance from Arner, the organization has a clear idea of what needs to be done.
Aihe described it as arriving with an "afro" hairstyle and leaving with a neat, fresh haircut."
The Orange Navy staff said they now understand the appropriate procedures necessary to develop this nonprofit organization, and it must be done correctly for the organization to have lasting effects on the University and the student body.
"Things can get real jammed up because it's a lot, but it'll all be worth it in the end," Aihe said.
The next steps to be taken include registering and being certified as a non-profit organization, collaborating with banks and setting a meeting with the SGA to discuss other possibilities.
There are currently two primary designs for the student section T-shirts with a myriad of colors for each design. Other projects remain in the works with hopes of representing the Auburn lifestyle.
Also, websites providing further information regarding the organization and its projects and products are under construction.
Orange Navy plans to seek endorsement through athletic icons such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, Charles Barkley, Marquise Daniels, Jason Campbell and other former athletes and Auburn-affiliated sports icons.
Other hopeful ventures include attempting to gain partnership with Under Armour Sports Clothing, Athletic Shoes and Accessories and the famous Trooper Towels.
According to Aihe, Orange Navy would love to create an Under Armour design that will be available to athletes first, then students and fans.
The University has expressed its willingness to help these former student athletes give back to current and future students by working with the organization on certain tasks such as pep rallies and other events.
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