Auburn has many symbols that represent the student body, past and present, and the principles and morals that guide its students.
One symbol that has been a part of Auburn's history since 1859 is Samford Hall.
Located at the heart of Auburn, the current building was built in 1888 after the original building burned down.
While some students may know the building's history, few know what actually happens inside this Auburn symbol.
Mike Clardy, director of university communications, has worked in Samford Hall for 15 years.
Clardy said he works with reporters\0xAD\0xAD\0xAD--pitching stories, putting things on Auburn's website and handling inquiries people may have.
"When you stop and think about the history and what's happened in this building, what's taken place over the years here, it's a special building," Clardy said. "Maybe sometimes we take that for granted because to us, it's coming to work every day, but you know you kind of step back and think about it, we're working in a very special building."
Samford Hall has undergone renovations throughout the years, but some parts have remained.
Clardy said the heating and cooling system for the building is hot and cold water running through the pipes.
Upon entering Samford Hall, guests are welcomed by decades of history in a room filled with relics from Auburn's past.
Among the relics displayed is documentation of the name changes Auburn has been through, pictures of past presidents and old cadet uniforms.
Samford's old clock face hangs on the wall. According to Chris Green, coordinator for campus and community events, the back of the clock has signatures on the back dating back to 1906.
The rest of the building is office space for the office of communications and marketing, the office of the executive vice president, the office of the president, the office of the provost, the office of sponsored programs and vice president research.
"There's a lot of people who will circulate through our office and a lot of them will say, 'I didn't realize this actually was a functional building,'" Green said.
Some faculty members in Samford Hall have a long history with the building. Lucy LaMar graduated from Auburn in 1981, and now works in Samford Hall as a marketing manager.
"I have a fondness for it because it is such an iconic representation of Auburn," LaMar said. "It brings back fond memories of being a student here; I'm glad to be able to be a part of the University where I graduated from."
LaMar said her favorite part of working in Samford Hall is hearing the bells, especially when they chime "War Eagle."
Green said the building itself doesn't have any venue for events inside, but numerous proposals, graduation pictures and other important events have taken place around and near the building.
"This is the heart of the University as far as I'm concerned," Clardy said. "This is where things happen."
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