Graduation
Auburn University's fall graduation ceremonies were held at the Auburn Arena Saturday, Dec. 13.
According to University President Jay Gogue, 1,497 graduating students were presented with doctorates, master's and bachelor's degrees during two ceremonies.
Former astronaut Jim Voss gave the commencement speech.
Voss, a 1972 Auburn graduate, spent six months on the International Space Station.
"Today, as you graduate, you leave one of the finest universities in the world," Voss said. "It's one that excels in many fields, in engineering, business, veterinary medicine and even the exploration of space."
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, former Auburn football player, was one of the graduates.
Williams left Auburn to enter the NFL draft and returned to finish his degree 10 years later.
"Very glad to be finally getting my degree here," Williams said. "I've been procrastinating for 10 years now. It's an honor and a pleasure to get my degree this morning, and be an official alumni of Auburn University."
Football players Sammie Coates and Quan Bray were also among the graduates.
Auburn mourns Jakell Mitchell
Jakell Williams, freshman football player, was killed at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex Dec. 14.
According to Bill Harris, Lee County coroner, Mitchell died at East Alabama Medical Center after suffering multiple gunshots to the chest.
Markale Hart, 22, of Camp Hill was arrested and charged with the murder the same day.
Desmonte Leonard killed three people, including two Auburn football players, at the same apartment complex in 2012.
Gus Malzahn, Auburn football coach, said in a statement he was grieving the loss of the player.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Jakell's family and friends, who are suffering through this senseless tragedy," Malzahn said. "I know the Auburn Family is hurting, especially our players and coaches, and we are going to love and support them through this difficult time. We have lost a member of our family too young, too soon."
Aubie wins Capital One Mascot Challenge
Aubie took first place in the 2014 Capital One Mascot Challenge.
The winner was announced Dec. 31 during the Capital One Bowl in Miami.
Auburn's mascot program was awarded a $20,000 scholarship and each participating school's mascot program received a $5,000 scholarship.
While this is Aubie's first Capital One Mascot Challenge win, he has won eight Universal Cheerleaders Association national titles, the most of any mascot.
Football loses in overtime at Outback Bowl
The Tigers lost to Wisconsin at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1.
The score was 34-31 in overtime when Daniel Carlson missed a 45-field goal that ended the game.
Gus Malzahn, football head coach, said the team was disappointed after the loss.
"We just didn't make the plays at the end of the game and they did, so give them credit for that," Malzahn said. "We have a lot of seniors and obviously we're disappointed we couldn't get those guys out on a positive note."
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