Kate Hardman, senior in nursing, was crowned the 2016 Miss Homecoming after campaigning to promote her "Hope with Hardman" platform.
Hardman's platform raises awareness and funds for Make-A-Wish Alabama to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
"As a nursing major, whose dream is impacting these children through the field of pediatric oncology, this is my here-and-now impact," Hardman said. "My heart is for these kids, and it is my privilege to partner with them in this fight—both in this day and in the future.”
Hardman, a Birmingham native, said she chose Auburn for its nursing program and welcoming environment.
"I was between Auburn and a school very similar to this campus’ atmosphere and ultimately picked Auburn because they had a nursing school that had an incredible reputation," Hardman said. "I got the best of both worlds by going here: excellent preparation for my dream career and in the atmosphere of my dream college experience."
Hardman said she was shocked and "overwhelmed with thankfulness" when she was announced the winner during halftime at Auburn Football's homecoming game against ULM.
"I wanted to reach out to every person that was in the stands that made my name being called possible and give them all the recognition because they deserve it," Hardman said. "My name being called was never the goal for the end of the week, so when it was I was completely taken a back. I really could do nothing but smile and give an abundant amount of thanks to everyone who supported me and encouraged me the whole way through."
While Make-A-Wish Alabama doesn't have an organization on campus, Hardman said she hopes she can help them do so after she submits her $5,000 donation goal.
"They want to begin an organization called 'wish granters' for Auburn students," Hardman said. "It is an organization that allows students to be involved in not only raising money for wishes but also in the wish granting process."
Students in the organization would be able to meet children, organize their wishes and coordinate a wish granting celebration for them, Hardman said.
"This is especially important for the children whose wish is to come to Auburn and be a student because what better way to celebrate than with students already here," Hardman said.
Hardman said campaign week was a special Auburn memory for her and the friends supporting her.
"It is forever engrained in my brain as a true picture of friendship and the Auburn family," Hardman said. "A group of people who serve one another, refine one another and encourage one another. It was the sweetest moment."
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