Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

75 years of the Auburn Creed

For many students, the mantra sticks with them throughout their years on The Plains and beyond.

 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Auburn Creed. To the outsiders of Auburn, The Creed may only be a catchy slogan. 

But to the students, professors and faculty of Auburn University, The Auburn Creed becomes a part of every Auburn student’s life from the first day they step on campus.

Seventy-five years ago in 1943, historian, college professor and football coach George Petrie created and coined The Auburn Creed just after retiring from his 53-year-long teaching career. 

Throughout his time spent at Auburn, Petrie was not only a renowned professor but was the man behind Auburn’s first football team. 

He took what he learned throughout his career on campus and mastered a belief system that encompassed Auburn’s spirit.  

Years later, The Creed still stands as a source of guidance to the Auburn Family. 

The Creed can be found in areas all over campus including the Student Center and other classrooms and buildings throughout campus. 

Interested and prospective students are routinely shown The Creed during campus tours and orientation at Camp War Eagle. 

The Office of Communications and Marketing staff continue to instill the ideals of the creed into every generation that makes its way onto campus. 

“The Auburn Creed is central to the core beliefs that define the Auburn Family,” said Preston Sparks, director of University communications services. “These words of wisdom penned by George Petrie speak precisely to the success, determination and generous spirit of Auburn men and women everywhere.”

Over the past 75 years, The Auburn Creed has remained the exact same and stands to this day as an unchanged profession of values. 

Although the history, culture and philosophy of Auburn University have changed since the implementation of The Creed, it is trusted that The Creed itself stands for the past, present and future narrative of Auburn in all its glory. 

“The words of The Auburn Creed are timeless and continue to inspire each new generation of Auburn students and the Auburn Family as a whole,” Sparks said. “The ideals represented in The Creed are deeply rooted in who we are as Auburn men and women and how we innovate and transform in our surroundings.”

For many students, the mantra sticks with them throughout their years on The Plains and beyond. 

“I had no idea how much The Creed was going to mean to me when I got here, but even in just one month of being on campus I truly understand how significant it is to who I will be by the time I graduate,” said Abby Townsend, freshman in pre-nursing science.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Auburn Plainsman delivered to your inbox

Share and discuss “75 years of the Auburn Creed” on social media.