On Oct. 15, the first annual in-person Hey Day Social was held at Hey Day Market and the Greenspace. Although Hey Day is a longstanding tradition for the University, this new event sought to unite the entire Auburn community, bringing together not only current students and faculty but also alumni, family members and residents as well.
Stemming from the aftermath of World War II, Hey Day was established in response to the feelings of displacement expressed by student veterans upon their return to Auburn. To promote a more welcoming setting on campus, the Student Government Association (SGA) dedicated a day to handing out name tags and encouraging students to meet and talk with other students they had not before — giving the veterans and others an avenue to start a conversation by simply saying “hey.”
Now, 78 years later, the annual occasion serves as a reminder to each and every student that they have a place and a purpose here in the Auburn community and that new friendships can blossom with simple acts of kindness. Hey Day activities on campus this year included 13 different name tag stations across campus, arranged meet-and-greets with therapy dogs and the Raptor Center's War Eagles and photo opportunities. At the Market, attendees could enjoy carnival booths, yard games, prizes, free food and t-shirts, live music and even a pep rally.
On Oct. 15, War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen attend the 2025 Hey Day pep rally. Contributed by Abigail Holbrook, Student Involvement photographer.
Recognizing its value and the potential, the Traditions Committee from the Auburn Alumni Board of Directors wanted to transform Hey Day from an annual campus event to a gathering Auburn alumni all across the country could participate in. There was a virtual Hey Day Social broadcasted online in 2024, but this year, the Committee also partnered with SGA and Auburn Student Involvement to make this dream a true reality – organizing the first in-person alumni Hey Day Social.
Danielle Fields, senior director of engagement and experience for Alumni Affairs, revealed how expanding Hey Day to alumni was a "strong vision" of the Traditions Committee, emphasizing how the Hey Day Social provides an opportunity to bring Auburn alumni back on campus where students and alumni can be in the same space.
Nationwide, branches of the Auburn Alumni Association held other virtual and in-person Hey Day socials in many cities, including in Denver, Colorado; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts and more. This is expected to become a larger alumni event in the coming years.
"The Hey Day Social keeps Auburn traditions for alumni alive," said Kurt Sasser, chief engagement officer for Auburn Advancement and director of the Auburn Alumni Association who was working the Social. "It ensures alumni can celebrate with the University regardless of where they are."
Open to everyone, the Social began at 5 p.m. at the popular food hall Hey Day Market and the Greenspace, a spot where Auburn students and residents meet to spend time with friends and family.
Similar to the campus activities, a large white tent was set up in front of Hey Day Market to welcome guests with warm smiles, name tags and hand streamers. The outside screen displayed the virtual Hey Day Social broadcast nationwide for guests to kickoff the night, which would include music, outside games like mini golf and a pep rally put on by Aubie the Tiger and the Auburn University Cheerleaders. The crowd joined in by taking photos and chanting Auburn cheers like “Bodda Getta” and “Track ‘em Tigers.”
On Oct. 15, Auburn University Cheerleaders guide attendees through cheers and chants at the 2025 Hey Day pep rally. Contributed by Abigail Holbrook, Student Involvement photographer.
Starting at 6 p.m., the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen took guests on walking campus tours, hitting every major landmark of the University, including the Aubie statue and the Langdon Seal, before guiding guests back to the Market.
Dative Niyonizeye, freshman studying engineering, stressed her appreciation of the event, as it gave her time to simply be with her friends and allowed her to take a selfie with Aubie.
“It is a beautiful way to socialize and connect people,” Niyonizeye said.
By the conclusion of the event, attendees kept the momentum going by connecting with fellow Auburn Family, conversing with new friends and enjoying discounted food and drinks with their Hey Day name tags at the Market or Downtown Auburn.
Texas University graduate Duane Winstead, who “married into the Auburn nation” and has resided in Auburn since 2018, expressed his satisfaction and contentment with the Social and the Auburn community as a whole.
Winstead encompassed the spirit of the day when he said that there was "always something going on" in Auburn, and he was glad to be a part of it.
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