In July 2025, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s namesake and the Ginn Family Foundation announced their commitment of $30 million to form a new scholarship program, the largest donation in school history. The program, which will make up around 40 scholarship awards, will cover expenses, such as room and board, fees and tuition. The donation surpassed the family’s previous donation of $25 million, which, at the time, was the largest gift to a higher education institution in the state of Alabama.
Eligibility in the program requires students to graduate from a Title I high school in Alabama, be a student with the College of Engineering and have financial need. On top of that, students must also demonstrate leadership skills within school organizations and “have values that align with those espoused in the Auburn Creed,” according to an article by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
Mia Haefner, junior in computer engineering, offered her perspective on the new scholarship program, specifically with how the financial aid will help students manage their course loads.
“One of the most important parts of studying engineering is having a good group of people to work with,” Haefner said. “Since Ginn Scholars are being provided dedicated spaces to study, working and studying together would be helpful to get through the core classes all engineering majors have to take.”
Those who are part of the scholarship program must partake in a first-year seminar. Here, the Ginn Scholars will learn about the many services available to them during their time at Auburn and connect with fellow honorees. Haefner shares the overall benefit of scholarships, explaining that the scholarship opens doors for students who might not have been able to afford attending otherwise.
“Scholarships play a major role in making education more accessible,” Haefner said. “For some students, scholarships could be the only way to afford Auburn.”
With the many benefits of the scholarship program helping to remove financial burdens on students, Haefner believes that this will allow for students to explore outside of class opportunities.
“Since this scholarship’s goal is to lessen financial burdens, this would give students more time to explore opportunities outside the classroom. Auburn has many amazing opportunities outside of education, such as networking events, clubs and research positions,” Haefner said. “With scholarships that lighten financial burdens, students get more time to explore their majors and build communities here.”
Samuel Ginn also shared his own personal experiences as a former Auburn engineering student, connecting it to the purpose behind the donation.
“My Auburn engineering experience was transformational for my life,” Ginn said in a statement. “My wife, Ann, our children and I are proud to celebrate our commitment from 25 years ago with this new gift. Auburn has given so much to us, and we are proud to play a role in laying the foundation for the future.”
Liam Epple, junior in civil engineering, shares how impressed he was with the scope of the scholarship program and Auburn’s commitment to the future of their students.
“I was very impressed by how generous and charitable the gift is for Auburn students. Covering almost everything with tuition, fees, as well as room and board, removes such a huge barrier for students to be able to receive an ample education,” Epple said. “My immediate thought was that this program shows how much Auburn values investing in its student's future.”
When it comes to future improvements of the program, Epple voices his idea of taking advantage of the college’s expansive alumni network.
“One addition could be pairing Ginn Scholars with Auburn engineering alumni as long-term mentors,” Epple said. “That would help students not only financially and academically but also professionally, as they prepare for their careers.”
The Ginn Scholars Program plans to select its first round of scholars for the 2026 academic year.
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