To celebrate the 170th anniversary of Auburn, it is essential to reflect on the organizations that have shaped traditions, preserved history and defined the Auburn experience of today. One group of students that exemplify the Auburn spirit and dedication to the Creed are the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen (WEGP). The WEGP are a group of 13 men and 13 women, who represent Auburn University as official hostesses and hosts.
The current president of the WEGP, Mcrae Dickinson, a senior studying accounting, said that the group most often appears at football games, special events and even at events upon request. Throughout the years, the organization has adjusted to need at the time, but regardless of the event they attend, WEGP is dedicated to serving Auburn.
"The group's role has changed slightly over the years. Some years, we're more involved with the alumni, the president, the board, and other years, we are more involved with the athletic department. Our official mission is to serve Auburn and to be the official hosts and hostesses," Dickinson said. "Game days are the biggest and most visible [events for us], but we're busy year-round."
Before the War Eagle Girls, the tradition of electing someone to serve as the university’s official hostess began with Miss Auburn in 1934. During this time, Miss Auburn had an unofficial “posse” of girls who followed her around campus and attended events. Eventually, as time went on, around 1966, one specific Miss Auburn, Chris Akin Adams, wanted to do more with her role, so with the help of then SGA President, George McMillan, the first 25 War Eagle Girls were selected, with Miss Auburn serving as an honorary member.
More than 30 years later, in 1968, the conference director of Auburn University, Tom Eden, who was committed to establishing the War Eagle Girls as the face of Auburn, offered to provide them with official male escorts to assist with their duties. After receiving approval from the War Eagle Girls to be joined by their male counterparts, Eden created a constitution for the group, naming the men the Plainsmen. During that fall, the WEGP were recognized as the official hostesses and hosts of Auburn University.
Today, whether they are attending the president’s Christmas party, giving a campus tour or cheering at the front of the student section, WEGP can be seen wearing their historic orange jackets and sashes.
"The uniform is a good reflection of our group, because there are pieces that haven't changed. For the guys, it's the jacket; you see the orange jacket, and you immediately recognize it. And for the girls, it's the sash on their dress," Dickinson said. "They represent Auburn and everything it stands for, the traditions and the values. Those two pieces are passed down throughout the years, which is a part of keeping the tradition alive."
Dickinson later said they are a more tight knit group than ever and strive to represent Auburn in the best way possible.
For interested students, interview sign-ups to become a War Eagle Girl or Plainsman open on Jan. 20 and close on Feb. 20.
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