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A spirit that is not afraid

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Big Al and Aubie pose for a photo with a man. Archived photo.

More than a mascot: A deep dive on Aubie

The energetic, head-bobbling beloved mascot of Auburn University, Aubie the Tiger has been a fan favorite now for over 60 years. His charm and ability to get the crowd on their feet have consistently won over new and longtime fans alike. It’s hard to imagine a time before this lovable mascot was the face of Auburn, but Aubie has not always been around.


170 Danyelle Hillman cheer 2

Danyelle Hillman: Auburn's first African American cheerleader

When Auburn University marketing alumna Danyelle Hillman decided to try out for the Auburn University Cheerleading Team in 1995, she did not initially realize the lasting impact her role would have on the University. 30 years after becoming Auburn’s first African American female cheerleader, Hillman, now an instructional technology specialist for Muscle Shoals City Schools, reflects on how she has carried the spirit of Auburn with her throughout her career in business and education.


The Fight Against Suicide Logo, contributed by TFAS Auburn.

The Fight Against Suicide comes to Auburn

On Friday, Feb. 20, mental health nonprofit The Fight Against Suicide (TFAS) will host its second annual boxing match event in Auburn, bringing the community together to confront one of the most pressing mental health challenges facing young adults today. Through the event, TFAS works to raise awareness of suicide and suicidal ideation among individuals ages 18 to 25 through prevention-focused education and open dialogue. Students can stay connected by following @tfasauburn on Instagram, where they share updates, resources and opportunities for students seeking help or wanting to make a difference. The events leading up to fight week are available to anybody to sign up through either the Instagram or Auburn tab on the official TFAS website. 

Jack Dutton (middle) with Gavin Fisch (right) and basketball star Keyshawn Hall (left).

In memory of Jack Dutton

It is an honor to recognize a student whose character, dedication and impact have left a lasting impression on Auburn University’s community. Jack Dutton, junior in Auburn’s Professional Flight program, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, following a tragic plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Dutton's passing, together with his father Dennis and others, is deeply felt across the Auburn community.

A brown boot is filled with a green sprouting plant, surrounded by colorful, twinkling holiday lights.

Love is in the stars: A review of WALL-E

In 2008, animation studio Pixar released an animated feature called "WALL-E," following a string of eight consecutive Oscar nominees, making up the studio’s golden age. Unlike those films, this was not about talking animals, sentient toys or lovable monsters. Instead, "WALL-E" was a space opera, an environmental piece and most importantly, a romance. Through a mix of clever homages to classic love stories such as “Hello, Dolly!,” as well as the movie's masterful use of cinema as a language, Pixar manages to create a beautiful dynamic between the two leads. For these reasons and more, I cannot help but recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic movie to watch this Valentine's Day.

Student musician Walter Lloyd stands happily with guitar.

Encouraging human connection: Student musician Walter Lloyd

For Walter Lloyd, 23, music has always been about more than lyrics or rhyme; it's been about inspiring feelings and connections between people. Lloyd is a commercial music major at Auburn University and has been making music for the past ten years. During this time, he’s really been able to figure out his sound and reason behind songwriting.

The Auburn Campus Food Pantry's glass door, which features an orange circular sign that reads "CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY," and information about food pantry hours is visible below.

Giving back in times of food insecurity

With the holidays approaching, this is a season of practicing gratitude, giving back and eating delicious food. For many in East Alabama though, food insecurity complicates the season. Food insecurity, the lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, affects at least 16% of Lee County. In times of need, Auburn offers plenty of ways to get involved and give back to the community.

Brain with gears in background.

BrainSTEM guides neurodivergent students to success

College is a notoriously difficult transitional period for young adults because of a mix of increased responsibilities, rigorous studies and a sense of newfound independence. BrainSTEM is a new student organization at Auburn University that seeks to assist all neurodivergent students, who may especially struggle during this transition, with achieving their goals, while providing a community consisting of other self-identifying neurodivergent students.

Football players in white jerseys interact with enthusiastic fans reaching over a barrier, celebrating a victorious moment in a stadium at night.

Auburn's culture of away games

For Auburn students, away games are more than a weekend trip – they’re a ritual. Students plan their fall schedules around the football season, as flocks of students pack their cars to get ready for game days across the Southeast. No matter if a game is home or away, Auburn students bring the same loyalty, passion and sense of belonging everywhere they go. The trip might be long and the city may look different, but the feeling remains the same. There is no doubt that Auburn fans show up for their team and for each other.

STEM: Deer Lab photo 2

Auburn’s Whitetail Deer Lab: A leader in wildlife study and conservation

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their respective fields. One such opportunity is with the college’s whitetail Deer Lab – a facility that not only studies the characteristics and breeding patterns of deer but also raises conservational awareness for wild animals.

A woman in a white dress with floral embellishments joyfully holds a pom-pom in front of a red brick building.

In memory of Lainey Anderson

Filled with overflowing kindness and a welcoming spirit, Lainey Anderson made an effort to spread love wherever she went. During her time at Auburn, she was dedicated to including everyone at the table, while being a constant friend in her relationships. Anderson graduated from Auburn this past May with a degree in professional flight from the School of Aviation with a minor in finance. She was also a certified flight instructor at Sander’s Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.

A bald man in glasses gestures while seated in front of a computer in an audio studio environment.

STEM side of music composition

In the world of modern composition, technology is no longer an add-on to music; it is a core part of how it is created, taught and performed. At Auburn University, that reality is shaping a growing program where students learn to blend artistry with innovation. Lee Johnson, professor of composition, has seen firsthand how much technology has become inseparable from the craft.