Features

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

More than a mascot: A deep dive on Aubie

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 18

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.

Danyelle Hillman: Auburn's first African American cheerleader

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | February 18

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 comes to Auburn

By Kristen Kloman | News Writer | February 10

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

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer and Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | February 2

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

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | January 30

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

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | December 9

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.

A group of electrical engineering students who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, stands on steps in front of large, arched windows, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire.

Electrical engineering students make waves in research

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 30

Students from Auburn’s Electrical Engineering Department have spent their summer and fall semesters devoted to research projects. Some students have been continuing work they began during a summer research program, while others started working with professors this fall.

A red helmet and an orange helmet are positioned around a football, sitting in the center of the words "DIVIDED house," "ALABAMA" and "AUBURN."

Divided households: Why Auburn students chose The Tigers over The Tide

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 29

It’s no secret that we inherit most traditions from our families: favorite football teams, pre-game rituals and a shared dislike for opposing teams. As the 90th Iron Bowl approaches and the Auburn-Alabama rivalry begins to heat up, Auburn students in divided households are preparing themselves to go head-to-head with their parents' favorite team.

Sophia Aulisio and Thomas Lester: Two students inventing their own paths

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | November 25

Sophia Aulisio and Thomas Lester, two Auburn University students, have successfully made new products within the past year. They were also featured in the 2025 Inno Under 25 of the Birmingham Business Journal. With Aulisio’s volleyball gear and Lester’s instant-heat coffee, they are changing the world, one idea at a time.

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

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 24

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.

Love Does in Action members pose in front of a sign for the fall festival hosted with Vecinos Ministry. Contributed by Love Does in Action.

Love Does in Action joins The Loveliest Village

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 24

This fall, the Love Does in Action club launched in Auburn. The club focuses on loving one another through acts of kindness, from buying a stranger a coffee to hosting community events for underserved families.

BrainSTEM guides neurodivergent students to success

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | November 24

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.

A brick storefront with a sign reading "Cookie Fix," featuring striped awnings, a glass door, and a wooden bench outside.

Cookie Fix brings a sweet new flavor to Downtown Auburn

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | November 21

Downtown Auburn got a little sweeter with the opening of Cookie Fix on Nov.5. This is the company's 10th location and marks a new chapter for the brand that started nearly a decade ago.

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

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | November 20

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.

Inside The Auburn Popcorn Company on Nov. 11, 2025.

Pop on in to The Auburn Popcorn Company

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | November 18

Since opening in 2017, The Auburn Popcorn Company has been gracing downtown Auburn's presence with freshly popped popcorn. With about 14 different flavors, there is a salty and sweet treat for everyone who ventures into the store.

A small black dog with expressive eyes and slightly raised ears sits on a soft, patterned blanket.

Where every paw matters: The heart of the CARE Humane Society

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | November 12

For 51 years, the CARE Humane Society has been dedicated to serving the community by sheltering cats and dogs and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The shelter first started as a volunteer establishment, but has grown into an animal shelter that strives to find a home for every adoptable animal.

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

By Laura Newman | Lifestyle Writer | November 11

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 smiling man in a navy polo shirt stands casually against a column outdoors, surrounded by trees and natural light.

From the Loveliest Village on the Plains to the Most Magical Place on Earth

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | November 9

Jeff Vahle graduated from Auburn University in 1985 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Today, he is the president of Walt Disney World Resort.

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

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | November 9

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

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | November 7

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.