Tripp Hedden | News Reporter - The Auburn Plainsman

Tripp Hedden | News Reporter

Community

Auburn frats host inaugural 'Romo Cup' wiffle ball game to honor late brother

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | April 27

Several Auburn fraternities hosted and participated in the inaugural “Romo Cup” wiffle baseball game on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cup honors the life and legacy of Will “Romo” Romanowski, a member of Auburn’s Sigma Nu fraternity who died in June of 2023 in a car accident. The goal of the event was to raise money for a scholarship fund honoring Romanowski and to remind brothers to “Be Better Than Yesterday.”

A group of people is engaged in discussion, with one person standing and gesturing while others sit in various positions around them.

Campus

BridgeUSA, AUNSIS, others host Iran conflict discussion

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 24

BridgeUSA Auburn, the Auburn University National Security and Intelligence Society (AUNSIS) and Pi Sigma Alpha-Epsilon Nu hosted a joint discussion titled “Engaging Iran: Policy, Intelligence and Regional Stakes,” on March 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the ACLC room 108.

A woman sits at a table with a laptop outside "The Ross House Coffee Roastery," next to parked vehicles.

Wyatt Loftin | Photographer

Community

West Magnolia Ross House closing, tea shop opening April 1

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 24

As of March 23, Ross House Coffee at 320 W. Magnolia Ave. is not renewing its lease and will officially close on April 1. However, a new location under the same management will open on the same day at the Greystone Mansion: a new specialty tea shop named Greystone Tea.

The Pentagon, the headquarters building for the U.S. Department of War, located in Arlington County, Virginia.

Tripp Hedden | News Reporter

Community

Auburn announced as potential partner for US military fellowships

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 16

On Feb. 27, the U.S. Department of Defense announced Auburn University as a potential partner institution for the military’s Senior Service College (SSC) fellowship program in a memorandum titled "Aligning Senior Service College Opportunities with American Values." In the announcement, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signed and laid out the department's plans for the future of senior military education.

Abigail Holbrook

Campus

WEGP: A history of Auburn's official hostesses and hosts

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 2

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 is the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen (WEGP). The WEGP are a group of 13 women and 13 men, who represent Auburn University as official hostesses and hosts.

Amber Irwin wears a War Eagle Run Fest shirt before the race, Feb. 28, 2026 in Auburn, Ala.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Community

Auburn Family in full stride at the 2026 War Eagle Run Fest

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | March 2

On Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, the fifth annual War Eagle Run Fest (WERF) was held. The event, which now takes place over the span of several days and includes several races, had participants run across the city by notable Auburn locations to complete the race.

Professor Hudson Jr., and President of the American Association of Professors, Auburn Chapter, Beth Davis-Samrek, sit in front of crowd of professors in Horton Hargrave Hall Auditorium.

Tripp Hedden | News Reporter

Campus

American Association of University Professors hold First Amendment discussion

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | February 24

On Feb. 23 at 11 a.m., the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) held a talk titled “Understanding the First Amendment on College Campuses.” David L. Hudson, Jr., an associate professor of law at Belmont University, spearheaded the conversation as the event's keynote speaker.

A man with a beard smiles while wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, standing outdoors with a blurred background.

Campus

Auburn students put their 'Money on Morse' for SGA Treasurer

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | February 7

On the back steps of Cater Hall around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 6, Jackson Morse was named the 2026 SGA treasurer. Despite running unopposed, the announcement of Morse’s victory sparked an uproar of cheers from the large crowd of students, faculty and family located in between Cater Hall and the Quad Center.

Contributed by Colin Parker

Campus

Willis Orr crowned President of SGA

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | February 7

Just past 7 p.m. on Feb. 6, on the terrace found behind Cater Hall, Willis Orr was announced the next president of Auburn University’s Student Government Association (SGA). The official announcement of Orr’s victory was made by a member of the SGA election council in front of the filled upper quad lawn. This came after the results for the rest of the candidates, including Vice President Lilly Pool and Treasurer Jackson Morse.

Campus

2026 SGA election campaigns commence on steps of Cater Hall

By Tripp Hedden | News Reporter | February 3

On Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) Major Candidates election campaigns officially began after the conclusion of the kickoff event held on the back steps of Cater Hall. The 2026 SGA candidates for president, vice president, treasurer and Miss Auburn all spoke center stage in front of a crowd in the courtyard behind Cater. At this event, the candidates revealed their campaigns for the upcoming week of elections, which concludes with a final day of voting on Friday, Feb. 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The results will be held at the same location on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.