About Auburn
posted July 1, 2015
Welcome to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains!”
War Eagle!! Now that you’ve learned about a little bit about your leadership and about the history of the R.A.T. program, it is about time you learn about the place you will call home in just a few weeks.
First things first, Auburn University has held several names in its 159 year history. This wonderful university was first established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn was founded. In 1872, under the Morrill Act, the school became the first land-grant college in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute or API. You can even still buy API shirts at the bookstore. Finally, in 1960 the name was changed to Auburn University, more in keeping with its location, and expressed the variety of academic programs and larger curriculum of a major university.
Toomer’s Drug Store at the historic Toomer’s Corner is famous for their lemonade and they are listed in Southern Living’s Top 100 Things to Do Before You Die. It is definitely worth braving the construction to grab a cup. I would personally recommended the vanilla lemonade which is oddly delicious.
On football Saturdays in Auburn, Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes Alabama's fifth-largest city with 87,451 of your closest friends in one single location. Jordan-Hare is also now the home to the nation’s largest college video board at 57 feet tall and 190 feet wide!
Auburn University runs the AU Medical Clinic is a full-service primary care clinic whose function is to serve Auburn students, faculty and staff.
Did you know that cancer research is a top focus of the College of Veterinary Medicine? We are one of the few veterinary colleges in the country with an on-campus linear accelerator, MRI and CT-scan machines.
Saying "War Eagle!" is a beloved Auburn Family greeting. There are several legends of War Eagle, and everyone pretty much picks a favorite. It could mean hello, goodbye, good luck, congrats, and so many more things!
Auburn is the only university with a line item in the budget for cleaning up toilet paper. After each football win or major accomplishment, students and fans roll the historic Toomer's corner, which is the entrance to campus.
Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is the largest and most reputable engineering school in the state. The bachelor of wireless engineering degree this college offers is the first in the country.
The United Nations' World Food Program selected Auburn University as its lead academic partner in the international War on Hunger campaign.
Auburn played its first football game ever against the University of Georgia in Atlanta in 1892 and won 10‐0! This was the first college football game played in the Deep South.
Samford Stadium at Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park was voted the best collegiate baseball facility in the country by Baseball America prior to the 2003 season and has been home to AU Baseball for over 60 years.
One really special and unique part of AU history is the Auburn Creed. In 1945, Auburn professor and first football coach, George Petrie wrote a creed which grew to become a unifying set of beliefs and principles common to all Auburn students, faculty, and alumni. This creed is said to embody the spirit of Auburn and is reflected in every member of the Auburn family:
The Auburn Creed
I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.
I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.
I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.
I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports to develop these qualities.
I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.
I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.
I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."
And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.
I’m so excited to welcome y’all to the Auburn Family and hopefully now you know a little more about your school and new home. See you soon! War Eagle!
Ashley
