Hale and Pool running for 2026 SGA vice president - The Auburn Plainsman

Colin Hale and Lilly Pool are the 2026 candidates for Student Government Association (SGA) vice president. From Wednesday, Feb. 3 through Friday Feb. 6, candidates for SGA president, vice president, treasurer and Miss Auburn will campaign on Haley Concourse.
Colin Hale
Hale, a junior in finance with a minor in real estate development, is currently serving on SGA as a senator representing the Harbert College of Business and the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. He is also a member of the...

Chewacla State Park hosts hands-on ‘Animal Signs’ program - The Observer

BY LANDI RUTLEDGE


FOR THE OBSERVER


AUBURN — On Jan. 31 at 3 p.m., Chewacla State Park invited nature enthusiasts to Animal Signs, an interactive and hands-on program that introduced participants to animal signs such as deer antlers, animal tracks, animal scat replicas, snake shed, turtle shells and animal skulls.


Open to all ages but limited to 30 participants, the event was held at the Nature Center in the Outdoor Classroom, located at 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, Ala., 36830.


Tic...

A lasting legacy: Gary Fuller honored at Southern Union - The Observer

BY LANDI RUTLEDGEFOR THE OBSERVER


OPELIKA — Southern Union State Community College held a dedication ceremony on Jan. 26, naming the Gary Fuller Business and Technology Center in honor of longtime Opelika leader and businessman Gary Fuller.A native of Dadeville, Fuller is married to his wife, Laura, and they have two children, Jenny and Gary.Fuller founded and later sold the Fuller Broadcasting Company before entering public service. He was elected mayor of Opelika in 2004 and went on to serv...

Fizz N Fork comes to Auburn - The Auburn Plainsman

In November 2025, Fizz N Fork, the new health-focused dining spot at 234 W. Magnolia Ave., celebrated its soft open near Downtown Auburn. The emphasis on health was created through owner Danielle Shaw, who made it her mission to create tasty and healthy food. 
Always wanting to open a restaurant, Shaw and her husband, Kyle, are touched to see Fizz N Fork receive so much love. Danielle shared that her friends have reached out through social media, expressing how proud they are that they get to li...

Georgia-Pacific donates $10,000 to Auburn's TAPPI - The Auburn Plainsman

Members of Auburn chapter of Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) student organization. Contributed by TAPPI.On Dec. 2, Georgia-Pacific, a large manufacturing company that specializes in making products ranging from paper to building products, donated $10,000 to the Auburn chapter of Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). As the students prepare for next year's national summit in Birmingham, Alabama, the donation will support the Auburn students in...

Pi Sigma Alpha hosts networking navigation event - The Auburn Plainsman

Career Services Specialist Chantal Johnson speaks to members of Pi Sigma Alpha at a networking event in the Mell Classroom Building on Nov. 11, 2025.On Nov. 11, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honor Society partnered with Career Services in the College of Liberal Arts to host its networking navigation event. The event aimed to equip students with tips they can utilize while preparing for job hunting.
As the on-campus political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha focuses on providing leadership opport...

David Edmondson: Innovation with a free spirit - The Auburn Plainsman

David Edmondson, former track and field athlete and mechanical engineering graduate student is the embodiment of hardwork and passion with a free-spirited nature.
Edmondson shared that attending Auburn University came as a surprise to everyone. With difficulties getting his recruitment process started, being from Old Harbour, Jamaica, he explained that he managed his own schedules. His perseverance turned into success, as he was eventually recruited and fell in love with Auburn.
"I definitely gr...

Ashlyn Powers crowned Miss Auburn University 2026 - The Auburn Plainsman

On Oct. 3, Ashlyn Powers won the title of Miss Auburn University 2026 after competing against 11 other contestants. Held in the Student Activities Center, the Miss Auburn University Scholarship Competition consisted of several categories for judging, such as talent, evening gown and on-stage conversation, with many participants winning various awards.
Doors opened at 5:00 p.m., and the Miss Auburn University Scholarship Competition began at 6 p.m. For community members, tickets could be purchase...

Create and Cultivate: Innovation and Research Commons MiniMake Series - The Auburn Plainsman

Students transplant plants into their up-cycled mugs during the Create and Cultivate event put on by the Auburn Office of Sustainability on Sept. 24, 2025.Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Office of Sustainability partnered with the Ralph Brown Draughon library Innovation and Research Commons to introduce Create and Cultivate, just one event in the MiniMake series. Held from 5 to 7 p.m., the event promoted sustainable crafting and horticulture by inviting participants to bring ceramic mugs and leave with...

Tunnel to Towers: 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit comes to Opelika - The Auburn Plainsman

On Sept. 11, 2025, attendants of the Tunnel to Towers: 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit stand and look upon images and physical reminders of what occurred 24 years ago.On Thursday, Sept. 11, the East Alabama Regional Training Association hosted the non-profit Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit in Opelika. As its first arrival in Alabama, the exhibit serves as a tribute to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and will continue to be displayed until Sept....

Say cheese to Roni's Mac Bar, downtown Auburn's newest addition - The Auburn Plainsman

For its grand opening on June 14, Roni's Mac Bar - a mac and cheese bar with customizable toppings and grilled cheese - officially opened its Auburn location to the public. Located at 138 North College Street, Roni's Mac Bar is the newest food spot in downtown Auburn.
Founded in February 2022, Roni's Mac Bar was first imagined when CEO Frank Senese noticed a vacant spot next door to another business of his and pondered on what he wanted it to be. Knowing he wanted a restaurant, a friend of his m...

Campus Dining partners with the Office of Sustainability - The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn University is bringing more sustainability to its campus as composters and reusable to-go containers become the newest addition.
Going on his thirteenth year at Auburn, Glenn Loughridge, Director of Campus Dining and Concessions, shared his environmentally friendly efforts. As an Auburn graduate, he wanted to make his impact on the Auburn Family special.
The composter that Auburn has can break down up to 2,000 pounds of waste a day. With a plan to eventually add one to the Wellness Kitche...

Richard Tomasello, owner of Well Red and The Fox, reflects on his journey - The Auburn Plainsman

Richard Tomasello, owner of the two Well Red locations and more recently, The Fox coffee shop, reflected on the success of the businesses he shares with his wife, Crystal. 
The original concept for their business came from Tomasello's desire to own his own bookstore. Although he always loved independent bookstores, Tomasello was initially concerned about competing against bigger names such as Amazon and Books-A-Million. 
Finding the approach that allowed coffee and pastries to be the bulk of the...

Nettles and Zellner running for 2025 SGA vice president - The Auburn Plainsman

Two candidates are running for Student Government Association vice president. From 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., candidates will represent their campaigns Wednesday through Friday and meet with students on the Haley Concourse. Voting will occur on Friday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. and the winner will be announced the same day at 10 p.m. on the Cater Hall steps. 
Buckley Nettles 

Buckley Nettles is a junior in communications and is running with her platform "Buckling Up with Buckley." Uniting the student...

Drew Haley Smith: Auburn graduate is youngest licensed female architect - The Auburn Plainsman

Drew Haley Smith became the youngest licensed female architect in the United States on July 22, 2024. Smith graduated from Auburn University in May 2023 with her bachelor's degree in architecture and interior architecture. 
While she knew she wanted to be an architect since she was in high school, Smith briefly considered becoming a pharmacist. She said she stuck with the architect path for several reasons, one being the joy of creating something.
"I really enjoy the more abstract thinking and w...

Auburn student organizations reflect on SB-129 - The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn University is still trying to gauge the impact of the "anti-DEI" bill, SB-129, that was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.
The amended bill passed in Alabama on March 20, 2024, targeting colleges and universities to restrict divisive concepts. The impact on day-to-day functions and how universities plan to deal with the change remains unknown to the public.
Passed in the House with a 75-28 decision vote and a 25-4 decision vote in the Senate, Ivey signed the bill that took effect on Oc...

Russell Baggett: Rediscover Vinyl at 10,000 Hz Records - The Auburn Plainsman

Customers browsing through the dozens of aisles of well-sorted genres at 10,000Hz records in downtown Opelika.10,000 Hz Records, owned by Russell Baggett, has become a go-to spot for vinyl lovers, both new and old, in Opelika, Alabama, offering something for everyone.
The name, 10,000 Hz Records, comes from an album called "10 000 Hz Legend" by Air, who is a French, electronic band from the 90s that Baggett likes. The album holds a special place in Baggett's heart because it was his first record...

The Farmer in the Dell: more than just a pumpkin patch - The Auburn Plainsman

Marie Foshee co-owns the Farmer in the Dell with her husband, a family-owned farm known for its pumpkin patch.
The Farmer in the Dell pumpkin patch has been around for 17 years, but they have been farming on the land since 2005.
The pumpkin patch idea came from her sons, Mark and Luke, who saw one on television as kids and wanted their own. Foshee shared that pumpkins are a hard crop to grow, and they decided they would only accept the idea if they could successfully grow them on their land. 
Th...

Taking flight at one of Auburn's most popular pre-show traditions: Football, Fans and Feathers - The Auburn Plainsman

Soaring throughout the air at the Edgar B. Carter Amphitheater, falcons, hawks and eagles educate attendees at the Football, Fans and Feathers program. Hosted by the Auburn University Raptor Center, the birds and their other feathered counterparts entertain and teach visitors about the importance of animal rehabilitation. 
The Football, Fans and Feather program occurs every Friday before an Auburn Tigers home football game at 4:00 p.m. and costs eight dollars to attend. 
The educational program...

Transfer students reflect on their move to Auburn - The Auburn Plainsman

Navigating through college is already a challenge, but for transfer students, the adjustment process can pose its own unique challenges.
The number of transfer students at Auburn University has increased in recent years, as there were 979 new transfers in 2019 and 1,221 as 2023. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center said the number of transfers going into a new institution increased 5.3 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.
Sophi Hardman, senior in communications, began her undergraduat...

The people and helpers behind Aubie - The Auburn Plainsman

Aubie the Tiger has long been the face of Auburn University. A mascot whose charm has won over the hearts of many and won his 11th Universal Cheerleaders Association national title this year, he has an impressive reputation to uphold. While a number of elements come together to create the character of Aubie, a big part of that is the helpers that work behind the scenes to make everything possible.
Madi McDougald, senior in film and media studies, shared her experience as Aubie’s director of crea...

Coming for round 4: Auburn BBFD amps up for SEC Food Fight - The Auburn Plainsman

With an undefeated title of three years, Auburn University Beat Bama Food Drive is holding its SEC Food fight this year from April 5 to April 18 for two weeks of competition.
The competition is between every school within the Southeastern Conference, where the universities collect donations for their respective on-campus food pantries. Every dollar or food item is worth one point for the competition. The first official BBFD competition began in 1994, making this the 30th year the organization wi...

University removes lead paint in Mary Martin Hall - The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn University is removing lead paint from the windows of Mary E. Martin Hall and plans to be finished by April 26. 
Built in 1908, Mary Martin Hall has four floors and is about 37,000 square feet. Originally called Carnegie Library, Mary Martin Hall served as the first library on campus. The building now houses Student Financial Services, Career Center and Admissions Processing. Mary Martin Hall got its name from Mary Eugenia Martin who served as Auburn's librarian from 1918 to 1949. 
Nathan...

Coleman Morris wins Zeta Tau Alpha's 29th annual Big Man on Campus - The Auburn Plainsman

On March 13, Coleman Morris, senior in marketing representing Alpha Omicron Pi, won Zeta Tau Alpha's 29th annual Big Man on Campus competition, an all male beauty pageant judged by local celebrities based on originality, personality and Auburn Spirit. 
Over the past decade, the Gamma Rho Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha has raised over $900,000 in support of breast cancer education and awareness. The Big Man on Campus goal this year, was to reach $100,000, and they surpassed this goal raising over $113...
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