Auburn Magazine Spring 2014 by Auburn Alumni Association

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Field of dreams We’ve heard of clearing the bench and clearing the field, but Auburn Tigers fans cleared the stands en masse after Chris Davis’ after-the-buzzer full-field missed field goal return that sealed the Tigers’ victory in the 2013 Iron Bowl. Photo by Zach Bland.

S P R I N G

2 0 1 4

From the Editor

The best-laid plans SUZANNE JOHNSON Editor, Auburn Magazine

our thoughts to how we might cover what had turned into the most jaw-dropping, exciting, improbable season in the history of NCAA college football. Sure, we came up short at the end, but we never heard a single Auburn fan complain. After the championship game against Florida State at the storied Rose Bowl Stadium, a visibly upset Tre Mason had a few words for the Auburn Family. “I want to tell all the fans I apologize,” he told a rush of reporters. “We didn’t finish what we started.” This after the junior running back had just played a game where he’d run for 195 yards, a BCS record. He’d broken Bo Jackson’s single-season rushing record. In fact, he’d broken records all season long. When the team arrived back in Auburn to a cheering crowd, we hope it became clear to the players that no apologies were necessary. Everyone was proud of this team, of the chemistry and cameraderie they showed on and off the field. Of the respect they had for each other and their coaches. Of the way they represented Auburn. As for Auburn Magazine, we hope you’ll enjoy reliving the season in this issue through the eyes of some of your fellow alumni and fans. As for our waylaid plans? Stay tuned for us to hit your mailboxes again in May.

AUBURN MAGAZINE (ISSN 1077–8640) is published quarterly; 4X per year; spring, summer, fall, winter, for dues-paying members of the Auburn Alumni Association. Periodicals-class postage paid in Auburn and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices are located in the Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College St., Auburn University, AL 368495149. Phone 334-844–1164. Fax 334-844–1477. Email: aubmag@auburn.edu. Contents ©2013 by the Auburn Alumni Association, all rights reserved.

LETTERS Auburn Magazine welcomes readers’ comments, but reserves the right to edit letters or to refuse publication of letters judged libelous or distasteful. Space availability may prevent publication of all letters in the magazine, in which case, letters not printed will be available on the alumni association website at the address listed below. No writer is eligible for publication more often than once every two issues. No anonymous letters will be printed. Auburn Magazine is available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities. For information, call 334-844–1164. Auburn Magazine is a benefit of membership in the Auburn Alumni Association and is not available by individual subscription. Back issues may be found online at www.aualum.org/magazine. To join the association, call 334844–2586 or visit our website at www.aualum.org.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to AU Records, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849–5149.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Shannon Bryant-Hankes ’84

Like all good plans, magazine menus and schedules can go awry. In early November, as the magazine staff made assignments for our February issue, we first heard speculation about the Auburn Tigers being a potential contender for a national championship. Sure, it’s been a great season, we said, but we have to get through Georgia first, and they always play us hard. That was before a Hail Mary pass from Nick Marshall bounced off two Georgia defenders and into the waiting arms of Ricardo Louis. That was before the “Miracle at Jordan-Hare.” Still, we said, don’t worry about the magazine. We still have to get through Alabama, ranked No. 1 and predicted to win another national championship. That was before the longest second in NCAA history, one little second before the most intense Iron Bowl in recent memory looked destined to go into overtime. That was before Bama lined up for an improbable last-second, 56-yard field goal that sailed short of the uprights and into the waiting arms of Auburn’s Chris Davis. That was before Davis ran it 109 yards for an Iron Bowl win, ending the “Kick, Bama, Kick” game of 2013 and prompting play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett to declare it the most epic Iron Bowl in history. The plans for the spring issue of Auburn Magazine were looking shaky. By the time the Auburn Tigers took the field at the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship game against the Missouri Tigers, we’d become believers, putting the planned issue on ice until May and turning

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Jessica King at 334-844– 2586 or see our media guide at www.aualum.org/magazine.

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

EDITOR

Suzanne Johnson

suzannejohnson@auburn.edu

ART DIRECTOR

Audrey Matthews ’12 UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Etheridge EDITORIAL INTERN

Anna Claire Conrad Jordan Dale ’14 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Anna Claire Conrad ’14 Kerry Coppinger ’15 DESIGN ASSISTANT

Whitney Potts ’14 PRESIDENT, AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Jay Gogue ’69 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUBURN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Deborah L. Shaw ’84 PRESIDENT, AUBURN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Bill Stone ’85 AUBURN MAGAZINE ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIR

Neal Reynolds ’77 AUBURN MAGAZINE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Maria Baugh ’87 John Carvalho ’78 Jon Cole ’88 Christian Flathman ’97 Tom Ford ’67 Kay Fuston ’84 Julie Keith ’90 Mary Lou Foy ’66 Eric Ludgood ’78 Cindy McDaniel ’80 Napo Monasterio ’02 Carol Pappas ’77

Joyce Reynolds Ringer ’59 Allen Vaughan ’75

This is where dreams come True. Thank you, Tigers, for an incredible season. Auburn is in the business of hopes and dreams â&#x20AC;&#x201D; providing the inspiration for both academic and athletic achievements. Auburn links determined students and faculty together with hard work and vision. As a result, we support students, connect alumni, revitalize communities, heighten national security, create jobs, and research breakthrough innovations. We celebrate these accomplishments every day. Tell us how Auburn has helped you achieve your dreams. #thisisauburn

This is AUBURN. auburn.edu

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On the cover Photographer Jeff Etheridge caught this shot of Chad Slade (6-5, 313) and Tre Mason (5-10, 205) that epitomized the winning Tiger chemistry.

Spring 2014 F R O N T 4 From the Editor

We did what? The jawdropping Tigers. A paver on Alumni Walk honors Lt. Dean Hallmark ’37, who flew in the first U.S. raid on Japanese soil during World War II and later was executed with two fellow officers after being captured. Alumni Walk info: Page 48.

10 College Street

Aubie gets even, winning his own national championship. Also: SACS accreditation, a program for veterans and an alumna creates her own version of the AU campus map.

B A C K 49 Alumni Center

Check out how a few thousand of your fellow Tigers spent early January.

Plane old mechanics, 1940s.

18 Research

Chickens in a flap, surgery in three dimensions, and a new look for the biological laboratory.

Auburn fans were loud and proud in orange at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on Jan. 6 as the Auburn Tigers took the field for the Vizio BCS National Championship game. The game went on a couple of minutes too long to pull in the win, but it was still a year for the record books.

Aubie parties in Pasadena.

F E A T U R E S

52 Class Notes

20 Roundup

What’s happening in your school or college? Check it out. 22 Concourse

Drum major, musician, dancer, academic star: Page Lenssen (below) does it all. Also: Iron Bowl rivals build on common ground, and a class project transforms the football training room.

Roar!

56 In Memoriam

It was a football season filled with photo finishes, plays that will go down in Auburn annals with their own names (“Miracle in Jordan-Hare,” anyone?), and broken records. Join a few special members of the Auburn Family as we relive the moments. by mike tierney photography by jeff etheridge

The Saxman of New Orleans

Steve Goodson ’72 has a pastel-colored house in the Crescent City, a six-foot, redhaired wife who’s a sound engineer, and builds the Rolls Royce of saxophones for a worldwide clientele as he puts the business into the music biz. by Joe McAdory ’92 photography by sabree hill

Remembering Lifetime Achievement Award winner Smith Lanier.

Best of the Best

64 The Last Word

Larry Williamson ’61 reflects on the season just past and reaches one conclusion: It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!

Meet the recipients of the Auburn Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Awards: Larry D. Benefield ’66, John Brown ’57, Tim Cook ’82 and Pat Sullivan ’72. Join us as we look at their extraordinary careers and ask burning questions such as: What’s on your iPad? by suzanne johnson

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

C O L L E G E

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COLLEGE STREET

Googling the farm Eyeglasses with computers embedded in the corner of their lenses are the current hot topic among the high tech and the hip. The devices could be of help in at least one unexpected area as well, Auburn researchers say: row-crop farming. The wearable computers often described as “a smartphone for your face” have the potential to help row-crop farmers operate more efficiently and profitably. Greg Pate and John Fulton, researchers at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, base their optimism on their experience testing out the yet-to-bereleased devices—called Google Glass— in cotton fields at Auburn’s E.V. Smith Research Center. Pate is director of E.V. Smith, located off I-85 between Montgomery and Auburn, and Fulton is extension specialist and associate professor of biosystems engineering at Auburn. Bruce Rasa, a farm technology consultant and one of 8,000 people worldwide commissioned by Google as “Glass Explorers,” traveled to E.V. Smith to introduce Pate and Fulton to the device, which consists of a pair of glasses with a tiny computer mounted just above the right eye focal point. Such wearable technology could make row-crop farming more mobile, efficient, profitable and environmentally sustainable and also could help producers capital-

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

ize on the growing volume of farm data generated by precision farming equipment, Fulton said. In addition, he said, the visual, textual and other data uploaded on the go via Google Glass will be available for future reference and also can be shared on a real-time basis, better enabling farmers to make spot decisions in the field. “I can use one of these devices to capture in-field information that can be stamped by time, date and GPS coordinates and that also can be automatically archived,” Fulton said. “In the blink of an eye or a tap [of the Google Glass], I’ve made a screen capture of an item that could be of critical importance later in the crop season.” Pate, who used Google Glass to inspect a cotton field, said that wearable computers could prove useful in many facets of farming, particularly crop consulting. “We have lots of farmers who receive data compiled by a scout [crop consultant] and question it or dismiss it as someone’s opinion,” he said. “Now, with Google Glass, all a consultant has to do is to pull up the data that was compiled automatically and say, ‘Here it is.’” Uploading data into a cloud where it can be retrieved for future reference is especially appealing to Pate, who is ultimately responsible for every facet of the

farming operation at the 3,816-acre E.V. Smith Research Center. He was an early convert to precision farming and is always searching for laborand cost-saving technology to offset rising costs and lean budgets. As a practice, Pate spends time with his laptop, familiarizing himself with what variety was planted in what field, but still, his memory occasionally fails when he’s standing in the middle of a field. “We plant so many varieties, and when I’m in a particular field, I need to know instantly what variety I’m standing in versus what was planted 20 feet away, because these are going to be managed differently,” he said. “With Google Glass or some other wearable device, you have the potential of knowing this instantaneously.” The immediate recordkeeping Glass affords also could allow producers to compile a crop-year record never before conceived, one that will help them demonstrate to consumers that the crops were raised not only according to the safest production standards but also in an environmentally sustainable manner, Fulton said. Google has said Glass will be commercially available in 2014, but the corporation has not indicated what the price tag will be.

The Whistleblower Tour Eric Ben-Artzi, a former executive whose revelations touched off a major fraud investigation of one of the world’s largest banks, spoke at Auburn on Jan. 27 as part of a program on whistleblowers in government and business. Ben-Artzi was the quantitative risk analyst who reported possible securities violations at Deutsche Bank in 2011, leading to a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation. His visit was sponsored by the Government Accountability Project’s Whistleblower Tour and the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.

C O L L E G E

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HEARTS AND MINDS

Winning–again You could say it’s been one of those years. Not content to let the Auburn Tigers football team claim all the 2013 glory, mascot Aubie topped off his own season by winning the Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship for an unprecedented eighth time in a competition held in Orlando, Fla. “Aubie continues to set the example for the model mascot program in the country,” said Corey Edwards, director of the Office of Student Involvement. “The competition is based around the production of a skit. Although there are rules for the number and size of props being used as well as a strict time requirement, it is completely up in the air after that.” Aubie is no stranger to the competition—or to winning. He claimed the national title in 1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2012. Our furry feline came in second place six times and third place three times. According to the Universal Cheerleaders Association website, categories

the mascots could be judged on in the first round of scoring were overall character development, game situations, crowd involvement, cheer and band integration, community service, non-sporting events and the overall impression. Scoring well in these categories sent the mascots on to a second round. Aubie placed first in the video portion of the competition, which sent him to Disney World to compete for the title. Mascots submitted a three-minute highlight video showing their involvement in school events, sporting games, community activities and public events during the past year. In the second round, Aubie competed against nine other mascots in his division. He was judged on categories such as crowd appeal and interaction, creativity, animation and enthusiasm, prop usage and again, overall impression. To see Aubie’s three-minute winning video and relive his 2013 school year in all its award-winning glory, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly8pj-d44yE.

Does faith change the way our brains work, or do the different ways our brains work impact our religious beliefs? An Auburn University researcher teamed up with the National Institutes of Health to study how brain networks shape an individual’s religious belief, finding brain interactions differed between religious and nonreligious subjects. Gopikrishna Deshpande, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the NIH researchers recently published their results in the journal, Brain Connectivity. The group found differences in brain interactions that involved the theory of mind, or ToM, brain network, which underlies the ability to relate between one’s personal beliefs, intents and desires with

those of others. Individuals with stronger ToM activity were found to be more religious. Deshpande says this supports the hypothesis that development of ToM abilities in humans during evolution may have given rise to religion in human societies. “Religious belief is a unique human attribute observed across different cultures in the world, even in those cultures which evolved independently, such as Mayans in Central America and aboriginals in Australia,” said Deshpande, who is also a researcher at Auburn’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Center. “This has led scientists to speculate that there must be a biological basis for the evolution of religion in human societies.” Read more: wireeagle.auburn. edu/news/5700.

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

C A M P U S

N E W S

SACS success The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaffirmed Auburn University’s accreditation in January. The approval was announced during the SACS Commission on Colleges’ annual winter meeting in Atlanta. Following usual procedures for decennial reviews, the Commission on Colleges reached its reaffirmation decision after teams of educators from peer institutions reviewed Auburn’s compliance with the principles of accreditation. Preliminary review was conducted by an off-site team in October 2012, and the second team visited in March 2013 to confirm Auburn’s continued compliance with accreditation standards and federal requirements and the university’s plans for enhancing student learning in the future. “The rigorous review and focus on improvement of the reaccreditation process is healthy for Auburn,” said President Jay Gogue. “It strengthens our academic quality and ensures we’re using best practices across campus. The Auburn Family can rest assured that we’re well-positioned to help future generations

reach their hopes and dreams.” “The reaffirmation is the latest step in an ongoing process in which the university continually reexamines our mission, programs, goals and outcomes over the past decade in order to chart a course for future success,” said Timothy Boosinger, Auburn’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our peers from other member institutions of the SACS Commission on Colleges have provided collegial support throughout this process, and we also thank the commission staff for their assistance.” The Auburn provost added, “I would especially like to thank the faculty and staff who have worked to help guide Auburn University through this process, as well as Drew Clark and the staff of Institutional Research and Assessment, who provided vital support.” In a major change adopted since Auburn’s previous reaffirmation in 2004, each SACSCOC member institution develops a quality enhancement plan, or QEP, which is then examined as part of the institution’s accreditation process. For its QEP component, Auburn is implementing a program for students to develop professional electronic portfolios, which are collections of digital artifacts such as visual materials, sound files and text.

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Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

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AUBURN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

C O L L E G E

Flashback 100 years ago

75 years ago

50 years ago

25 years ago

10 years ago

Spring 1914

Spring 1939

Spring 1964

Spring 1989

Spring 2004

The Alabama Polytechnic Institute’s Engineering Society hosted its first annual Engineering Banquet. Members of the mechanical, electrical, civil, mining, architectural and chemical engineering departments were in attendance. J. R. Lester, president of the Engineering Society, prophesied the gathering would mark the beginning of a thriving future and legacy of engineering at the institute.

In this year’s elections at the Alabama Polytechnical Institute, Kenneth Funchess, a senior in agriculture, won the race for class head against Charles Morgan, 256-168. Funchess’ name would later be immortalized upon Funchess Hall at Auburn University, a home for agriculture and the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

The board of trustees unanimously approved an increase in undergraduate tuition by $25 per quarter. In the April 1, 1964, issue of the Auburn Plainsman, the student body’s reaction was depicted in a photograph of Bayne Bridges, a sophomore in business administration, who was about to light a dollar bill on fire. The board said the tuition increase would be allocated toward instructional programs.

The University Program Council presented its version of “The Dating Game” at its free movie night. Three bachelors were pre-selected after an application process to choose from approximately five bachelorettes. The prize was a free dinner at a local restaurant. However, each person was given a gift certificate so the bachelor and bachelorette could dine separately if they wanted. Some date!

The 2004 Auburn football team had a record of 13-0, winning the Southeastern Conference championship game and the Sugar Bowl. However, they finished No. 3 in the BCS rankings, denying them a berth to the BCS Championship game. Head coach Tommy Tuberville, who’d come under fire at the end of the 2003 season, was named Coach of the Year by the Associated Press.

Above: Members of Delta Delta Delta sorority gather around what appears to be an oyster shell in this photo from the 1962 Glomerata. Can you identify anyone in this photograph or tell us the event? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at aubmag@ auburn.edu.

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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Shipping news The shipping method of using delivery drones to handle packages across the United States has opened discussion on the future of the material handling and logistics industry and how it can meet technological change. Kevin Gue, an associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has been part of a leadership group that developed a roadmap, or planning document, on how to address and evolve with changes in the industry.

AUBURN CLUBS

Competitors and partners JAY GOGUE ’69

President, Auburn University

Auburn Club Meetings Near You Join your local Auburn family this summer at an Auburn Club meeting near your hometown. Event proceeds help fund Auburn Club scholarships for deserving students enrolled in Auburn University from the respective club areas. To find an Auburn Club meeting near you visit ... a u bur n cl u bs.org/even t s

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The 2013 football season has had its share of breathtaking moments as our Tigers went from last year’s 3-9 finish to this year’s domination of the SEC with an opportunity to play for the national championship. Congratulations to Coach Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers for a wonderful and unforgettable season. It is important to note that some of the same schools that competed against each other for sports trophies also work as partners to enhance the lives of individuals and the world. Auburn scientists, for example, are working with researchers from Florida State University in an attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships of minnows and their relatives, a group of fishes that represents approximately 4,000 species worldwide. While it is a daunting challenge, this research is important because it helps us make sense out of life. And many disciplines, such as ecology and morphology, do not make sense at all without knowledge of evolutionary relationships and a stable taxonomy. Colleagues from Auburn and Florida State are also helping veterans find their way in the business world through the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities, or EBV—a national program that helps hundreds of veterans begin their own businesses. The program offers entrepreneurship and small business training to veterans with disabilities, or Wounded Warriors. In addition to serving as an instructor in the program that teaches students the art of franchising opportunities and entrepreneurial strategies, Dave Ketchen, a Lowder Eminent Scholar in the Raymond J. Harbert

College of Business, was a professor to Randy Blass, who directs the FSU branch of EBV. Students from Auburn and the University of Alabama have been working side by side with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for Alabama residents and united to complete a home in time for Christmas for a Lee County family. The two institutions partnered with Habitat for Humanity to start the House United program in 2011. In this issue of Auburn Magazine, you’ll read about the International Quality of Life Awards. Congratulations to the College of Human Sciences on its 20th year of recognizing the people and partnerships that contribute greatly to the local and world communities. In December, the college honored Howard G. Buffett and Tim Cook at the annual awards ceremony in New York City. Buffett, chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, was this year’s International Quality of Life Award Laureate. Cook, Apple’s CEO and a 1982 alumnus of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. The IQLA recognizes individuals who have brought distinguished recognition to Auburn University and/or the state of Alabama. Thanks to everyone in the Auburn Family for making 2013 a wonderful year. All the best for a successful and happy 2014. War Eagle!

Jay Gogue ’69,’71 President jgogue@auburn.edu

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JOINING THE RANKS

Inspiration with class David Umphress, an associate professor of engineering, knows the importance of software to the future engineers in his Auburn classroom. But they’re not just engineering hopefuls to Umphress. First, they’re people. By the second week of class, he knows them all by name. “I stand at the door at the beginning of class,” he says. “I get there a little bit early and I say hello to each one as they walk in. It helps me put a face to a name and it helps them understand that I know who they are.” That personal touch contributed to Umphress being named a winner of Auburn University’s 2013 Gerald and Emily Leischuck Endowed Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, the university’s highest honor for teaching. The other Leischuck award went to Casey Cegielski of the Harbert College of Business. Umphress said he enjoys learning and sharing his knowledge with students. “To be able to

share [knowledge] with someone else and to see light bulbs go off in other people’s heads, that’s what keeps me going.” Since joining the Auburn faculty in 1999, Umphress has been named Outstanding Instructor five times by the students in his department. He also received the William Walker Teaching Award by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for teaching excellence in 2008. (Pictured above are, L-R, Timothy Boosinger, AU provost and vice president for academic affairs; Cegielski; Umphress; and teaching award benefactor Gerald Leischuck.) Umphress believes the Leischuck Award demonstrates Auburn University’s recognition that teaching is valued and that what goes on in the classroom is the most important thing done at the university. “The foundation of a university is the students,” Umphress said. “I really want them to learn something and they can’t learn something if it’s dull material or if I’m

not excited about it. I want them to understand the excitement. I feel like if I have a sufficient amount of kinetic excitement that it’ll rub off on them.” Umphress’ expertise doesn’t end at the classroom. He also diagnoses bad software and suggests innovative ways to fix it. “My primary focus in teaching and research is in defining ways to build software that exceeds expectations in terms of function, cost and quality,” he said. For 35 years, Umphress has worked in areas including academic, military and industrial software and systems engineering. His areas of expertise include software engineering, systems engineering, software process, software vulnerability analysis and mobile device development. Umphress received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Angelo State University and then went on to get his master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science from Texas A&M University. — Jourdan Cooper

Online graduate programs in Auburn University’s College of Education, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering are ranked among the top programs nationally in the recently released U.S. News and World Report 2014 Best Online Education Programs. Auburn’s College of Education ranked sixth among online graduate education programs. “We’re delighted that U.S. News & World Report has recognized the excellence of our students, as well as our faculty’s commitment to providing quality instruction and keeping pace with everchanging technological tools,” said Betty Lou Whitford, dean of the College of Education and the Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor. “We pride ourselves on bringing out the best in our students, whether they happen to join us on campus or online. Those who choose the latter option due to family or career obligations will find that they will be engaged, challenged and well prepared by our faculty.” The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business ranked 12th among online graduate business programs. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering ranked 29th among online graduate engineering programs. The graduate computer information technology program, housed in Computer Science and Software Engineering, ranked 14th among online graduate computer information technology programs. U.S. News established rankings for each online master’s degree program in education, engineering, business, nursing and computer information technology.

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A CENTURY OF PLAY: The 2013-14 season of Auburn University Theatre marks 100 years of “playing” on the Auburn campus. In the fall of 1913, 15 male students formed “The Auburn Footlights,” which would go on to be renamed “AU Players.” One of the defining characteristics of AU Players is that all students are encouraged to join, not just theater majors and minors. As part of the centennial celebration, AU Players will host a reunion Feb. 28-March 2, bringing past and present thespians together for a weekend of fun and reminiscing. Events will include special performances, a panel discussion, an Auburn University Theatre history walking tour and the spring production, 9 to 5: The Musical. Attendees also will have the opportunity to see the future addition to Telfair B. Peet Theatre, which will house a new black box experimental theater, a dance studio and office space. For more information about the reunion, visit www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/announcements/celebrating-100-years/.

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Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

An article co-authored by Ketchen and

questions,” Ketchen explains.

Map quest With the university and city of Auburn expanding, it’s hard to keep up with changes to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.” So Lisa Mosow ’09 created a map. Mosow, a graphic design alumna, artistically depicted numerous Auburn landmarks such as Toomer’s Drugs, Jordan-Hare Stadium and Samford Hall, along with newer structures. Mosow said having attended Auburn made the project that much more enjoyable. The map won Auburn Art’s 2013 Signature Auburn Artist Challenge, with more than 2,000 votes. Auburn Art is a downtown Auburn gallery that specializes in All Things Artistically Auburn. “It’s great to be able to use my [graphic design] major to help promote Auburn,” Mosow said. The idea for the project came after she created a map of Charleston, S.C., where she currently lives, depicting many of her favorite locations. Despite the distance, she said Auburn is a second home for her, and she finds comfort in having a piece of Auburn to enjoy. “Auburn will always be No. 1 in my heart.” Mosow said she intends to create a map of every school in the SEC. A 12-by18-inch print of Mosow’s Auburn map is available through the Auburn Alumni Association’s shop page at www.aualum. org/shop. A percentage of sales goes to benefit the association’s scholarship fund. —Jordan Dale

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About Alabama As a grade-school student in Alabama, you might have learned that the state bird is the yellowhammer or that the state flower is the camellia, but did you know that the eastern tiger swallowtail is the official mascot and butterfly of the state of Alabama or that the official state barbecue championship is the Demopolis Christmas on the River Cook-off? These facts and others about the state can be found in the Encyclopedia of Alabama, a free online resource dedicated to sharing the stories of the people, places, history and culture of our home state. A collaboration involving Auburn University, the Alabama State Department of Education and the University of Alabama, the encyclopedia’s editorial office is housed at Auburn and is supported by the Office of University Outreach in partnership with University Libraries and the Office of Information Technology. Now in its sixth year as the most comprehensive online publication about the state of Alabama, it includes more than 1,500 articles written by experts and researchers from around the country. “At the turn of the new century, the University of Alabama Press

and the Alabama Humanities Foundation realized that the last time a comprehensive encyclopedia-type publication involving Alabama had been published was 1921,” said Laura Hill, communications editor for the Encyclopedia of Alabama. “We set a launch date and determined that we needed 500 articles to begin with,” Hill said. “We sat down with content editors and decided on the articles we needed in order to be a credible resource about the state.” Articles are written and contributed by scholars and experts in the respective subjects, but are edited so they are accessible to the public. Hill said usually five or six articles are published and added to the site each week, found at encyclopediaofalabama.org.

A community where nature and nurture meet. TheDakotaAuburn.com 2406 Richland Road Auburn, Alabama 36830 Uniquely positioned within some of the most private and beautiful landscapes that the Auburn area offers, our vision for The Dakota emphasizes an ongoing dedication to deliver the best opportunity for peaceful, yet inspired living. Minutes from the Auburn University campus and nestled along the Saugahatchee Creek, The Dakota's focus remains bold, but simple: to provide a higher quality of life through a delicate balance of nature and architecture.

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Dollars for scholars The Harrison School of Pharmacy recently received a $25,000 philanthropic gift to establish the Kowa Pharmaceuticals America Inc. (KPA) Endowed Scholarship, which will provide scholarship support for pharmacy doctoral students. KPA will also collaborate with HSOP to offer its facility as an elective rotation site in the near future. The Montgomery-based pharmaceutical firm is the U.S. marketer of Livalo (pitavastatin) and Lipofen (fenofibrate) for the treatment of high cholesterol.

The

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Stacks

A geeky New York middle-schooler spends a reluctant summer with his uncle, an Auburn University biologist... with hilarious results. (Ardent Writer Press)

The letters of Gosse, a naturalist in 1840s Alabama, copublished with the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and AU Libraries. (University of Alabama Press)

A look at the rural folklore and Native American legends along the Chattahoochee Trace in southeast Alabama and southwestern Georgia. (The History Press)

Michael P. Wines ’14

G. Mullen/T. Littleton

Michelle Smith ’00

This is the first novel for Wines, who will complete his master’s in biology in May.

Edited by AU faculty emeriti Gary Mullen (entomology) and Taylor D. Littleton (English).

A historic researcher, Smith is also author of Haunted Auburn and Opelika (2011).

A fictional account of Civil War-era carbine production in an old Macon County cotton mill. The mill survived the war—but what became of the guns? (Ardent Writer Press)

Day details the 19th-century rise and 20th-century decline of the Cahaba Coal Field, a mining area spanning 67 miles of Alabama. (University of Alabama Press)

A follow-up to Dye’s 1992 biography In the Arena, this book, with a foreword by Bo Jackson, features Dye’s account of his post-coaching years. (The Donnell Group)

Larry Williamson ’61

James Sanders Day ’02

Pat Dye

A retired coach and teacher, Williamson also wrote the historical novel Tallapoosa.

Day is an administrator and associate professor at the University of Montevallo.

AU coach throughout the ’80s, Dye coauthored the book with Mike Jernigan ’80.

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Leaves of grass The Alabama Commission on Higher Education has approved an online master of turfgrass management program for Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. The program is designed for working professionals and offers 100 percent of its curriculum online. The non-thesis graduate degree program will emphasize key areas of turfgrass management, including installation methods, breeding and development, insect and disease control and construction of specialty areas such as athletic fields and putting greens.

No more green chicken tenders

THE O.R. IN 3-D At Auburn University, the latest in printing technology is literally going to the dogs— and cats and other animals. Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine is among the first veterinary programs in the United States to use three-dimensional printing and models in advance of complicated surgeries. A 3D printer builds up objects layer by layer, using various methods to deposit and harden the ‘ink’ where it is needed. Many materials, including plastic, metal and ceramic can now be printed based on instructions from computer-assisted design programs. In the college’s clinical sciences department, the

radiology section has begun using its newly acquired Makerbot 3D printer to investigate ways to improve surgical planning. In its first week of use, the 3D printer was successfully used to provide a solution for a complicated surgical procedure before the surgery was performed. Don Sorjonen, a professor emeritus of neurology and neurosurgery who has returned to the college as a consultant, said they were able to stabilize and align the cervical vertebrae of a Yorkshire terrier, complex because of the dog’s small size. “Being able to craft a remedy prior to surgery increased the chances of a successful outcome.”

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After more than a decade of research into an increasingly common and costly broiler condition known as green muscle disease, a team of Auburn poultry scientists has identified a blood enzyme that could give breeders a noninvasive tool to screen birds for susceptibility to the disease. Elevated levels of the enzyme, creatine kinase, can signal muscle breakdown and damage. In humans, high levels of the enzyme in the blood can be indicators of heart attack, muscular dystrophy, acute renal failure and other serious muscle conditions. In broilers, they indicate the development of green muscle disease. Technically called deep pectoral myopathy, green muscle disease is a degenerative condition of broiler chickens’ minor pectoral muscles, or tenders, that causes the muscle tissue to bruise. The discolored tissue is not discovered until processing and deboning, and then it must be trimmed and discarded, costing the U.S. poultry industry an estimated $50 million a year. Auburn poultry science professor Joe Hess— who, with departmental colleagues Sarge Bilgili and Roger Lien, has conducted extensive research on the disease—says the condition is caused by sudden, excessive wing flapping, especially when it occurs one to two days before slaughter. “Green muscle disease is an exercise issue,” Hess said. “If you have a house full of chickens and there’s a sudden loud noise or some other environmental stressor, they’re going to get scared and agitated and start flapping their wings. If it’s late in the growing season, that’s when the damage occurs.”

During wing movement, blood flow increases to a bird’s major and minor pectorals, or breast muscles, causing the tissues to swell. Though the swelling doesn’t affect the larger breast fillet muscle, the tender has a more rigid covering and is confined to a tighter space. The swelling so compresses the muscle that the blood supply is cut off and the tissue bruises. Lien has perfected a technique called “encouraged wing flapping” that can help scientists identify which broiler strains are more likely to develop green muscle disease and which are not, valuable information for breeders and suppliers.

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To protect and serve Auburn University and military researchers are studying the structures and activity of the brains of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in an effort to better understand post-traumatic stress disorder and post-concussion syndrome. The project brings together the Auburn University MRI Research Center, the Auburn psychology department and the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory at Fort Rucker. Auburn faculty and graduate students in the departments of electrical and computer engineering and psychology are testing 160 soldiers—those diagnosed with PTSD, those diagnosed with PCS and healthy control soldiers. A percentage of the healthy control soldiers have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, but do not have PTSD or PCS. “We hope to use our results to test the efficacy of different treatments for people with PCS and PTSD,” said Tom Denney, director of the Auburn University MRI Research Center. U.S. Army Capt. Michael Dretsch, chief of neuroscience applications with the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Program at the Pentagon, said he met Denney and Jeffrey Katz, director of Auburn’s cognitive and behavioral science program, while he was stationed at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory at Fort Rucker. Because of their shared research interests, he thought

combining their work would be a great collaboration. They began working on grant proposals, and Dretsch was able to secure funding from the Military Operational Medical Research Program through the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. Katz said initial analyses are showing differences in brain activity during emotional regulation that may be related to the disease. Participants in the PTSD and PTSD healthy groups perform a fear-conditioning task. During the scan, the participant is presented with a tone that is then followed by a burst of aversive white noise or a tone that is not followed by the noise. Using a track ball, participants continually report their expectancy of the noise’s occurrence on a scale of 0-100. While each participant is being scanned, skin conductance response—a method of measuring the electrical conductance of the skin, which is related to emotional response— also is collected to assess learning. “Ideally, we’d really like to understand what’s taking place when a soldier is concussed—when you get a concussion, what changes take place?” Dretsch added. “And are there specific biomarkers which will better assess and diagnose what’s happening with the soldier? This is a very unique study in which the sample size of soldiers we have is enormous compared to other studies.”

A newly renovated Biological Engineering Research Laboratory is offering advanced technology that administrators say will significantly enhance the research infrastructure of the university, the state and the region. The $6 million renovation, funded by a $4.6 million National Science Foundation competitive grant and $1.6 million from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, marks the first substantial improvements to the 22,800-square-foot lab since its construction in 1948. “The new facility has contemporary laboratories that give us new capabilities to address engineering problems in biological systems, with specific emphasis on critical societal needs for producing renewable energy, maintaining clean and abundant water, providing safe and healthy foods, improving natural resource management and preserving the environment,” said

Steve Taylor, head of biosystems engineering at Auburn. The renovation included replacing longoutdated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and the installation of air conditioning and crucial safety features, such as fume hoods. “We now will have controlled-environment rooms and cold rooms where we can conduct research on food and other biological materials and we have labs for chemical analysis, biomaterial characterization, food engineering, the advanced study biological systems and high-bay labs for biomaterial processing and conversion,” Taylor said. The updated facility, which will be used by biosystems engineering faculty and graduate students as well as their collaborators in other units on campus, should help increase extramural funding at Auburn and help biosystems engineering recruit the “best and brightest” graduate students and faculty.

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Agriculture The Agricultural Alumni Association will pay tribute to five individuals for their contributions to the state’s agricultural industry during its 2014 Alabama Agricultural Hall of Honor banquet, set for Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National. Three of the five honorees will be inducted into the association’s Hall of Honor, including Jimmy Sanford ’68 of Prattville, representing production agriculture; Abbeville businessman Lester Killebrew Sr. ’68, the honoree from the agribusiness sector; and Albert McDonald ’53 of Huntsville, recipient in

the education/government category. COLLEGE OF

Architecture, Design and Construction Students in a Struc-

tures III class taught by Michael Hein, a professor in the McWhorter School of Building Science, recently worked with the university’s facilities division and private contractors to prepare an environmentally friendly walkway for visitors to the Southeastern Raptor Center. The students helped prepare the site and placed more than 300 linear feet of pervious concrete—a material that supports load while it allows water to pass through and reduces the environmental effects of stormwater runoff. The walkway is behind the bird mews at the raptor center, a division of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The work was conducted under the watchful eyes of 26 birds of prey, including

War Eagle VI, known as Tiger; War Eagle VII, known as Nova; and Spirit. Over the past decade, Hein and students in his previous structures classes have used the material on several campus projects, including parking lots

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and more than 1,000 linear feet of walkways in the arboretum. RAYMOND J. HARBERT COLLEGE OF

Business Faculty and students from Harbert College’s Master of Accountancy program have been touring Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but their primary focus isn’t learning the samba. In a visit that ended in mid-December, the students immersed themselves in Brazilian business culture during a pivotal point in the nation’s history. Brazil has long been considered a comer among the so-called BRIC collective—Brazil, Russia, India and China—due to its impressive economic growth and abundance of natural resources. Its GDP has more than doubled in the last 10 years and it has seen the creation of 15 million jobs in the last eight. But even as the nation prepares to host the 2014 World Cup, it’s also dealing with social unrest over economic inequality, big-city crime and governmental corruption. The AU students received the sort of behind-the-scenes look at Brazil that few tourists experience, touring a Hershey’s

plant near Sao Paulo, listening to Deloitte executives speak on Latin America’s economy and accounting practices, and learning about the processes and implications of mergers and acquisitions in Brazil.

built from art and natural materials and several replicas of campus landmarks made from recycled materials. The tree and building

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Education PowerTech America Inc. has pledged $40,000 to the College of Education’s Early Childhood Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). PowerTech America, affiliated with Hyundai, manufactures automatic transmissions for both the on-site Kia plant as well as other U.S.based Hyundai plants. SEP is a six-week summer program centered on a specific theme designed to offer learning opportunities to children ages 3 to 8. In celebration of the program’s 25-year anniversary, this year’s theme was “Our Amazing Auburn.” The children conducted in-depth studies of the trees and buildings that make up the campus community through field trips, observations and data collection, and technology resources. Their studies culminated with several projects, including a large tree sculpture

his research paper titled “Examining the Interaction of Force and Repetition on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk: A Systematic Literature Review.” Gallagher also received a $10,000 stipend, which he accepted at the international annual meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in San Diego. The prize recognizes outstanding original research that leads to the reduction of work-related injuries or to theory advancement, and to understanding and development of occupational safety research. SCHOOL OF

Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

studies were facilitated by curriculum resources granted by Teaching Strategies, publishers of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. SAMUEL GINN COLLEGE OF

Engineering Sean Gallagher, associate professor in industrial and systems engineering, has been awarded the 2013 International Ergonomics Association (IEA)/ Liberty Mutual medal in occupational safety and ergonomics for

For the second year, the city of Auburn has pledged a five-to-one match for individual and corporate contributions of up to $50,000 for the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, a community outreach program for Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. According to the agreement, the city is providing the grant in the form of matching funds in order to encourage community engagement and support for this resource for outdoor recreation and education. The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

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Our vulnerable teens Echo Garrett ’82, award-winning author and co-founder of the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, provided the keynote address for the Women’s Philanthropy Board 2014 Winter Workshop, Expo and Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Her topic: “Why It’s Not Too Late for Our Nation’s Most Vulnerable Teens.” The annual event is held on campus at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

was established in 1993 by a gift of land from Louise Kreher Turner and Frank Allen Turner. It covers 120 acres and has five miles of hiking trails, an amphitheater and a pavilion. The preserve, including the nature playground, is open daily to the public at no charge. COLLEGE OF

Human Sciences In its 20th year of recognizing individuals and partnerships that make significant and lasting contributions to people’s well-being locally and around the world, Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences honored Howard G. Buffett and Tim Cook ’82 at the annual International Quality of Life Awards on Tuesday, Dec. 10, in New York City. Buffett, chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, was this year’s International Quality of Life Award Laureate. He received the honor from actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria and Rwandan president Paul

Kagame. Cook, Apple’s CEO and a 1982 alumnus of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, was awarded the IQLA lifetime achievement award from his friend Don Logan ’66, the former president and CEO of Time Inc. and a 1995 IQLA Laureate. The International Quality of Life Award recognizes individuals who have brought distinguished recognition to Auburn University and/or the state of Alabama. Cook, who took over the helm at Apple Inc. following the death of founder Steve Jobs, also will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn Alumni Association in March. (See related story on page 43 of this issue.)

history department in the College of Liberal Arts. Morris L. Bian, whose appointment took effect on Jan. 1, joined the AU faculty in 1998. He received his PhD in modern Chinese history from the University of Washington and is the author of numerous scholarly publications. His book, The Making of the State Enterprise System in Modern China: The Dynamics of Institutional Change (Harvard University Press, 2005), received Choice magazine’s Outstanding Academic Title Award in 2006 and was named a Top 10 social science book in Asian studies by the International Convention of Asia Scholars in 2007. SCHOOL OF

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Liberal Arts An expert in Chinese history has been named chair of the

Nursing Nursing students at Auburn University and Auburn Montgomery will have the opportunity this spring to work with staff at Walter Reed

National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., providing care to wounded service men and women. When David Crumbley joined the Auburn faculty in 2012 as an assistant clinical professor, nursing faculty on both campuses had been considering ways to expand the curriculum to include exploring the health needs and challenges of military service members. A 23-year veteran of the U.S. military, Crumbley had spent four years at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed, caring for the wounded and also one year in the Veterans Administration Central Office. Crumbley worked with a former colleague in Bethesda, Cmdr. Michele Kane, the current director of the Centers for Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry at Walter Reed and a 1992 alumna of the AUM nursing program, Auburn associate professor Libba McMillan, wife of a former U.S. Air Force pilot, and AUM associate professor Marilyn Rhodes, a retired colonel and 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, to fashion a five-year agreement between the schools and Walter Reed. The agreement

was reached this fall. The first clinical experience is scheduled for spring break 2014. HARRISON SCHOOL OF

Pharmacy Harrison School of Pharmacy assistant clinical professor Margaret Williamson was named chair-elect of the Southeastern Pharmacy Experiential Education Consortium for a two-year term starting in January. The consortium is a regional collaborative group of experiential faculty and staff members from colleges and schools of pharmacy in Alabama and Georgia.The consortium’s mission is to promote the advancement of experiential education through synchronization of procedures, providing and standardizing preceptor training and participating in scholarly activities. COLLEGE OF

Sciences and Mathematics The COSAM annual Minority High School Visitation Day was held at the Auburn Student Center this fall, attracting more than a hundred registrants and students from 20 high schools in Alabama and Georgia. Publicized as a capstone event for college-bound junior and senior high school students, the 2013 event drew attendees from

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schools in Auburn, Opelika, Loachapoka, Daphne, LAMP, Oak Mountain, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate and Robert E. Lee, and counselors representing several Georgia schools. Of students surveyed after the event, 83 percent said they had already applied or would be applying to Auburn University. COLLEGE OF

Veterinary Medicine Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine offered a two-day course in large animal emergency response in January to teach technical emergency response. Taught by Rebecca Gimenez, an internationally recognized expert on the topic and author of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, the training prepared attendees for safe and successful outcomes in large animal emergencies. The course featured an introduction to emergency and disaster preparedness for large animals; basic concepts of large animal emergency and disaster rescue; an understanding of large animal behavior; and containment and restraint of large animals. Also covered in the coursework were agro-terrorism; foreign animal disease and hazmat issues related to large animals.

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Strike up the band One of the most exciting traditions on Saturdays at Jordan-Hare is watching the Auburn University Marching Band enter the stadium, led by a high-stepping, tall-hatted, strutting drum major. For Paige Lenssen, one of this year’s drum majors, the magical season-ending trip to the BCS National Championship—her second championship game as a member of the band—was the perfect way to start her final semester at Auburn. Lenssen is one of those students who seem to do a dizzying number of things without breaking a sweat. She has a double major in finance and English with a minor in French. She works on campus as a student assistant for the Harbert College of Business and is the associate editor of the Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship.

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She even finds time to practice ballet at Auburn Pointe. And throughout her time at Auburn, she has maintained a perfect GPA. Despite all of her accomplishments at Auburn, she is most proud of her involvement with the band. “Music is something I’ve been involved with for a long, long time,” Lenssen says. “I started playing the saxophone in the fourth grade, and I started marching in high school and was on leadership. I knew if I went to a university with a marching band that was no doubt something I was going to do.” For her first three years at Auburn, Lenssen played the saxophone and was among the masses of her fellow band members. She knew she wanted to be a drum major, and had to pass several tests to make it to that podium, including composing her own piece, a one-on-seven interview, conducting during football scenarios, a five-minute teaching portion, and performing a pregame entrance with her own routine. “We have a competitive audition process that lasts about a week. That was one of the more stressful weeks of my life.” It was also one of the most rewarding weeks of her life. Lenssen led the band “on to vic’try” every game day by pumping up the fans, students and players, even on that long Saturday at LSU—and again in Pasadena—when the Tigers didn’t leave the field with a win. “My heart was pounding the entire week leading up to my first game,” she said. “You can prepare for the halftime shows [and] the pregame entrance. You can watch a football game and make calls in your head, but you have no idea what it’s going to be like to stand on the podium and have to do that during a live game. The first game was nerve-racking, but after you make a couple calls and you get into the rhythm of it, that became what I enjoyed most. What I thought would be the biggest problem ended up being the most fun. Especially in Auburn where everybody loves the band. You have the cape and you feel a bit like a superhero.” And with the Tigers’ hurry-up offense, she only had a couple of seconds to make the right call. “We believe that we control the atmosphere in the stadium. It’s our job to get the fans pumped up and the players pumped up, and to let everyone know that we’re there, and we’re in it to win it. Even when we go to away games, we try to make those stadiums like Jordan-Hare.” And that’s exactly what Lenssen and the three other drum majors did in Pasadena. They revved up Auburn fans, students and football players at pep rallies and during the game, even though the last 13 seconds were a bit heartbreaking. “We think of ourselves as ambassadors for Auburn. We want to show what Auburn men and women are like through the members of the band. ”—Anna Claire Conrad

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TORNADOS TO TOUCHDOWNS Auburn University mechanical engineering students in professor David Dyer’s comprehensive design class take good ideas and help turn them into sleek, customer-ready products. Those ideas can come from the most unlikely places. One idea, now a finished product called the SledHammer, originated when a high school football coach helped his neighbors remove debris from their yards after the April 2011 tornadoes ripped across Alabama. Vaughn Maceina, now a strength coach and teacher at Auburn Ju-

nior High School, was living and coaching in the north Alabama town of Guntersville. “Fortunately, our community did not have any fatalities, so we were mainly dealing with property damage,” Maceina said. “I was helping cut fallen trees and then rolling the logs out of the way when I realized this rolling motion was excellent for building strength in the arms and legs, really the whole body. “Later, I thought about collecting some logs to try out the method, but that didn’t work because logs were not round enough. They were

uneven and had knots and cut branches, so you couldn’t get a smooth motion.” Maceina and his childhood friend, local attorney Sesie Bonsi, decided to call Auburn’s Dyer to see if he and his students could take the idea and turn it into a training device that could be used by football players and other athletes. “They did an unbelievable job developing our concept,” Maceina said. Dyer and his students went to work and made the SledHammer, which consists of either an 18- or 24-inch-di-

ameter PVC cylinder attached by chains to two metal bases with free weights on top. “We wanted something like rolling a log and with variable resistance,” Dyer said. Three groups of six undergraduates have worked on the project, with the first group working in summer and fall 2012 to make a working prototype. They did drawings, a wooden prototype and a PVC-cylinder model, followed by a full-size, metal prototype. “We wondered how we could add variable resistance to the cylinder,” Maceina said. “The students had the idea to simply use free weights on two attached bases. The unique design allows

the SledHammer to reverse directions simply by pushing it the other way as the core rolls through the sleds and goes the other direction.” A second group of students took over in 2013 and streamlined the manufacturing process and enhanced the appearance. A third group continues to work on variations of the SledHammer as well as other new fitness products. Brad Martin, a 2012 Auburn mechanical engineering graduate, was among the first students who worked on the project. “Witnessing the SledHammer project grow from a simple hand drawing to a working prototype gave me a great sense of accomplishment,” Martin said. Maceina and Bonsi worked with Auburn’s Office of Technology Transfer to obtain patent protection and have started a company, TROUT Fitness, featuring the SledHammer. TROUT is an acronym for toughness, resistance, originality, utility and technology— and it is Maceina’s middle name. The company has a licensing agreement with the university and has

the rights to the co-owned invention. Maceina and Bonsi also worked with Auburn’s Department of Industrial and Graphic Design on brand identity, paint schemes and company logos. The university’s Auburn Technical Assistance Center, or ATAC, part of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, assisted with marketing and website construction. Those marketing and graphic design aspects were made possible by funding from ATAC’s Economic Development Administration, or EDA, grant. “Helping existing and start-up businesses like TROUT Fitness commercialize an innovation is one of our primary roles as an Outreach and EDA University Center,” said David Mixson, director of the EDA University Center, part of the Auburn Technical Assistance Center. Auburn High School and several other high schools and colleges are using or have used SledHammers as part of their training regimen, as are fitness companies. More information about the SledHammer is available at www.troutfitness. com/SledHammer.

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Tigers for Tigers Although rivals on the athletic field, students from Auburn University and the University of Missouri are working together to help save tigers in the wild through a conservation program called the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition. The coalition joins together academic institutions with tiger mascots to help spread awareness of the survival challenges tigers face, including habitat destruction, poaching and the pet trade. “It makes sense that Auburn students would work to help Aubie’s wild cousin, which is on the brink of extinction in its natural habitat,” said Ashley Newell, a senior in zoology/pre-veterinary medicine and a campus representative for Auburn’s Tigers for Tigers program.

House United With the Iron Bowl behind them, Auburn University and the University of Alabama students collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for Alabama residents, completing a home in time for Christmas for a Lee County family. Students and staff from both universities worked with homebuilders from Geordan Communities and staff from Lee County Habitat for Humanity to provide the finishing touches necessary to prepare the home for the family to move in before Christmas. “Christmas is a time for family and homecoming; it is extraordinary to join in preparing this special house for its new family to come home to,” said Ralph Foster, director of the Auburn University Office of Public Service. The two institutions partnered with Habitat for Humanity to start the House United program in 2011. “The students all share the common value of service: the University of Alabama does a tremendous amount of service work in their area; Auburn does a tremendous amount of service work. It’s ingrained in the student culture at both institutions, as it is at a lot of other universities across the state,” said Foster. “So what better way to get together with your chief rival and do something together?” The first build was scheduled to take place in Baldwin County, but after the devastating tornadoes in Tuscaloosa in April 2011, the decision was made to move the build to Tuscaloosa. Students, faculty, staff and alumni from both institutions came together to work on houses for two families in the Holt community in Tuscaloosa County. In 2012, a group of 39 made the trip from Auburn to Baldwin County for the House United build. Students from Auburn’s Alternative Spring Break group also collaborated with the Office of Public Service for the project.

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Volunteers from both universities said they chose to join the Christmas project this year because they wanted to find a way to give back to their community. Foster said the experience was meaningful to him both as an Alabamian and career outreach worker. “Personally, as a lifelong resident of Alabama, I’m concerned about the needs of our community. That’s what university outreach is all about. It’s the university extending its resources to the community to better the quality of life for all citizens in our state.”

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GOLDEN

Hey, Golden Eagles! Mark your calendars for April 23–25, when we induct the class of 1964 and honor the classes of 1959, 1954, 1949 and 1944. Enjoy fascinating presentations, tour campus to see what’s changed (or what hasn’t), and show off your smooth moves on the dance floor. Registration and hotel info: www.aualum.org/goldeneagles

Tell me more To find out more about this program, contact:

334-844-1150 or goldeneagles@auburn.edu

Celebrating the Auburn Tiger in each of us. The 2014 official Auburn University ornament commemorates our winning season and our “ever to conquer, never to yield” moments. As the years pass, you will possess a meaningful collection your family will cherish for generations. The ornaments are designed and crafted exclusively for Auburn University by Orbix Hot Glass, a family-run glassblowing studio in Fort Payne, Alabama. For the Auburn Family by the Auburn Family.

www.auburn.edu/samfordcollection

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Maybe they fell 13 seconds shy of a BCS National Championship, but records fell like dominoes as the 2013 Auburn Tigers took us on the most jaw-dropping, unexpected season ever. Can we get a replay? b y

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One to remember One image to rule them all: With one second left in regulation play, Auburn’s Chris Davis ran back a missed Bama field goal all the way, propelling the Tigers to a 34-28 Iron Bowl win and a new named play: Kick Six (or Kick, Bama, Kick).

Your mom used to say it. Could have been a teacher or a preacher. Maybe a coach. Or all of the above. At some point of your upbringing, an authority figure imparted this advice: Focus on the journey, not the destination. More than likely, you scoffed and tried to discredit such wisdom with a metaphorical retort. Cooking a meal is more satisfying than consuming it? Taking a test is more fulfilling than studying for it? But those who hitched their time and emotions to the wild ride that was Auburn football this season realize that mother (and the others) knows best. From the Immaculate Deflection (the divinely guided deflected pass for the winning score against Georgia) that punctu-

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEFF ETHERIDGE

ated the Miracle at Jordan-Hare, through the Kick Six (the marathon field-goal return for a touchdown against Alabama) and the Demolition in the Dome (the dismantling of Missouri for the Southeastern Conference jewels), to the BCS Championship (enough said), the journey could not have been more delicious unless it had been capped by a slightly richer dessert. The season unspooled like a movie, with dizzying plot twists and turns, and the oft-heard phrase “fantasy football” took on a fresh meaning. It began with a new coach. A new quarterback, too, converted from defense. A tailback far less famous than his father of the hip-hopping De La Soul

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(the title of whose biggest hit, “Me, Myself and I,” was the antithesis of the team’s all-for-one M.O.). And let’s not forget the Tigers’ predicted fifth-place finish in the SEC West, based on a win-deprived 2012. The odds of playing for the national crown? Outrageously long. Maybe it went a little sour just 13 seconds before the end, with Florida State hoisting the Waterford Crystal football in the confetti-strewn Rose Bowl. Still, Auburn fans rejoiced. Because if asked over the summer, “How does ending the season with an Auburn lead near the end of the BCS Championship game sound?” you would have rolled those dice. Let’s retrace the route with selected members of the Auburn family for whom the year yielded indelible memories.

The Lottery Winner—Almost The gods of gambling have a devilish way about them. They tease sports-betting newbies into thinking that winning comes easy. Casey Mikula ’13 was a Las Vegas virgin when he accompanied a pal to the epicenter of legal wagering last spring. Knowledge in analytics, which was the focus of Mikula’s course load at the Harbert College of Business, might have offered him an edge over other gamblers. But what prompted Mikula to plunk down $10 way back then on Auburn becoming the nation’s last team standing was not so much insight from his study of The eagle’s-eye data-driven patterns as loyalty to the view of Jordan-Hare Tigers. Besides, how cool was it to disStadium on the last tribute an image of him displaying the home game of a magical season, the casino-bought ticket to his Facebook Iron Bowl, where fans friends? were treated to the second-consecutive Auburn was listed at staggering jaw-dropper of the odds of 1,000-to-1 to win it all. If nothseason. The previous ing else, the investment would heighten game had ended with a victory at the hands Mikula’s interest in the season, not that of Ricardo Louis, it needed any. aka “The Miracle at As a youngster in Fort Smith, Ark., Jordan-Hare.” Mikula fell hard for the Tigers. He and his father attended a home game in 2004, an experience made memorable—if not also forgettable for Dad—by their inadvertent purchase of counterfeit tickets. Undeterred, they gained access to the stadium. This football season became the soundtrack to Mikula earning his master’s degree. He witnessed every home game, plus the one at Arkansas near his hometown. “I tried not to think too much about the bet during the games,” he said, “because I thought it could hamper my enjoyment of the moment due to its slim chances.” Those chances fattened to corpulent proportions as the season progressed, so trekking to Pasadena was a given. Never mind the jet lag from just returning from an Australia/New Zealand vacation and the inflated prices on the secondary BCS ticket market that lightened his wallet by $725. The amount was pocket change compared to the $10,000 Mikula would have collected with one more Auburn victory. Turned out, he did not cash in, but when will he ever get a bigger emotional bang for 10 bucks?

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The Wedding Planners Dec. 7 seemed a safe, conflict-free date for a wedding. Recent AU grads Sarah and Michael Hopkins ’10 followed football closely enough to conclude, months in advance, that the SEC Championship would not involve Tigers of any stripe. The nuptials would likely be in no danger of an interference call. Oops. When they were about to exchange rings in an Auburn church, both sets of SEC Tigers were warming up at the Georgia Dome to compete for rings of another sort. The couple advised the priest that the ceremony must wind up within an hour so the congregation could retire to the reception in the university’s arboretum by opening kickoff. A fan himself, the good reverend obliged, wrapping things up with 20 minutes to spare. The bride-and-groom sendoff was squeezed in at halftime of the SEC Championship game, and the bridal party proceeded to a sports bar to watch Auburn polish off the Tigers from Mizzou. The Hopkins’ keepsake day ended—where else?—at Toomer’s Corner. “It was absolutely the best wedding day ever,” Sarah Hopkins says. She found no fault with the few invited no-show guests who chose football over nuptials. “We wouldn’t have had it any other way.” The season also served as a romantic backdrop for alumna Laura Hale ’09 and her boyfriend, Justin Sistrunk of Auburn. Their courtship blossomed on a date at the season’s opening game, on a shaky footing. They had agreed to blame a loss on bad karma, to be followed by a breakup. Sistrunk was so moved by the Prayer in Jordan-Hare, even if their car was barely moving in the postgame traffic from the stadium, that he turned to Hale and sputtered, “So, when you get done with grad school and I get a better job, do you think maybe....” As an excited Hale let her imagination race wild, Sistrunk continued, “... we can donate enough money to Auburn to get good football tickets?” The question initially angered Hale, but she figures her beau will pop The Other Question when he is ready. The pair intends to take a significant step in any Auburn relationship, however. Next season, they will share season tickets. On her mental calendar, Hale already has blocked out certain dates when the big day—the wedding, not the ticket purchase—can’t take place. There will be no “I do’s” (only “War Eagle”) heard on Signing Day or the A-Day or any regular-season games. Or, as the Hopkinses might caution, on SEC Championship afternoon.

The Narrator The sportscaster code decrees that once a game you announce is over, it’s over. You move on to the next one. So, the morning after he had described the momentous Iron Bowl in terms spoken straight from the heart to the Auburn Radio Network audience, Rod Bramblett ’88 had his focus on the upcoming basketball game. By the time he landed with the Tigers in Ames, Iowa, his cell phone was weighed down with so

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many voice and text messages that it should have been checked as baggage. That week, he fought off laryngitis, conducting 40 to 50 media interviews, many on national outlets, about his nowfamous play call: “There goes Davis! Davis is gonna run it all the way back! Auburn’s gonna win the football game . . . Oh, my Lord in heaven!” This, on the heels of Georgia (“Louis is going to score . . . A miracle at Jordan-Hare!”), elevated Bramblett’s profile well beyond the relative anonymity he maintained during the 2010 championship season. Two frantic finishes that beggar belief have brought him the ultimate tech-age tribute: His words are downloadable as phone ringtones. Equating himself to a rodeo rider, Bramblett said, “I happened to ride the bull for eight seconds. I was lucky to get it twice. Some broadcasters never get one moment like that, much less two.” In January, Bramblett added to his own magical season by being named Play-by-Play Announcer of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

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Being an Auburn grad, surrounded Auburn University was $5,000 by in the booth by alums and longtime as- penalized the SEC for allowing sociates from AU athletics, Bramblett’s fans onto the playing passion emanates from an honest place. field after the Iron Bowl, violating the He is a conduit for fans biting their nails league’s policy on to the nub, tasked with simultaneously access to competition areas. But the expericonveying emotion and information. ence for overjoyed Broadcasters cannot rehearse lines students, alumni and for a far-fetched scenario such as Chris fans? Priceless. Davis’ runback and Ricardo Louis’ reception. “They just come out of nowhere,” he says. What they can do is prepare summary comments for possible story lines, which prompted Bramblett to jot down notes for his sign-off from Pasadena had the BCS outcome been a joyous, Toomer’srolling ending. National championships, he would have told the revelers, need not be considered once-in-a-lifetime occurrences, not when a program like Auburn’s is lasting. “Hopefully,” he says, “I’ll be able to use that next year.

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The Real Senior Class The championship festivities got started early at a different sort of dormitory, about five miles from the Auburn campus in a building with the replica of a tiger standing sentry out front. Monarch Estates is an independent retirement home for about a hundred senior adults, including a few former Auburn players and cheerleaders. Their average age is mid-80s. The decor, overwhelmingly orange and blue, is enhanced by a football signed by Cam Newton. Seven hours before the BCS game kickoff, resident cheerleaders led lunchtime diners through a “War Eagle” chant. Tailgating followed, and an impatient countdown began for Tigers backers who at once have an abundance and shortage of time on their hands. Eventually, those who wished to watch in the company of compatriots filed into any of three viewing rooms, each promising a different degree of rowdiness. Property manager Jerry Diaz’s suggestion to some: “You might want to take your

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blood pressure medicine with you.” On game days, employees always set up flower arrangements, tablecloths and balloons in Auburn colors, delighting all the retirees except the half-dozen who root for Alabama. Diaz keeps her Crimson Tide background to herself, explaining, “I don’t want my residents hanging me up on a pole.” Normally, it’s lights out at 9 p.m. in the building’s common areas. For the big game, that would barely have gotten inhabitants through the first half, so those who did not soak in the rest from the solitude of their rooms collectively snacked and shouted deep into the night. These seniors, as opposed to those on Auburn’s team whose eligibility has expired, hope to experience it all again next season.

The Globetrotter Some Tigers followers go to great lengths to attend games. This season, Herman Wilkes ’87 went great distances. When

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he deplaned in Atlanta on the eve of the season opener, Wilkes had just logged more than 10,000 air miles from Dubai, by way of Amsterdam, an ordeal that consumed more than 24 hours. A resident of Abu Dhabi, where he works as a search and rescue coordinator for the United Arab Emirates, the AU graduate invested in season tickets through Tigers Unlimited for the first time. “If I am only going to see a few games a year,” he determined, “I want to make sure that I have good seats.” Wilkes hung around for the next game, then returned home to resume his customary tracking of the team, often in front of a computer screen in the dead of night. “My Sunday [a workday] starts off with a healthy dose of sleep deprivation,” he said. An Auburn banner would hang from Aubie was in fine Wilkes’ car if not for a local ordinance All-Orange form this forbidding flags other than the one repseason, capping off his year with a trip resenting the United Arab Emirates. So to Pasadena for the he expresses team pride by wearing an championship game followed by a trip to Auburn sweatshirt, as unusual in those his own championtropical parts as a fur coat—but not ship competition. Our unique. Wilkes has met three fellow alfavorite Tiger won his eighth National ums there, along with two friendly enMascot Championship emies. Standing with him in the immititle, cementing his gration line at the Dubai airport were place as the winningest mascot ever. supporters of Alabama and LSU.

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A hassle-free direct flight back to the U.S. in mid-November delivered a more rested Wilkes for back-to-back games that would sap the energy even from an ex-Marine who competed in college football and swimming as a walk-on. He had an up-close view of Ricardo Louis rescuing the Tigers against Georgia and Chris Davis against Alabama. As tempting as it was, there would be no third transatlantic trip for either championship game. So Wilkes poured some strong coffee at his place, grabbed his Auburn shaker and sang “War Eagle” to himself with each score. “I miss the game-day experience,” he says. “Hearing the band, seeing the colors, being part of the crowd—it’s really nice.” Those sensations might be cherished more often next season. Wilkes is counting on a considerably shorter commute if one of several job applications in the Southeast, some for positions at Auburn, pays off.

The Clothes Filly If Ella Kate Wade was not the youngest—and most oblivious—Auburn supporter this season, she was close. Born in June to AU graduates Blair and Matt Wade ’08, the infant was outfitted each game day in newly sewn and arranged garb with an Auburn theme. Each change of apparel brought another victory. When

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Blair Wade’s maternity leave expired, because of initial exhaustion from toggling between employment and parenthood, it slipped her mind to deck out Ella Kate for the LSU game. Naturally, the Tigers lost. Not that Blair was wracked with guilt, but never again did she let a Saturday pass without covering Ella Kate head-topiggies with a fresh ensemble. “We thought it was lucky [for the Tigers] for her to wear something I made,” she said. “This year started as a fluke, and we just rolled with it.” For the BCS game, Blair went all “Project Runway,” stitching a white top and a skirt with alternating orange and blue polka-dotted ruffles. Auburn might have been beaten, but Ella Kate surely would have been designated Best Dressed Fan (age 1-and-under division).

The Boss To Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs ’85, the objective for this team was as modest as a churchgoer’s dress: Practice in December. Meaning: wrangle a bowl invitation, which is awarded to any SEC squad with at least six wins.

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Jacobs began wondering if his per- Speed-demon No. 21 Mason plowed sonal bar should be raised whenever Tre through records left he was reminded of Gus Malzahn’s at- and right this season, tention to detail. The A.D. already was toppling Bo Jackson’s single-season aware of how the incoming coach ob- 1985 rushing record, finishsessed over particulars. But the extent ing with 1,816 rushing was driven home often, such as when yards. He set an SEC Championship rushing Malzahn contacted him, concerned record with 304 yards, about the practice field being torn up by touchdown record with four, and was name summer youth camps. the game’s MVP. The issue was addressed sufficiently in advance that the Tigers were able to tromp on suitable grass once their workouts commenced. More recently, on the eve of the SEC Championship, Malzahn noticed that a luncheon requiring his presence conflicted with the team walk-through. Some coaches, noted Jacobs, would be content to turn over supervision of the walk-through to his staff. Not Malzahn, whose adherence to routine is unwavering. “I still don’t know when he sleeps,” the boss says. Jacobs readjusted his preseason goal, oddly, after the lone defeat, when the son of Vincent (De La Soul) Mason, aka Tre Mason, vowed to him in the locker room there would not be another loss.

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“That’s great,” Jacobs told running back Mason, whose ascent to Heisman Trophy finalist was as unimaginable then as the team’s ascent to the BCS game—not to mention Mason’s shattering of Bo Jackson’s single-season rushing record with 1,816 yards. “Somewhere down the road, we’ll win another national championship,” Jacobs says. “What we did in 2013 will be part of the foundation.”

The Afflicted, Comforted Richard Saal was a dentist in Baltimore, Md., when the eldest of his three daughters reached college age in the late 1970s. After exploring schools in the Southeast, Kathleen Saal ’83 wound up at Auburn. She liked it so much that her two siblings followed. (So, a generation later, did both of his grandsons, enrolled currently.) If his precious girls were not enough to convert Saal into a Tigers fan, a priceless player was. Saal went head-over-heels for the Tigers at his inaugural visit to Jordan-Hare while watching Bo Jackson. He continued to monitor Auburn from afar, even after retiring to northwest Florida with his wife, Carolyn. Soon after this season’s win over Georgia, Saal was hospitalized and diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, so Kathleen Saal decided to represent the family at the Iron Bowl. The other Saals were there in spirit, having donned and displayed

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“Beat Bama” T-shirts she’d sent to Richard’s hospital room. In the afterglow of Kick Six, Kathleen, a former member of the Auburn Alumni Association board of directors, found herself among the delirious masses on the field when she phoned her dad, who had cheered loudly enough from his bed to distract the nurses on duty. That evening, Richard was walking the hospital halls, attached to an IV pole, when a patient in an Alabama cap passed by. Feeling giddy, the illness briefly forgotten, he could not resist gentle trash-talking. “Wrong hat,” Richard said. Came the response: “I know.” By the SEC Championship game, those nurses had taped up a makeshift “War Eagle” sign in his room. He was sleeping beneath an Auburn blanket, napping frequently—except on game day against Missouri, when excitement trumped fatigue. “Unbelievable” is the season rating by Richard, now home after his month-long hospital stay. “Who, after a 3-9 record [in 2012], could have predicted that?” Nobody. So, about a journey that brought blessed relief to a cancer patient, job satisfaction to a broadcaster, elation to golden-agers, a growing wardrobe for an infant, a run for his money to a recent grad, welcome jet lag to a long-distance alum, a hit wedding for one couple and a major question popped with another? It was worth taking. No questions asked.

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In the Big Easy, ‘gourmet’ usually refers to the city’s renowned food and ‘category five’ means it’s time to take cover from a hurricane. But for one Auburn grad, Steve Goodson ’72, it’s all about the music. b y j o e m c a d o r y ’ 9 2

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Steve Goodson has opted to sell his cutting-edge Saxgourmet saxophones and related products through his own Nation of Music rather than go the conventional dealer-network route. Before retiring from active performing due to health concerns, he was a very in-demand saxophone player himself, working with hundreds of recording sessions and playing thousands of live gigs around the world.

Steve Goodson hangs out with rock stars and gets paid for it. He lives in an eight-bedroom, five-bathroom, electric purple home in New Orleans with his sixfoot-tall, red-headed wife, Sharon. “That’s what happens when old hippies have money,” laughs Goodson, a 1972 Auburn business graduate whose Saxgourmet Products sells the most expensive saxophone on the market. $15,000. For a single saxophone. No lie. “Believe me—if anybody else starts selling something anywhere near that price point, I am raising my prices,” Goodson said. The sax in question is the Category Five Tenor, and its features include a handmade body, bell, bow and neck; proprietary brass alloy; and the largest bore and bell in the industry.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SABREE HILL

“Our Category Five model has a dedicated altissimo octave key, giving the horn a very useable four-octave range rather than the usual two-and-one-halfoctave range of most saxophones,” he explains. “There is absolutely nothing else available on the market which matches our horns for playability, craftsmanship, aesthetics, or price.” Goodson, 62, takes great pride in his saxophones, but he also takes pride in his ability to do business. “Something my family always told me was, ‘It is called the music business for a reason. Don’t go get a degree in music.’ ” That business degree has served him well, and he’s learned some more lessons along the way. “Of every 100 people who get into the music business, 99 fail because most people treat it like a hobby,” he says.

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“The music business itself actually works just like any other business. Identify a specific niche of your market and serve it better than anyone else. A small company cannot be all things to all customers. Find something unique and do it well.” He also has taken a businesslike approach to branding his instruments. “Customers should never have to have what you do explained to them,” he says. “Your product or services name should tell the whole story in just one word: Saxgourmet equals high-quality saxophones. If it takes more than one word, you have failed in this mission.”

oodson prefers to keep his company small so he’s able to keep his hands in every aspect of the customer’s experience—that’s where the “gourmet” part comes in. “There is no excuse for quality control problems, or service delays and difficulties,” he says. “They are never so far removed from you that you cannot experience and fine tune them.” A Saxgourmet saxophone doesn’t appeal to just any musician. “We have quite a few of the very biggest names in the business who play our horns, notably Tom Scott, the most recorded saxophone player of all time,” Goodson says. “Most of our clients are wealthy hobbyists or amateur players who simply want to own the best equipment available at any price.” Musicians can have saxophones custom-fitted by Goodson, but at a price. “We can do this, and occasionally do,” he says. “However, they need to get out the big, leather-bound checkbook when they order. It’s super-expensive to do custom work, and the fact of the matter is that our standard designs have stuff on them that is generally light years ahead of what they had previously been playing. Of course, the only real limit to what is possible is the customer’s budget.”

riginally from Leeds, Ala., Goodson excelled in the high school band—playing the saxophone, of course—and also made a habit out of “hot-rodding” his instrument. “I always had an interest in instrument repair and modification, and that goes back to my high school days because my high school band director (Dewitt Self) was not only a brilliant teacher but he could fix your color TV, your lawn mower or your saxosaxophones phone,” Goodson says. “He and I main- Goodson’s are a labor of love. tained the school’s instruments. When I “I am very proud that wasn’t playing I was modifying my own instruments of my original unique design horn. Other people would say ‘Can you have been marketed do that my horn?’ Before long I had a throughout the world for almost 15 years,” business that did that.” he says. He also writes He always had confidence in his abili- for Saxophone Today ties. “I always believed that I could ‘build and other publications.

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a better mousetrap,’” Goodson says. “In reality, saxophones have not really changed much since the very first one was built in 1840. The manufacturers had become very complacent, and told players just to accept the faults and failings and ‘work with them.’ Well, I don’t believe it ought to require you to work hard and burn a lot of calories to play the saxophone, so we set about making instruments that were easier to play and incorporated features which increased the capabilities.” Goodson began performing when he was just 14 in a number of Birmingham nightclubs, including Charlie Brown’s Lounge and The Pussycat-A-Go-Go. “I was kind of a child prodigy at the saxophone,” Goodson says. “At age 14 I was first chair in the Alabama all-state band. That’s kind of a big deal.” At Auburn, however, Goodson spent only a summer quarter as part of the Auburn University Marching Band. He had a job. “I was always playing for money,” he says. “Every Friday afternoon I was either going to Columbus or Montgomery to get on an airplane to play somewhere or meet the band (The Reflections) wherever we were playing.” Goodson performed for years after graduating from Auburn, playing with Chubby Checker, Eddie Money, Solomon Burke and a number of Motown and Atlantic Records artists. Then he fell in love with a woman from New Orleans. “I was on a gig and this six-foot redhead somehow man-

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aged to get a backstage pass,” he says. “I immediately fell in love with her. I figured New Orleans was about as good as any place, so about 20 years ago I followed her home. She worked as a sound engineer, so she understands the music business.” Like a lot of businesses, in 2006 Goodson moved his manufacturing overseas. His success relies on a thorough understanding of currency exchange rates and international economics, and an awareness of the importance of relationships. “The guys who are really on top of their game over there (Asia) really wish to build an honest product and are like sponges,” he says. “They absorb all of the information that you will give them. You have to learn to trust the guys.” Domestic saxophone sales have plummeted by 35 percent in the past four years, but that doesn’t bother Goodson. “That’s the overall market. It’s not me. What we try to do is offer saxophones that do things no other saxophones do. They have more keys. They go higher.” Goodson doesn’t perform publicly any more. Having two strokes made sure of that. “I haven’t played a gig in front of people in eight years,” he said. “Thank God for wonderful doctors. I have recovered almost completely. I still have some balance issues. I simply don’t play the same. “I don’t have time to.” He pauses. “But they still better treat my butt like a rock star when I walk into a club.”

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U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II

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“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.” b y

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Work,

hard work Meet the recipients of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Awards Auburn graduates know those lines well, and each year the Auburn Alumni Association recognizes four individuals whose lives and careers have exemplified hard work and tremendous achievement. Join us in congratulating Larry D. Benefield ’66, John Brown ’57, Tim Cook ’82 and Pat Sullivan ’72 for exemplifying the Auburn Creed and becoming simply the best: our 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees.

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Larry Benefield ’66 Behind the scenes Current hometown: Auburn Spouse/Partner: Mary L. Benefield Age: 71 Hobbies: Bird hunting, drinking good wine, and being lazy at the beach. Most memorable book, or last book read: Churchill, A Life by Martin Gilbert. Role model/hero: Gene Metz, one of my professors in civil engineering during my undergraduate studies at Auburn University. His dedication to education and his caring for students was what motivated me to pursue a career in academia. Five words you’d use to describe yourself: Southern, self-reliant, unpretentious, organized, self-starter. Favorite Auburn memory: The first time I ever had pizza, which was at the War Eagle Supper Club. Prior to that time, I had no idea what pizza was. The last song you played on your iPod, iPad or iPhone: “Poriakuloa” by Moses Kahumoku, a beautiful Hawaiian tune. What, to you, spells “success”? When you feel satisfied that you did everything in your power to achieve the intended results on any initiative. Best advice you ever received: Words are like toothpaste—when out, they can never be taken back. So, be very careful what you say.

Quick takes Coffee or tea? Coffee Favorite color? Blue Chocolate or cycling? Cycling Dogs or cats? Dogs Orange or blue? Blue

Just the facts

Just the facts Retired in 2012 after 30 years on the Auburn faculty, most recently as dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. • B.S. in civil engineering, 1966, Auburn University; M.S. in environmental engineering, 1972, Auburn University; Ph.D., 1975, Virginia Polytechnic Institute. • Internationally recognized for his research in biological treatment processes, and for his commitment to enhancing engineering education. •

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Served four years as a civil engineering officer in the U.S. Air Force, earning a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam. • During his tenure at the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn, oversaw a $154 million facility enhancement program, launched the nation’s first undergraduate degree program in wireless engineering, oversaw the opening of Auburn’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) center and played a pivotal role in launching the AU research center in Huntsville. •

John Brown ’57 Behind the scenes Current hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich., and Atlanta, Ga. Spouse/Parner: Rosemary Brown ’57 Age: 79 Hobbies: Current affairs, newspapers, golf. Most memorable book (or last book read): Great By Choice by Jim Collins. Role model/hero: Winston Churchill— a great speaker, writer and leader. Five words you’d use to describe yourself: Shy, obsessive, respectful, good listener, leader. Favorite Auburn memory: The 1957 National Championship in football. The last song you played or app you used on your iPod, iPad or iPhone? Auburn BoardVantage on iPad. What, to you, spells “success”? Being the best at whatever you do. Best advice you ever received: Don’t ever give up. Best advice to an Auburn student getting ready to graduate: Engage with an organization with similar goals to yours.

Quick takes Coffee or tea? Coffee Favorite color? Blue Chocolate or cycling? Chocolate Dogs or cats? Dogs Orange or blue? Blue

Just the facts Chairman emeritus of Stryker Corp., retiring in 2010 after a 32-year career as president and CEO of the medical equipment maker. • At Stryker, transformed the company from a $17 million hospital bed producer into one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, with $8.7 billion in revenue in 2012. B.S. in chemical engineering, 1957, Auburn University; J.D., 1999, Freed-Hardeman University. •

In 2011, along with his wife, Rosemary ’57, pledged $10 million to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of a college friend and longtime faculty member. Funded an endowed eminent scholar chair in chemical engineering at Auburn. • Career was documented in Great by Choice; Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen. •

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Tim Cook ’82 Behind the scenes Current hometown: Palo Alto, Calif. Age: 53 Hobbies: Apple, hiking, fitness, sports, art, Zen. Most memorable book (or last book read): To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Role models/heroes: Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Their work, passion and sacrifice for human rights inspire me. Favorite Auburn memory: Sharing the fun and emotion of the “Auburn spirit” with great friends. The last song you played/used on your iPod, iPad or iPhone: “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. What, to you, spells “success”? Enriching the lives of others. What’s the best advice you ever received? From Steve Jobs before he passed away: “Don’t think about what I would do— just do what’s right.” What would be your advice to an Auburn student getting ready to graduate? Trust your intuition—it already knows almost all the answers.

Quick takes Coffee or tea? Jamaican Blue Mountain at Starbucks Favorite color? Black Chocolate or cycling? Cycling Dogs or cats? Any that like me Orange or Blue? Both

Just the facts CEO of Apple Inc., succeeding the late Steve Jobs. He had served the company as chief operating officer for Apple Inc. from 2005 until 2011. • B.S. in industrial engineering, 1982, Auburn University; M.S. in business administration, 1988, Duke University. • As head of Apple’s Macintosh Division, played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships; also served as executive vice president of worldwide sales and operations of Apple Computer Inc. from •

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

2002 to 2005 after first joining the company in 1998. Prior to joining Apple, served as vice president of corporate materials at Compaq; COO of the reseller division of Intelligent Electronics; and director of North American fulfillment for IBM. • Served as founding chair of the alumni council for the Auburn industrial and systems engineering department, and established an endowed professorship in the department. •

Pat Sullivan ’72 Behind the scenes Current hometown: Birmingham Spouse/partner: Jean H. Sullivan Age: 63 Hobbies: Golf, hunting, fishing. Most memorable book (or last book read): Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx. Role model/hero: Jean Sullivan (my wife). My best friend, and the most honest, caring person I know. Five words you’d use to describe yourself: A down to earth person. Favorite Auburn memory: My relationships with my teammates. The last song you played/used on your iPod, iPad or iPhone? “Motown’s Greatest Hits.” What, to you, spells “success”? Peace of mind. What’s the best advice you ever received? Treat people the way you want to be treated. What would be your advice to an Auburn student getting ready to graduate? You can’t do it by yourself. Trust the good Lord and your family.

Quick takes Coffee or tea? Tea Favorite color? Blue Chocolate or cycling? Chocolate Dogs or cats? Dogs Orange or blue? Blue

Just the facts Currently serves as the 35th head football coach at Samford University. Over his 27-year coaching career, he also has coached at Auburn, Texas Christian University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. • B.S. in business administration, 1972, Auburn University. • Became Auburn’s first winner of the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1971 in his third year as starting quarterback for the Tigers. He also was the first winner from a school where John Heisman, for whom the trophy is named, served as a coach. •

Among his accolades: All-American and SEC Player of the Year in both 1970 and 1971; MVP of the 1972 Senior Bowl; player in the College All-Star Classic against the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys. • Played five seasons in professional football, for the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. • Member of six halls of fame: Senior Bowl, Gator Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Alabama Sports, National Football and National High School. •

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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Steve Inabinet 334-844-2995

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A L U M N I

ALUMNI CENTER

Greetings and War Eagle! BILL STONE ’85

Calendar LOOKING FOR UPCOMING TRIPS BEING OFFERED THROUGH WAR EAGLE TRAVELERS?

See the listings on Page 50. Through March 21

President, Auburn Alumni Association Greetings and War Eagle! My hope and prayer is that each of you enjoyed a wonderful and blessed Christmas, and a hap, happy, Happy New Year. I just returned from Pasadena...WOW! What an incredible journey we, and our Auburn Tigers, have been on since Dec. 4, 2012. Allow me to refresh your memory: On that night, I was blessed to represent YOU, the Auburn Alumni Association, as we welcomed Gus Malzahn, his wife Kristi, and daughters Kenzie and Kylie back home to Auburn. That evening, Coach Malzahn told us he was happy to be back in Auburn, and that he would work hard to bring to the Auburn Family a program that would compete for championships, that would educate and prepare the young men that participate in the Auburn football program for life, work and family, and that would represent Auburn University in the style in which we want to be represented, a style so eloquently stated in our Auburn Creed. I believe he has succeeded. How about you? On behalf of the Auburn Alumni Association, I want to say THANK YOU! • THANKS to Jay Jacobs, Mac Crawford, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson for your service on the selection committee that brought Coach Malzahn back to Auburn. • THANKS, Coach Malzahn, for believing in Auburn. For committing to our Auburn Creed. For leading our great university on the field of competition, and for doing it the “right” way, the Auburn way! • THANKS to coaches Ellis Johnson, Rhett Lashlee, Rodney Garner, Charlie Harbison, Dameyune Craig, Melvin Smith, Tim Horton, Scott Fountain, J.B. Grimes and Ryan Russell, and to the entire football support staff, for teaching

C E N T E R

Nominations Sought

football to our young men and teaching our Auburn team about how to be successful in life. • THANKS to the young men who put on the Auburn Tigers uniform and represented us on fields of competition from coast to coast. You have made us proud. You have brought Auburn football back to the front of magazines, TV shows and newspapers across this great country. And you have done so with integrity and pride. • And, THANKS to the Auburn University Marching Band, the Auburn Cheerleaders, eight-time national champion Aubie, the Tiger Paws and all our Auburn spirit groups for leading us, and representing us. • Last, THANK YOU to our Auburn students for the great pride and noise youbrought to Jordan Hare Stadium this year! We have much to be thankful for. Auburn means so much more than football, yes, but the pride and attention our football program brings to Auburn has a major impact. After this season, we will see an increase in applications to attend Auburn. We will see an increase in giving to all of Auburn (not just athletics and Tigers Unlimited). We will see more media attention. Please take this time to review your connection to Auburn, to give back and to pay forward for what Auburn means to you and your family. Help recruit members to our Auburn Alumni Association. Help current and future Auburn men and women through scholarship contributions. If you have not done so, begin a legacy of giving. The Auburn Alumni Association and the Auburn Foundation Board are ready to help you in that process. God bless and War Eagle,

From now until 5 p.m. CST on March 21, the nominating committee of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors is requesting nominations from alumni and friends of Auburn University for four new directors. Please see requirements and schedule on Page 55 of this issue. March 8 Lifetime Achievement Awards

The 2014 winners of the Auburn Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Awards will be honored at a dinner and induction ceremony to be held at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National. For more on this year’s honorees—Larry D. Benefield ’66, John Brown ’57, Tim Cook ’82 and Pat Sullivan ’72—please see the article on Page 43 of this issue.

March 10 Know an outstanding alum?

Nominations open March 10 and run through May 30 for the Auburn Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and its counterpart for more recent graduates, the Young Alumni Achievement Award—both to be awarded in 2015. For information and nomination requirements, visit www.aualum.org/laa or call 334-844-1149. April 23-25 Golden Eagles Reunion

Join us as we induct members of the Class of 1964 into Golden Eagles, and honor the classes of 1959, 1954, 1949 and 1944. For information on this fun-filled annual reunion event or to register, visit our website at www.aulum.org/ge or call 334-844-1150. April 19 A-Day 2014

BillStone@auburnalum.org

Get an early look at the 2014 Auburn Tigers with the annual spring football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The baseball team will be hosting South Carolina that

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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C E N T E R

2012–2013

Calendar

Annual Report

weekend as well, and the track and field teams will be hosting the War Eagle Invitational.

A year of service

April 25

DEBBIE SHAW ’84

2015 Travel Preview

Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Executive Director, Auburn Alumni Association

Save the date! Plans are underway for a special preview event of War Eagle Travelers trips for 2015. Watch our website for more details as they become available: www.aualum.org/travel. WAR EAGLE TRAVELERS

For a full list of upcoming trips available with your fellow War Eagle Travelers, or for more information, please visit our website at www.aualum.org/travel or call 334-844-1443. Mark your calendar for April 25 for our 2015 trip preview event!

May 10-17 Dubai

Dubai conjures up images of gleaming skyscrapers set against the backdrop of the vast Arabian Desert and glistening sea. See Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, set alongside ancient mosques. Bargain for gold, spices and handicrafts at the atmospheric “suqs” markets. Our Arabian adventure continues when we ride nature’s roller coaster— jeeps across the dunes.

“And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.” That well-known last sentence of the Auburn Creed is recognized by almost anyone associated with Auburn University. It is certainly recognized by the active members of the board of directors of the Auburn Alumni Association, as well as the staff of the Office of Alumni Affairs at AU. Our association operates as a 501(c)3 organization, and our mission includes supporting the goals and mission of Auburn University. We do this in many ways, including involvement in the strategic planning process of AU as well as providing student scholarships, faculty awards and faculty professorships—many of which you will read about on these pages. The university recognizes the value of membership in the alumni association, as it is vital to keeping alumni connected to their alma mater. Both our Auburn Alumni Association board and our alumni affairs staff also work tirelessly to bring association members, over 44,000, a wide variety of outstanding programs, services and benefits. War Eagle!

debbieshaw@auburn.edu Ride camels, go sand surfing, then feast under the stars accompanied by traditional belly dancing. Find out for yourself why Dubai is one of the world’s most intriguing destinations. From $1,625.

• The Alumni Professors Endowment, with more than $2 million invested, provides financial supplements to 26 faculty members each year for five-year terms. Our Alumni Professors for 2013-2018 are: Art Chappelka, forestry and wildlife; Dong-Joo “Daniel” Kim, mechanical engineering; Yu Lin, physics; Nannan Liu, entomology and plant pathology; and Haroldo Toro, veterinary pathobiology. • Three faculty members received $1,000 each as recipients of the 2013 Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Awards. They are: Christy Bratcher, animal sciences; Sang-Eun Byun, consumer and design sciences; and Jill Crystal, political science. • Dave Worley, chemistry and biochemistry, College of Sciences and Mathematics, received $2,000 from the Auburn Alumni Association as the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Lectureship Award, co-sponsored by the Graduate School. • Rosephanye Dunn-Powell, music, College of Liberal Arts, received $1,000 from the Auburn Alumni Association as the 2013 Minority Achievement Award recipient. • Life members contributed $39,149 to the Circle of Excellence Society, supporting the Auburn Alumni Association Endowed Scholarships program. A total of 202 are members of this society. • The Golden Eagles Scholarship was introduced at the 2009 Golden Eagles Reunion. Since its inception, the scholarship has raised more than $32,000. • The new Alumni Walk was installed at the entrance of the Auburn Alumni Center before the 2012 football season began. Sales of engraved pavers will provide scholarships for future students.

SCHOLARSHIPS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT

• 101 student scholarships were awarded this year from the $4.8 million Alumni Scholars Endowment. Alumni contributions support the endowment.

2013 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Four individuals were recognized for their extraordinary career accomplishments: Daniel D. Bennett ’68,

June 16-24 European Mosaic

Sample a kaleidoscope of Europe’s rich past and exciting present as you cruise to distinguished ports in Italy, Monaco, France and Spain aboard the elegant Oceania Cruises Nautica. Leave Rome behind and cruise north to Livorno and visit the cities of Pisa and Florence. Sail to Monte Carlo. Continue to colorful Marseille or Avignon before visiting Barcelona and Cartagena, Spain, and ending your adventure in Lisbon. From $2,499.

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

12%

Scholarships 17%

47%

General & Administration

EXPENSES

Magazine

Investment 11% Income

Royalties Dues 13%

5% Advertising 8%

Programs & 19% Services

Dues & 9% Marketing

Rental Income

Life Membership

23%

University Support

REVENUE Gifts 14%

Other 6%

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Ronald L. Burgess ’74, Clifford LeRoy Hare, Class of 1891, and Sally Jones Hill ’63. An annual banquet in March 2013 recognized the contributions that these outstanding recipients have made to their professions and communities.

AUBURN CLUBS

2012–2013

Clubs in Alabama: 35 Out-of-State Clubs: 58 Total: 93

AUBURN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

William B. (Bill) Stone II ’85

COMMUNICATIONS

The Auburn Alumni Association completed phase III of a membership unity effort launched in 2009 that unites membership in the Auburn Alumni Association with membership in the local Auburn club. The final phase was completed on Sept. 30, 2012, and all clubs are now participating.

Considered the favorite benefit of membership in the Auburn Alumni Association, Auburn Magazine was mailed quarterly to about 37,468 member households. The magazine built its online presence by making an archive of back issues at issuu.com/alumniau; restructuring its blog at auburnmagazine.auburn.edu; and participating in social media activities.

STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

TRAVEL PROGRAMS - War Eagle Travelers

Luke McGee served as president of the SAA in 2012-13, overseeing 25 student ambassadors. The organization awarded four scholarships to rising seniors and hosted the first SAA Color Me Auburn 5K race on campus, in partnership with the Auburn Alumni Association. The event raised $8,210 for student scholarships.

(international and domestic travel) Tours offered: 29 Travelers: more than 200

MEMBERSHIP UNITY

C E N T E R

AWAY-GAME TRAVEL- Football 2012

Trips offered: 3 Travelers: 98

VICE PRESIDENT

William Jackson “Jack” Fite ’85 TREASURER

Douglas E. Pritchett ’77 Jeremy L. Arthur ’99 Vernell E. Barnes ’75 William C. “Beau” Byrd II ’89 Randy Joe Ham ’73 M. Van Henley ’80 Robert R. “Bob” Jones ’74 William D. “Bill” Nelson ’62 Kathleen M. Saal ’83 Cynthia A. Sahlie ’85 E. Gaines Thomas ’72 K-Rob Thomas ’01 Barbara A. Wallace-Edwards ’79 Paula Steigerwald ’76 David Oberman ’80 Tim Martin ’78 Mark Thomas ’95 Howard Nelson ’69 EX-OFFICIO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Deborah L. Shaw ’84

The 2012-2013 Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors (back row, left to right) Luke McGee, Tim Martin, Mark Thomas, Jeremy Arthur, Beau Byrd, Vernell Barnes and Gaines Thomas; (middle row, left to right) Barbara Wallace-Edwards,Bill Nelson, Cindy Sahlie, Kathleen Saal, Bob Jones, K-Rob Thomas; Dusty Pritchett, Randy Ham and Van Henley; (front row, left to right) Jennifer Stephens, Bobby Poundstone, Jack Fite, Bill Stone, Paula Steigerwald, David Oberman and Debbie Shaw.

CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

The association expanded its outreach to members and potential members through social media networks:

12,436

13,423

Pinterest re-pins

9,152

Twitter followers

7,766

LinkedIn connections

Auburn Alumni Association Fiscal Year Ending: Sept. 30, 2013

Facebook fans

clubs

3,287

Community Members

532,049

Flickr photo views

42,431

19%

6,968

Total Members Annual Members

81%

34,130 Life Members

Jay Gogue ’69 Donald L. Large Jr. ’75 Jennifer L. Stephens Luke McGee Robert “Bobby” Poundstone IV ’95 Jeffrey Ira Stone ’79 Mission Statement The mission of the Auburn Alumni Association is to foster and strengthen the relationship between Auburn University and its alumni and friends; to preserve and promote the university’s traditions, purposes, growth and development; and to keep alive the spirit of affection and reverence for our alma mater. Vision Statement The Auburn Alumni Association cultivates lifelong relationships between Auburn and its alumni and friends to support the advancement of our university.

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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Class Notes Winterthur this spring on “Vintage Inspiration: The Brides of Downton Abbey.”

SNAPSHOT

Honoring the Past, Charting the Future

Auburn Alumni Association board member K-Rob Thomas ’01 presents an Alumni Walk paver to Anthony Lee ’68, the first African-American student to complete his college career at Auburn. Lee was honored at a Jan. 21 luncheon co-sponsored by the alumni association to commemorate 50 years of integration at Auburn. Also honored: Harold A. Franklin, Auburn’s first African-American student; Samuel Pettijohn ’67, the first African-American AU graduate; and Willie Wyatt Jr., one of the first African-American students to enroll at Auburn.

GOT NEWS? Auburn Magazine 317 S. College Street Auburn University, AL 36849-5149, or aubmag@auburn.edu Life Member Annual Member

’20-’59 Did you graduate prior to 1960? Tell us (and your fellow alumni) what you’re doing these days. Take a trip? Welcome a new grandchild? Start a second (or third) career? Send us your news!

’60-’69 Dennis Hayford ’67

was inducted last fall into the Plastics Pioneers Association. Currently executive director of North Carolina’s Polymers Center of Excellence, located in Charlotte, Hayford began his career in plastics after graduation from Auburn. He serves as adviser to the Carolinas section of the Society of Plastics Engineers and has won SPE’s Outstanding Section Member award twice.

’70-’79 Did you graduate in the 1970s? Tell us (and your fellow alumni) what you’re doing these days.

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

Take a trip? Welcome a new grandchild? Start a new business venture? Send us your news! Cornelia Powell ’70

wrote an article in the January-February 2014 issue of Victoria magazine about the costumes on popular TV drama “Downton Abbey.” An expert in bridal etiquette and a wedding folklorist, Powell has also worked with the staff at Delaware’s Winterthur Museum, which is presenting the first “Downton Abbey” costume exhibition in North America in 2014. She will speak at

and is a frequent writer, speaker and commenter on adoption policy and practice. Prior to joining NCFA, he served 17 years with a licensed adoption agency in Alabama, and has made many media appearances with relation to adoption. Johnson has been a licensed practicing social worker since 1986, and is also a father by adoption. He and his family live in Maryland.

Gerald King ’75, vice president of Hoar Construction in Nashville, Tenn., was in December named the recipient of the Edwin C. Rodgers Jr. Heart of Distinction Award by Love Helps Inc. The annual award recognizes a person who has a positive character and a heart for service; Love Helps is a Nashville-based nonprofit that works to educate children and encourage them to maintain responsible behavior though character development. He has volunteered with the organization for more than ten years. He also works with several other nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association and the Special Olympics. A native of Birmingham, King has since 2001 been the principal officer for Hoar Construction’s Tennessee division and oversees all projects out of its Brentwood, Tenn., office.

A son, Maddox Emanuel, to Michael Holt ’92 and his wife, Makyha-Tiana, on Sept. 18, 2013. The family lives in the New York City area.

’80-’89

’00-’13

Chuck Johnson ’86 is

president and CEO of the National Council for Adoption, a nonprofit organization that offers research, education and advocacy programs. Johnson serves as an advocate for children, birth parents and adoptive families,

’90-’99 Cynthia Fanning Chamberlayne ’92 works

in the financial services industry and is now the national director for Davis Advisors, a money-management firm based in New York City. The company manages about $60 billion for institutions and individuals internationally. Chamberlayne speaks on finances at conferences all over the U.S.

BORN

Tommy Alexy ’01 has joined Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon’s transportation department, in the firm’s Huntsville office. He is responsible for managing and designing civil and transportation projects throughout Alabama and neighboring

states. Previously, Alexy worked with ICA Engineering in Huntsville as a project engineer. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and serves on the board of directors for the Huntsville Area Tennis Association. Becky Prado ’05

has been named one of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s STAR employees for 2013. The award recognizes staff members who have shown dedication to the agency’s mission of environmental stewardship. Prado is the program administrator in project selection for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill recovery. In 2013, she was instrumental in her office receiving a grant to manage two of the state’s aquatic preserves near Port St. Joe, two preserves that had been unmanaged since 2009. Betsy McCulloch Osborn ’09, who works as a cardiac nurse in Huntsville, had an unexpectedly exciting trip home from Los Angeles after the Auburn Tigers’ championship game. A fellow passenger on her flight— a Florida State fan—suffered a heart attack in mid-flight. Osborn was able to administer CPR until the plane landed and paramedics arrived; the hospital credited Osborn with saving the man’s life.

Jolly good fellow The National Academy of Inventors recently named Vitaly Vodyanoy, professor of physiology in Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine, as one of the association’s 2013 fellows. The 143 new fellows collectively hold more than 5,600 U.S. patents. Vodyanoy is widely known for his creation of an advanced illumination system that greatly enhances the resolution power of the light microscope.

BORN A daughter, Hazel Elizabeth, to Adam

and watching Auburn football.

to advance his corporate engineering career.

for 46 years, previously serving as president.

CHARLES GALLIARD

VIRGINIA MILLS ’41 of

Joseph Connolly ’08

HARLOW M. CHAPMAN

and his wife, Lauren, in November. The family lives in Florence.

’38 of Denver, Colo., on

HAYNSWORTH ’40 of

Sept. 22. He enjoyed the arts, tennis and was a member of Saucon Valley Country Club.

Mountain Park on Aug. 20. He played fullback at Auburn and lettered three years, and was on the team that won the Orange Bowl under head coach Jack Meagher. He was a member of Sigma Nu. He served as a lieutenant in the Navy, attending Officer’s Training School at Harvard University. After service, he worked as a mortgage banker in New York City and Baltimore. He was the president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New York and the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers.

MARRIED Regina Danielle Casillas ’05 of Montgomery

MARVIN ROYCE COX ’39

to Allen Louis Conradi of Clanton on Jan. 11.

of Prattville on Aug. 19. He served in the Navy during World War II as a lieutenant commander aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific. He also served as moderator of the Elmore County Baptist Association. He was involved with the Alabama and Elmore County Cattleman’s Associations, the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Service and was on the board of directors of First National Bank of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Hospital.

Lauren Ellen Thomas ’07 to Graham Ronald

Brown on Aug. 24 in Birmingham, where they make their home. U.S. Navy Ensign Phillip Aaron Nette ’13

to Caroline Priester Dulaney ’13 on June 16,

2013. They live in San Diego, Calif., where he is stationed. In Memoriam THOMAS A. GLANTON ’32 of Newnan, Ga.,

on Dec. 18. He taught public education for approximately 34 years, working as a coach and teaching science and mathematics before moving to administration, retiring as the principal of Grantville Public School. He served the Air Force in World War II, was in Europe on VE Day and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was on the administrative board of his church for 40 years. After his retirement, he completed a multi-volume, handwritten manuscript of his family legacy. He enjoyed telling stories, solving puzzles

WARREN CAMERON DOW ’39 of Auburn on

Oct. 4. Dow was born in Opelika and held positions at various mercantile retail stores throughout Alabama. In 1998, Dow and his family moved to Auburn, where he worked and eventually retired. FRED ELLIS VANN JR. ’39 of Birmingham on

July 15. Vann worked as an engineer after graduating from Auburn. He also served in the U.S. Navy as an engineer officer at the U.S. Gun Factory during World War II. After completing his service, Vann returned to Birmingham

A L U M N I

CHARLES T. HIGGINS ’41 of Montgomery

on Oct. 1. He was a member of Theta Chi and the Auburn University Marching Band. He served as head of procurement at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, eventually being named president in 1973 and remaining until his retirement in 1986. He was the oldest living member of Auburn Knights Alumni, and would play Sugar Blues each year. He was instrumental in developing Camp ASCCA, a camp for the disabled designed to allow their participation in outdoor recreational activities. He was on the Montgomery Rotary Club, with perfect attendance,

C E N T E R

AUBURN CLUBS

Andalusia on Sept. 2. Mills was a native of Skipperville, Ala, and had two children who also reside in Alabama. After receiving degrees from Auburn and the University of Tennessee in social work, she began teaching at a local junior high school before joining the Alabama Department of Human Resources for more than 40 years.

Scholarship Fundraising Events co-hosted by Auburn Alumni Association

Keynote speaker — Gus Malzahn Special Appearance by Aubie

WILLMOT G. “DUSTY” RHODES ’41 of Olathe,

Kansas, on June 5. Rhodes studied aerospace administration at Auburn and later became an assistant professor teaching aviation-related subjects at the university. Rhodes worked for the Boeing Co. in Washington D.C., and served as the company’s liaison to the White House, the Office of the Presidential Pilot, as well as Pentagon offices involved in the development of the two current Boeing 747s used as Air Force One. He earned the FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor rating and the FAA Commercial Pilot Examiner rating and is featured in several D.C. museums for his accomplishments.

Tuesday, April 22 Shoals Area Thursday, April 24 Cullman County Wednesday, April 30 Wiregrass Regional Thursday, May 1 River Region Monday, May 5 North Alabama Regional Tuesday, May 6 Atlanta Area Monday, May 12 AL Gulf Coast Tuesday, May 13 NE Alabama Regional Tuesday, May 20 Emerald Coast July 2014 Greater Birmingham

Tell me more... 334-844-1148 auclubs@auburn.edu aualum.org/clubs

ELIZABETH R. STECKEL ’41 of Easton on Sept. 22. She worked as an administrative assistant with Johnson & Johnson. She enjoyed bridge,

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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In Memoriam reading, bowling, needlework and sewing. ROBERT RANDOLPH STERNENBERG ’42 of

Montgomery on Sept. 6. He served as a Marine in the Pacific Theatre in World War II. He also worked in the city planning department for the State of Alabama. He enjoyed working in his yard, Auburn football, visiting Grayton Beach, Fla., and spending time with his family. JOHN MORGAN WATERS ’42 of Monterey, Va., on Jan. 17. He served in the Army in World War II, in the European Theatre. He retired as a veterinarian. BENJAMIN MCMILLAN DAVIS ’43 of Fairhope on Jan. 22. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He served in the Army after attending Officer’s Candidate School in Fort Sill, Okla. He was awarded an air medal for reconnaissance missions he flew into enemy territory. After service, he worked for International Paper Co. and, later, he worked in Brazil with National Bulk Carriers to help establish paper mills.

to first lieutenant and sent to Camp Roberts, Calif., to attend field artillery school. He served in World War II in Limburg, Germany. After his military career, he returned to Alabama and worked as a rural mail carrier for approximately 27 years. MARIE G. WALTON ’43

of Spanish Fort on Sept. 2. She enjoyed collecting and selling antiques. She was active at the Village Mart of Westminster Village and served for one term as chairman. ROBERT G. BURTON

Alabama in Birmingham. He received a 50-year certificate from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Alabama-Birmingham College of Medicine, where the Robert M. Bryan, M.D. Award for Excellence in Teaching in Internal Medicine was established in his honor. He also served in the Navy during the Korean War. Bryan was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed hunting quail and raising bird dogs.

’44 of Birmingham on

Jan. 12. After working as a construction estimator for other companies, he joined F.R. Hoar and Son, working through several large contracts, including Mountain Brook Office Park and Eastwood Mall. He became president of the company in the 1970s, and later majority owner and CEO. He was a leader in the International Council of Shopping Centers, and established Hoar as the largest shopping center builder in the nation. He retired in 1991. JOHN G. COATS III ’44 of Cleveland, Tenn.,

GABRIEL WILLIAM

A horse, of course Auburn University veterinary faculty members have published an illustrated equine anatomy guide at the urging of veterinary students who found the current equine dissection guide lacking. Mahmoud Mansour, associate professor and coordinator for the large animal gross anatomy section, wrote Equine Anatomy Guide: The Forelimb, An Illustrated Guide. The text is co-authored with anatomy lab coordinator Ray Wilhite, whose detailed photographs are used as examples, and emeritus professors Janet Steiss, who edited the text, and Paul Rumph, who wrote a section on the horse hoof.

on Aug. 13.

ROBERT MURICE DREWRY ’45 of Austin, Texas, on Oct. 20. He cultivated a childhood interest in airplanes and flying, pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering. He worked for 37 years at Convair, which would later become Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, Texas. With Lockheed, he had the opportunity to travel to Austria, Venezuela and Indonesia selling F-16s and training personnel. After his retirement, he volunteered at the Museum of Science and History, Habitat for Humanity, and spent time traveling the world.

OSBURN ’43 of Valley

Grande on Sept. 14. He taught math, geography and coached basketball in Heiberger. He served in the Army, attending Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Okla. He was promoted

ROBERT M. BRYAN

ROBERT GRAHAM

’44 of Birmingham on

STEPHENS ’45 of Elba

Aug. 24. He worked as a physician for 35 years, and was a member of the Phi Chi medical fraternity at the Medical College of

on Aug. 30. He served in the Air Force during World War II as a B-17 pilot. He served as the former Coffee County Commissioner for seven

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

terms, and was chairman of the Southeast Regional Planning Board. In addition, he was on the executive board of the Southeast Regional Council for the Aging. MADGE T. ROWLETT ’46

of Bradenton on Aug. 1. She enjoyed spending time at Lake Tahoe in the summer. E. WARREN WOOLF ’46

of Atlanta on July 15. He served in the Navy for 30 years, operating submarines and retiring as a lieutenant commander. He worked as the Baptist Student Union director at Georgia Tech for 16 years. He joined the Baptist Home Mission Board in Atlanta in 1966 and directed the personnel division until his retirement in 1984. He enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to classical music, traveling, reading, gardening and construction and repair projects.

after graduating from Auburn. WILLIAM L. STRICKLAND ’47 of Ridgeland, Miss., on Sept. 23. He was a navigator in the Army Air Corps during World War II and, at Auburn, was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He worked as an electrical manufacturers representative and the founder of Strickland Associates. He enjoyed jazz and was a member of the New Bourbon Street Jazz Society and was a founding member of the Kroger Coffee Club. ORMAN WILLIAM WHITEHEAD ’47 of

Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 3. He served in the Army during World War II, stationed in Germany. He worked with Shell Chemical Company for more than 35 years before working with Microflow for 15 years. He enjoyed golf, was a member of Wyndyke County Club and the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club.

OLIVER DEE CREWS ’47 of Panama City

MARY PORTER BROWN

Beach, Fla., on Aug. 31. He served in World War II and served in Patton’s army. After the war, he worked in Mexico researching hoof-andmouth disease. Later, he became a florist until his retirement.

’48 of Tampa, Fla., on Sept. 25. She worked as a medical tech and enjoyed crafting ornaments.

HARRY HOWARD GARDNER ’47 of Dothan on

Oct. 5. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and worked for Armour Meat Co.

MARVIN CLYDE BURKE ’48 of Anniston

on Aug. 15. He worked as a certified public accountant and was a longtime member of the Anniston First United Methodist Church.

JACK MILTON HUTCHINSON ’48 of

Palm Coast, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2013. He served in the Navy and was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He worked as a professor at the University of North Florida teaching engineering courses. During his retirement, he enjoyed working in his garden, traveling and playing the piano. HARRY SIMS SHIELDS ’48 of Richardson, Texas, on March 17, 2013. He worked as an architect in Dallas. He enjoyed reading, travel and painting, and was a member of watercolor groups, including Southwestern Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society. HILLARY A. TAFF ’48 of

Chattanooga, Tenn., on July 13. After attending Auburn, he enjoyed a 38-year career as an electrical engineer before retiring from Tennessee Valley Authority. He was a resident of Hixson, Tenn. ARTO ARVIS THORNE ’48 of Killen on Sept. 16. He served in the Army in World War II with Headquarters Battery, 183rd Field Artillery Group. He taught shop and vocational agriculture for 28 years at Rodgers High School. He enjoyed playing rook, woodworking and making grandfather clocks. He was also a member of the Wally Byam Airstream Club

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and enjoyed club caravans with his family to Mexico and Canada. COLEMAN O. WILLIAMS ’48 of Montgom-

ery on Sept. 7. He served in the Army, graduating from the Air Corps Air Tactical School, Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. He served in various capacities, including command pilot, jump master and parachutist, logging more than 30,000 flying hours in 54 combat missions in World War II. He was awarded the Legion of Merit twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross five times, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal 10 times, 17 Battle Stars and 14 other medals or decorations. He retired after 30 years of active duty as a brigadier general. ROBERT JONES BEDWELL ’49 of Jack-

sonville on Sept. 14. He served in World War II. He worked at New York Life for approximately 37 years. During his career, he was No. 1 in sales for 10 consecutive years, recipient of the NAHV Harold R. Gordon Memorial Award and named Health Insurance Man of the Year in 1986. He was a member of the Golden Eagles, founder and past president of the Central Alabama Alumni of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a member of the Montgomery Lions Club for more than 60 years.

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MARY SAIDLA PLUMMER ’49 of Goldsboro,

N.C., on July 23. She worked in various capacities in the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary, including twice as president. She enjoyed travel, her family and her community. She also worked with the Daughters of the American Revolution for 40 years. JEANNE FRANCES VICK ’49 of Gulf Breeze, Fla., on July 25. After a career at the Newport Federal Credit Union, Vick retired to spend more time volunteering. Marvin Isom Wright ’49 of Satellite Beach, Fla., on Nov. 9. He served in the Air Force during World War II. He worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority, DuPont, General Electric and NASA as an electrical engineer, and enjoyed travel, reading and spending time with his family. WALLACE FOOTE DRURY ’50 of Greensboro on Sept. 16. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Drury attended Auburn and graduated with a degree in agricultural and dairy science. He then worked on his family’s farm until he retired in 2000. TED ALEXANDER GAMBLE ’50 of Dothan

on Dec. 15. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he made his career first with the

Request for nominations The nominating committee of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors is requesting nominations from alumni and friends of Auburn University for four new directors. All nominees must be life members of the association, and be willing to serve on a volunteer basis. These board positions require travel to Auburn at least three times per year. Successful nominees will be installed this fall; each will serve a four-year term. Nominations are also requested for the officer positions of president and vice president, both of which serve two-year terms. All nominees must be current or former members of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors elected by the members and life members of the association. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of leadership in support of the Auburn Alumni Association and Auburn University. Strong consideration will be shown to those who have actively promoted the association and AU through involvement with local Auburn Clubs. Additionally, persons who have previously contributed both time and resources to AU and the association will be strongly considered. In agreeing to serve on the Auburn Alumni Association board, directors and officers are expected to participate in the association’s sustaining life membership program through contributions to the “Circle of Excellence” scholarship society.

The nominating committee will also consider an individual’s accomplishments, as demonstrated through career development and community service, along with their potential for representing the association’s various constituencies. Additionally, an individual’s college major(s), profession and the geographic location of his or her residence may influence the committee’s determination. The committee encourages all alumni association members to participate by submitting nominations for consideration to Susan Barnes, Office of the Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College St., Auburn University, AL 36849-5149. A nomination form must be submitted, along with at least two letters of recommendation (but no more than four), from life members of the association. Resumes may also be submitted. The nomination form is available for downloading on the association website (www.aualum.org), or by contacting Susan Barnes at 334-844-3820. Completed forms, letters of recommendation and resumes may be returned to Ms. Barnes at the above address or sent to her by fax, 334-844-4003, or as email attachments to susanbarnes@auburn.edu. The deadline for receiving nominations and supporting documentation is 5 p.m. CST, March 21, 2014. For more information, visit www. aualum.org.

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In Memoriam

SNAPSHOT

Hatching ‘Little Tigers’

While the Auburn swimming and diving team has always made a splash, a new type of Tiger is hitting the water. American Sport Fish Hatchery in Montgomery, founded in 1985 by Don Keller ’68 and Barry Smith ’67, supplies Tiger Bass throughout the country. Last year, Keller and Smith sold the company, but kept it in the family; new owners are AU fisheries graduates Shawn McNulty ’01, Robby Mays ’01 and Sawyer Chiles ’00. Tiger Bass, which is a crossbreeding of aggressive feeding northern largemouth bass and trophy sized Florida largemouth bass, has been in high demand for recreational lake stocking. “There was no supply for sport fish, so we wanted to supply that niche,” Keller said. The crossbreeding results in F-1 bass, and Keller asserts American Sport Fish Hatchery’s is pure. “We know the history of both the northern and Florida strains, which is better than some of the unknown mixtures out there,” Keller said. The breeding incorporates the ease of catching northern bass with the quick growth rate of Florida bass. Each fish has a tag, approximately the size of a pencil lead, inserted into its body. The tag contains a 16-digit code that identifies the strain, sex, age, growth rate and production data from each fish. “Our ‘Little Tigers’ get exceptionally good growth, with around 7 pounds after two years and 8 pounds after three years,” Keller said. Other reports indicate 10-pound Tiger Bass that are less than 5 years old, with some exceeding 14 pounds after seven years. American Sport Fish Hatchery’s list of celebrity clients ranges from former President George W. Bush to Hank Williams Jr., and its corporate client list includes Bass Pro Shops, Disney World, Harvard University and numerous others. “We’ve had the opportunity to meet international people during this international journey,” Keller said. In 2013, Keller and White decided to transfer ownership to their three fellow Auburn alumni and operate as consultants for American Sport Fish Hatchery. New owners Mays, Chiles and McNulty have more than 33 years of combined experience, and intend to run American Sport Fish Hatchery in the same successful way it’s operated for the last 29 years.—Jordan Dale

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Social Security Administration and later as owner of Gamble Realty in Dothan, where he served as a real estate broker and appraiser. A deacon in Calvary Baptist Church, Gamble also was a member of the Dothan Kiwanis Club. CHARLES WILLIAM

torious Citation Award. After the war, he joined the Army Reserves and retired from the Corp of Engineers with the rank of major. He worked with the Army Materiel Command, managing military engineering construction equipment and materials. DEWEY NORMAN

“BUDDY” GULSBY ’50 of

SANDERS ’50 of

Montgomery on Sept. 4. Gulsby had been living in Montgomery for 55 years while working for many agricultural companies. Gulsby is also a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army.

Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 1. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was founder, president and CEO of Fax and Financial Systems Inc. CHARLOTTE “CHA-CHA”

FRANCES WRIGHT

WILLIAMS SUDHOFF ’50

LESUEUR ’50 of

of Annapolis on July 22. She spent much time teaching dance, one of her passions, at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where she met her husband. At Auburn, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Wedowee on Sept. 22. She was an organist for a number of years at First Baptist Church of Wedowee and was a longtime home economics teacher with the Randolph County Board of Education and the Roanoke City School System. ROBERT G. MARSHALL ’50 of Huntsville on Aug. 21. He served in the Army during World War II in five campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Theater, European Theater, Army Occupation of Germany, World War II Victory Medals and the Bronze Star. His group, the 1193rd Engineer Base Depot Group, was awarded the Meri-

KENNETH LEONARD

in procurement with Scott Paper Co. until his retirement. ALVIN H. ENFINGER ’51

of Pensacola, Fla., on Sept. 2. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Enfinger attended Auburn and graduated as a Phi Kappa Phi pharmacy honor society member. He then founded A & E Pharmacy in the Pensacola area. JEAN MAGWOOD PATTERN ’51 of Auburn on Sept. 22. She taught English at Beulah and Smith Station high schools and served as a librarian at Auburn High School for approximately 20 years. She was a member of the Agronomy Wives Club, a Cub Scout den mother and an adviser to high school social and civic clubs. She enjoyed reading, gardening, knitting, bridge, cooking and traveling.

TODD ’50 of Dothan on

Oct. 2. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He worked as a general contractor in Cottonwood for more than 30 years, was on the board of directors of Houston Academy, and was a member of the DothanHouston County Rotary Club and the Hackers Golf Group. JOE RICHARD CAPELL ’51 of Demopolis on Oct. 3. He worked with Miller and Co., Taylor Veneer Co. and

AMOS C. HARRIS RAY ’51 of Abilene, Texas,

on Sept. 1. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War as a staff sergeant. He worked at West Texas Utilities for more than 40 years, and served as a volunteer and board member with the Boy Scouts. JOSEPH WILLIAM RICHARDSON ’51 of

Marion on Sept. 5. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He served in the Navy during World War II in Guam, after which

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he worked as a real estate/insurance agent. He owned Richardson Agency in Marion for 30 years. He enjoyed golf, Auburn University and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Serviteer club.

member of National Association of Credit Managers organizations, and served as president and director of the southeastern unit. He enjoyed animals, the beach and traveling. BETTY JEAN PRATT

HOMER A. RUSSELL

DUPREE ’52 of Lynch-

JR. ’51 of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on June 8. An Army Air Corps cadet during World War II, he served for 30 years as an Air Force fighter pilot with combat tours in Korea, where he flew 104 combat missions, and Vietnam, where he was adviser to the deputy chief of staff of operations. Retiring as a lieutenant-colonel, he continued to fly until his 83rd birthday, and loved music and cooking.

burg, Va., on Aug. 30. She worked as an area manager for the Fairfax County Public School System for 32 years. She enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, sewing and continuously learning.

THOMAS WATTS ANDRESS ’52 of Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 24. He worked as a project manager for Parsons Inc. in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He enjoyed installing, building and fixing machines, fixtures and electronics. He also refinished and built furniture. JOSEPH MARION BROOKS ’52 of Atlanta

on Sept. 22. He served in the Army’s Special Language Studies program, and was fluent in both Japanese and Russian. After the military, he worked at various companies, including a 21-year career at L.B. Foster, retiring in 1987 as manager-eastern credit. He was an active

WILLIAM M. GENTRY ’52

of Thomasville, Ga., on Sept. 7. He served in the Air Force and the Navy. He worked as a restaurant equipment representative for the Southeast and enjoyed volunteering at the food bank for his church. RODERICK BRIAN SLATER ’52 of Mobile

on Sept. 8. He served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked for many years with Slater and Slater Architects. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, Auburn Knights Band, Royal Street Seven Dixieland Jazz Band and many others. He enjoyed shrimping, fishing, boating, duck hunting and Auburn football. JOSEPH FRANKLIN WALTERS ’52 of Troy on

April 7. He served in the Army during the Korean War, and retired after a

long career in the United States Postal Services. He was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church. ROBERT KENNETH

volunteer coordinator of the Mission Service Corps at the Alabama Baptist State Convention for 10 years. He enjoyed gardening in his spare time.

AUSTIN ’53 of Geraldine

on July 31. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He worked as president and general manager of Crossville Nurseries Inc. for more than 40 years, helped organize little league baseball and served as a school trustee. He enjoyed quail hunting and fishing. RONALD STANFORD BARKSDALE ’53 of

Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 1. He served in the Navy, was stationed in Atsugi, Japan, and served in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy as a lieutenant commander. He enjoyed literature, which led him to open several used bookstores in Statesboro, Ga., and Savannah.

’54 of Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 28. He was a member of National Society of Scabbard and Blade, a military honor society, while at Auburn. Additionally, he was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Kappa Sigma fraternity. He served on active duty in the Navy for three years, and then continued to serve in the reserves for 20 years. He retired as a lieutenant commander. He taught civil engineering at Mississippi State University for 37 years. He worked as an engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers, earning him the Bronze Medal for Commendable Service from the Environmental Protection Agency. ROBERT MARTIN CHENEY ’54 of Mont-

ROBERT THOMAS ANDERSON ’54 of

Montgomery on Sept. 26. He worked as assistant superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, Va., and as a principal of schools in Montgomery. Additionally, he was professor and chairman of the department of educational administration and leadership in the College of Education at the University of Alabama. He served as

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Parents’ Association

MARION WILSON COREY

JACK L. GAYLORD ’53 of

Lexington on June 27.

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gomery on Aug. 8. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II, as well as the Korean War. Later, he worked at Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance Co., which later became Alfa Insurance Companies. He retired as vice president after 41 years. A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, he served as chapter counselor at Auburn for 22 years, and was awarded the

Your

ORGANIZATION Participating in the Parents’ Association is an excellent way to stay connected as a part of the Auburn Family and to support the education of your son or daughter.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE! JOIN TODAY www.auburn.edu/aupa

Order of the Golden Heart, the fraternity’s highest national award. While involved in numerous organizations and clubs, he was active in the Montgomery Civitan Club for more than 50 years. WALLACE KENYON GUNNELLS ’54 of Anniston on Sept. 2. Gunnells retired as resident engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He also worked on various construction projects in the Anniston area as well as singing in his local gospel choir.

VESTON CLINTON SELLERS ’54 of Prattville on Sept. 19. GEORGE R. SMITH ’54

of Madison on Sept. 17. He worked as an aeronautical engineer, designing components for first-generation satellites, missile systems and remotely piloted airplanes for the military. He served in the Air Force, and built a working model of a turbojet engine. He enjoyed singing and remote-controlled model airplanes. FRANCES PEARSON

HAROLD GLENN MAYFIELD ’54 of Pelham

on Sept. 18.

BOWLES ’56 of Winter

Haven, Fla., on Oct. 12. She was a homemaker.

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At the bowl Check out some of the fun under the sun of Southern California in January as the Auburn Alumni Association hosted three events leading up to the Vizio BCS National Championship game. On, Sunday, Jan. 5, the association hosted an event in Nokia Plaza at LA Live featuring IMG Sports Network’s “Tiger Talk” for a sold-out crowd of 2,500 Auburn fans and an event at Lure in Hollywood for a crowd of over 1,600 Auburn fans. On game day, Monday, Jan. 6, the association hosted the Auburn Official Tailgate and Pep Rally on the north side of the Rose Bowl Stadium with more than 7,000 in attendance. What a great way to usher out the magical 2013 season!

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In Memoriam MARGARET STEPHENS UNDERWOOD DAWSON ’56 of Auburn

on Sept. 9. She taught at the Child Development Center at Auburn University at various levels for 30 years. Additionally, she taught at Dean Road Elementary. She enjoyed playing bridge, and was a member of various bridge clubs throughout a 60-year period, and also wrote poetry.

bama Pest Control Association and served on the board of directors of the Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association. He retired from the Alabama National Guard as a lieutenant colonel after 34 years of service. He was also Scout Master of Troop 41 of the Boy Scouts of America, and coached youth baseball. He was named Man of the Year for Pike County in 1981.

LLOYD EVERETTE TOWNSEND ’56 of Newark, Del., on July 30. He served in the Korean War as a member of the 6147th Tactical Control Group. He worked as an electrical engineer at DuPont for 35 years. He also enjoyed coaching softball and spent many years assisting PTA groups. ROBERT MILTON BROM ’56 of Clover, S.C., on Feb. 20. He served in the Marine Corps and was the founder of PHP Locker Co.

BETTY ANN DYKES HAWTHORNE ’57 of Tavares, Fla., on Sept. 11. She was a retired Lake County school teacher and hosted monthly radio shows in Gainesville and Melbourne, Fla., for 20 years. SAMUEL WAYNE MCCALLA ’57 of Green-

ville, S.C., on Sept. 6. He was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and worked as an orthopedic surgeon at his practice in Greenville for many years.

GEORGE RANDOLPH BOWLING ’57 of La-

SUSAN WALLACE

Fayette on Aug. 24. He worked as a pharmacist at Collins Drug Store for 40 years. He served in the Navy, and was a member of First Baptist Church in LaFayette, where he served as church clerk for 32 years and sang in the choir.

RANGER ’57 of Bruns-

JOHN J. HARVELL ’57 of Troy on Sept. 5.

He owned and operated Alabama Pest Services, was president of the Ala-

wick, Maine, on April 11, 2013. She was the first female deacon at First Parish Church in Brunswick, and was a leader in the Girl Scouts, the Parkview Hospital Auxiliary, the American Association of University Women, and other organizations. Her extensive community service and volunteer work was recognized

A Page in Auburn history

SNAPSHOT

Visitors to the Alumni Walk outside the Auburn Alumni Center walk across stone pavers etched with pieces of Auburn history. One might honor four generations of family grads, another a freshly minted alum whose diploma ink isn’t yet dry. And then there’s the paver whose connection to historic Auburn goes all the way to its core: Dr. George Petrie 1866-1947 Teacher-Coach-Auburn Man The paver is the brainchild of Lisa Page of Madison, whose love and support of All Thing Auburn goes deep. With the Auburn Alumni Association establishing the Alumni Walk to benefit student scholarships, Page knew she wanted to provide her support. “It’s all about education, and it supports scholarships,” said Page, who didn’t attend Auburn but has been won over by the school’s spirit and history, and is a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. While most people purchase pavers to commemorate their

relatives or their own college years, Page chose to immortalize two of Auburn’s most overlooked names, beginning with George Petrie, creator of the Auburn Creed and deeply engrained in much of Auburn’s history as a faculty member, mentor and administrator. Despite his influence, many students only recognize Petrie’s name in association with the Creed. “That little paver is the most that I could do for someone who deserves so much more,” Page said. “The Creed most closely describes what the Auburn spirit is.” With Petrie’s wife and only daughter deceased, Page said she was inspired to provide a permanent place for Petrie. “There is no one to speak for (Petrie) except his Auburn Family,” Page said. “It’s going to be here forever, and you know Auburn is going to maintain it.” The second recipient of a paver from Page? War Eagle VI, nicknamed Tiger, who retired from flight in 2006. “Tiger represents that soaring belief that (students) can do anything,” Page said. Tiger, 33, has survived cataract surgery and has already survived beyond the average lifespan of an eagle. Page said she thought it was important the paver was finished before Tiger’s death. In addition, Tiger flew at the 2002 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and Page found that flight was so inspiring she wanted to make the purchase coincide with the 2014 Winter Olympics. Another thing she found inspiring? This year’s football season. In her office in Madison, she has a bronze eagle on her shelf. Before the Texas A&M game this past season, she jabbed a note into the eagle’s talons that read simply, “Texas A&M.” For each game afterward, she repeated the ritual, until the BCS National Championship, when she had to remove Florida State’s note from the eagle’s clutching talons. “I’m sad for (the players), but that’s what makes Auburn great,” Page said. “The heart. The fact (the football team) could turn their season around.” For more on Alumni Walk, visit aualum.org/scholarships.—Jordan Dale

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REFUEL YOUR CAREER WITH THE BEST, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

In Memoriam

Worth a thousand words U Jule M N I C E Museum N T E of R From now through April A27,L the Collins Smith Fine Art is presenting a retrospective on 100 years of photography, with an exhibit featuring works by some of the leading photographers of the 20th century. The exhibition is titled “Shared Vision: The Sondra Gilman and Celso Gonzalez-Falla Collection of Photography.” U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II

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by the local chamber of commerce, who named her Brunswick’s Citizen of the Year in 2002.

time watching Auburn EARL MURRAY KIDD Tidwell worked with NASA, the Army and insurance salesman ’59 of Birmingham on football. NASA’s Apollo Program Kaman Sciences Corp. with F.M. Global. Oct. 15. He worked as and was awarded the He also served in the WILLIAM PAUL ANDREW LEE CHILES an architect for his firm, prestigious Man Flight Navy. He enjoyed playANDERSON ’58 of Pen’59 of Demopolis on Murray Kidd, Architect, Awareness Award. ing golf, and watching The Executive MBA sacola, University Fla., on April 19. July 23. until it became KPS Tidwell alsoPrograms served in at Auburn Auburn and the Atlanta fuel your without grounding your schedule. JOHN BOWEN can STONE He served in the Marine Group in Birmingham, the career Signal Corps of the Braves. III ’57 of Virginia Corps Reserve for six EMMA KANE JORDAN Atlanta and Huntsville. U.S. Army. ’59 of Fort Payne on Beach, Va., on July 22. among the world’s best by the months. He worked ELMER MARVIN He served as a member Ranked Financial Timesas KING ’58 of Daphne He served in the Army FLOYD K. AGEEfeature ’58 an operations research Sept. 20. She was a and chair of the board of London, the programs a uniquely flexible during the Korean War. of Greenfield, Ind., on analyst for U.S. Army on Jan. 18. He owned member of Alpha of advisers for the AU blend of advanced curriculum delivery and short He worked at Tidewater Sept. 7. A U.S. Army Missile Command in King-Pontiac Buick in Delta Pi sorority. She architecture program. campus visits. Construction Corp. for veteran, was a member Huntsville for 35 years. Atmore before retiring was also a member of He served in the Army Take yourofcareer to new Rho heights.He enjoyed surf fishing, to Daphne. 33 years. He enjoyed Alpha Gamma the Daughters of the Reserves as a first watching SEC football fraternity while at Auworking on carpentry American Revolution lieutenant, was director forHeinformation and traveling. Contact us burn. worked for theat: projects and watching and Colonial Dames ROBERT CLYDE C O L L E G E O F B U SofIAssociated N E S S BuildSMITH ’58 of Suwanee, Department of Defense Auburn football. of America. Jordan ers and Contractors of at Fort Harrisonoras 1.877.AUB.EMBA an also KENNETH WAYNEwww.AubEMBA.org Ga., on Oct. 10. He E x ewas c u tan i v original e M B A P r oAlabama, g r a m s was president TIDWELL ’57 of Knoxaccountant for more founder and former of the Mountain Brook OWEN F. BENDER ’58 worked as an insurthan 30 years, and was director of the Fort Swim and Tennis Club, ville, Tenn., on Oct. 11. of Huntsville on Aug. ance adjuster with business.auburn.edu treasurer of Greenfield Payne Depot Museum. and was recognized After receiving a degree 29. He worked as an Crawford and Co., and Christian Church. twice as Architect of the in mechanical engineerengineer for the Antias a commercial Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer. He enjoyed spending Year by the Subconing from Auburn, Ballistic Missile Agency,

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tractors Association of Alabama. JULIA WOOTAN TAYLOR ’59 of Hayesville, N.C., on July 26. CHARLES EDWIN

CLYDE W. “SONNY”

gold, Ga., on Feb. 9. He served in the Army. He enjoyed gardening and being involved in theater. EDWARD “NED” LEWIS RAND ’60 of Atlanta

on Oct. 7. After being a Sigma Alpha Epsilon brother and industrial management student at Auburn, Rand joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years. He later worked for E.W. Klein and Co. in Atlanta, retiring as president of the company.

’64 of Cookeville,

on Oct. 6. He worked in the textile industry and served as a football and track coach for various high schools in Alabama.

Tenn., on July 23. He retired as dean emeritus at the Tennessee Tech University College of Agriculture and Human Ecology. The winner of numerous awards, he was named the top agronomy teacher in the United States by the American Society of Agronomy. Additionally, he started a student ambassador program at TTU and Southern Illinois University, which allows students to serve as recruiters and public relations representatives.

SNAPSHOT

CHARLES BRAD PEN-

A Dufnering Life

SUE CLEVELAND “GIGI” BLACKBOURN ’63 of

Tulsa, Okla., on Aug. 29. Blackbourn was an educator in the Starkville Public School System before retiring, and remained involved in several community activities. TURNER A. DUNCAN ’63 of Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 22. He worked as principal at Miller Ullmann, an interior design firm. He traveled throughout the world for a variety of projects, some which earned significant distinction.

WILLIE BETTIE LOVE COBB ’62 of Anniston on Sept. 26. She taught school in the Tallapoosa, Ga., City School System for eight years, and in Alabama at Oxford Middle School for 22 years. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and quilting.

RALPH CLAY FORBES ’63 of Suwanee, Ga.,

on April 4. He served in the Air Force and worked as a captain with Delta Airlines for 31 years. He professed his greatest joy in life came while flying. BARBARA DARE

MARY ANNE HARGETT CREEL ’62 of

Montgomery on Aug. 4. At Auburn, she was a member of Tri Delta sorority and played in the marching band. She worked at the United States Bankruptcy Court for 22 years. Additionally, she was an organist at Church of the Holy Comforter.

DONALD M. ELKINS

CROSS ’62 of Hamilton

AUSTIN ’60 of Ring-

BRIGGS ’64 of Cookev-

ille, Tenn., on Aug. 20. She was an associate professor of mathematics at Tennessee Tech University until her retirement in 1999. She enjoyed tennis, was a member of a garden club and was an avid supporter of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra.

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DELL ’64 of Freedom,

Penn., on Sept. 1. He worked at Robert Morris University as a manager in the financial aid and enrollment department. He volunteered at Heritage Valley Sewickley Surgical waiting room. CHARLES F. PERKINS ’64 of Phoenix, Ariz., on

Dec. 8. He worked for Sperry Flight Systems, which later became Honeywell, for 37 years. He enjoyed photography, cycling, vacationing in Mexico and reading. ELTON BERNARD STALLIGS ’64 of Car-

rollton, Ga., on April 14. He worked as a schoolteacher for the Carrollton City School System, where he taught shorthand and typing. He was a member of Carrollton Lions Club,

Auburn Alumni Association president William “Bill” Stone ’85 presented reigning PGA Champion Jason Dufner ’00 with an honorary life membership in the association during halftime of the Nov. 16 football game against Georgia. Dufner won the 2013 PGA Championship last August.

Carrollton Band Booster Club and volunteered with the Carroll County Cultural Arts Department of Performing Arts. Additionally, he enjoyed restoring wooden furniture. CORT FLINT JR. ’65 of

Greenville, S.C., on Nov. 27. For more than 35 years, he had been in the private practice of patent, trademark, copyright, Internet law and related litigation. Previously, he had worked as an aerospace engineer with NASA, and worked personally with Werner Von Braun on the Apollo moon project. He received the

NASA Apollo Achievement Award in 1969 for working on the first moon landing. He was active in the Greenville community, having served on the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Upstate Forever, Friends of the Reedy River, and Carolina Kids Conservancy and the Poinsett Club. FRANCES ARRENDALE WRIGHT ’65 of

Auburn on Oct. 9. She was a lifetime member of Auburn United Methodist Church. WILLIAM RAYMOND “RAY” BEAN ’66 of Montgomery on Jan. 18.

A member of Theta Chi fraternity at Auburn, he followed graduation by entering the U.S. Air Force as a navigator serving in Vietnam. He was taken prisoner in 1972 and held as a POW in Vietnam for 10 months. His final Air Force assignment in his 30-year career took him to Maxwell Air Force Base, where he eventually retired. He joined Civil Air Patrol as director of cadet programs for a number of years. He enjoyed golf, Auburn football, traveling, fishing and volunteering at the Montgomery Archives.

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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The real deal The Auburn University Mock Trial Competition Team won first place in the third annual University of West Florida Argo Invitational, hosted by the UFW Mock Trial Team and sponsored by Stetson University College of Law. The AU team was formed in 2008 and is sponsored by the political science department in the College of Liberal Arts.

In Memoriam CARL SHEFFIELD FORRESTER ’67 of Point

Washington, Fla., on Aug. 17. He worked in numerous vocations, including a flight instructor and private corporate pilot for Vulcan Materials. He also worked as a captain for Marsh Hen River Tours on the Choctawhatchee River. He enjoyed flying and being a mariner, and took his boat to Cuba, Mexico, Belize and the Bay Islands of Honduras. He loved telling stories and working with children. JOSEPH FRANKLIN DUNKIN ’68 of Foley on

Aug. 29. He served in the Army.

included a 20-year tenure with the Dothan City School system as teacher, coach and administrator.

of Vestavia Hills on Oct. 6. He worked as an economic analyst.

Chambers County school system and lived in Auburn for more than 60 years. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for women educators and a volunteer for the East Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary.

counselor and psychologist for approximately 30 years. He served in Vietnam as a combat and medical helicopter medic. He enjoyed telling stories and contributed a weekly editorial column for the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

FREIDA SQUYRES OLIVE

NEAL BRITTON SIMS

ANTONIO THOMAS

’70 of South Carolina on Sept. 30. She was a librarian for many years and served as a Sunday school teacher.

’71 of Birmingham on

CRISCUOLO ’72 of

Aug. 23. He worked for The Birmingham News covering sports for more than 20 years. He enjoyed covering NASCAR races. After his retirement he became a freelance writer.

Valdosta, Ga., on Sept. 13. Criscuolo was an instructor and professor at Valdosta State College in Georgia before retiring.

JOHN LEE KEMPH ’70

RALPH WILLIAMS ’70 of

Donalsonville, Ga., on Aug. 22. A U.S. Army captain, he opened Williams Jewelers after his service ended. He later worked as a traveling salesman.

HENRY GRADY BLACK ’69 of Auburn on Aug.

CLARENCE RICHARD

10. He served in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, and later worked at Auburn University until his retirement.

CAUSEY JR. ’71 of

BILL W. CARPENTER ’70

of Opelika on Oct. 12. He worked at Ampex as director of the chemistry lab and quality control manager for 30 years. He was a lifetime member of Mensa Society and a member of the Mises Institute of Auburn. He volunteered at Callaway Gardens and Victory Garden. He enjoyed cooking, reading, learning and gardening. BOBBY LAMAR DEVANE ’70 of Opp on Sept. 11. He was a longtime educator whose work

Decatur on Aug. 30. As a professional educator, he served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent over the course of his career, including 11 years in the Alabama Department of Education, from which he retired in 1988. He had an avid love for tennis, golf, football and the Atlanta Braves. LEWIS WILLIAM CLARK ’71 of New Port

Richey, Fla., on July 30. RUBY BRITT RUSSELL ’71 of Auburn

on Sept. 7. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. She worked as a special education teacher for more than 30 years in the

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

JOSEPH A. DRESSLER

MARILYN A. MCANNALLY ’72 of Signal

Mountain, Tenn., on Sept. 6. She taught mathematics at Baylor School in Chattanooga for more than 20 years. JOAN V. SCHMITZ DUGGAN ’73 of Hamburg,

N.Y., on March 6, 2013. WAYNE F. LAMBERT ’73 of Montgomery on

Sept. 26. He worked at the Alabama Bankers’ Association for 39 years and served as Santa Claus for the City of Montgomery.

’72 of Vienna, Va., on LARRY SORRELL ’71 of

Lanett on Sept. 3. He worked with the Lanett City School System as a vocational director for approximately 30 years. He served as a member of Carpenters for Christ for 11 years, traveling throughout the United States to help build churches. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and making turkey calls. LEE ALLEN STEWART ’71 of Birmingham on

Sept. 8. He worked at A.B. Chance Co. before moving to Hubbell Power Systems, retiring as a regional sales manager after 27 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, Auburn University, researching history, primarily regarding World War II, and golfing. DON W. WEATHINGTON ’71 of Tryon, N.C., on

Sept. 5. He worked as a

May 24. He was a former U.S. Navy captain. STEPHEN A. EGGERS ’72 of Milledgeville,

Ga., on Sept. 14. He served as chief financial officer at various companies in the Atlanta area before retiring in Milledgeville. His favorite pastimes include golfing and card games. EUGENE FONTAINE GILMORE ’72 of Moody on Sept. 15. He worked for Alabama Power Co. for 19 years before opening Crosshaven Books in Cahaba Heights. He enjoyed art, reading, writing, movies and making people laugh.

JOSEPH ANDREW RHODES ’73 of Green-

ville, S.C., on Sept. 12. He worked as the law firm Haynsworth, Baldwin and Miles. He spent his 35-year career at the same firm until it grew and merged with Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak and Stewart. He coached more than 20 youth league sports teams and was an adjunct professor at Greenville Technical College and a member of the Greenville Country Club. WESLEY J. HATFIELD

the State of Alabama for 31 years and at his retirement was working at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He served as chairman of the Alabama Landscape Architects Registration Board during the terms of five different governors. He enjoyed the outdoors, flying fishing and being with his friends and family. KAREN RUSSELL MORRIS ’76 of Auburn on Sept. 26. Morris taught Spanish and French at several local schools and sponsored student trips to Spain, France, England and Mexico. HARRY “BUD” SUTTER ’76 of Montgomery on

July 9. He worked as an employer claim manager in the insurance industry. BURL SAMUEL WILSON ’76 of Birmingham on

July 17. He served on the praise team and chancel choir at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church. He enjoyed Auburn football, family and friends.

’74 of Fairfax Station,

Va., on Aug. 30. He served in the Air Force, earning the rank of lieutenant commander.

LARRY DILLARD HEMBREE ’72 of

EDWARD CLIFTON

Birmingham on Sept. 19. He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and served as an elder.

DIXON ’76 of Montgomery on Sept. 17. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He worked as a landscape architect for

TINSLEY R. WOOLEY ’76 of Valley on Dec.

9. He was a member of Langdale United Methodist Church, chaired the Eloise Gray Scholarship Golf Tournment and was a chairperson of Men on a Mission. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing rook, watching

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Auburn football and tailgating. BARBARA ELLEN CALDWELL ’77 of Se-

guin, Texas, on July 8. She worked in various capacities throughout her career, including a district buyer, human resource director and three vice president positions. Additionally, she received the Business Woman of the Year award from the Alexander Proudfoot consulting firm.

1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, in South Vietnam, where he earned the Silver and Bronze stars. Upon his return from Vietnam, Damewood taught as an assistant professor of military science at Auburn. His other interests include the arts, history science and Auburn football. THOMAS EWELL DAUTCH ’88 of the At-

lanta area on Aug. 17. He worked for 20 years at Quad Graphics after graduation. MICHAEL JADE WHITT

lottesville, Va., on July 17. He served in the Navy and retired as a lieutenant commander.

’95 of Titus on July

of Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 4.

9. He served Calvary Baptist Church in Cottonwood for six years as his first pastorate and had been serving First Baptist Church for the past eight years.

CATHY HINSON THOMP-

PHILIP A. BOSSERT ’03

SON ’83 of Huntsville

of Friendswood, Texas, on July 6. He served as a colonel in the Air Force for 28 years, logging 3,900 hours of flying time as a C-141 airlift pilot during Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm. He worked at his newly founded company, Civil-Military Leadership Seminars, LLC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, and conducted leadership seminars pertaining to strategic planning, military affairs, Afghanistan and his Catholic faith.

JOHN HAROLD DAMEWOOD ’87 of

Springfield, Va., on Aug. 12. He served in the Army in the 1st Battle Group, 17th Infantry, at Camp Kaiser, Korea, and developed a lifelong interest in the Republic of Korea and its people. After Special Forces training, he served in South Vietnam with 5th Special Forces as a civil affairs officer. Later, he commanded Company E,

Faculty and Friends FRANCES STEGALL

S.C., on April 15. She was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church. LOU ELLEN CARTER BRILEY of Elba on

FREEMAN ’78 of Char-

on Oct. 9. She worked as an interior designer with Design by Dexter in California before settling with her family in Huntsville.

Aug. 27. She graduated with a master’s in early American literature and worked at Central Texas College as an administrative staff assistant.

BAKER of Charleston,

MELVIN CLINTON

FRED F. FULTON III ’77

C E N T E R

STACEY MELISSA BOWEN CANNON ’03

of Stamford, Conn., on

Sept. 25. She served in the Army as a nurse in Texas, Georgia and Hawaii. She was the administrator of the Elba General Hospital and Nursing Home. WILLIAM C. HIGHFILL of

Auburn on July 10. He worked as the dean of Auburn University libraries for 24 years. He enjoyed participating in a variety of sports, reading, gardening and bird watching. JEAN STEPHENS of Opelika on Sept. 18. She was a member of the Opelika Pilot Club, serving as president twice and as Alabama district governor. She also served on the board of directors and the state board of directors of the Achievement Center Easter Seals.

SNAPSHOT

A life of service

J. Smith Lanier II ’49, recipient of the Auburn Alumni Association’s 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, died on Dec. 19 at the age of 85. An entrepreneur who helped launch a number of firms, he also ran one of the nation’s oldest insurance agencies for more than three decades. In 1950, he joined the Lanier Insurance agency, which had been founded in 1868 in his native West Point, Ga. Following two years serving in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War, Lanier returned to West Point and purchased the agency, incorporating it in the early 1980s as J. Smith Lanier & Co. Today, the company is recognized as one of the oldest and largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States. Lanier served as chairman and CEO until 1998 and was chairman emeritus until his death. His nephew, D. Gaines Lanier ’74, is now chairman and CEO. Over his long career, Lanier served on several boards of trustees, including LaGrange College, Oglethorpe University and Atlanta Christian College (Point University). At Auburn, Lanier served on the first Dean’s Advisory Board of the College of Human Sciences. From 1993 to 1995 he served on the Auburn University Foundation Board. He was a member of the 1856 Society and a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. In December 2000, the College of Human Sciences honored him with its International Quality of Life award. In 1993, Lanier, a member of the West Point Rotary Club for 63 years, was presented the Buck Hill Award for service exemplifying the ideals of the Rotary’s Four Way Test. He was named Georgia Small Business Person of the Year in 1997 and National Small Business Person of the Year in 1998.

a u a l u m . o r g Auburn Magazine

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The Last Word

For the ages BY LARRY WILLIAMSON ’61

“Say, it’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!” The cheer echoed through the Southern California hills the entire weekend, then bounced along the clouds on the way home. Hordes of Auburn faithful rode disappointment back to Alabama, but with their famous spirit intact. Though the game lasted 13 seconds too long, Malzahn, Marshall, Mason and those magnificent magicians gave their hearts in Pasadena, as they did all year. Last Labor Day weekend had arrived with modest expectations hidden within high hopes. Tre Mason’s kickoff return helped survive Washington State. An electric last-minute drive put away Mississippi State with a Marshall to Uzomah gem. The stumble in Baton Rouge didn’t slow the Tigers at all, but instead seemed to invigorate them. Favored Ole Miss suffered their wrath. On to College Station and fun with Johnny Football. Dee Ford pounded a victorious lump on his legendary noggin, and the Tigers rocketed from there into the rest of the schedule. Arkansas and Tennessee had no chance. Neither did Georgia until Aaron Murray found some fourth-quarter voodoo, only to have it trumped by Ricardo Louis’ wonderful juggling act. Next came the Iron Bowl with the football nation tuned in. Gus outcoached that other fellow to a fifty-nine minute, fifty-nine second tie. Then he set up the play of the year to make Chris Davis a legend forever. Eternal time never ticked a sweeter second. The SEC Championship game versus Missouri became a playpen for Tre, Nick and Sammie in Atlanta. When they tired, Corey Grant, Cameron Artis-Payne and others had their fun. There, as all season, the offensive line played like the supermen they are. Great thrills watching Robinson, Kozan, Dismukes, fullback Prosch and company plow under opposing linemen while an aggressive, rotating, underrated defense acquitted themselves well. Joining the Tiger team were the best fans in America. Coach Malzahn proclaimed the Auburn family so, as did several players. Other squads in times past, bad times as well as good, have sworn the same sentiment. When the team arrived in Montgomery from California, hundreds of proud fans cheered them at the airport, never mind the loss. An even larger contingent greeted them as they pulled up to the football complex in Auburn. A huge War Eagle pep rally followed. No other school does it like Auburn, especially on game day. Who can top Tiger Walk, the first and largest such parade in the nation, for away games as well as at Jordan-Hare? Follow with Spirit Walk, the eagle flight, an astounding pregame band show and the best scoreboard videos and graphics anywhere. The greatest victory celebration on earth is rolling Toomer’s

Auburn Magazine a u a l u m . o r g

Corner. Mammoth and boisterous, yet peaceful and safe. Small children weave among the multitudes of happy celebrants as local policemen stand idly by enjoying the festivities. Uniquely Auburn. No riots or destruction as on some campuses. The best hosts in the SEC? Auburn, easily, a trait often noticed by visitors. “Welcome to Auburn. Really. Welcome to Auburn.” So began the op-ed piece by the editor of The Daily Gamecock after South Carolina’s visit in 2010. He went on to laud the hospitality he and fellow Carolina fans received on campus, and to implore his own student body to follow the example. Three young Ohio State advocates, amidst touring every SEC football venue, one per year, proclaimed Auburn in 2010 by far the best they had yet visited. As they continued their project during the ensuing years, that top position doubtless has not changed. Auburn’s student section truly loves Auburn football, and seems to play as hard as the team. Students fill the stadium, and they come to compete and win, not just to watch. At a game’s conclusion, player/student interaction is mutual joy and appreciation. Memorable, but indicative of the Auburn attitude, was the storm delay of the 2009 West Virginia game amid lightning and cascading rain. Did the students run for cover? No, they welcomed the occasion to pitch a party. Soaking in their seats, they serenaded the stadium with cheers and song, and had perhaps the most fun ever short of winning an Iron Bowl. When the game resumed, the Tigers came from behind to win 41-30. Loyalty does not wane when one leaves Auburn, which retains the most enthusiastic alumni, friends and admirers in the country. Among legions of Tiger fans are high profile exathletes. Who could ask for better ambassadors than Bo, Pat and Cam? Included from other sports are the likes of Tim Hudson, Jason Dufner, Charles Barkley and others who never miss a chance to promote Auburn University and Auburn football. So much pride! Retired math teacher and football coach Larry Williamson ’61, a longtime AU season ticketholder, lives in Tallassee. His historical novels include Legend of the Tallassee Carbine and Tallapoosa.

Auburn Alumni Center 317 South College Street Auburn, AL 36849-5149 w w w.aualum.org

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