Since 1994, the Beat Bama Food Drive and the Food Bank of East Alabama have united students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to help fight hunger and food insecurity in East Alabama by challenging the University of Alabama and the Food Bank of West Alabama to an annual competition collecting non-perishable food for those in need. The good-natured competition has made an impact that reaches far beyond the campuses where it began.
In 2017, Auburn collected 232,544 pounds of food to feed local families. Since its beginning, the competition has collected more than 5.5 million pounds of food.
“Nearly one in five Alabama residents, or 18.6 percent of the state, are considered food insecure,” said Martha Henk, executive director of the Food Bank of East Alabama. “The Food Bank of East Alabama serves seven counties in east central Alabama. The average food insecurity rate in this area is approximately 70,210 people, with 20,080 of those being children.”
Sarah English, president of Beat Bama Food Drive, said the annual competition has given her a sense of community.
“This competition is so important and necessary because there is an alarming number of people who are food insecure not only in our state, but also in our local area,” said English. “It is so humbling to see a group of students who come together from all walks of life to unite for one goal and that is to fight food insecurity in our area. Every individual in this organization has a heart full of compassion and a drive to serve Auburn and the surrounding area.”
Abby Jones with Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney
Auburn native and Clemson University graduate Abby Jones began a rivalry food drive at Clemson modeling it after the Beat Bama Food Drive. Growing up, Jones and her family delivered food collected from the Beat Bama Food Drive to Auburn families. At Clemson, she recognized the need for a program to help combat hunger, and looked to the Beat Bama Food Drive for inspiration. The Palmetto Series Food Drive was created competing against Clemson’s rival, the University of South Carolina, and is now in its fourth year feeding families across South Carolina. Read the full story from the Auburn Villager here.
Delta Speaker Series
Thanks to a generous gift by Delta Air Lines, The Speaker Series presented by Delta is a monthly opportunity for Auburn students to learn from successful leaders in their respective fields on topics related to the Emerge at Auburn program.
LeaderShape Institute
Auburn University has hosted a session of the Institute by Leadershape, a nationally recognized student leadership development program, each summer since May 2010. Sixty student leaders are selected to attend at no cost. Please check back in January for more details on how to apply!
Emerge
Emerge at Auburn University is a dynamic leadership program aimed at helping Auburn students develop the skills to lead on campus, in the community, and in their future career field.
Miss Auburn
She’s often mistaken for a beauty pageant queen. And she’s often questioned for not having a crown or sash. Her role is unmatched amongst SEC universities, and her purpose stands firm after decades of change. At Auburn, it’s known that we cherish our traditions. And Miss Auburn is one of the most unique and time-honored traditions at our institution.
During her term as Miss Auburn, she embodies several roles. She is there to be a positive, welcoming face and to help host events. She serves alongside the SGA President and the executive team. She is an honorary member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. And she works directly with a Freshmen Leadership Program, whose mission seeks to turn her platform into action.
LeaderShape
Auburn University has hosted a session of the Institute by Leadershape, a nationally recognized student leadership development program, each summer since May 2010. Sixty student leaders are selected to attend at no cost. Please check back in January for more details on how to apply!
Freshman Leadership Programs
Each week 45 freshmen will meet with their director and assistant directors to work on leadership development and campus involvement. Each meeting is designed to help freshmen enhance their abilities, network with fellow leaders, and practice the skills they acquire. There are nine different programs that focus on different aspects of campus life. The program’s focuses are: Community Awareness, Community Service, Leadership, Health and Wellness, and Student Government.
Blood Drives
The Office of Student Involvement partners with the American Red Cross the host blood drives throughout the year. There are 2 drives in the Fall Semester, 2 drives in the Spring Semester, and 2 drives in the summer. The Auburn students, faculty and staff who choose to donate are truly life savers.
