The black-tie induction ceremony was a benefit event for the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, part of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA), which sponsors the hall of fame.

“Tiger has brought much joy to Auburn fans throughout the years, and, most importantly, is a great messenger for wildlife conservation,” said AU Interim President Ed Richardson. “We are very honored that she is being inducted.”

Officially named War Eagle VI, Tiger won a place in the hearts of college football fans across the country in 2000 as she began her graceful flights before each home game. In 2002, she flew during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Tiger's role at Auburn is to help promote wildlife conservation as a part of the educational efforts of the College of Veterinary Medicine's Southeastern Raptor Center, where she is housed by permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“She makes appearances throughout the year at elementary schools and conservation events across the Southeast,” said Dr. Jamie Bellah, raptor center director. “The kids' eyes really light up when they see her.”

The Fish and Wildlife Service rescued Tiger in the mid-1980s from an illegal breeding operation in Missouri and placed her briefly in a rehabilitation facility in Kentucky, before transferring her to Auburn.