Office of University Scholarships

AUBURN - Auburn University more than doubled its number of newly enrolled National Merit Scholars this year, ranking 34th nationally, according to a new National Merit Scholarship Corporation Annual Report.

Auburn enrolled 64 new scholars last summer and fall, which is an increase of 106 percent over the previous year's number of 31. Of the 64 students, 32 are residents of Alabama and 32 are non-residents.

The 2009-2010 figure places Auburn fourth in the Southeastern Conference, up from ninth last year, according to the report. Nationally, the university advanced to 34th from 56th.

"We are especially grateful to the Auburn University Board of Trustees for establishing two key scholarship programs three years ago," Director of University Scholarships Velda Rooker said. "Both the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship for Alabama residents and the Academic Scholarship for nonresidents have directly contributed to a significant increase in scholarships awarded over the last few years.

"We received another boost this past year when we began offering an on-campus housing allowance for four years to National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists and National Hispanic Scholars."

National Merit Finalists at Auburn receive full tuition for four years; a $1,500 technology allowance the first fall semester; the Auburn Academic Guarantee, which includes automatic admission to the Honors College and an enrichment experience stipend valued at $4,000 one semester after the second year; and an on-campus housing allowance for four years.

These students may also be eligible for a university stipend for four years, depending on eligibility as determined by National Merit Scholarship Corporation or by financial need as determined through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is an independent, not-for-profit organization that conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program as annual competitions for recognition and undergraduate scholarships.

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AUBURN - Auburn University was named Scholarship Provider of the Year at the 2009 National Scholarship Providers Association Annual Conference in New Orleans for its Provost Leadership Undergraduate Scholar program.

The award was presented in recognition of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs' PLUS program, which provides academic and social support to students pursuing their undergraduate studies at Auburn University. The PLUS program provides an $8,000 four-year, renewable scholarship at $2,000 per academic year, and has been developed to complement the goals of the Auburn University Strategic Diversity Plan.

"This award is a great honor and tribute to Auburn University," said Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Overtoun Jenda. "We are really excited for the PLUS students and dedicated staff who have made it possible for the PLUS program to receive nationwide recognition. We thank our corporate donors, alumni and friends, whose generosity and support have made the PLUS program possible and continue to have such great success."

PLUS includes a retention program that provides peer mentoring, leadership opportunities and training, time management and study skills, tutoring and counseling services, and an opportunity for participants to enroll together in a series of classes throughout their freshman and sophomore years. The program has benefited 125 students since its inception in 2006. Of those students, 55 are first generation college students.

The Scholarship Provider of the Year award includes a $2,500 cash prize, recognition at the NSPA conference and on their Web site, a plaque and an invitation to present a session at next year's conference.

Auburn University awarded more than $33 million in scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. Sixty-five percent of all freshmen who enrolled and 27 percent of all enrolled students received scholarships, compared to last year's 56 percent and 23 percent, respectively. Overall scholarship amounts awarded by the university have increased by more than $18 million over the last four years.

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AUBURN - Since arriving at Auburn in 2006, Jordan Anderson has been training with NCAA and SEC champions, along with Olympic medalists, to become the best swimmer he could be and a contribute to Auburn's decorated swimming and diving program.

Upon his graduation in May, Anderson will study with some of the best and brightest in the country, as he was awarded one of 32 Rhodes Scholarships, becoming Auburn's first Rhodes Scholar since 1980.

"This is a huge honor, and goes without any kind of question that I'm extremely happy," Anderson said. "It is something I am very proud of. I would not have made it this far without the help of the Auburn education I've received and the great and influential people at this university that have helped me obtain this level of maturity."

The Rhodes Scholarship was created in 1902 at the request of Cecil Rhodes and is the oldest international fellowship.

It is given to students who possess high academic attainments, personal integrity and high-moral character, leadership and the ability to use one's talents to the fullest.

Anderson is the fourth Auburn University student to be named a Rhodes Scholar and the first in almost 30 years. He joins the ranks of Auburn's Hugh Long (1949), Ed Gentles (1975) and Susan Karamanian (1980) to be honored with the scholarship, and will do graduate work at the Oxford University in England.

"I am so happy for Jordan," head swimming and diving coach Brett Hawke said. "This is an amazing accomplishment, and I'm very proud to have him as the team captain and leader in the classroom and in the pool. He is a fantastic kid and is very deserving."

"Being named a Rhodes Scholar is an enormous honor for Jordan and a tremendous credit to Auburn University and our National Champion swimming and diving team," Athletic Director Jay Jacobs said. "Jordan is an accomplished scholar and a tremendous

competitor in the pool. He embodies all of the Rhodes Scholar criteria, including scholastic attainment, use of his athletic talents to the fullest, strong character and an instinct to lead. We are proud of Jordan for this incredible accomplishment."

Anderson enters his senior year as a returning All-American and a member of the 2009 NCAA Championship team. He is a two-time SEC runner-up in the 100 fly and was a finalist in the 100m fly at the 2009 U.S. Senior National Championships, finishing sixth.

The Roanoke, Va., native is also a College Swim Coaches Association of America Academic All-American and a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member. Anderson currently holds a 3.91 grade-point average and is majoring in pre-dentistry.

"We all felt that Jordan exemplified the ideal of the Rhodes Scholarship and was a worthy candidate," Associate Director for National Prestigious Scholarships at Auburn Paul Harris said.

Anderson began his application for the scholarship in late August with the aid of Harris. After being named a District Seven finalist, Anderson traveled to Birmingham on Friday to begin a two-day interview process with 12 other finalists from Tennessee, Alabama and Florida.

After a Friday night dinner and a 20-minute interview session on Saturday morning, Anderson and the other finalists played the waiting game for the decision.
"There were so many great and qualified candidates and to be in that company was a great honor," Anderson said. "When they announced my name, I was overwhelmed at first but then felt very honored and excited."

At Oxford, Anderson plans to enroll in a master's degree program in global health science, which is a program geared towards gaining an understanding of the health conditions in third-world countries.

With a combination of his education here at Auburn and at Oxford, Anderson hopes to pursue a life in medical mission work.

"The long-term goal is to give me a better understanding of the problems in countries that I want to one day work in," Anderson said. "With the help of a future dental degree, I'd like to develop medical solutions from a dental perspective."

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AUBURN - Auburn University has achieved its highest enrollment in history this fall, and its freshman class boasts the top ACT score of any previous class, according to numbers released today by Auburn's Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.

Enrollment is 24,602 among all students groups – undergraduates, graduate students and those enrolled in professional schools – which is up from 24,530 in fall 2008.

New freshman enrollment consists of 3,918 students, who compiled an average score of 26.2 on the ACT college entrance exam, outpacing last year's then-record of 25.9.

This year 477 new minority students are enrolled, up 15 percent from last year's 416, a number which includes all students of color. The number of new transfer students also increased, with 1,377 enrolled as compared to last fall's 1,305.

"Our goal is between 3,700 and 4,000 freshmen a year, so we're right on target," said Wayne Alderman, dean of enrollment management. "We are extremely pleased with the caliber of our freshmen. They are among the nation's top students."

He added that the university has been working through its Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity to increase Auburn's number of students of color, and the effort appears to be working.

Graduate school enrollment increased 4.8 percent to 3,689 from 3,519 last year; the number of professional students is 987, up 1.3 percent from 974; and undergraduate enrollment marks 19,926, down slightly, 0.6 percent, from 20,037.

"By capping undergraduate enrollment at about 20,000 students, and overall enrollment to 25,000, Auburn continues to advance its top strategic priorities – elevating academics and enriching the undergraduate experience," Alderman said.

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AUBURN - Auburn University has introduced a new design for its collegiate license plates to be available in late August or early September.

Proceeds from the sale of Auburn University license plates in Alabama go to the Auburn University "License to Learn" Scholarship Endowment Fund, a statewide program that raises funds for freshmen scholarships. Approximately $1.2 million in scholarships was awarded in 2008-09.

The state requires the collegiate license plate designs to be changed every five years. Auburn University's new design features the interlocking AU logo on the left side of the tag, an orange gradient at the bottom and a blue gradient at the top, with "Auburn" in orange at the top of the tag. The new design will allow for six characters; past designs have had space for only five. This will allow for additional personalization options.

Several new designs were considered, but in the end, Auburn alums voiced their opinions via a survey and one design in particular was overwhelmingly the favorite.

"I appreciate the university asking Auburn in-state alumni to participate in choosing the new tag design," said Debbie Shaw, vice president of alumni affairs. "Our alums love to show their support of Auburn and what better place than on the highways every day."

Auburn University collegiate license plates will be available at local county license offices in late August or early September. Since all counties will not receive the tags at the same time, those interested in purchasing the tags are encouraged to call first. Both numbered and personalized tags are available. The cost for either one is $50 above the normal tag cost of $24.25. Collegiate license plates may be purchased at any time, regardless of the individual's tag renewal month.

To search for or reserve a personalized tag message online, go to the Web site for the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, at www.alabamainteractive.org/dorpt/UserTagChoice.str beginning Sept. 1.

Auburn tags are also available in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi and South Carolina. New Auburn University tags will be available this fall in North Carolina. Sales from the South Carolina and North Carolina tags also benefit scholarships.

For more information on Auburn's car tag program, go to www.auburn.edu/cartags, or call the Auburn University Alumni Affairs office at (334) 844-2586.

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Auburn moves up, ranks among Top 50 public universities for 17th consecultive year in U.S. News survey

10:38 AM, August 20, 2009

AUBURN - Auburn University is ranked 39th among public universities nationwide, according to an annual survey released by U.S. News & World Report today. The ranking marks the 17th consecutive year the magazine has ranked Auburn among the nation's top 50 public universities.

Auburn ranked 20th among land-grant institutions and 88th in the nation among both public and private schools.

The undergraduate program of Auburn's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is ranked 64th nationally overall and 36th among public universities that offer doctoral programs in engineering. Rankings of other programs are released at various times during the year by U.S. News & World Report.

"The U.S. News ratings are based on indicators that some prospective college students may value, such as general reputation or selectivity," said Drew Clark, director of Auburn's Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. "But Auburn also uses assessments that provide direct information on equally important indicators of quality, such as how much students are actually learning and what kind of college experience they have."

To establish its rankings U.S. News categorizes colleges and universities primarily by mission and, in some cases, region. The magazine then gathers data from each on up to 15 indicators of academic excellence, assigning each factor a weight that reflects the magazine's judgment about how much each measure matters.

The indicators the magazine staff uses to capture academic quality fall into seven categories: academic reputation among its peers, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and (for national universities and liberal arts colleges) the graduation rate performance, or the difference between the proportion of students expected to graduate and the proportion who actually do.

The newsstand book, "America's Best Colleges," which contains the U.S. News college rankings, may be ordered from www.usnews.com and will be shipped to bookstores today.

Contact: Deedie Dowdle (334) 844-9999 (dowdldk@auburn.edu), or
Mike Clardy, (334) 844-9999 (clardch@auburn.edu)

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Honors College students excel nationally and internationally

9:12 AM, May 11, 2009

Auburn University students have garnered numerous awards and scholarships throughout the history of the university. This spring, three students from the university's Honors College received prestigious recognition that places them among the nation's best and brightest academic achievers. Rebecca Ludvigsen of Lilburn, Ga., has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Germany; Anne-Marie Hodge of Chattanooga, Tenn., earned a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship; and Lauren Hayes of Abbeville, Ala., was named to the second team in USA Today's All-USA College Academic Team competition.

Rebecca Ludvigsen, Fulbright Scholarship

Rebecca Ludvigsen, a senior in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study the protein fetuin-A in Germany. She is one of only 40 students out of the more than 500 applicants nationwide to be awarded the scholarship to study and conduct research in Germany.

"Rebecca is an ideal representative for COSAM and Auburn University because she is not only bright and focused, but she is engaging and friendly," said Paul Harris, associate director for National Prestigious Scholarships at Auburn University. Harris, a former Fulbright scholar to Germany in 1994-95, was instrumental in guiding Ludvigsen through the rigorous application process.

The Lilburn, Ga., native says she was ecstatic to learn she had received the award. "As a biomedical sciences student in COSAM, I feel I have received excellent preparation from the challenging curriculum and my professors for any endeavor I pursue in the health sciences upon leaving Auburn," Ludvigsen said.

Ludvigsen, a four-year member of the university's Honors College, conducted research during her junior and senior years with Suresh Mathews in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. Ludvigsen graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 9, 2009.

Anne-Marie Hodge, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Auburn University student Anne-Marie Hodge of Chattanooga, Tenn., has been awarded a 2009 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship award. This award is based on students' abilities and accomplishments as well as their potential to contribute to strengthening the vitality of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise.

Hodge is a senior majoring in zoology in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), in addition to pursuing a minor in anthropology.

She is a previous recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship that was established by Congress in 1986 to honor U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater.

Hodge, who excels academically at Auburn University, is also active outside the classroom and is a founding member of the Society for Conservation Biology at Auburn University. One of the society's initiatives, spearheaded by Hodge, is the Tigers for Tigers conservation campaign.

"Ms. Hodge has a passion for discovery and learning from her discoveries," said COSAM Dean Stewart Schneller. "She enjoys sharing what she learns with others and instilling in them a curiosity to learn for themselves."

She is a four-year member of the university's Honors College. Following graduation from Auburn, Hodge plans to attend graduate school and to pursue a career as a research biologist and university professor.

Lauren Hayes, USA Today's All-USA College Academic Second Team

Lauren Hayes, a senior majoring in both public administration and German in Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts, was recently named to the second team in USA Today's All-USA College Academic Team competition. Each year the newspaper recognizes the top college students in the country based on academics, leadership, activities and the students' application of their talents beyond the classroom.

A native of Abbeville, Ala., Hayes is only the second female in Auburn's history to serve as president of the Student Government Association. In addition to SGA, Hayes is a member of a social sorority and honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa. She has also been involved with the Auburn University chapter of Habitat for Humanity and served as its president during her sophomore year. Hayes held internships in the Washington, D.C., offices of North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole in June 2006 and with Alabama Senator Richard Shelby in May 2006.

"I was so excited and honestly surprised to learn that I was named to the team," Hayes said. "I feel extremely blessed to be a member of this distinguished team."

Hayes is moving to Washington, D.C. this summer and is waiting to hear back from job interviews. This fall, she is applying for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship which would fund one year of a master's program abroad. "I hope to pursue a master's degree in comparative politics or public policy and would ultimately like to serve in the public sector, whether that is within our government, higher education or a non-profit organization," she said. Hayes said she obtained a double major in German so that she could have options to work abroad or to work on international policy issues.

Paul Harris, associate director for National Prestigious Scholarships in Auburn's Honors College, nominated Hayes for the award. "Lauren is a model student. She gives graciously of her time, she builds coalitions among disparate groups and she communicates a clear vision for a better Auburn," he said. "And to top it off, she is a kind, caring and conscientious individual who incidentally, maintains a stellar 3.93 grade-point average."

USA Today's All-USA College Academic team for 2009 includes a total of 79 students: 20 named to each of the first, second and third teams and 19 named honorable mention.

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The Office of the Dean of Students is now accepting nominations for the Foy Spirit Award 2009.

3:00 PM, February 26, 2009

The Foy Spirit Award is a $1000 scholarship given each year in honor of former Dean of Students Dr. James E. Foy and his late wife, Mrs. Emmalu Foy. The Foy family established the award to recognize and reward a student who exhibits exceptional qualities of leadership, character, and a commitment to the Auburn community while maintaining a job to help fund education expenses.

About the Foys

Dean Foy first made his mark on Auburn's campus over 50 years ago, yet his presence remains a mainstay to Auburn students still today. His wife Emmalu was not only his partner for 60 years, but was also involved with student leadership and promoting the Auburn spirit. The Foys enjoyed working closely with Auburn students, serving as advisors and mentors for nearly three decades, until Dean Foy's retirement in 1978. A compassionate administrator who at one time worked several jobs to pay his way through college, Dean Foy was a model for undergraduate students faced with the challenges of balancing academics, work and service to Auburn's campus. Overcoming such challenges while demonstrating excellence is to embody the "Foy Spirit" and epitomize the Auburn Creed.

Requirements

Nominations may be submitted by campus and communit organizations, professors, staff members or community leaders and employers. Each nominee should be a rising Auburn University senior with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applications and nomination letters are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009.

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Undergraduate Research Fellowships now available through the AU-Undergraduate Research Program

10:00 AM, February 10, 2009

Undergraduate Research Fellowships now available through the AU-Undergraduate Research Program beginning Summer 2009 through Spring 2010. Annual student stipend up to $4,400; Project funds up to $1,400.

Program Goal: To encourage undergraduate students to participate actively in research. This research may be in any degree program at Auburn University and may involve any type of research.

Twenty year-long fellowships and two semester-long fellowships for research with Auburn faculty are available. Student and mentor should apply as a pair.

Applications: A description of the program and application forms for students and mentors can be found at www.auburn.edu/research/vpr/urfp. Douwnload both the mentor and student forms. Read instructions carefully.

If you have questions contact:
Dr. Leanne Lamke
334-844-3231
lamkelk@auburn.edu

Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2009

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Student Government Association sponsoring Hey Day scholarships

9:46 AM, January 27, 2009

In connection with last fall's Hey Day, the Student Government Association is sponsoring two scholarships funded by the proceeds of the event to the students that exemplify the ideals of this beloved tradition.

The Student Government Association is looking for students who have shown that they promote friendliness on a regular basis, as well as those who give back to the Auburn community through their involvement on campus and their leadership ability.

They will be awarding at least two $500 scholarships. You can download the application on the Student Government Association's Web site ( http://www.auburn.edu/sga ). Applications are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4.

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AU campaign raises more than $608 million

10:49 AM, July 1, 2008

AUBURN - Auburn University ended its “It Begins at Auburn” Campaign this spring by raising a record $608,862,727. By June of 2007, nine months ahead of schedule, the campaign had already passed its goal of raising half a billion dollars.

All colleges and schools and athletics exceeded their individual goals.

“This is the largest campaign in the university’s history, and the largest in the state’s history,” said Jay Gogue, Auburn University president. “I am proud of the Auburn family for making it such a huge success. Every gift, whether one dollar or one million dollars, shows the strong connection that our alumni, friends, staff and faculty feel for their university.”

Contributions were made by 75,664 donors, and the total represents pledges and deferred and outright gifts. Of the total donors, 50,114 were alumni, with the remainder consisting of corporations, foundations and friends of the university.

There were 117 gifts of $1 million or more totaling more than $286 million, or 47 percent of the campaign total. An additional 29 percent of the campaign’s gifts were from donations of $100,000 to $999,999.

Of the nearly $609 million contributed to the university throughout the campaign, $191 million went to student support, $36 million to faculty support, $72 million to facilities and $310 million to programmatic support. Endowed dollars account for 32 percent of the campaign’s total.

“The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the efforts of the faculty and staff, the development office, the deans of our colleges and schools, and the 653 volunteers who led the effort,” said Samuel Ginn, campaign co-chair and a member of the AU Board of Trustees. “Private funding must continue at even greater levels and Auburn University needs to build its endowment at an even stronger rate.”

Regional campaigns, the first of their kind for the university, were also a large part of the success of the larger campaign. A total of $64 million was raised among the 28 regional efforts across the country.

“The regional campaigns brought Auburn alumni and friends together from as far away as California and New York. The momentum they built for the university will continue for years to come,” said Campaign Co-chair Sally Jones Hill. “I want to thank everyone involved in this campaign from donors to all who worked so hard for its huge success.

The students of today and all of those to come in the future will benefit greatly from their generosity.”

The public phase of the campaign began on Feb. 3, 2006.

Contact: Mike Clardy, (334) 844/9996 (clardch@auburn.edu), or
Kristen Jackson (334) 844-3224 (jacksk@auburn.edu)

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Energen gift supports Auburn University first-generation college students

3:18 PM, June 9, 2008

James McManus

AUBURN - The Auburn University Foundation received $530,000 from Energen Corporation during the school’s recent campaign to support two programs: Energen First Scholarships and the Provost Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

The Energen First Scholarships will benefit first-generation college students residing in central Alabama. “This scholarship won’t be limited to 4.0 students, as we aim to serve students who meet the university’s enrollment requirements and need a helping hand,” said James T. McManus II, chairman and chief executive officer of Energen Corporation.

These scholarships include tuition, room and board, books and student fees.

“We felt it was important to provide ‘full ride’ scholarships so students will concentrate on their studies and take advantage of the opportunity,” said McManus.

The Provost Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship Program, or PLUS, also supports students who are the first members of their families to attend college and who also demonstrate financial need. The objective of the scholarships is to help retain students by providing academic and social support to assist students as they pursue their undergraduate studies at Auburn.

“Corporate partners, such as Energen, who share in Auburn University’s desire to increase opportunities available to all students are to be commended,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “The gift of education is perhaps the most valuable gift one can receive and Energen is providing that for students who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend college.”

Energen is a diversified energy company headquartered in Birmingham focused on its growing oil and gas exploration and production business and its strong, stable natural gas utility.

Contact: Mike Clardy, (334) 844-9999 (clardch@auburn.edu)

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AU established endowed memorial scholarship in memory of Lauren Burk

12:24 PM, March 21, 2008

Lauren A. Burk

AUBURN - Auburn University has established an endowed scholarship in honor of Lauren Burk, the AU student who died tragically on March 4.

A graduate of Walton High School in Marietta, Ga., Burk was a freshman studying graphic design and art. She was also an active and admired member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

The scholarship will be awarded to incoming freshman students majoring in graphic design with preference given to students from Cobb County, Ga.

“As the Auburn community grieves the loss of one of its own, we are touched by the thoughtfulness of others,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue, in response to the generosity of donations in Burk’s memory. “Gifts to the Lauren Ashley Burk Memorial Scholarship Endowment will be a permanent memory of Lauren’s tremendous spirit.”

Donations can be made online at www.develop.auburn.edu (specify Lauren Burk Scholarship Fund) or send a check payable to the Auburn University Foundation to The Lauren Burk Memorial Scholarship Fund, 317 South College Street, Auburn, Ala. 36849.

Contact: Bob McGinnis, (334) 844-1130 (mcgingr@auburn.edu) or
Mike Clardy, (334) 844-9999 (clardch@auburn.edu)

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Scholarship funding at AU surges 25 percent this year

2:17 PM, January 31, 2008

AUBURN - Auburn University has seen a 25 percent increase in funding for student scholarships this academic year to a record $18.5 million.

Auburn students saw an increase in funding for both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Spirit of Auburn scholarships, a new program of financial assistance for students with outstanding academic records, led the way, with more than $2.5 million in scholarships in its first year.

Enrollment officials predict continued growth in scholarships, with funding for Spirit of Auburn scholarships expected to double in the next academic year, which starts in August.

The record increase in scholarship funds was achieved in the aftermath of a 2006 commitment by the AU Board of Trustees to significantly increase scholarship aid to Auburn students. That pledge came in a year in which Auburn was awarding a then-record amount of $14.8 million in scholarships.

“The Board of Trustees has committed to significant scholarship growth, and we’re now seeing the results of that commitment with a record number of scholarships awarded,” said Wayne Alderman, dean of enrollment services. “Deserving and talented students have earned these, and we’ll continue to increase our numbers and these opportunities as we move forward on improving scholarship opportunities.”

Almost two-thirds of the $18 million in scholarship funding this academic year was in university awards, which are open to students in any major. Another $5 million went to students through departmental scholarships in their AU colleges and schools, and $1.6 million was in the form of academic scholarship waivers.

More than 4,300 students received 7,400 institutional scholarships, with many recipients awarded more than one scholarship. Departmental awards went to more than 2,400 recipients, and academic scholarship waivers of partial out-of-state tuition went to 310 high-achieving non-resident students.

For the current year, AU enrolled 617 Spirit of Auburn Scholars. Within that number are 82 Presidential Scholars, who receive tuition for four years plus additional benefits. Another 272 students are Founders Scholars, who are awarded tuition for four years, and 263 are University Scholars, who qualify for $1,500 per year for four years.

Alderman said the Spirit of Auburn scholarship program for top scholars got off to a fast start in its first year and is expanding rapidly. AU has already offered nearly 1,500 of the highly coveted scholarships totaling more than $6 million for the 2008-09 academic year, which starts in August. Some scholarships of various types are still available and will be offered this spring.

For information on the scholarships at Auburn, see the Office of University Scholarships Web site at www.auburn.edu/scholarship, call 334/844-7570 or e-mail scholar@auburn.edu.

Contact: Deedie Dowdle, (334) 844-9999 (dowdledk@auburn.edu), or
Mike Clardy, (334) 844-9999 (clardch@auburn.edu)

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