For the first time, the College of Agriculture at Auburn University invited alumni to return to campus to experience a day in the life of an Auburn agriculture student once again.
The Student-for-a-Day Alumni Experience invited guests to attend a selection of classes, tours and activities Friday, Sept. 30, on Ag Hill.
“The purpose of this event was to give our alumni the opportunity to see what the College of Agriculture and Auburn as a whole has to offer students today,” said Valerie Rankin, engagement coordinator for the college. “We planned a number of experiences so that participants can experience all aspects of our college today.”
Offerings included introductory food science class with Assistant Professor Sungeun Cho; an agricultural economics lecture with Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar Mykel Taylor; general entomology class with Assistant Professor Kathleen Martin; turfgrass management class with Associate Professor and Extension Specialist David Han; tours of Ag Hill, Jordan-Hare Stadium, E.W. Shell Fisheries Center, the Meat Lab, the Auburn Equestrian Center, and the Transformation Garden; and lunch at the Edge at Central Dining.
Guests were encouraged to attend the Football, Fans and Feathers program hosted by the Southeastern Raptor Center on Friday evenings before home games, as well as the Dean’s Tailgate at the Ag Heritage Park Pavilion on Saturday prior to the game.
Auburn Ag’s advancement office also gave a special presentation on the plans for a massive renovation of historic Comer Hall.
Led by Director of Development Phillip Cowart and Development Officer Jordan Moseley, the project design presentation showed Auburn agriculture alumni the transformation from the Comer Hall they remember to the Comer Hall of the future.
Set to begin in 2025, this redesign project aims to bring ag students back to Comer Hall by implementing more classrooms and student spaces throughout the building. The remodel will allow for Comer to house more opportunities and resources for College of Ag students. Cowart said the remodel is “all about the students” and aimed toward providing students with tools and resources to enhance their experiences in the college.
Cowart added that the architectural elements that define Comer Hall will not be changed. The only exterior change that is planned is reverting the current flat roof to a pitched roof to resemble the building’s original construction.
As curious as current students, alumni asked questions in both lectures and presentations. Cowart called the event “something he’s never done” and said this first-ever event was a positive reminder of the Auburn experience for all alumni.
