April 2026 Volume 4, Issue 4 | | |
Student Impact Spotlight:
2026 Involvement Awards
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The Campus Kitchen at Auburn University and Rural Health Connect, student-led organizations, were recently recognized at Auburn’s 2026 Involvement Awards, celebrating outstanding student leadership and impact.
Rural Health Connect received the Outstanding New Organization Award, recognizing its strong foundation and innovative approach in its first year workin rural areas in Alabama.
Campus Kitchen earned the Outstanding Cultural Impact Award - given to an organization that positively impacted the culture of Auburn by empowering students to gain greater insight, understanding, and appreciation of cultures.
Campus Kitchen was also named a finalist for several honors, including the Fred and Charlene Kam Human Touch Service Award and Most Exceptional Campus Organization. Additional recognition tied to Campus Kitchen included finalist honors for advisor Jocelyn Vickers and student Ravenna Brandon, as well as the Student Organization Supporter of the Year Award presented to Tiger Dining staff Glen Loughridge, Gwen Ward and Adam Stiff. These recognitions reflect the meaningful role student-led organizations sponsored by the Office of Public Service in Auburn University Outreach play in serving campus and community needs.
Congratulations to all those recognized at this year's Involvement Awards!
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OPCE Partners With ACI Learning Tech Academy to Expand Workforce-Focused IT
and Cyber Training
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Auburn University’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) has partnered with ACI Learning Tech Academy to offer workforce‑focused information technology and cybersecurity training programs that include an Auburn University certificate of completion.
Through the partnership, ACI Learning Tech Academy extends Auburn’s professional education offerings with career‑focused technical training designed for today’s workforce. Students learn in live, instructor‑led cohorts taught by certified instructors and supported by hands‑on labs, personalized mentoring, and dedicated career services. As a CompTIA Authorized Partner, ACI prepares students for in‑demand industry certifications aligned with rigorous CompTIA standards. The Tech Academy reports job placement rates above 70 percent and program completion rates exceeding 80 percent.
The programs are designed for adult learners preparing for new career opportunities, including those transitioning from the military, changing career fields, or upskilling for advancement. In addition to live instruction and interactive labs, students receive one‑on‑one mentoring, resume coaching, certification exam coverage, and full career support to help them enter high‑demand IT and cybersecurity roles.
Enrollment for programs offered through this partnership began in January 2026.
Learn more about OPCE's IT & Cybersecurity Training Programs.
| | Over the past year, Auburn Outreach’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education has partnered with the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education to support the statewide 90x5 campaign, which emphasizes the critical importance of early brain development from birth to age 5. Through coordinated marketing and community engagement—including outreach at collegiate sporting events and family‑focused activities—OPCE has helped expand awareness of practical ways parents and caregivers can support early learning at home, reinforcing the long‑term impact of investing in Alabama’s youngest learners. For more information, contact the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. | | AU Outreach Global Celebrates Fifth (5th) Anniversary – Global Community Day Festival | | |
2026 Global Community Global Festival - Global Attire Showcase
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The 5th Anniversary celebration began with a Recognition Event held on March 26 at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. The event honored donors, campus and community partners & supporters in the Auburn and Opelika areas, AU student organizations and departments that have supported the festival since its launch in 2022, and Dr. Don‑Terry Veal, the current vice president for state and federal relations and chief of staff at Morgan State University, who was recognized for past contributions that helped advance Auburn’s global engagement efforts.
The grand celebration of the 5th Global Community Day Festival took place on Saturday, March 28, at the Opelika SportsPlex Amphitheater. The festival brought together students, faculty, staff, businesses, and community members for a day of cultural celebration and global engagement.
The event welcomed an estimated 800–1,000 attendees and featured 15 performances representing traditions from around the world. More than 40 student organizations and community groups participated, highlighting cultures from at least 52 countries through music, dance, food, and interactive activities.
The Global Community Day festival created a space for individuals from Auburn, Opelika, and nearby communities to engage with diverse cultures, fostering meaningful connections while exploring both American traditions and a wide range of global perspectives. Volunteers, vendors, performers, and sponsors all played a key role in making the event a success, contributing their time, talents, and support throughout the day.
The Global Community Day Festival remains a signature AU Outreach Global event, highlighting Auburn University’s dedication to global learning, community engagement, and cross-cultural connection. Outreach Global looks forward to next year’s festival and encourages both campus and community members to continue strengthening this growing tradition.
Visit Outreach Global's site to learn more about what they do.
| | Greek dancers performing at the Global Community Day Festival | | Crowd enjoying the festivities at the 5th Global Community Day Festival held at the Opelika Sportsplex | | |
Opelika High School's rock/contemporary ensemble
VIBE band performed at the Global Community Day Festival
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
AU Rural Health Initiative
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“Being a part of RHC has been a fulfilling experience and has contributed greatly to both my personal and professional growth. Considering that it was my first leadership position at Auburn, serving as executive assistant has taught me the importance of teamwork and clear communication in ensuring that operations run smoothly. Also, coming from a small town myself, I have a deep appreciation for RHC's mission, as I've seen firsthand how rural communities often lack access to essential healthcare resources. Overall, I truly cherish my time with RHC, and I'm grateful to be a part of an organization that is making such an impact.”
More information on AU's Rural Health Initiative
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Ryan Ho
Biomedical Sciences,
Pre-Pharmacy
MEMBER
Rural Health Connect (RHC)
student organization
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ATTN Faculty! ESC2026 accepting proposals
The Engagement Scholarship Consortium is now accepting proposals for its 2026 annual conference, Changing Lives and Improving Society: Data-Driven Engagement and Innovation, to be held Oct. 7–8, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee, with pre-conference activities Oct. 5–6. Faculty are invited to submit proposals that highlight how engaged scholarship brings together academic expertise and community wisdom to address society’s grand challenges. The submission deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Learn more and How to submit your proposal.
| | 2026 Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposium - Call for Proposals | | |
Nominations being accepted for the 2026 RCEEA
The Dr. Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award is presented annually to one faculty or staff member who has shown an ongoing and purposeful commitment to implementing outreach. This award is intended to honor one recipient who understands civic and community engagement, interpersonal relationships, and serving the underserved.
Nominations for 2026 are now open to be announced Fall 2026.
Nomination Period:
• Opens: April 5, 2026
• Closes: June 15, 2026
NOMINATE SOMEONE OR APPLY HERE.
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"As a land-grant institution, Auburn University is dedicated
to improving the lives of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research and scholarship, and selfless service."
― Auburn University Mission
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