AU OUTREACH eNews

February 2026 Volume 4, Issue 2

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2026 MLK Scholarship Breakfast Highlights Service, Leadership and Student Achievement

University Outreach and the East Central Alabama Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators hosted the 2026 MLK Scholarship Breakfast on Jan. 19, celebrating local leaders and students who embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service. The event featured a dynamic panel on “empowering the next generation,” honored The Curtis House with the Community Service Award and recognized Audrey Peters Marshall as Educator of the Year. Four outstanding students—Antoine Harvis Jr. (OHS), Denise Oliver (LHS), Faith Sanford (AHS) and Jalen Boynton (AU senior)—were awarded MLK Scholarships for their commitment to serving their communities. Read more about the 2026 MLK Scholarship Breakfast, its panelist and award recipients.

The Campus Kitchen at Auburn University Surpasses $30,000 in Philanthropic Support

in 2026

The Campus Kitchen at Auburn University (CKAU) has already received more than $30,000 in philanthropic donations in 2026, reflecting strong community support for its mission to combat food insecurity while promoting sustainability and student leadership.

Campus Kitchen at Auburn University is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger by recovering excess food from Auburn University dining facilities and transforming it into nutritious meals for individuals and families in the Auburn–Opelika and greater Lee County community. Through this innovative model, CKAU not only reduces food waste but also provides meaningful, hands-on service opportunities for Auburn students.

The early philanthropic success underscores the growing impact of Campus Kitchen’s work and the value donors place on its dual mission of food recovery and hunger relief. Contributions support food recovery operations, meal preparation and distribution, volunteer engagement, and partnerships with local agencies serving those most in need.

Campus Kitchen continues to serve as a cornerstone of Auburn University’s commitment to public service, civic engagement, and community partnership. With sustained donor support and student leadership, CKAU remains focused on expanding its reach, strengthening community connections, and ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations throughout the region. Learn more about Campus Kitchen

EagleCast:

AI for Anyone

Feb. 24 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. CT

Learn the basics of artificial intelligence and explore practical, responsible ways to use free AI tools in everyday work. Presented by Moriah Kent, AI implementation specialist and instructional designer at Auburn University. Enroll in this AI EagleCast

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.

Hollie Cost, assistant vice president for University Outreach and Public Service at Auburn University, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors for the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), a nationally recognized, nonpartisan organization dedicated to strengthening democracy through public deliberation. Cost was elected during the board’s final meeting of 2025 and will help guide the organization’s national efforts to advance civic engagement and collaborative problem-solving. Learn more about NIFI and Cost's election.

Save the Date for the 2026 Global Community Day Festival!

Join the AU Office of Outreach Global as it celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the Global Community Day Festival!

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, join AU Outreach Global at the Opelika Amphitheater (1001 SportsPlex Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801) from 9:30am to 3:00pm for a day filled with cultural exchange and international experiences. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public!

If you are interested in having a booth at the festival, performing a talent, participating in the Parade of the Flags or Global Attire Showcase (cultural fashion show), sharing your culture in some other way, or registering as a vendor to sell goods/food, please contact Olivia Houlden (oph0007@auburn.edu, 334-844-5787) or Outreach Global at outrglb@auburn.edu. For more information, please visit our website at aub.ie/globalfestival. 

Businesses or organizations interested in partnering with Outreach Global as festival sponsors are encouraged to contact Dr. Elizabeth Quansah (eid0001@auburn.edu, 334-844-5716).

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Follow some of our programming on social media:

AuburnServes

https://www.facebook.com/AuburnUniversityServes/

GEAR UP Achieve

GEAR UP Achieve - Facebook

Circle K International at Auburn

(student led community-service organization)

Circle K International at Auburn University - Facebook

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