May 2026 Volume 4, Issue 5 | | Congratulations, Graduates! | | |
From Outreach to What’s Next:
Celebrating Graduating Seniors
| |
As members of Auburn’s spring 2026 graduating class prepare to take their next steps, several leave behind a meaningful legacy shaped by University Outreach. Through hands-on experience, community partnerships, and service-driven work, these students embody Auburn’s enduring commitment to “the human touch.”
| |
Auburn Outreach helps students grow. Outreach has impacted the student experience at Auburn for over a century and continues to mold students to uphold the value of service.
The Spring graduating class of 2026 demonstrates the Auburn commitment to cultivating “the human touch.”
| |
Lindsey Ruffin, senior marketing major and student worker, is “excited to start everything,” as she prepares to graduate and launch her business, Velvet Fox Trading Co.
Her education at the Harbert College of Business and work experience with Auburn Outreach pushed her to expand her communication skills. Networking events and building relationships with people across campus have helped her grow as a person and prepare her for new career endeavors.
Velvet Fox Trading Co. is a discount art supply store and community art studio committed to making art more accessible. Ruffin was inspired to create this business after observing a need for art and community in her small-town community of Grand Bay, AL.
“Our area is surrounded by arts, but there’s nothing, no resources, no anything,” she shared. “I would love to see the arts grow in my area.”
Ruffin is excited to gain valuable work experience as an entrepreneur and hopes to work with local organizations to expand her marketing skills after graduation.
| |
Jalen Boynton, senior in biomedical sciences, pre-medical track, feels fulfilled with his Auburn experience. “I’ll be the first one in my family to get a college degree, which I’m super pumped about,” Boynton said.
Community was central to Boynton's experience at Auburn. It was challenging starting from “ground zero” as an out-of-state student who also opted out of Greek life. Joining the Office of Public Service’s Campus Kitchen at Auburn University (CKAU) and other student organizations expanded his network and helped him find his place on campus.
CKAU is a student-led organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the Auburn-Opelika community by reducing food waste. Boynton began volunteering as a freshman before serving as the VP of marketing for CKAU for the past two years.
“I just stepped on campus and knew that this was the place to be,” Boynton shared. For him, “it’s always the people” that made a difference. He shared his love for Auburn by representing the campus spirit as a plainsman in the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen association.
He plans to continue his education and is pursuing a master’s degree in biological sciences at Auburn before going to medical school.
| |
Avery Schumacher, senior in media and film studies, is “overwhelmed but excited” to transition from college life to a working young professional.
Schumacher has interned as a student videographer for Auburn Outreach for the past academic year. This experience transformed her outlook on Auburn University’s power to impact communities near and far.
“Outreach gave me an entire new perspective on what a university can do and what they are capable of doing for the community,” Schumacher shared.
Schumacher’s education in media and minor in counseling has grown her people skills, and she plans to apply her skills working in media production and photography locally in Auburn.
“I want to emphasize the impact that Outreach has had on me as a person,” said Schumacher. “I am so lucky to have crossed paths with all of these people at Auburn University; they make me feel inspired,” she expanded.
| |
Janaya Wheeler, senior majoring in communications with a minor in public relations, is grateful for her time working at Auburn Outreach. Freshman year she began as a student assistant, managing the Outreach social media accounts, in the Office of Public Service and has been working as the Rural Health Initiative’s communications intern for the past year.
Last fall she presented research alongside other students on behalf of the Rural Health Initiative at the Gulf South Summit.
“Traveling to Houston was not only a fantastic trip but also inspired me to continue pursuing my academic and career goals,” said Wheeler.
“I am incredibly grateful to AU Outreach for allowing me to serve alongside my RHI team,” she shared.
Wheeler hopes to find a role in public relations and travel more post-graduation.
| SPOTLIGHT: CheckOut for Charity 2026! | | Explore the World through Outreach Global's New Cultural & Education Experience Program | | |
Outreach Global is launching the Global Cultural & Education Experience (CEE) Program, offering immersive, 10-day international experiences that blend cultural learning, educational tours, and community engagement. Programs are open to the general public and will take place across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Participants will have opportunities to:
• Learn about global historical events through hands-on activities and guided tours
• Immerse themselves in local traditions, customs, and cultures
• Engage in volunteer and community outreach opportunities
Potential program locations include:
• Ghana
• Rome, Italy
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Panama City, Panama
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Toronto, Canada
• The Caribbean
Interested in joining a future CEE experience?
Complete the interest form at aub.ie/ceeinterest.
| |
SPOTLIGHT
Foster honored for service to Alabama Possible
| | |
University Outreach assistant vice president emeritus Ralph Foster was recently honored by Alabama Possible for his longtime service as board member and chair of the state nonprofit devoted to raising awareness and promoting solutions to systemic poverty. Foster became involved with Alabama Possible in 2009 as one of Auburn’s institutional representatives to the organization. He was first elected to the board in 2011, served as chair from 2015 to 2017, and continued as a board member through 2025.
Citing his commitment and contributions to the organization, Alabama Possible executive director Chandra Scott and current chair Jason Vandiver presented Foster with a board resolution naming him Emeritus Board Member. Foster joins Alabama Possible founder Wayne Flynt of Auburn University and Leon Frazier of Alabama State University as board emeriti honorees.
| | |
Ralph S. Foster
assistant vice president emeritus
emeritus board member, Alabama Possible
| |
|
Attention Faculty & Staff! Outreach accepting nominations for Engagement Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award, which recognizes Auburn University faculty and staff whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to outreach and engagement. The award honors individuals who build strong partnerships, foster meaningful relationships and serve communities, particularly those that are underserved.
Across Auburn and beyond campus, many individuals are making a lasting impact through engagement that truly matters. This award provides an opportunity to recognize that work and help elevate the kind of engagement that strengthens communities and advances Auburn’s land-grant mission.
For more on the Award criteria and submission details, visit the site.
Nominate an Engaged Faculty or Staff Member Today!
| | 2026 Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposium - Call for Proposals | | |
"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
| | | | |
