Virtual Day of Thanks connects students, alumni, faculty and friends

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Auburn University gathered virtually Friday, Feb. 5 to participate in a Day of Thanks. What would have been the annual in-person Evening of Thanks, hosted by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, instead took place over Zoom in two different reception sessions.

Participants in the Zoom enjoyed an update from Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering, thank you videos from scholarship students, graduate fellowship students and faculty holding endowed professorships and chairs. Donors were then able to meet in smaller groups with their scholarship students, fellowship students and professors in breakout rooms.

“My favorite event of the year is our Day of Thanks,” said Margaret Arnold, senior director of development for engineering. “We have such an incredible group of alumni and friends who make a tremendous impact on our students and faculty.”

Although the event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arnold said the event created different, yet equally meaningful, experiences for all who joined.

“This reception is an opportunity for us to thank them, and for them to make those memorable connections with their students. Even though we would have loved to be in person for this event, our virtual receptions were extraordinary,” Arnold said.

In attendance were the many of Auburn’s most loyal donors, including the college’s namesake, Sam Ginn, and the principal donors to the Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center, John and Rosemary Brown.

“Our Auburn Engineering donors are an exceptional group of people,” said Roberts. “It is an absolute joy to visit with them virtually and introduce them to the students and faculty whose lives have been touched by their support.”

The 11 a.m. event hosted 197 participants and the 5 p.m. event saw a turnout of 169. The success of the virtual event showcases the dedication of all members of the Auburn Engineering Family to connect, support and improve the lives of others.

http://eng.auburn.edu/scholarship-reception/