#GINNing Podcast: CEE standout to serve as Auburn Engineering graduation marshal

Connor May, a graduating senior in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will serve as Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering graduation marshal at its fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13.

From Hoover, May’s decision to attend Auburn was led by two factors — family and education.

“My family heavily influenced my decision to attend Auburn. My mom and brother graduated from Auburn so I was introduced to the campus from a young age,” May said. “When I decided to study civil engineering, learning that Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is among the best in the south made the decision even easier.”

As vice president of Auburn’s American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter, May immersed himself not only in academics, but also in extracurriculars. During his time at Auburn, May was involved in the ASCE Student Steel Bridge competition, Greek life and on-campus research.

When asked to describe his journey at Auburn, May choose one word — perseverance.

“Perseverance is something I had to learn early on in my college career. There were times when things didn’t go as planned but staying consistent and not giving up helped me keep moving forward,” May said. “Looking back, I’m grateful for those challenges because they taught me resilience and shaped me into the person I am today.”

After graduation, May will return to Birmingham to begin his career as a staff engineer at GW Systems. May will also be continuing his education through Auburn’s online master’s program in civil engineering.

Commencement will begin at 6 p.m. in Neville Arena. Sarah Barber Newton, a 1974 graduate of the College of Education, will deliver the keynote address.

Additional information is available on the commencement website and will be posted to Facebook and Instagram. All ceremonies will be livestreamed and recordings will be available on the website following the weekend festivities.