Civil and Environmental Engineering senior named Auburn Engineering graduation marshal

Benjamin Steber, a graduating senior in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will lead Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering class of 2024 at its summer commencement on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Steber’s academic journey at Auburn has taken a few turns. He started as a chemical engineering major but switched to civil and environmental engineering after three semesters. Once he made the change, he began to build the foundation to set him on the path to success.

“As a child, I had dreamed of becoming an architect and was generally fascinated with all things construction, including an unhealthy amount of time spent building with Legos,” Steber said. “My grandfather worked as a mechanical contracting estimator his whole life, so I grew up around construction. Civil engineering combined my love for construction and building with the challenge of solving complex, real-world problems.”

Beyond earning his Auburn degree, Steber was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. During his time in Engineers Without Borders, he was the construction lead for a project that implemented a water distribution system for communities in Xeo, Guatemala, that now provides clean water to more than 200 families.

Additionally, he has earned the Birdsong Study Abroad Scholarship, been an active member of Chi Epsilon (the Civil Engineering Honor Society) and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Also, he was a teaching assistant with Engineering Research Operations and completed the Harbert College of Business study abroad business minor.

Steber knew the prestige and importance of an Auburn Engineering degree in the workforce, but the Auburn experience left an impact that he will remember forever.

“What I love most about Auburn are the people. I have met incredible people in every aspect of my Auburn experience,” he said. “Being able to spend time learning and meeting such a diverse group of people as the Auburn Family has undoubtedly made me a better person.

“When you hear Auburn Engineering provides the best student-centered experience in America, it’s more than just a tagline — it’s the truth.”

After graduation, Steber will begin his career with McCarthy Building Companies in Atlanta. He also has plans to pursue a master’s degree in legal studies at Texas A&M in construction and real estate law.

"Benjamin embodies the true spirit of an Auburn Engineer both in and out of the classroom," said Mario Eden, Dean of Engineering. "From leading a critical project to bring clean water to Guatemala, to earning memberships in Chi Epsilon and the American Society of Civil Engineers and guiding his peers to success as a teaching assistant, Benjamin exemplifies the excellence we strive for. We are immensely proud to have him represent the Auburn Engineering graduates and lead our summer class of 2024 at the commencement ceremony."

Commencement inside Neville Arena begins at 6 p.m. with alumnus Beau Byrd, ’89 accounting, delivering the keynote address. He is a partner at the Bradley Law Firm in Birmingham, specializing in commercial real estate and lending transactions.

Additional information, including updates regarding inclement weather, is available on the commencement website, and information will be posted on the Facebook and Instagram accounts.

All ceremonies will be live-streamed, and recordings will be available on the commencement website following the weekend festivities. Graduates and their families are encouraged to check the website regularly for updated information.

You can listen to Steber reflect on his Auburn experience and discuss his future plans below.