Congratulations to Our A-Day Award Winners
There are few traditions more deeply rooted in Auburn than the annual A-Day festivities. It’s a day that brings together the past, present, and future—celebrating the rich culture, storied legacy, and passionate community that make Auburn truly special. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a proud alum, or a student in the heart of it all, A-Day holds a unique place in your heart. But among the tailgates, the reunions, and the spring game energy, one event stands out for its spotlight on the true stars of Auburn: the A-Day Award Winners.
This year, we are proud to recognize an extraordinary group of individuals who embody the spirit of Auburn in every way. These honorees have gone above and beyond—not only in athletic performance, academic achievement, or community service—but in representing the values that make Auburn more than just a place. These awards celebrate leadership, perseverance, character, and a relentless drive to make a difference. So let’s take a moment to give them the standing ovation they deserve.
What Is A-Day?
Before diving into this year’s award recipients, it’s important to understand the significance of A-Day itself. Traditionally held in the spring, A-Day is a celebration centered around the Auburn Tigers’ football scrimmage, which gives fans a glimpse at the upcoming season. It’s also an opportunity for alumni to return home, for students to engage with tradition, and for the entire Auburn Family to come together in pride.
Over time, A-Day has evolved into more than just a football game—it’s a showcase of excellence. From academic symposiums to service projects, from campus-wide open houses to alumni gatherings, A-Day has become a multifaceted event that reflects the heart and soul of Auburn University.
Among these events, the A-Day Awards hold a place of honor. These awards recognize students, athletes, faculty, and community members who have exemplified what it means to live the Auburn Creed. And this year, the honorees truly set the bar high.
The 2025 A-Day Award Winners: Honoring Those Who Inspire
1. The James E. Foy Spirit of Auburn Award – Jordan Matthews
This prestigious award, named in honor of one of Auburn’s most beloved deans, celebrates an individual who has made a lasting impact on the Auburn community through service, spirit, and leadership. This year’s recipient, Jordan Matthews, has served as the President of the Student Government Association and led several campus initiatives focused on mental health, sustainability, and equity.
Known for her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to student wellbeing, Jordan is more than a leader—she’s a force for unity and progress. Her work on the Tiger Together campaign, which brought together students across campus for inclusive events and dialogue, has left an indelible mark.
2. The Cliff Hare Award – Malik Thompson
This award, named after one of the university’s early pioneers, is presented to a senior student-athlete who has excelled both on the field and in the classroom. Linebacker Malik Thompson perfectly fits that mold.
A standout on the football field, Malik has also maintained a 3.9 GPA as a mechanical engineering major. He’s served as a peer mentor, a tutor for underclassmen athletes, and an advocate for student-athlete mental health. His ability to balance the intense demands of D1 athletics with academic excellence is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
3. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – Dr. Camille Rogers
This national award, bestowed upon one student and one non-student each year, honors individuals whose lives exhibit outstanding character and service to others. Dr. Camille Rogers, an associate professor in the College of Education, is this year’s non-student recipient.
Her work in rural education reform has helped bring technology and resources to underfunded schools across Alabama. Students describe her as a “life-changer,” and her community outreach programs have provided hundreds of children with access to after-school support and summer enrichment.
4. The W. James Samford Jr. Foundation Award – Tyler Brennan
Awarded for outstanding leadership and community service, this honor goes to someone who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to bettering the Auburn and greater Alabama community. Tyler Brennan, a senior in political science, has spent the last two years leading voter registration drives and organizing town halls across campus.
His passion for civic engagement is contagious, and his work has helped increase student voter turnout by over 40%. He’s currently preparing for law school and plans to continue advocating for youth empowerment and access to education.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes
5. Auburn Serves Award – Alicia Nwosu
Alicia, a nursing student and ROTC cadet, has logged over 500 service hours with local health clinics and veterans’ organizations. Her tireless efforts to bridge healthcare gaps for underserved communities have earned her this year’s Auburn Serves Award.
6. The Spirit of the Tiger Award – Coach Tasha Grayson
This award recognizes individuals who bring extraordinary energy and passion to the Auburn experience. Coach Grayson, head of Auburn’s women’s softball program, has led her team to three consecutive SEC championship appearances, all while instilling values of respect, resilience, and camaraderie in her athletes.
She’s also deeply involved in mentoring female coaches across the Southeast, encouraging more women to step into leadership roles in sports.
7. Campus Impact Award – Green Tigers Coalition
This year, the Campus Impact Award went to the student-led Green Tigers Coalition, a group focused on making Auburn more sustainable. From launching composting initiatives in dining halls to organizing a campus-wide Earth Day festival that drew over 5,000 attendees, their work has been transformative.
Academic Excellence in Action
8. Undergraduate Research Award – Nadia Patel
Nadia, a senior in biomedical sciences, has spent the past year working on groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine. Her project on neural tissue engineering is already being reviewed for publication in a leading scientific journal, and she recently presented at an international conference in Berlin.
9. Faculty Innovator Award – Dr. Terrence Liu
Dr. Liu, from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Innovator Award. His development of adaptive learning technologies has helped revolutionize how engineering courses are taught, boosting student engagement and retention across the board.
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
10. Inclusive Excellence Award – The Mosaic Mentorship Program
This award recognizes outstanding efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable campus. The Mosaic Mentorship Program pairs incoming students of color with upperclassmen and alumni mentors to ensure a smooth transition into college life. Under the leadership of Program Director Jamie Le, the initiative has grown exponentially and now serves over 600 students.
Looking Forward
These A-Day Award recipients are not only shining examples of individual excellence—they’re reflections of the Auburn Family at its best. Their stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms. It’s the quiet persistence of someone volunteering in the community each weekend. It’s the late-night studying and early-morning practices. It’s the courage to challenge the status quo and the heart to serve others without recognition.
As we move forward from another memorable A-Day, we carry with us the inspiration of these winners. Their journeys reaffirm our belief that Auburn is not just a university, but a way of life—a place where character matters, where service is sacred, and where excellence is pursued with humility and heart.
To our 2025 A-Day Award Winners: thank you. Thank you for your contributions, your leadership, and your love for Auburn. You make us proud. You make us better. And you remind us all why we say, without hesitation—
