Happy Easter, Auburn Family and Prayer!
As the sun rises on another beautiful Easter morning, the Auburn Family joins hearts across the nation and the world in celebration. Easter is a time of joy, renewal, and reflection—a moment to embrace the beauty of life, the power of hope, and the bonds that tie us together. Whether you’re gathered with loved ones in your hometown, celebrating with friends in the heart of Auburn, or tuning into Easter services from afar, know that you are never far from home. Because once you’re part of the Auburn Family, you carry it with you always.
A Season of Renewal
Spring has always been a season of transformation. Dormant trees awaken with buds of green, flowers stretch toward the light, and the air hums with new energy. In Auburn, the campus comes alive in a way that only spring can bring—students spill out onto the green spaces, Toomer’s Corner becomes a swirl of orange and blue, and the buzz of warm weather, approaching finals, and graduation dances through the streets.
And in the heart of spring lies Easter—a celebration of resurrection, of overcoming darkness with light, and of finding peace and purpose anew. For many, it’s a deeply spiritual time, marking the cornerstone of their faith. For others, it is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection with those they love. For all, Easter carries the promise of new beginnings.
At Auburn, this idea of renewal is something we understand well. It’s in our motto—“I believe in work, hard work.” It’s in our daily striving to be better students, alumni, leaders, and citizens. We believe in rising up to meet challenges, in extending kindness when it’s hard, and in choosing integrity even when it’s not convenient. Easter reminds us that no matter how long or dark the season has been, hope has the power to rise again.
The Auburn Family Spirit
What makes Auburn more than just a place is the people who give it life. We often talk about the “Auburn Family”—not as a slogan, but as a living, breathing truth. It’s the feeling you get when you pass another Auburn alum in the airport and exchange a hearty “War Eagle!” It’s the comfort of knowing someone will always hold the door open, will always say hello on the concourse, will always show up for you—win or lose, rain or shine.
On Easter, that spirit of connection becomes even more profound. Across the world, members of the Auburn Family wake up in different time zones, speak different languages, celebrate in diverse ways—but share a common foundation of values: faith, love, service, and the commitment to leave the world better than we found it.
Whether you’re attending Easter services at Auburn United Methodist Church, Christ the King, St. Michael’s, or any of the other welcoming sanctuaries in town… whether you’re enjoying brunch at your favorite local spot, or hiding Easter eggs in your backyard with family and friends—you’re participating in something larger than yourself. You’re continuing a legacy of community.
Faith and Tradition on the Plains
Easter has long held a special place on the Plains. The Auburn community—rich in faith, tradition, and service—finds countless ways to mark this holy day. Sunrise services hosted on Samford Lawn have drawn believers to gather in reverence, the iconic backdrop of Samford Hall catching the golden morning light. Student-led ministries organize worship nights and outreach events, drawing hundreds to fellowship and prayer. Families gather under the blooming trees of Kiesel Park for egg hunts, picnics, and joy-filled afternoons that echo with laughter.
And let’s not forget one of the sweetest Auburn traditions of all—rolling Toomer’s Corner. While not exclusive to Easter, the sight of those beloved oak trees covered in white can feel like a symbol of celebration in its own right. During Easter weekend, the rolling might come after a thrilling baseball win, a spring football showcase, or simply from the pure delight of being together. It’s a moment where tradition meets joy.
That’s the beauty of Auburn. We blend the sacred and the simple. The profound and the playful. The solemnity of Easter morning and the silliness of a backyard egg toss. Both have their place in the tapestry of this season.
Messages of Hope from Our Community
This Easter, we pause to hear from members of the Auburn Family who reflect on what the season means to them:
Sarah Collins, Class of ’98, Atlanta, GA:
“Easter always reminds me of what it felt like to come home. When I was a student, I couldn’t always travel home for the holiday, but I never spent it alone. My Auburn roommates and I would cook brunch, attend services together, and celebrate like sisters. Twenty years later, we still call each other on Easter Sunday. That’s the Auburn Family.”
Marcus Green, Junior, Political Science Major:
“My faith is everything to me, and being part of a university where I can live that out so freely has meant the world. Easter is my time to reset, to focus on what really matters, and to thank God for all I’ve been given.”
Emily & Jake Henderson, Newlyweds, Class of 2022:
“Our first Easter as a married couple is here, and we’re spending it in Auburn—where we met, where we got engaged, and where our story started. We’ll walk across campus this afternoon and remember why we fell in love—with each other, and with this place.”
These stories are just a few among thousands. Every Auburn Tiger has a different journey, but Easter is a reminder that we are all connected by a shared purpose—to be people of character, compassion, and community.
A Call to Serve
At the heart of Easter is service—the ultimate sacrifice, and the ultimate example of love. As we celebrate, we’re also called to look beyond ourselves and find ways to serve those in need.
In Auburn, that spirit of service shines bright. Campus ministries and student organizations host food drives, shelter outreach, and mentorship programs all year, but especially during Holy Week. Churches open their doors to everyone—offering not just worship, but meals, counseling, and comfort. Families in the community donate time and resources to make sure no one feels forgotten.
This Easter, consider how you might serve. Can you reach out to someone who’s alone this weekend? Donate to a local pantry? Volunteer with a cause close to your heart? Even the smallest act of kindness ripples outward.
Let’s carry that servant heart into the weeks beyond Easter. Let it shape how we treat each other in the classroom, on the sidewalk, in Zoom meetings, and on football Saturdays. Let it guide how we respond to disagreement, to difficulty, to disappointment. Service isn’t always glamorous. But it’s always powerful.
A Prayer for the Auburn Family
As we gather this Easter, may we offer this prayer for all who wear the orange and blue:
Lord, thank you for the gift of life, for the promise of new beginnings, and for the power of love to overcome all things. Bless the Auburn Family—our students, faculty, alumni, and friends. Keep them safe, guide their steps, and fill their hearts with peace. May this Easter be a time of joy, restoration, and purpose. May we reflect Your light in all we do. Amen.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we look toward the rest of the semester, toward finals, graduation, summer jobs, and reunions, let us carry Easter with us—not just as a day, but as a mindset. Let us be people who rise above, who believe in better days, who speak life into our communities, and who love boldly.
Easter doesn’t mark the end of something—it marks the beginning. A chance to start fresh. To forgive. To grow. To build something new.
And what better place to do that than here, with the Auburn Family?
War Eagle, Always
So today, as you hunt eggs, hug your grandparents, watch your kids run across the yard, or take a peaceful moment to yourself—know that you are loved. You are part of something special. And wherever this Easter finds you, the spirit of Auburn is with you.
We wish you joy, peace, and countless blessings this Easter. From our hearts to yours—Happy Easter, Auburn Family.
