It is impossible for me to provide a comprehensive review of Auburn University. I am not an Alumni, a current, or former student. I am not a resident of Auburn, nor Alabama for that matter. The experience that I have is from spending a week on Auburn's campus while my son was attending AU swim camp. So this review will simply be my observations, personal experiences and a little research to fill in the blanks.
First and foremost it is difficult to believe that Auburn was founded in 1856. The campus infrastructure just seems to new. Yes there is beautiful history at the most prominent buildings such as Samford Hall a block from downtown. But it's not the oldest, that distinction belongs to Langdon Hall built in 1846. Both of these structures precedes the name of the University which was first called East Alabama Male College. The college holds the designation that few universities can tout of land, sea and space grants.
What I found was many more new academic buildings, residence halls and athletic fields than I would have ever expected from a 100+ year old university. One glaring example is the Engineering quad. I had a chance to do a self guided tour of four of them. I was flat out blown away. What an incredible gift the benefactors have given the university in their millions to create these wonderful places of learning. Most interesting was the Legos Lab in the Mechanical Engineering School. Who would have thought that a kids toy would be utilized at the highest level of academia.
The campus is made up of around 25,000 students, but you would think it's much more by just looking at it's grandiose infrastructure such as the Jordan- Hare Stadium and the sprawling research and agricultural grounds. But actually the campus is quite contained and easy to walk in my opinion. It's flat and within 15 minutes you could cross from one side to the other with ease. However, if your driving watch out for the dreaded speed bumps every where... the university is serious about keeping traffic slowed down. For commuters your in great hands with the constant flow of Tiger Transit. I found that these Orange and White buses were every where around town, even in the Summer when so many students have packed up.
A few of the ancillary areas that are university affiliated that I enjoyed are the Davis Arboretum a true gem on campus, the Louise Krecher Ecological Preserve that is around four miles off campus and a recent acquisition in the 90's that serves as an outdoor ecological classroom. Finally the Jules Collins Smith Museum of Art that is not far off campus and is the only college art museum in the state. A stunner of a building that houses primarily 19th and 20th century American and European art.
I also observed college students relaxing after classes at night. Moe's BBQ and Little Italy Pizzeria were two establishments where I enjoyed some food and drink later in the evening. I witnessed a lot of drinking, but never any issues that would rise to the level of the police being called. AU students really enjoy local businesses who cater to their alcoholic taste with dirt cheap pitchers of beer as low as $3.99. With these prices heavy drinking takes place. I was impressed to find out that no one has to worry about a DUI with a network of FREE rides home on electric vehicles and other modes of transportation.
I heard during the week that the universities newest school would be medical. I am unsure how soon this is planned, but it must already be funded by the state and coming soon. Not only will the school benefit from a medial school, but the two of Auburn and its affiliated hospital
A few direct observations on what I had the most direct experience with... AU Swim Camp. Head Swimming & Diving Coach Brett Hawke ran a stellar camp for the kids and my son thoroughly enjoyed it. A highlight was Gold medalist Rowdy Gaines a former AU swimming standout who has spent 22 Summers assisting with the camp. He is a powerful speaker and at 57 looks awesome and can still kick butt in the pool too.
I could not have been more pleased to have enjoyed AU for the week. I knew next to nothing about the school, or Auburn until I rolled into town. I made it my mission to get out as much as possible and learn what I could during my week stay. I wish that I had more time to further explore, but am grateful for the time I had and also learned what all this WAR EAGLE stuff means... it is the AU battle cry. read more