2024-2025 Campus Club President, Michelle Reed introduced our delightful Holiday Brunch speakers, Dr. Wheeler Foshee, Professor and Dr. Desmond Layne, Department Head and Professor to CC members
Horticulture Department Head, Dr. Desmond Layne, shared how Auburn University students majoring in horticulture are learning and applying their knowledge on how to establish, propagate and harvest fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants and manage aesthetically pleasing environments across the community, state, nation, and internationally.
It all begins with a chance.
meet our Auburn university First Lady, Mrs. Tracy RobertS
HOW TO DONATE TO AUBURN CAMPUS CLUB FIRST LADIES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Auburn Campus Club is committed to the support of a scholarship program that enables our legacy to continue for generations to come. Donations to the First Ladies Endowed Scholarship Fund are voluntary and represent Campus Club’s dedication to furthering the interests of Auburn University by supporting students with financial needs and/or demonstrated merit.
Campus Club members are encouraged to continue their support throughout the year knowing that we make a difference in Auburn students’ lives.
To Donate, Choose An Option Below:
Use the LINK in the main heading, “First Ladies Endowed Scholarship” “CLICK HERE” ,
Or use the link located just below this box.
Write and mail a check separate from the check for Membership and Events.
Donations of $50 or more are requested.
Make checks payable to AU FOUNDATION and this will ensure that your donation is tax deductible.
Write FIRST LADIES ENDOWMENT in the memo line.
Mail donation checks can be mailed to Auburn Campus Club P.O. Box 957 Auburn, Alabama 36831-0957.
Please make sure all mailing information is correct on your check in order to receive a tax deduction confirmation letter. If information is incorrect, please include current information with your check.
2024-2025 First Ladies endowed scholarship awardees
Many thanks to Dr. Foshee and Dr. Layne for introducing Campus Club members to the Scholarship Awardees and update us on what is new in Horticulture at the Holiday Brunch. For more information about the scholars; scroll down for all the bios and photos.
Meet Sue Loosier, our First Ladies Endowed Scholarship Program Chair for 2025-26. Look for Sue at Kickoff on Tuesday, September 16th, at the Scholarship Table!
Auburn’s First Lady Tracy Roberts is the dynamic wife of President Christopher B. Roberts. Tracy and Chris first met on the Plains in the late-1990s when Tracy was in Auburn one weekend to help plan a friend’s wedding. Ever since they first met more than 25 years ago, Chris has continued to carry the same piece of paper with Tracy’s phone number on it in his wallet. President and Mrs. Roberts will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in October.
Mrs. Roberts grew up in Griffith, Indiana, and moved to Huntsville when she was a teen and she is a graduate of Huntsville High School. Mrs. Roberts joined the U.S. Air Force and honorably served our country for four years. She was stationed in Germany at Spangdahlem Air Base, and worked with the base’s dental surgeon and with the base’s orthodontist.
Mrs. Roberts moved to Decatur, Alabama, where she continued to work as an orthodontic assistant. When she married President Roberts in 1998 and moved to Auburn, Mrs. Roberts worked with Dr. Scott Sprayberry as he was first opening his orthodontic practice. Auburn is where the Roberts’ youngest child was born. Both of their children are also graduates of Auburn High School and attended Auburn University.
In addition to being the place where she met her husband, Mrs. Roberts loves living in Auburn and enjoys being outdoors, taking golf and tennis lessons and biking. She also enjoys sewing, embroidering and attending Auburn Athletics events to enthusiastically cheer on the Tigers.
Mrs. Roberts is currently involved with Auburn Campus Club.
(Excerpts here are taken from the Auburn University website)
First Ladies Endowed Scholarship Fund Link
CLICK HERE
Want to learn more about our First Ladies Endowed Scholarship recipients? Scroll down to see the 2024-2025 biographies of these outstanding young Auburn students! Also, come back in November to see the 2025-26 bios!
Meet Our Founder and 11th First Lady
Mrs. Caroline Marshall Draughon, Auburn University’s eleventh first lady, was born in 1910 in Orrville, Alabama, a small community 15 miles southwest of Selma, Alabama. Mrs. Draughon came to Auburn with her husband in the fall of 1931 when he accepted a position in the history department of the then API – Alabama Polytechnic Institute. In 1946, Mrs. Draughon founded a “Newcomer’s Club” with the purpose to acquaint faculty wives with the community. Out of the Newcomers Club became what we now know as the Auburn Campus Club and was expanded to include all faculty wives. From 1947, when Dr. Draughon was named acting president of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, until his retirement in 1965 as president of Auburn University. "Miss Caroline", as she was fondly called, was a cherished figure on campus. In keeping with her Black Belt roots, she was a wonderful hostess and warmly welcoming first lady.
In 1996, the 50th anniversary year of Campus Club, membership was expanded to include “all AU employees, spouses, and friends of Auburn University.” Also, during the 50th anniversary year, the Caroline M. Draughon Endowed Scholarship was established in recognition of “Miss Caroline” to honor our founder. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student with high academic achievement in any university discipline who has demonstrated a need.
MEET and Greet
THE 2025-2026 First ladies endowed SCHOLARSHIP Fund RECIPIENTS
Kaylee Abbott
Meet Kaylee …
Kaylee is from beautiful Bedford, Virginia, located between Lynchburg and Roanoke. She has as her major, the area of Agricultural Science. Kaylee’s shares with us her desire as an Ag Science student, “to pursue a future career in ruminant nutrition”. Ruminant nutrition involves managing the diet of animals with a four-chambered stomach in order to optimize their health, growth, and production. We appreciate your passion for making our farm animals healthy, Kaylee! War Eagle!
Timber Black
Meet Timber …
Timber is a junior at Auburn in Agriculture Science with a minor in. Horticulture. She is from down I-65 south in the small community, which is home to Hank Williams, Georgiana, Alabama. Timber enjoys working with plants and learning all that she can about them. Timber tells us, “I have experience working with a municipal horticulture department where I got very good at watering and weeding planting beds.” In her spare time she loves to read, crochet, and go to the movie theater. We will be looking for your work in the future, Timber, making municipal areas beautiful!
Reagan Bolton
Meet Reagan …
Reagan’s major is in Horticulture and is specializing her study in fruit and vegetable production. Growing up in Bremen, Georgia, a community just off I-20 West, not far from the Alabama line. Reagan developed a deep love for fruit trees, gardening, and all things plants. She even regularly grows her own fruits and vegetables. She also enjoys baking and cooking, and she always has a craft project going. Reagans says, “I’m working toward a future in farming and orchard management and hope to build a career centered on growing quality produce and serving my community.” We hope to get to enjoy the fruits of your labor one day, Reagan!
Joshua fain*
Greet Joshua …
Joshua was introduced to us last year as a FL Scholarship recipient. Joshua is a Landscape Horticulture major and is from right here in Auburn. As you recall, Joshua shared with us that he is a very proud 4th generation horticulturist and he tells us, “I enjoy every bit of being outside and working in this field.” Joshua is also very active as the current president of the Landscape and Nursery Association and running his own landscaping business. We are excited for Joshua’s future and see it grow!
*Returning Scholar
Elena hamrick*
Greet Elena …
Elena is another familiar face as a returning FL Scholarship recipient from Powder Springs, Georgia. Elena shares that her major is in the Fruit and Vegetable Production track of Horticulture. She says, “I'm very detail-oriented and good with logistics. I love nurturing plants love and working with others and in a hands-on way”. Elena also loves to engage with my community by singing in two church choirs and working at the Freight Farms on Auburn's campus. We hope to see you back in Auburn after you graduate! War Eagle, Elena!
*Returning Scholar
Lane Booker
Meet Lane …
Lane hails from the small south Alabama community of Uriah (pronounced You-riah) which is smack in the middle of the Jackson, Monroeville, Atmore triangle. Lane is an Agricultural Science major and tells us that skills in crop management and equipment and operations are important; and where teamwork, technical and analytical skills, and work ethic are critical. Lane’s shares with us that he has interests and hobbies that include “row crop farming, raising cattle, hunting/fishing, expanding his expertise in all these areas”. We are glad you will be there for our farmers, Lane! War Eagle!
Anna Cleckler
Meet Anna…
Anna is a senior majoring in Landscape Horticulture from Clanton, Alabama, where the Cleckler name is widely known to all farmstand lovers! Anna tells us she will begin working on her Masters in Horticulture next year. After that her hope and desire is to continue her education to the end with a PhD with professorial ambitions. Currently Anna says she is “a teaching assistant for woody ID 1 which fits perfectly with her love for woody plants and identification”. We hope Anna finds herself in a classroom of her own in the future!
Matty Grace coghlan
Meet Matty Grace …
Matty Grace is from another small south Alabama community, McKenzie, just east of I-65 South between Georgiana and Evergreen. Matty Grace is a freshman at Auburn with a clear eye on where she wants to focus her study. Her plans are to major in Agricultural Science with minors in Agribusiness and Agricultural Leadership. She has “hopes to become a government lobbyist”. Go, Matty Grace and War Eagle!
Allayah Jewell
Meet Allayah …
Allayah, originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland (east of Alexandria, VA, and south of Washington, DC), is majoring in fruit and vegetable production area of Horticulture. Allayah tells us, “I’m loving it so much out here in Auburn”. Fortunately for Allayah’s friends, she is skilled in cooking and currently working on becoming skilled in baking! In her spare time she likes to take long walks in nature.
From Allayah, a personal note. “Thank you so much and War Eagle!" And from us, “Good luck, Allayah!”
caden neighbors*
Greet Caden …
We remember Caden as a returning scholarship recipient from last year. As a sophomore he is from right here in Auburn. Caden’s major is Horticulture with emphasis on fruit and vegetable production. Caden’s skills are in the areas of excellent communication, strong problem-solving, team building, and running farm equipment. Caden says, “I have a love of nature whether hunting or fishing” and as one might expect, “my hobbies include anything outdoors”. Most admirably he looks forward to “serving his country in the Air Force and making an impact in the field of horticulture”. We salute you and thank you for your service, Caden!
*Returning Scholar
Nate payne
Jesse is from Fyffe, Alabama. He is an Agricultural Science major who will be graduating in May 2026. Jesse shared with us that as part of his major he has had experience with “row crops, aerial pesticide applications, and fruit production”. After graduation, Jesse hopes to be employed in a field that pertains to his areas of experience. He specifically wants to help farmers as they develop skill in using drones to spray pesticides more precisely in areas of greatest need. Outside of school, you will find Jesse enjoying fishing, going to the gym, or spending time with friends. Best wishes, Jesse, as you support our farmers!
martin pinacho
Meet Nate …
Nate, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, moved to Auburn during his junior year of high school. It was then that he was “first introduced to agriculture.” Nate tells us that he “quickly developed a passion for it”. As a result of this introduction, Nate is “conducting undergraduate research here at Auburn University”. We are glad you are here, Nate, and hope you take AU with you wherever you may go!
Jesse Matthews
Meet Martin…
Martin comes to Auburn University from Abbeville, Alabama. Martin is majoring in Crop and Soil Science. Graduates of this program are focused on protecting the environment as they produce the “food, fiber, and resources” that that ultimately make our lives better each day. In Martin’s free time, he enjoys being a soccer fan! We salute your passion for creation! Good luck and best wishes, Martin!
Chase riley
Meet Chase…
Chase is a senior at Auburn University studying Landscape Horticulture with a minor in business. Chase shares that he “values the importance of designing and maintaining landscapes.” He says his goal is to “provide an optimal environment” so that people will take pleasure in their outdoor spaces and be able to enjoy nature in these spaces. Chase hopes that with internship experience and his love for horticulture, he can develop his career through professional management and service. Best wishes, Chase, and keep making beautiful outdoor spaces beautiful!
Rileigh Rogers
Meet Rileigh …
Rileigh, who loves “helping my parents on our family farm, caring for our honeybees and animals” is majoring in Horticulture with a focus on Nursery and Greenhouse Science at Auburn University. Rileigh tells us that she is from Greenville, Alabama and enjoys traveling. She says, “I’m excited about sharing my passion for agriculture and learning more about sustainable farming practices to implement on my family farm”. Good luck, Rileigh! Hopefully, we can exit at Greenville and visit your farm to stock up for the beach!
Daniel romine
Meet Daniel …
Daniel is a senior from Rogersville, Alabama, located between Athens and Florence on the beautiful Tennessee River, farming country in Lauderdale County. Daniel, a senior in Agricultural Science, “grew up working on a poultry and small cattle operation, so I know a little bit about chickens and cows”. He quite naturally enjoys “deer hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, and just about anything outside”. Best wishes for your future in farming, Daniel! We need our farmers!
callie ross*
Greet Callie …
Callie is a junior in Landscape Horticulture from Sardis City, Alabama located in both Etowah and Marshall counties near Boaz. Callie is a returning scholarship recipient and she shared with us last year she “likes to bake and try exciting new recipes.” She adds “that when I’m not working at the Paterson Greenhouse Complex, I (still) love to spend my time singing, and watercolor painting”. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for you, Callie. Best wishes and good luck, Callie!
*Returning Scholar
paulk smith
Meet Paulk
Paulk is an Agricultural Science major with a strong passion for the livestock and plant industries. As an active member of the Western Club, Paulk says he is a proud participant in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. He also works in horticulture, where he continues to build hands-on experience and deepen his understanding of plant production. When Paul is not studying or working, he shares that he “enjoys spending his time outdoors hunting and fishing”. Keep working hard, Paulk. Best wishes and War Eagle!
LiLlianna Webb
Meet Lillianna …
As an Agricultural Science student, Lillianna, doesn’t spend time beating around the bush. The first thing she tells us is, “growing up in Auburn”, she has been a “lifelong Auburn fan and bleed orange and blue”. It is not a surprise then that she chose Auburn University! Lillianna is a freshman this year and spends her free time growing her own fruits and vegetables; so it makes sense that she is minoring in Horticulture too. In my free time, she tells us, “I enjoy hanging out with my two horses, Hannah and Jerry! I am also a member of Lakeview Baptist Church and am involved in the college ministry”. We look forward to watching you grow in your passion for your field of study!
Hannah wade*
Greet Hannah …
Hannah, from Roswell, Georgia, was a FL scholarship recipient last year. Hannah is a senior this year and has maintained as her major the Horticulture on the Nursery and Greenhouse track with a minor in Entomology. She shared with us that she is “the treasurer of the Auburn University Landscape and Nursery Association”. Hannah loves to draw, write, and as one might expect, spend time in nature. Good luck and War Eagle, Hannah! Your leadership should take you places!
*Returning Scholar
Alannah Wiggins
Meet Alannah …
Alannah is from Arab (that is pronounced A-rab, not Air-ib), a beautiful area in north Alabama that is humorously near a fork in the road know as Egypt; but more importantly, it is near the breathtakingly beautiful Guntersville Lake. Alannah has Horticulture as her major with a concentration in Nursery and Greenhouse Production. Alannah tells us that she has “a passion for growing landscape plants and exploring different aspects of propagation”. In the time she has free as a busy student, she enjoys reading, shopping, and hiking. If having a nursery and greenhouse in beautiful north Alabama is in your future, Alannah, don’t be surprised to hear War Eagle if we visit!