#United States #Auburn University #Auburn, Alabama #Samuel Ginn #Ginn Scholars

A Landmark Donation for Auburn University

Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has reached a significant milestone with a recent commitment of $30 million from the college's namesake and the Ginn Family Foundation. This contribution marks the largest single donation aimed at scholarships in the institution's history, establishing the new Ginn Scholarship Program. The program aims to ease the financial burdens faced by students pursuing higher education in engineering, a field that is crucial for technological advancement and economic growth.

The Purpose of the Ginn Scholarship Program

The Ginn Scholarship Program is set to provide up to 40 annual scholarships that will cover the complete cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for selected scholars for up to five years. This initiative not only underscores the Ginn family's commitment to fostering educational opportunities but also aims to support merit-based scholars who have demonstrated leadership in their communities and have attended Title I high schools in Alabama.

Sam Ginn, the benefactor behind this initiative, shared insights about his own college experience, emphasizing the financial challenges he faced as a student. His aspiration for this scholarship program is to alleviate the financial concerns surrounding higher education, thereby allowing students to concentrate on their studies without the constant worry of tuition debt.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, candidates must meet specific requirements including:

• - Demonstrating financial need
• - Graduating from a Title I high school in Alabama
• - Being admitted to the College of Engineering
• - Exhibiting leadership qualities through community involvement
• - Embodying values aligned with the Auburn Creed

Support Beyond Financial Aid

In addition to financial support, the Ginn Scholars Program aims to facilitate the transition for these students into university life. Incoming students will receive assistance navigating the rigorous curriculum and available resources. The program will provide students with dedicated study spaces to foster collaboration and growth, along with workshops on personal finance and other skills necessary for their future careers.

New scholars will participate in a first-year seminar designed to familiarize them with the college's support services, while also providing a community for them to connect early in their academic journey. This structure not only enhances their educational experience but also builds a lasting camaraderie.

A Brief History of Support from Sam Ginn

Sam Ginn, a proud alumnus of Auburn's College of Engineering, has a long-standing history of philanthropy towards his alma mater. His previous donation of $25 million in 2001 was unprecedented at the time and led to the naming of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. This initial investment also catalyzed the creation of a wireless engineering program, positioning Auburn as a leader in engineering education.

Mario Eden, the current dean of engineering, highlighted the continuing impact of Ginn's contributions. He expressed how this new investment would dramatically increase accessibility to quality engineering education for hundreds of students from Alabama. This aligns with Auburn's mission as a land-grant institution, making education more accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Sam Ginn's Background and Achievements

Ginn's journey is remarkable. After graduating in 1959 with an industrial engineering degree, Ginn embarked on a distinguished career spanning over three decades at AT&T. He notably left his role as CEO of Pacific Telesis to head a spin-off focusing on wireless assets, which eventually became AirTouch — the largest cellular company worldwide at its peak. Following its sale to Vodafone for $65 billion in 1999, Ginn remained a prominent figure in various startups and board positions, demonstrating his unwavering connection to innovation and technology.

His honors include an Honorary Doctor of Science from Auburn University and induction into multiple halls of fame, further validating his contributions to both industry and higher education.

Closing Thoughts

As Ginn noted, his experiences and the values instilled during his time at Auburn were transformational. Both he and his family view this substantial donation as a way to honor the university and its role in shaping their lives. With the Ginn Scholars Program, they are committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders, laying a solid foundation for the future of engineering education at Auburn University.