(Here is an article I wrote while on staff for The Glomerata. Each article was reviewed by a copy editor on staff.)
Rolling Toomer's corner, being able to recite the Creed and trying to avoid stepping on the sacred Auburn Seal are all activities students have cherished for decades, and these traditions describe the spirit and glory of Auburn. All these things are of equal importance, but a student can wonder what do non-Auburn fans think of when they think of Auburn? For some outsiders, they think of athletics or just a small town in Alabama.
However, most people consider the face of Auburn: Aubie the Tiger.
Aubie, the official mascot of the Auburn Tigers, has been around for generations. He was first depicted as a cartoon in 1959 on the Auburn vs. Hardin-Simmons football program cover by artist Phil Neel, and roughly 20 years later, Aubie transitioned from a cartoon character to reality. Thanks to James Llyod, then Auburn Spirit Director, Aubie came to life with his first costume and appearances at the 1979 SEC basketball tournament. Since then, Aubie has adapted his look with the everchanging times, but his spirit has always been the same: the fun-loving mascot everyone has come to adore. Today, Aubie holds nine national championships the most of any mascot in the country. Additionally, Aubie was the first mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006.
The teasing tiger has a reputation outside of Auburn as well and has become quite the popular figure. "Aubie is a very busy tiger," Director of Scheduling Mary Holland says. "He is requested for more than 1,500 appearances each year and attends about fifteen different appearances each week. As the Director of Scheduling, I receive appearance requests for Aubie months in advance. Many people think that Aubie only attends events in the Auburn/Opelika area. He can actually be found at many campus, community, athletic, alumni and out of town events all over the country, from New York to California."
With awards, championships and the overflowing love and support of the Auburn family, Aubie is one of the most successful collegiate mascots. Most students recall their favorite memories and stories of Aubie, but many fail to consider that Aubie has many memories and stories of his own. Aubie has seen the most iconic and famous moments that many of the Auburn family only dreams of experiencing in person. He has not only witnessed major Auburn victories, whether it be the "Kick Six" in 2013 or watching academic programs rise to the top in the nation, but he also has a personal role in each student's Auburn experience. Aubie greets incoming freshmen at Camp War Eagle and rides through campus on the first day of class, providing a breath of fresh air for those nervous for the semester. Aubie assists SGA during finals week by passing out doughnuts and coffee in the library, and he watches as the student section roars after a thrilling win. Aubie celebrates as students dip their Auburn ring into water from the President's fountain during the ring ceremony and stands by each student as they walks across the stage at graduation, completing their time at the university and transitioning into a new role as alumni in the Auburn family. Aubie is more than just a mascot; he is an ever-present figure in each individual student's journey. So even with Aubie's sentimental touch on each Auburn fan's life, Aubie is and always will be the silly mascot that knows how to make everyone smile. After all, many people say, "Women love him, Children adore him and Men want to be him."
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