4/29/05 Contact: David Granger, 334/844-9999 (grangdm@auburn.edu)
Deedie Dowdle, 334/844-9999 (ddowdle@auburn.edu)

AUBURN UNIVERSITY JUNIOR TO RECEIVE FIRST JAMES E. FOY SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP

AUBURN – Former Auburn University Dean of Students James E. Foy and AU’s Division of Student Affairs will award the first Foy Spirit Award Scholarship on Monday, May 2, at 4 p.m. in Room 217 of Foy Union.

AU junior Rachel Myers will receive the $1,000 scholarship, awarded to a rising senior demonstrating both academic excellence and service to the community.

The Spirit Scholarship is given in honor of Foy and his late wife, Emmalu, and was established by their daughters. Foy served AU as Dean of Students for almost 30 years, and both he and his wife worked closely with Auburn students as advisors and mentors until his retirement in 1978.

Foy, accompanied by his daughters, will present Myers with her scholarship at the 2004-2005 recognition reception for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Foy worked multiple jobs to pay his way through college, and was active in several honor societies and campus organizations. The scholarship recognizes students who reflect this same ‘Auburn Spirit’ by contributing their efforts to both AU and the community, while working to finance their own educations.

Myers, a junior in Nutrition and Food Science, impressed the scholarship selection committee by maintaining a consistent grade-point average, working two jobs and also finding time to volunteer with Morningside Assisted Living Community in Auburn.

“To be awarded a scholarship from someone like Dean Foy would be a humbling experience for anyone, but we are especially proud to honor this fine young woman,” said Wes Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs. “Working with Auburn students for almost 30 years, James and Emmalu Foy truly symbolize the values and leadership we enjoy seeing in all of our students.”

“As Dean of Students, Dean Foy was a strong advocate for students, evidenced by the university’s decision to name the union building after him,” said Debbie Shaw, Vice President for Alumni Affairs. “His wife, Emmalu, was not only his partner for 60 years, but was also involved with student leadership and promoting the Auburn spirit. With the establishment of this scholarship, the Foys will continue to impact students for generations to come.”

The Auburn Alumni Association plans to provide funding by next year for a $25,000 endowment for the scholarship. Auburn’s Panhellenic organizations are helping with this effort by selling sorority cookbooks for $15 each.

Dean Foy’s daughters graciously provided the money to award this year’s scholarship.

For more information, please contact either Julie Huff in the Division of Student Affairs at 844-5725 or hilljul@auburn.edu or Christy Flowers in Alumni Development at 844-3056 or flowecl@auburn.edu. If you are interested in purchasing a Panhellenic cookbook, please contact the office of Greek Life at Auburn University at 844-4600.

Auburn University is a pre-eminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with nearly 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama’s largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

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