An Abridged Sesquicentennial History of Auburn University
by Robert
2-1-06

As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Auburn University, it seems appropriate to take a look back at the glorious history of this school. In this timeline we will hit some of the highlights that have withstood the test of time and taken their place firmly in the books of Auburn University History.

1856
Things start off in the grand ole year of 1856 when Auburn University is chartered under the name East Alabama Male College. The East Alabama Male College would later undergo a name change to the Auburn University Engineering Department.

1892
Two students say “War eagle!” at the same time unknowingly having the first “War Eagle Moment”

1945
The Auburn Creed is composed by George Petrie and never again would a Homecoming or Miss Auburn candidate be without a line to close her campaign speech.

1955
Composer Robert Allen is commissioned by Roy B Sewel to write Auburn a new fight song. Allen composes the famous, War Eagle as a gift to the school.

1956
Auburn forgets to renew the rights to the fight song thus losing ownership of the piece. Later that year EA sports unanimously votes to include the “realistic fight song” feature in their newest game, NCAA Football 1956 with the logic that all schools probably own the rights to their own fight songs, and will happily grant them the use.

1956
Auburn officials forget to celebrate the schools 100th birthday. Instead, administrators send the school a belated birthday card and vow to “make it up” during the sesquicentennial.

1960
Alabama Polytechnic Institute becomes Auburn University, much to the delight of overworked end zone painters.

1965
Bobby Lowder does a “What I want to be when I grow up” report on becoming an overbearing, money grubbing trustee of a large university.

1974
Construction begins on the new sidewalk across from Jordan Hare stadium. School officials say “Just this one sidewalk right here and we’ll be done.”

2003
Auburn is placed on probation by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. Auburn students begin to brainstorm possible uses for their soon to be worthless diplomas.
-Ideas included: Dinner Table place mat, truck mud flap, perfect prop for someone going to a Halloween party dressed as a recent College Graduate, and a jig saw puzzle.

2005
Auburn names playing field Pat Dye Field in honor of former head coach Pat Dye. Brodie Croyle provides historic first taste test.

So there you have it, a small sampling of the great past that makes up our great school. I suppose I’ll end this by wishing Auburn University the happiest birthday that an inanimate object could have; May you have another great fifty years, and once you do I’ll see you all back here for the Bicentennial when I come cruising up in my power chair at the ripe ole age of 72. War Eagle!


Robert is the Editor of The Auburn Weekly. He can be contacted at robert@theauburnweekly.com