Lillee Lombardo named College of Agriculture summer graduation marshal

Lillee Lombardo is the Auburn University College of Agriculture's summer 2026 student marshal, an honor that recognizes her outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service throughout her undergraduate career.

An agricultural science major from Auburn, Lombardo graduates with a 3.97 GPA and distinguished herself through undergraduate research, student leadership and involvement across the college.

Since 2024, Lombardo served as an undergraduate research fellow in postharvest physiology, where she contributed to research focused on storage duration, composition and phytonutrient analysis. Her work was showcased through poster and oral presentations at the Auburn University Research Symposium, the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science Conference and the College of Agriculture Graduate Research Poster Showcase.

Outside the laboratory, Lombardo was an active leader in Block and Bridle, serving as first reporter and later first marshal, roles in which she helped document club activities and design organization merchandise. She was also involved in Collegiate Cattlemen's and National FFA and is a member of Delta Zeta. She earned Dean's List recognition every semester from fall 2023 to spring 2026.

As student marshal, Lombardo will represent the College of Agriculture during Auburn's summer commencement ceremonies.

Reflecting on her Auburn experience, Lombardo encourages future students to embrace the opportunities available to them.

"My advice to incoming Auburn ag students is to take your time and get involved in any way you can," Lombardo said. "Whether that is through clubs or finding a professor to do undergraduate research with, there are so many opportunities here to help you get involved. I met some of my best friends and made some of my most precious memories through my involvement with the organizations that are part of the College of Ag."

Among her favorite Auburn memories are the traditions that brought her together with fellow students.

"I don't know if I can narrow it down to a single favorite memory, but the football games were one of my favorite things about my time here at Auburn," Lombardo said. "I've grown up going to the football games since before I can remember, but getting to actually sit in the student section and cheer on the team with my friends and peers truly made me feel like a part of the Auburn Family."

Following graduation, Lombardo will remain at Auburn to pursue a master's degree in horticulture under the direction of Assistant Professor Marlee Trandel-Hayse. Her graduate research will aim to improve fruit quality in Alabama schools.

"My project will focus on extending strawberry shelf life in Alabama elementary schools with relative humidity treatments," she said. "I have had so much fun working under Dr. Trandel-Hayse since my freshman year as her undergraduate research assistant, and I am so excited to continue with her."