Donor Spotlight: Frech, Schmitt and Sanspree families

College of Education Donor Support Spotlight:

Frech, Schmitt and Sanspree families

 

New Education Building Lab names:

Frech Family Instructional Music Education Laboratory, Susan F. and Herbert P. Schmitt Instructional Computer Lab and Danny and Mary Jean Sanspree Instructional Flex Computer Lab

Named after:

Susan Frech Schmitt (class of 1969), Carole Frech Crabbe (class of 1966), Mary Jean Frech Sanspree (class of 1974), Sherry Frech Starr (class of 1974) and Barbara Frech Nevins (class of 1975)

Their story:

FRECH FAMILY INSTRUCTIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION LABORATORY

Susan Frech Schmitt, class of 1969, is a proud graduate of the College of Education at Auburn University. She is the daughter of Harry Eugene Frech, class of 1941, and one of five sisters representing the second generation of Auburn University graduates. Susan’s parents valued higher education and believed deeply in the enduring significance of a degree as a treasured achievement that “cannot be taken away.”

Susan’s four sisters — Carole Frech Crabbe (class of 1966), Mary Jean Frech Sanspree (class of 1974), Sherry Frech Starr (class of 1974) and Barbara Frech Nevins (class of 1975) — also completed their studies in the College of Education, demonstrating the family’s strong ties to Auburn University. 

Susan Frech Schmitt wishes to honor her parents and siblings and to continue her commitment to the College of Education by naming an instructional classroom.

SUSAN F. AND HERBERT P. SCHMITT INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTER LAB:

Susan Frech Schmitt graduated from Auburn University’s College of Education in 1969. Susan taught for some time upon graduating from “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

Susan and her husband, Herbert P. Schmitt, shared a love of education and made efforts to improve education through their careers and their philanthropy.

Susan made a significant contribution to Auburn University's College of Education building efforts.

DANNY AND MARY JEAN SANSPREE INSTRUCTIONAL FLEX COMPUTER LAB

Alfred “Danny” Sanspree and Dr. Mary Jean Sanspree are both 1974 graduates of Auburn University’s College of Education. They found their way to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains” where they had life-changing experiences, including falling in love with one another.

Danny was a football player, and Mary Jean was a cheerleader. They have multiple family members who have also attended Auburn University, strengthening their connection and commitment with the institution.

They made their first gift to the Auburn University College of Education in 1991 and have remained stalwart supporters of the college and university ever since, including being an early supporter of the new College of Education building. Danny and Mary Jean have a scholarship in the EAGLES Program.

 

Each lab’s area of focus:

FRECH FAMILY INSTRUCTIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION LABORATORY

Creating a dynamic environment for teaching, learning and research in music education.

 

SUSAN F. AND HERBERT P. SCHMITT INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTER LAB

To provide a technologically equipped environment to support teaching, learning and skill development.

 

DANNY AND MARY JEAN SANSPREE INSTRUCTIONAL FLEX COMPUTER LAB

To support a wide range of teaching and learning activities by providing a flexible, multipurpose environment.        

  

Q&As:

What was behind your decision to name a lab in the College of Education's new building?

By naming rooms, we wanted to support the College of Education as the building was planned, approved and begun by making our donations for both the Sanspree and the Schmitt technology labs. Technology was a specific objective because of the changes in the classroom and the need for future teachers to be prepared to address current and future pedagogy demands.  

The Frech Family Music lab is important to us because each of us have participated in music through band, choir and as enjoyment as a family.  Having an appropriately equipped classroom for both music and technology will encourage students to take part in instruction that is state of the art and competitive with other colleges and universities. 

What makes you most excited about the College of Education's new building?

 The new College of Education building is in an ideal location on campus as well as organized for students to have sophisticated instruction with faculty who have all teaching space, materials and equipment within the site where their offices are located.  The facilities will be an asset for recruitment of faculty and staff as well as students. The building is a great “update” from the current Haley Center location.

There's so much to love about Auburn and its College of Education.  What do you love most?

Within our family, we have four generations of Auburn graduates.  Five of us are graduates from the College of Education and we have all taught in the classroom, worked in the private sector, taught at the college level and used our knowledge for leadership in the community.  Auburn is home to us where we always experience the “Auburn Family” atmosphere as well as the pride that we acquired our education that prepared us for any career we secured. 

What do you hope future generations will know about you and the importance of the labs that bear your namesake?

Each of us wish that others understand our love for teaching and lifetime learning.  It is our hope that future teachers learn from the best instructors, that they have the confidence to continue their growth as professionals and that they can touch the lives of students in a positive way each day.  As Auburn graduates, it is our hope that future generations continue contact with the College and know that giving back to the College of Education is very important.