Stalwart supporters of Auburn’s College of Education donate $5 million in planned gift honoring late son’s legacy

Scott Lawrence was one of Auburn University’s biggest fans and personified the Auburn Creed with a spirit that’s not afraid. 

With a strong love of life, others and Auburn — despite years battling a diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy — his story is one that continues to inspire 38 years after his untimely passing at age 18. Scott’s parents, Roger and Margaret Lawrence, have been stalwart supporters of Auburn University’s College of Education through an annual scholarship that was established in 2018 and endowed in 2020 in their son’s name. Recently, the Lawrences furthered that stalwart support in great measure with a $5 million planned gift that will honor Scott’s life and legacy for generations to come, benefitting Auburn’s Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) program. 

“Though confined to a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy, Scott encouraged others with his loving words and thoughtful deeds,” Roger Lawrence said. “He will be remembered for his zest for life, Christian spirit, courage in the face of adversity, concern for others, service to school and community and vision for the future. He touched hearts and changed lives. Scott loved Auburn, and the EAGLES Program is the perfect way to honor Scott’s life and legacy for generations to come.”

The planned gift by the Lawrences will go toward the Roger, Margaret, and Scott Lawrence Legacy Endowed Scholarship for the EAGLES Program in the College of Education, furthering the reach of the endowment to provide additional scholarships to EAGLES students. In appreciation of the gift, Auburn will recognize the generosity of the Lawrences and Scott’s legacy by naming the EAGLES suite in the College of Education’s new building the Scott Alan Lawrence Suite.  

“On behalf of the entire College of Education, I extend our deepest gratitude to Roger and Margaret Lawrence for their extraordinary generosity that honors the legacy of their son, Scott, and uplifts our mission of building a better future for all,” said Jeffrey Fairbrother, dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor of Auburn's College of Education. “We are grateful for the Lawrence family and their steadfast support, knowing the long-lasting impact their gift will have on our EAGLES program in further opening doors to opportunity and improving the lives of so many.”

The Scott Alan Lawrence Suite will be located in a prominent location on the first floor of the 167,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art College of Education building that’s located at the intersection of Samford Avenue and Duncan Drive. Currently, the EAGLES program is based out of Foy Hall. The EAGLES space in the new education building will include an EAGLES reception area, tech lab, kitchen and life skills lab for experiential learning.

Roger and Margaret said they are excited to see the new suite bearing Scott’s name as well as the many ways in which their gift will benefit future EAGLES students. 

“After Scott’s death, we wanted Scott’s legacy to continue,” Margaret Lawrence said. “This gift, in his memory, gives EAGLES students an opportunity to achieve their goals. His name on the suite will allow others to learn about Scott and how he was able to accomplish so much in his few years on Earth.”

Having a special location on campus named for Scott recognizes his immense love for and loyalty to Auburn. Scott was an avid sports fan, and his favorite team by far was Auburn. His parents were able to take Scott to football games, and they enjoyed tailgating with friends. Legendary football coach Pat Dye stayed in contact with Scott in the 1980s, having visited him and sent him correspondence. Scott even had the opportunity to be in the broadcast booth with Pat Sullivan and Jim Fyffe during an Auburn football game. 

At birth, Scott appeared to be healthy, and there was no evidence he had been born with a cruel and devastating disease. But when he was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Despite his diagnosis, his parents said Scott was always happy. And even though his muscles weakened as he got older, he had a very sharp mind. Scott enjoyed school and was up to any challenge. He was always thinking of others instead of himself, and he kept busy living life and encouraging and motivating others. 

“Anyone who met Scott will tell you their lives were made more meaningful for knowing Scott,” said Roger Lawrence.

To learn more about Auburn’s EAGLES program, visit the program’s website. Additional information about the new College of Education building also can be found online.