Donor Spotlight: Price and Meg Hightower, Maggie (Hightower) Smith

College of Education Donor Support Spotlight:

Price and Meg Hightower, Maggie (Hightower) Smith

 

New Education Building room name:

Maggie Hightower Smith and Elizabeth Carol Preston Independent Living Classroom-1st Floor in the EAGLES Suite

 

Named after:

Maggie (Hightower) Smith and Elizabeth Preston

 

Their story:

Maggie and Elizabeth met during Maggie’s Miss Homecoming campaign, during which she chose the EAGLES Program as her platform. During and since her campaign, the EAGLES students, especially Elizabeth, have had a profound impact on Maggie’s life as well as that of her family. Their friendship has strengthened over the past several years and has reminded Maggie what true friendship looks like – honesty, loyalty, and a whole lot of FUN. Elizabeth stood by Maggie on her wedding day, and they will continue to stand by each other for years to come. 

Maggie and her family are passionate about the EAGLES Program and providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to help them achieve their employment and independent living goals. The Hightower family funded the new independent living classroom space in honor of their daughter and Elizabeth. Meg and Price, Birmingham, Alabama, residents, recently concluded their term on the EAGLES Engagement Council and continue to be actively involved in the College of Education in support of the EAGLES Program. Maggie and her husband, Clarkson, also reside in Birmingham. 

Maggie received her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Auburn in 2020, and Elizabeth—of Richmond, Virginia—completed the EAGLES four-year program in 2023. She has now made Auburn her home and works at Auburn Early Education Center.

 

Tell us the “why” behind your decision to name a room in the College of Education’s new building.

“I’ve had a heart for individuals with intellectual disabilities since I was a kid, because I grew up with two cousins who didn’t have access to the kind of opportunities that exist today,” Maggie said. “That passion led me to choose the EAGLES Program as my platform when I was nominated for Miss Homecoming during my senior year at Auburn. Throughout the campaign, I got to know the students in the program and one of them, Elizabeth Preston, quickly became one of my close friends. Our friendship shaped my Auburn experience in a way I’ll always cherish - so much so that she stood by my side as a bridesmaid at my wedding!

“Naming a room after the two of us felt like the perfect way to capture the spirit of the EAGLES program. It's not just about our friendship, it’s about the countless connections that have formed between EAGLES students and the rest of Auburn students. I wanted our names to stand as a symbol of inclusion, belonging, and the real impact these friendships have had.”

 

What excites you most about the College of Education’s new building?

“What excites me most is that, for the first time, students, faculty, and staff in the College of Education will have one central space to gather and collaborate,” Maggie said. “This building will foster connection and creativity in a whole new way, and I can’t wait to see the energy and innovation that will come from that!”

 

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

“Without a doubt, the EAGLES Program is my favorite part of the College of Education,” Maggie said. “I love how Auburn has fully embraced this group of students, showing them the support that makes the Auburn Family so special. To me, it’s a beautiful reflection of the Auburn Creed: ‘I believe in the human touch which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.’  The inclusion of EAGLES students doesn’t just benefit the students, it enhances the entire Auburn community. Just watch the jumbotron at any Auburn sporting event when the EAGLES are featured, and you will feel that ‘happiness for all!’”

 

What do you hope future generations will know about you/your family and the importance of the room that bears your family’s namesake?

“I hope this room tells two stories,” Maggie said. “First, I want it to serve as a reminder that opportunities for individuals with disabilities are growing every day. While my cousins didn’t have access to programs like the EAGLES program, I’m so encouraged by the progress being made. My hope is that families who walk into that room feel inspired and empowered by what's possible for their family members!

“Second, I hope this space celebrates the fun of friendship. My friendship with Elizabeth is one of my favorite parts of my time at Auburn, and it’s something that continues to bring joy to my life. I know there are so many more ‘Elizabeth and Maggie’ stories out there, and I hope this room becomes a place where those kinds of connections begin!”