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On Dec. 3, 2025, more than 50 students and faculty gathered at the Hotel at Auburn University for a luncheon celebrating National Prestigious Scholarships (NPS) Aspirants and their Outstanding Mentors. Students who apply to one or more nationally prestigious scholarships receive the designation of NPS Aspirant. Each Aspirant identifies a member of the Auburn community who has supported them during their academic journey, and that individual receives the designation of NPS Outstanding Mentor.

During the fall 2025 semester, 38 students applied for nationally prestigious scholarships. These students represented 28 majors across seven colleges. Many applied to multiple opportunities. In total, Aspirants submitted 51 applications to 19 scholarship programs.

Four people stand side by side indoors, each holding a certificate in front of them. Framed artwork hangs on the wall behind them.

a variety of programs celebrated

With the support of their Outstanding Mentors, Aspirants applied to a variety of programs. Some programs provide opportunities for students to study and work in Washington, D.C. for a summer or a full year (Hudson, Hertog, Gaither). Others help pay for tuition and other educational expenses while at Auburn (Goldwater, Udall, DOD SMART). Aspirants applied to a number of programs that provide funding for graduate school (Truman, Knight-Hennessy, Samvid, NSF GRFP), and for going abroad (Fulbright, CLS, JET, Princeton in Africa, Princeton in Asia, DAAD RISE). Some combined these areas and applied for scholarships that fund graduate study abroad (Rhodes, Marshall, Gates Cambridge).

The event opened with remarks from Chase Bringardner, associate provost for academic affairs, and Laura Stevens, director of the Honors College. Stevens noted, “Applying for national scholarships takes a great deal of effort, and it requires a particular type of courage: the willingness not only to compete in a national arena, but also to write a personal statement explaining who you are and why you are worth betting on as a stellar leader of our future. I am so proud of our students who stepped up to represent Auburn, and I am so grateful to the faculty, coaches and staff who supported them in this process.”

A group of people sit around a large round table with plates of food during a banquet-style meal. Additional attendees and a buffet area are visible in the background.

Recognizing Achievements

The celebration continued with Benjamin Fagan, assistant director for National Prestigious Scholarships, presenting Aspirants and Outstanding Mentors with certificates recognizing their achievements. Melissa Blair, professor and chair of history and an Outstanding Mentor, described the luncheon as “a wonderful event that enabled me to catch up with some stellar students and meet other exceptional Auburn undergraduates from across campus.” She added, “I was so impressed with the level of these extraordinary students, and I appreciated the lunch as a space where students from many different academic areas were celebrated together for their excellence.”

Although the Dec. 3 event recognized fall-semester scholarship applicants, several opportunities have deadlines later in the spring. The Office of National Prestigious Scholarships welcomes conversations with students, faculty and staff about these programs. The office is continuing to update its website, and those interested may contact Benjamin Fagan for more information or to schedule an appointment.