A conversation with College of Human Sciences President’s Award winner Claire Congo

A native of Madison, Alabama, Claire Congo has been a regular on the College of Human Sciences’ Dean’s List and has received Honors Scholar distinction from the Auburn University Honors College. She currently serves as the vice president of Kappa Omicron Nu, a Human Sciences honor society, and the treasurer of Omicron Delta Kappa, a service honor society. Congo was a top five Miss Auburn candidate, a student recruiter, a student alumni ambassador, a nutrition peer tutor and has served as the College of Human Sciences’ president and the vice president of operations and campus relations for the Campus Kitchen while maintaining various roles in her sorority, Chi Omega. She serves on the Dean’s student advisory council and the nutrition science student advisory council.

The President’s Award ceremony took place April 17 and recognizes one graduate in each college who has completed at least three semesters at Auburn with a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 and possesses outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability. As the 2025 President’s Award winner in the College of Human Sciences, Congo shares more about her Auburn experience and future plans.

Where are you from and what is your year and major?

I’m a senior from Madison, Alabama majoring in nutrition science on the pre-dentistry track.

What was your initial reaction after learning you would be receiving the President’s Award?

I was so honored and humbled to hear the news! There are so many incredible people in our college, so to be recognized in this way is truly overwhelming. I am so grateful, not only for this award, but for the mentorship and support I have received over the last four years.

How do you feel your major within Human Sciences has prepared you for the future? Have there been any particular classes or faculty members who have helped you succeed along the way?

Studying nutrition science with the intent of going into the healthcare field gives me a unique perspective on medicine and how treating patients comprehensively will benefit their health long-term. One of my most impactful mentors is Mrs. Linda Bruner, my Pre-Health Advisor, who has helped me succeed at Auburn and beyond through preparing my dental school application. Also, I cannot say enough good things about Dean Susan Hubbard. Her dedication to this college, her willingness to listen, and her kindness make this college a home for students, and she has inspired me as a leader. This college is full of people who care and want students to succeed, and I am so thankful. 

Are there other organizations or clubs that you were involved with that you believe helped shape your overall experience and success at Auburn?

My most rewarding experience was serving with Campus Kitchen for the last four years. Beginning as a volunteer and eventually serving as the vice president of operations showed me the full scope of food insecurity in our community and the active role and responsibility we have to make a difference. Serving as president of the College of Human Sciences was an incredible honor, to represent something so much bigger than myself and to advocate on behalf of students. I also was honored to be selected as a Top 5 Miss Auburn candidate last year. I served in various capacities in my sorority, Chi Omega, which brought me some of my closest friends. Within the college, I served as a peer tutor, as a peer advisor, on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and as vice president of Kappa Omicron Nu, the Human Sciences Honor Society. I have also been part of Student Alumni Ambassadors, Pre-Dental Association, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Honors College during my time at Auburn.  

Do you have a favorite memory or something that sticks out in your mind during your time at Auburn?

Every day in Auburn is a favorite memory, because each day just gets better than the one before! One memory that comes to mind is going on the Mediterranean Diet Tour Study Abroad, led by Dr. Michael Greene, a professor in nutrition. Through this trip, I gained such an appreciation for olive oil, local farming and pasta. I met some of my best friends who have made my Auburn experience even more meaningful!

Can you share what some of your potential plans will be upon graduating from Auburn?

I will be attending dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry to then serve my community as a dental specialist.