Parent & Family Association honors faculty, staff members who make an impact

Twice a year, the Auburn University Parent & Family Association Board of Directors honors faculty and staff who have had a positive impact on Auburn students and their families while exemplifying the Auburn Creed.

Parents and families nominate individuals who support and teach their students, and the board then selects three individuals as recipients. This past month, the board’s winter meeting began with a Faculty & Staff Awards Recognition Breakfast, where Benjamin Bush, Natalia Peterson and Angela Farmer were honored for their work on campus.

The first awardee was Benjamin Bush, Bauhaus Associate Professor and chair of the Industrial Design program in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. As director of the summer industrial design camp, Bush plays a crucial role in guiding the next generation of designers. One parent who nominated him said that in that role, he “single-handedly” changed the course of her daughter’s life – and motivated her son to apply to Auburn as well.

“Our entire family is deeply grateful for Benjamin Bush’s dedication,” the parent wrote. “His work has not only shaped our children’s futures but has also strengthened our family’s connection to Auburn University in meaningful ways. His impact will resonate with our family for years to come.”

The second honoree was Natalia Peterson, an academic advisor in the Harbert College of Business who advises business administration, business analytics and information systems management students. One parent said that when her student faced an unexpected medical situation that forced him to switch to online coursework, Peterson’s support and guidance ensured he was able to earn his degree.

“She showed my student that she truly believed in him,” the parent wrote. “Her encouragement and faith in his abilities gave him the confidence to work and study hard and continue to develop the skills needed to finish his business degree. Ms. Peterson’s belief in him transformed a challenging situation into one filled with hope, motivation and renewed determination.”

The final honoree was Angela Farmer, an academic coach in the Skill Academic Coaching program in Auburn’s Office of Accessibility. In a nomination letter, one parent said that Farmer supported her student with dyslexia and made sure he knew she was always there when he needed her.

“He was struggling in biology class, and he learned from her how to communicate with not only his biology professor, but his other professors as well,” she said. “She helped him by giving him the confidence to write emails, make appointments or to go talk to them in person. As a parent, I am firmly convinced he might not be a student today at Auburn University had it not been for Mrs. Farmer.” 

 For a list of past honorees, visit the Parent & Family Programs website.