Auburn Family helps students find their way home

Glenn Loughridge is on a mission. Whether through his role as Auburn’s director of Campus Dining or as the parent of a current student, the 1994 alumnus is determined to create the best student experiences he can.

“I love the idea that I can have an impact on someone’s Auburn experience,” Loughridge said. “That’s really what motivates me when I get up in the morning.” 

He recently added a new role at Auburn: administrator of the Welcome Home grant program. Donning this new hat, Loughridge has discovered an even greater opportunity to care for students as they begin their time on the Plains.

The Welcome Home program provides a stipend for select incoming first-year students with a demonstrated financial need. And the Auburn Family’s generosity has provided 100% of the funding. The program kicked off during the fall 2024 semester with 13 recipients, but the hope is that with the Auburn Family’s continued support, that number will dramatically increase.

“No one gets their freshman year back,” Loughridge said. “This time is special for students. We want them to feel differently about their college experience — to know that their time at Auburn is special.”

 The first group of recipients each received $2,500 toward their housing and dining expenses and for many, this support for their basic needs may determine whether they can attend — and thrive at Auburn.

“Prices are high for everything these days, but food and housing costs are through the roof,” he said. “By giving incoming freshmen in need a stipend to help them with these expenses, we’re providing a cushion for them during the crucial first year of their college career.”

Collaborative effort

Bobby Woodard, senior vice president for Student Affairs, saw the need for a program like Welcome Home after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Woodard is passionate about ensuring that financial need doesn’t prevent students from having access to the Auburn experience,” Loughridge said. “This program came from his vision to cast the net wider and support students who want to be at Auburn.”

The program is also aimed at helping students achieve their educational goals and graduate. Research indicates the first eight weeks of the year are critical in shaping students’ academic and social engagement, as well as overall retention. Student Affairs has also determined that students who spend more time on campus — eating in dining facilities, using campus resources and attending events — have higher GPAs and are more likely to complete their education. The Welcome Home program provides funds for meal plans and housing so they can do just that.

“We want them to spend time on campus,” he said. “We want them to make friends, get engaged and to be able to eat lunch in between classes. We’ve learned year after year that those experiences matter — not because they ate here but because they were here.”

A commitment to finding the students who will most benefit from this program created a natural partnership with Katie Morgan, an enrollment management coordinator.

“Who better to ensure we identify students who are passionate about being at Auburn but might need a little extra support than those who talk with potential students and their families every day?” Loughridge asked. “Katie is an incredible partner and has really helped me understand how we can help more students experience Auburn.”

Morgan has worked in various roles in Enrollment Services for the past 10 years and is finishing a doctorate in higher education administration. The soon-to-be, three-time Auburn graduate jumped at the chance to work with Loughridge on the Welcome Home program.

“Interestingly enough, I donated to this program when it was a Tiger Giving Day project,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘What a lovely thing Student Affairs and Auburn are doing for students with this.’ So when Glenn reached out, I realized this was an opportunity to directly support the effort.”

Morgan worked with admissions counselors who are on the front lines of recruiting and screening students. They get to know these students. They know how badly they want to be at Auburn. They know their stories. And they are the ones she relied on to recommend students who would most benefit from this program.

“We want to help our admissions advisors advocate for students. This program does that, and it’s one more way we can remove barriers for those who want to be here,” Morgan said. “I love Auburn, and I want everyone who truly wants to be here to benefit from the quality education and experience Auburn provides.”

Powerful impact

Initial funding for the program came from the Auburn Family’s support during 2023 Tiger Giving Day and an annual commitment from corporate partner Aramark.

The Auburn Family’s generosity made the Welcome Home program possible, and its continued support will be needed to provide increased funding for even more students.

“You can’t feel at home if your basic needs aren’t met,” Loughridge said. “That’s what Welcome Home is about — ensuring our students have what they need to succeed and knowing the entire Auburn community supports them. That’s what Auburn is about.”