Auburn Family supports students' basic needs

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

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

Loughridge is also the administrator of Auburn’s Welcome Home grant program, and in that role, he 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 to help offset the cost of attendance for select incoming freshmen with demonstrated financial need. And the Auburn Family’s generosity provides 100% of the funding. The program kicked off during the fall 2024 semester with 15 recipients. In 2025, the program awarded 16 students and through the Auburn Family’s continued support, that number will dramatically increase.

“No one gets their freshman year back,” Loughridge said. “The first year is special for students. We want them to remember being a freshman fondly — and to feel welcomed into the Auburn Family.”

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.

“Inflation has increased prices for everything these days, with food and housing costs being no exception,” 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. Student Affairs has 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 recipients can do just that.

“We want our dining program to incentivize students to spend more time on campus,” Loughridge said. “We want them to make friends, get engaged and to be able to find a place they enjoy eating in between classes. We’ve learned year after year that those experiences matter — not because of where they ate but because they were here on campus.”

A commitment to finding the students who will most benefit from this program created a natural partnership with Auburn’s Office of Enrollment Management and admissions advisors.

“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. “The enrollment office and admissions advisors are incredible partners and have really helped me understand how we can help more students experience Auburn.”

Admissions advisors who are on the front lines of recruiting and screening get to know students. They know how badly students want to attend Auburn. They know their personal stories. And they are also the ones who recommend students who would most benefit from this program.

Powerful Impact

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

This 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.”