, in this issue read about our alumni spotlight, hear from Dr. Fagan and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities.
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Community, Research and Industry: How Jack Janik made the most of his Auburn journey
Jack Janik’s time at Auburn University was shaped by curiosity, collaboration and a growing passion for tribology — the study of friction, wear and lubrication. As a graduate of the Honors College and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in 2023, Janik credits Auburn with helping him discover his academic interests and prepare for a career in industry.
Originally from Katy, Texas, Janik said his interest in Auburn began early.
“I grew up hearing great things about Auburn, which sparked my interest early on,” Janik said. “When I toured the campus, I was immediately drawn to the welcoming atmosphere, the strong sense of community and the beautiful environment.”
Originally focused on the automotive industry, Janik majored in mechanical engineering and completed a co-op with Mercedes-Benz. However, his academic path shifted when he discovered tribology through research opportunities on campus. Through a contracted Honors course, he designed and 3D-printed thrust bearings for tribological testing, his first exposure to hands-on research. |
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Join the Honors College Student Curriculum Committee
Are you passionate about shaping the Honors academic experience at Auburn? Would you like to help decide which participation courses will be offered next year?
We’re launching a brand-new Student Curriculum Committee, and we’re looking for thoughtful, engaged Honors students to join!
As a committee member, you will:
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Review participation course options for the upcoming academic year
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Provide feedback on the offerings selected to run
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Collaborate with honors staff to ensure courses reflect student interests and needs
Why join?
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Be part of a new initiative that gives students a direct voice in curriculum planning
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Gain experience in academic leadership and decision-making
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Make a meaningful impact on the Honors community
Commitment time
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Approximately 3-5 hours between December and February.
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We will have two meetings.
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Meeting in early December to discuss the role and duties of the committee
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Meeting in late January/early February to review courses
Interested?
Fill out the application form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0a47d959eff84c0fbd28d8bb8b50238d
Deadline to apply: December 1st
Questions? Contact Suzanne Hunter at sap0005@auburn.edu
Help shape the future of Honors education—apply today! |
Happy November to everyone in the Honors College! While I’ve been a faculty member at Auburn for over a decade, I only stepped into my role as Assistant Director for National Prestigious Scholarships this August. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and work closely with the Honors staff. It’s also been a delight to meet Honors students when I visit classes, during our many events and in one-on-one advising sessions.
I am grateful for the warm welcome that everyone in Honors has given me and already feel very much a part of the Honors family. Since November is a month to focus on gratitude, I thought I’d take the opportunity of this guest Director’s Corner to say a bit more on the topic.
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Thanksgiving BreakNovember 24-28, 2025
Happy Thanksgiving, Honors College! Please note that our offices will be closed November 26-28, 2025 for the Thanksgiving holiday. |
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O-Grows Volunteer DayNovember 15 | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 1103 Glenn St., Opelika
Join Congress in volunteering for a community garden in Opelika! |
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Rock the WallNovember 16 | 8 p.m. | The Rec
Come HANG-out and rock climb at the Rec! |
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Gingerbread House Competition November 17 | 5 p.m. | Location TBD
Test your skills and see who can make the best gingerbread house! |
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Need a break from textbooks and Canvas notifications? Come chill with a good book — no grades, no pressure, just the pure joy of reading.
Grab a book, read it at your own pace and return it when you're done — all on the honor system. It’s your space to explore stories, escape into new worlds or just vibe with a cozy read. The best part? These books are all chosen by Honors staff.
Stop by the Collective Library in the Honors Study Room in RBD and discover your next favorite read today!
With every newsletter, we’ll spotlight a standout title from the Collective Library. Keep an eye out for fresh recommendations and hidden gems you won’t want to miss!
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This issue's book is ...Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
"After much thought, I have chosen Little Women by Louisa May Alcott as my staff pick for the Collective Library. While there are a multitude of novels to choose from, I chose Little Women
, because it is the book that inspired my love for reading as a child. It is the first full novel I recall reading from cover to cover, so there is an abundance of nostalgia associated with this book for me. For me now, as an adult, Little Women remains a classic full of adventure, complexities of family, hard work and love. Set during the Civil War and beautifully written, Little Women
presents a realistic and enjoyable snapshot of a family. Each of the four sisters has their own independent but eloquently interwoven stories full of sacrifice, grief and joy. I admire and relate to each of the sisters in different ways. Portions of the story are set during Christmas, so it is a wonderful opportunity at Christmas time to curl up under a blanket with my coffee and my dog and re-read a cherished classic."
This book was entered into the Collective Library by Amy Flynn, Honors Academic Advisor. |
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Sacred Disruptions - a free lecture on Caravaggio presented by Phi Beta KappaWithout question, Caravaggio stands among the greatest painters in the Western tradition—but who was the man behind the brush?
Join the Auburn chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for Sacred Disruptions: Caravaggio, Mysticism, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation, presented by Kevin L. Hughes, Ph.D. (Villanova University).
Dr. Hughes will explore how religious art functions—and why—and delve into the life of Caravaggio, asking the provocative question: Was he a sinner or a saint?
This free lecture will take place November 12, 2025 at 5 p.m. in 1118 Walker Building – Auburn University. |
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An afternoon with Alabama Law School Dean
November 13 | 4 p.m. | Mell 4546
The Auburn Honors College with host Dean William Brewbaker from the University of Alabama School of Law for a discussion about preparing for law school. |
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Cater Hall construction updateKatharine Cooper Cater Hall is currently undergoing a much-needed facelift to preserve its legacy and enhance your experience. While construction is underway, we're still open and ready to welcome you!
Please note:
Construction fencing is up and scaffolding is in place. You may enter the building via the east ramp to the front door. The pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of Cater Hall (adjacent to Harper Hall) will remain open, but the walkway on the west side of Cater Hall (adjacent to Little Hall) will be closed. The back door of the building will be closed as well.
We appreciate your patience and excitement as we work to restore and improve this beloved space. Please note that some Honors events will be moved to other locations on campus.
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Honors co-sponsorship programFaculty, departments, colleges and students may now request the Honors College to co-sponsor an event or program. The sponsorship may help cover the costs of food and refreshments, speaker honoraria or venue expenses.
The deadline to request Honors College co-sponsorships of events is the 15th of each month. We will review the request and respond about availability of funds by the 1st of the following month. Please keep in mind this timeline when requesting funds. |
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It's news to me!Do you have news to share? Auburn University Honors students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit news, updates and stories to our newsroom. Your news might be posted on our website and our social media! Learn more and submit your story today through the button below. |
Anchor Auburn seeks next generation of young professionals
The application for Anchor Auburn’s inaugural cohort is open to undergraduate and graduate students on the campuses of Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College who have completed at least 30 overall credit hours.
This selective cohort program will provide students with the opportunity to speak and work with distinguished leaders from across Auburn and the state of Alabama, collaborate with area nonprofits, engage with elected officials and business leaders, and further develop into a stronger leader and candidate for future careers.
The Anchor Auburn application will close at 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, December 1, 2025. If you, or someone you may know, is interested in applying, please go to
student opportunities - City of Auburn. Questions may be emailed to
amitchell@auburnal.gov
Participation in the program will come at no cost and will offer many perks. The program will meet five times throughout January to the end of April 2026, with sessions that feature a program kickoff, a trip to Alabama’s capitol in Montgomery and sessions that highlight service opportunities, quality of life and workforce in Auburn.
Applications open for Anchor Auburn student program - City of Auburn News
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Handmade Holidays: Creating Upcycled Gift Wrapping
Create upcycled gift wrap, cards, and tags using paper scraps, reused textiles, biodegradable potato stamps and more! We hope you can join the Office of Sustainability and our cosponsors, the AU Libraries and the Association of Visual Artists. Stop by the RBD I&RC on Tuesday, November 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feel free to bring along any holiday gifts you may need wrapped and get creative!
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Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for Arts & Humanities Upcoming Events
AU Singer/Songwriter Competition
November 14 | 7 p.m. | Pebble Hill
Join the center for the third annual Auburn University Student Singer/Songwriter Competition! Come hear performances by Sydney Burge, Anna Colson, Colson Cwynar & Benjamin Lumpkin, Bella Daviston, Christian Dittmer, Nathan Hooper, Meghan Morehead, Madison Nabors, Luke Partain, Emilie Rattner and Lottie-Kate Smith. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $7.50 for students. Visit
aub.ie/songwritercompetition to purchase.
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Playful Criticism: Conversation on a Career in Game Journalism and Content Creation with Quintin Smith
November 18 | 4 p.m. | Pebble Hill
Join the center for a conversation with games journalist and critic Quintin Smith on his work spanning traditional journalism and new media, including a decade+ as a highly successful YouTube creator.
Third Thursday Literary Series: Joe Wilkins
November 20 | 6 p.m. | Pebble Hill
Joe Wilkins was born and raised on the Big Dry of eastern Montana and now lives with his family in the foothills of the Coast Range of Oregon, where he directs the creative writing program at Linfield University. He is the author of two novels, The Entire Sky and Fall Back Down When I Die, both of which have garnered wide critical acclaim. Wilkins is also the author of a memoir, The Mountain and the Fathers, winner of a GLCA New Writers Award, and five collections of poetry, including Pastoral, 1994 and When We Were Birds, winner of the Oregon Book Award. |
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