Auburn University is known for many things – Toomer’s Corner, Samford Hall and the “War Eagle” cry, to name a few. However, one could argue the most famous of Auburn’s symbols is its mascot, Aubie.
Phil Neel, a Birmingham Post-Herald artist, created Aubie for the Auburn vs. Hardin-Simmons program cover in 1959. The cartoon tiger proved to be good luck for the team. Aubie appeared on program covers for the next 18 years, leading the football team to a home record of 63-16-2.
In 1979, the Student Government Association decided Aubie was ready for a change. The organization sent copies of game programs to Brooks-Van Horn Costumes, with hopes of bringing the mascot to life.
On Feb. 28, 1979, Aubie made his first live appearance at an Auburn vs. Vanderbilt basketball game. The Tigers defeated the Commodores 59-53. The next day, the mascot led the team to victory against Georgia in the longest game in SEC tournament history.
Megan Lacy, senior in agriculture, said she has wanted to attend Auburn for as long as she can remember.
“When I was little, the main reason I wanted to come here was Aubie,” Lacy said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of mood I am in, I completely light up when I see Aubie. To me, he represents the Auburn family.”
Lacy said she has a fond memory of Aubie.
“One time I was studying really hard for a test in the library,” Lacy said. “Aubie just showed up out of nowhere and gave out free food and did those goofy dance moves he always does. It was really fun, but for some reason it made me work even harder.”
Jen Ashman, freshman in international business, said she was not familiar Aubie before attending Auburn.
“I’m not from here, so I had never heard of Aubie growing up,” Ashman said. “I really think he embodies the Auburn spirit.”
Aubie gets recognition off campus, too. He has been selected six times for the All-American Mascot team, and has won the Universal Cheerleaders Association competition seven times.
Taylor Prouty, junior in communications, is an SGA Director of Aubie for the second year in a row.
“I wanted to be a part of this because nothing says ‘Auburn’ more than hanging out with Aubie every day,” Prouty said.
According to Prouty, Aubie is in high demand.
“Aubie is at all athletic events,” Prouty said. “If it’s an athletic event, you will find him there. But athletic events are only about 1/3 of what he does. A lot of it is off campus, and around the community.”
Prouty said Aubie is a fixture on campus, and is always quick to brighten a student’s day.
“I think when people see Aubie on campus it automatically puts a smile on their face,” Prouty said. “People always want to take a picture with him.”
Prouty said she thinks of Aubie as a campus celebrity.
“No one’s afraid to ask to take a picture with him,” Prouty said. “He is just a really good representation of the Auburn spirit and the Auburn family.”
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