Auburn University Receives Historic $30 Million Commitment for Scholarships

Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the Gin Family Foundation have announced a substantial $30 million donation to create a new scholarship program, marking the largest single scholarship commitment in the university’s history.

The Ginn Scholarship Program aims to offer around 40 awards each year, covering tuition, fees, and room and board for up to five years. It’s designed to support those in need, particularly students graduating from Alabama Title I High Schools who enroll in the engineering faculty. Strong community involvement and alignment with Auburn’s values are also key criteria for applicants.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Ginn mentioned, “Affordability was a major concern when I started at Auburn, but pursuing a university education was vital for my family. I was involved in ROTC and faced many challenges without hesitation. I hope this program eases financial burdens for families in our state, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits rather than financial stress.”

The initiative will also offer transitional support to incoming freshmen, equipping them with the necessary resources to navigate a demanding curriculum. Ginn Scholars will have dedicated spaces that foster academic and personal growth and will participate in lectures on personal finance and other relevant topics. This structure aims to build strong relationships among the scholars, cultivating lifelong connections.

Scholars will engage in first-year seminars to familiarize themselves with available resources and help them connect early in their academic journey. Back in 2001, Ginn’s previous $25 million contribution to the university marked a significant milestone for educational donations in Alabama, leading to a name change for the engineering college and the establishment of the nation’s first wireless engineering program.

Mario Eden, representing the engineering college, noted, “Dr. Ginn’s commitment has propelled us to levels of excellence that seemed out of reach before. This new investment will open doors for countless students and reinforce our mission as a vital educational institution.” The goal for the Ginn Scholars program is to position Auburn among the top engineering colleges in the nation.

Originally from Anniston, Ginn graduated from Auburn’s engineering program in 1959. After serving in the Army, he ventured into a 31-year career at AT&T. He transitioned from a high-profile role at a large AT&T affiliate to lead a smaller, wireless-focused spinoff, which contributed significantly to his vision of recruiting and developing fresh talent. His company eventually became AirTouch, a leading mobile phone company on a global scale, which was sold to Vodafone for $65 billion in 1999.

Following the sale, Ginn was involved in various startups and served on corporate committees for several prominent companies. His leadership roles extended to the California Business Higher Education Forum and he held directorships at organizations like the Hoover Institute. He’s also been honored with an honorary doctorate from Auburn and is recognized in multiple halls of fame for his contributions to business and engineering.

Ginn expressed his gratitude, saying, “My time at Auburn Engineering changed my life. My family and I are excited to celebrate 25 years of commitment with this new gift. Auburn has given us so much, and we’re proud to contribute to the foundation of its future.”