Honoring Our Very Best

Leaders in Education

Luther Duncan was a pioneer in education and agriculture in Auburn in the early 1900’s. A visionary, Duncan cultivated the 4-H program in Alabama just after the turn of the century by fostering an awareness and interest in agriculture among young boys state-wide and beyond. Duncan is notably known as the framer of an educational outreach program converging on rural farmers, later known as the Alabama Extension Service. These achievements are punctuated with his 12 year term as president of Auburn University beginning in 1935 where his savvy financial sense pulled Auburn through the tough years following the Depression.

Influences Among the Arts:

William Spratling, long time resident of Auburn is noted as the ‘Father of Mexican Silver.’ After achieving a degree in Architecture from Auburn University, Spratling eventually made his way to Mexico where he eventually settled in Taxco. Spratling spent a great portion of his life cultivating his craft and drawing on influences internationally, in the end embracing the native art of Alaska as an inspiration.

Social Reformers:

Millard Fuller began his calling with a degree in Economics from Auburn University. His confident financial savvy, paired with a keen sense of social justice lead him to call attention to national housing issues and inequalities. After observing and helping to conquer these issues in parts of Africa, Fuller Founded Habitat for Humanity International, bringing suitable housing to people in need. For his devotion to civilization, Fuller was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 1996.