< Previous50 UNIVERSITY NEWS AUBURNTIGERS.COM It’s a pre-game tradition that’s not to be missed: an eagle from the Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) circles Jordan-Hare Stadium before landing midfield to a booming chorus of “War Eagle, hey!” This fall, that famed tradition turns 25 years old, although according to AURC’s director Robyn Miller, some fans think it’s been even longer. “It’s surprising how many people re- member the eagle flights going on for more than 25 years,” she said. “I like to think that’s because it’s become such an ingrained part of our culture and our identity as Auburn University that we re- member it being a cohesive part of us for much longer.” While many football fans are familiar with the AURC because of the famous pre-game flights, most do not real- ize it’s one of the top rap- tor rehabilitation centers in the Southeast. Each year, staff members pro- vide expert veterinary care to rehabilitate more than 300 injured or ill raptors, including hawks, owls, falcons and eagles, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. “The birds at Auburn University Rap- tor Center each have their own story, their own presence and their own role in this place,” Miller said. “Providing life- long care means meeting real needs, from medical treatment to enrichment, and while costs continue to rise, our commitment never wavers. It’s not a duty we take lightly — it’s an honor.” To help care for those raptors, and to celebrate 25 years of flight, the AURC is celebrating with a campaign to raise awareness and philanthropic support for the center’s growth. With an average stay of 78 days and the need for special- ized care, it’s easy for an injured raptor to rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills. So, to give raptors a chance to return to their natural habitats, the AURC pro- vides roughly $150,000 in patient care costs annually. And thanks to the cen- ter’s close relationship with the College of Veterinary Medicine, the high level of care provided means many raptors do eventually return to the skies. “Our release rate is unusually high, largely because of our relationship with the college,” Miller said. “We’re throwing everything we have at these birds to give them a second chance at life in the wild.” Those birds that can’t be released to the wild become permanent residents of the AURC, along with the eagles who have flown over Jordan-Hare Stadium: Nova (War Eagle VII) and Spirit, who are retired, and current flyers Aurea (War Eagle VIII) and Indy. While the funds raised during this campaign will support caring for raptors, they will also bolster the center’s educa- tional offerings, which include more than 300 free events each year, with staff pre- senting lessons on raptor habitats, ecol- ogy and conservation at schools, daycar- es, businesses and retirement homes. Small groups can book a guided tour of the enclosure that houses the center’s permanent residents, while groups of 25 or more can book a private educational presentation. One of the center’s most popular offerings is the “Football, Fans and Feathers” raptor show held each Fri- day before home games at 4 p.m. Gifts made during this campaign will be used to expand and modify the educational amphitheater area where these pro- grams take place. Miller hopes the campaign, which lasts through this year’s Iron Bowl, will stir up fond memories for fans, as well as support for the future. “This is a fundraising campaign, but it’s also an invitation to rally our commu- nity behind this iconic symbol of Auburn University,” Miller said. “It’s a celebration for anyone who’s ever felt inspired by an eagle flight.” UNIVERSITY NEWS BY: KELLEY YOUNG RAPTOR CENTER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PRE-GAME EAGLE FLIGHTS A beloved gameday tradition on the Plains, the eagle flight has been thrilling fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium for 25 years. Aurea, the eighth official War Eagle, is one of four eagles to call the Auburn University Raptor Center home.52 2026 ASHOF INDUCTEES AUBURNTIGERS.COM Auburn standouts Kim Evans, Jason Campbell and Tommy Tuberville have been selected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, the ASHOF board of directors announced Nov. 17. “Congratulations to Kim Evans, Jason Campbell and Tommy Tuberville, who are most deserving of this prestigious honor,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said. “As competitors and coaches, they represented Auburn at a championship level, and they continue to serve Auburn to this day.” A native of Decatur, Alabama, Evans played on Auburn’s women’s golf team from 1977-81, returning in 1994 as head coach. Over the next 21 seasons, Evans led the Tigers to eight SEC championships and coached seven SEC players of the year. “I can’t even get my arms around it,” said Evans, who led the Tigers to 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and seven top 10 national finishes. “I’m really excited and grateful to Auburn and all those great student-athletes who came through the program and made me look good.” A five-time SEC coach of the year, Evans was the national coach of the year in 2002 and was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008. “I went to Virginia Derby Grimes’ induction, and I was blown away to be sitting in the room with the people I idolized, modeled, read about and watched on TV,” Evans said. “To get that call, I couldn’t believe it. I don’t cry much, but I did.” A member of the SEC’s 2016 Class of Women’s Legends, Evans became the first woman to win Auburn’s Walter Gilbert Award in 2015. “I’m grateful for all that Auburn’s done for me, for the student-athletes and the people who helped me be a coach,” she said. “Every support staff, athletic director and everybody who chips in so much to try to win and to make a great experience for our students.” A three-year starting quarterback, Campbell was the Music City Bowl MVP as a junior in 2003, setting the stage for an undefeated SEC championship and national championship season in 2004. “I was speechless at first,” said Campbell, the MVP of the 2004 SEC championship game and the 2005 Sugar Bowl. “There’s nothing like receiving that call and being able to share that moment with your wife, your family, and everybody who supported you through the years, especially the Auburn family.” The SEC Player of the Year in 2004, Campbell was drafted in the first round by Washington in 2005, embarking on a 10-year NFL career. “There are a lot of legends who have come out of this state and played in this state,” Campbell said. “To be honored with those men and women is tremendous.” Campbell joins 2004 Auburn backfield mates Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams, as well as their head coach, as Alabama Sports Hall of Famers. “The 2004 team will go down as one of the best teams in the history of Auburn sports,” Campbell said. “That team was about more than just one person. A lot of guys played key roles and helped pave the way for one another, and the strong sense of leadership we had. “It’s a tremendous honor because we’re close friends and brothers, and we’ve been able to achieve these accomplishments together.” Tuberville led Auburn to six consecutive Iron Bowl wins from 2002- 07 and won five SEC Western Division titles. After the 13-0 season in 2004 and a Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech, he received six coaching honors including SEC Coach of the Year and AP Coach of the Year. “Thank you, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, for this honor,” Tuberville wrote on social media. “Coaching is about so much more than football. It was an honor to educate, mentor and teach my players the importance of grit, perseverance and hard work. War Eagle.” The Tiger trio will be inducted at the 58th annual induction banquet and ceremony at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel on May 9, 2026. Joining Evans, Campbell and Tuberville in the Class of 2026 are Jeff Brantley, John Copeland, Evan Mathis, Ray Odums and Les Stuedeman, bringing the total number of inductees to 417. 2026 ASHOF INDUCTEES CLASS OF 2026: ASHOF TO INDUCT AUBURN’S EVANS, CAMPBELL, TUBERVILLE54 2025 STADIUM MAP 2025 STADIUM MAP AUBURNTIGERS.COMThe Medical School making a difference in our community EVERY DAY ©2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved. Please go to www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our outcomes report. At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Auburn, Alabama our mission is to train future physicians who are community-focused and ready to make a difference. That starts right here at home. Over the last 20 years, VCOM students and alumni have made great improvements to healthcare in southern Appalachia, but there is still work to be done. We’re inviting you to join us in this mission and make a difference for our community. 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