Donor Scholar Luncheon celebrates the impact of giving

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) recently hosted its annual Donor Scholar Luncheon, bringing together 130 students and donors on March 7 to celebrate the power of philanthropy in shaping successful educational outcomes. The event served as a reminder of how alumni, friends, and supporters of the university continue to make a transformative impact on students’ lives.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, AUM’s scholarship opportunities have expanded significantly over the years. Since 2016, the university’s annual scholarship allocation has more than doubled, reaching over $15 million in 2024. These funds help ensure that talented and hardworking students have access to the education they deserve, reducing financial barriers and opening doors to success.

“Today was amazing to be able to meet face-to-face with my donor, to just see someone who believes in me, who’s confident in me, so that I can let him know how appreciative I am,” said AUM student Jasmine Betts, a nursing major who has earned the Ray and Sarah Roton Scholarship. “College is very expensive, so to have someone who can help you out to get to where you want to be is amazing and a blessing.”

For many students, scholarships are more than just financial assistance — they are a lifeline. More importantly, scholarship recipients recognize donor support as an investment in their potential. Teva Stinson, a 2019 accounting graduate who now serves as a revenue tax auditor for the State of Alabama, said donor generosity provided motivational fuel as she completed her degree.

“When someone is investing in you, you want to make it worth their while — maintaining my GPA, making sure you attend those classes, making sure you give back and get involved on campus. I think it really shaped how I saw my experience and the person I wanted to be.”

Learn more about how to invest in the success of future AUM students: https://www.aum.edu/advancement/