Warhawk Weekly 11-3: Veterans Week preview; First-Gen Week
AUM to salute Warhawk veterans with a week of festivities
AUM will celebrate its military community during Veterans Week, Nov. 9-13, recognizing the university’s long-standing commitment to those who have served our country.
The week also offers an opportunity to highlight the new home of AUM’s Veteran & Military Resource Center (VRMC) and Army ROTC in AUM’s Library Tower. Both offices are now located in Library Tower 708, providing a dedicated space to better serve AUM’s military community.
Organized by the VRMC and AUM Student Veterans Association, Veterans Week will feature a variety of activities for students, faculty and staff, including a Marine Corps birthday cake celebration, painting, games and training opportunities.
Veterans Week will conclude with Breakfast of the Brave, a campus tradition featuring a slideshow recognizing AUM’s military-affiliated faculty and staff members and their loved ones. The day will also include Green Zone Training for faculty and staff.
Veterans Week 2026 schedule:
• Monday, Nov. 9: Paint with Patriots, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Taylor Center 221 | Stop by and paint your own pattiotic-themed tote bag with fellow students. Snacks and refreshments provided.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10: Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Taylor Center Lobby | Join the VRMC as we celebrate the United States Marine Corps’ 251st birthday! Enjoy a slice of cake and a drink.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10: Tabletop Games, 5-7 p.m., Taylor Center 223 | Enjoy a variety of card and board games with fellow students. Free food, snacks and drinks!
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day): Battle Bingo, 5-7 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 110 | Celebrate Veterans Day with an evening of Bingo with fellow students. Free food, snacks and drinks!
• Thursday, Nov. 12: Hot Dogs with Heroes, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Quad | Stopy by The Quad for a free brown bag lunch that includes a hot dog, bag of chips and a drink. Tables will be set up to share information about military service and benefits.
• Friday, Nov. 13: Breakfast with the Brave (faculty and staff), 8:30-10 a.m., Taylor Center 223 | A campus tradition featuring a slideshow recognizing AUM’s military-affiliated faculty and staff and their loved ones.
• Friday, Nov. 13: Green Zone Training (faculty and staff), 1-3 p.m., Library Tower WASC Multi-Purpose Room 221 | A training session that focuses on increasing awareness of the backgrounds and needs of military affiliated students at AUM.
AUM is proudly recognized as a 2026-27 Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School by Viqtory Media and serves more than 800 military-affiliated students, including spouses and dependents.
Through the VMRC, AUM provides on-campus resources, guidance and advocacy for veterans and active-duty service members. The university’s active Student Veterans of America chapter builds community and peer support. AUM offers specialized scholarships and financial assistance to help veterans and military service members pursue their educational goals.
First-Gen Week 2026: Celebrate how far you’ve come
Are you the first in your family to pursue a college degree?
Celebrate your journey during AUM’s 2026 First-Gen Celebration Week, beginning Monday, Nov. 9.
The week kicks off with the First-Gen Walk of Fame at noon in the second-floor lobby of the Taylor Center. The Hollywood-themed celebration is open to first-generation AUM students, faculty and staff.
Participants can write their names and graduation years on a star to add to the First-Gen Walk of Fame, walk the orange carpet, take photos and pick up a First-Gen button to show their pride. The first 25 first-generation students will also receive a First-Gen Celebration Week T-shirt.
Throughout the week, first-generation students, faculty and staff are encouraged to show their pride by submitting photos of themselves wearing a First-Gen button, First-in-Flight T-shirt or AUM gear. Include a brief statement sharing one of the best things about being a first-generation student or offering advice to current first-generation students. Email submissions to [email protected].
Students can also take part in these events throughout the week:
Tuesday, Nov. 10
First-Gen and Juice: Breakfast at the Box Office
9 to 11 a.m. | Taylor Center lobby, second floor
Stop by the box office for mini pancakes with a variety of toppings and juice before heading to class.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
After the Credits: First-Gen Panel Discussion
Noon to 1 p.m. | Taylor Center 223
Join a panel discussion, “What Comes Next?” featuring first-generation students, alumni and professionals. Panelists will discuss important life milestones and ways to prepare for life after graduation. To RSVP, email [email protected].
Thursday, Nov. 12
Shining Stars of AUM
Follow AUM’s first-generation community on Instagram through @aumwasc1, @aum_first_in_flight and @trialphazetatauchapter. Posts will spotlight AUM’s first-gen Shining Stars and celebrate the accomplishments and experiences of first-generation students. Look for inspiring stories, helpful success tips and familiar faces from the AUM community.
Friday, Nov. 13
Alpha Alpha Alpha Induction Ceremony
Noon | Taylor Center 223
New members will be formally inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society during an invitation-only ceremony.
Alumnus Tommy Jackson returns for AUM Book Concert
Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Business will introduce a different kind of author talk and reading event with its inaugural AUM Book Concert, featuring distinguished alumnus and author Tommy Jackson.
The book concert will take place Wednesday, Nov. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. in Goodwyn Hall 109 and will feature Jackson discussing his book, “Living the Page.”
AUM students are invited to hear Jackson share the experiences and lessons behind his journey. Each student who attends will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
“Unlike a traditional book signing, a Book Concert is a cultural event that brings an author and audience together to explore the ideas, experiences and inspiration behind a book,” College of Business Dean Daewoo Park said. “Popular in South Korea, this format offers students an opportunity to engage with an author and the story behind the work. AUM’s event is the first of its kind in Alabama and among AACSB-accredited business schools nationwide.”
Jackson’s return to AUM represents a full-circle moment. While working two jobs to help his single mother pay household bills, he earned a scholarship to AUM, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in finance and a minor in psychology.
His successful career in wealth management has spanned more than 30 years. He was named AUM’s Business Alumni of the Year in 2017 and recognized among the university’s Top 50 Most Influential Alumni in 2018. His professional honors include recognition among the nation’s top financial advisers by Barron’s and Forbes.
Through “Living the Page,” Jackson brings his experiences and passion for helping others to readers, continuing a commitment to mentorship and empowering people to pursue their goals.
Men’s soccer team advances to GSC tournament semifinal
Fresh off a 3-1 win in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) tournament, the No. 14 nationally ranked AUM men’s soccer team has advanced to the conference semifinals in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Warhawks, who entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, will face the University of West Alabama, which holds the No. 6 seed, on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex Championship Field.
The semifinal appearance marks the sixth consecutive year AUM has advanced to this round of the conference tournament under head coach Matthew Thorne.
Connect with employers at AUM’s Fall Career Fair
AUM students and alumni will have an opportunity to connect with potential employers at the AUM Career Development Center’s Fall Career Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Employers from a variety of industries will attend the career fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223. Students will have the chance to meet with top employers about full-time employment and internship opportunities, learn about different industries and build valuable professional connections.
The event is free and open to students from all academic majors and alumni. Students can register through Handshake.
UAB professor to explore AI in higher education
AUM’s Faculty Development Institute will host “AI in Higher Education: Authenticity, Assessment, & AI,” a workshop exploring how generative artificial intelligence is changing teaching, learning and academic assessment.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 in the Taylor Center. The keynote speaker is Meagan Malone, assistant professor of English rhetoric and composition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her keynote presentation, “Building Meaningful Assessments in the Age of Generative AI,” will accompany a luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register for the luncheon.
The event will also feature several opportunities for participants to explore AI’s role in higher education, including:
• 9-10 a.m.: AI Mini Presentations
• 10-11:30 a.m.: Human/AI Panel Discussion
AUM faculty and staff are invited to share their experiences and expertise during the AI Mini Presentation session. Presenters can showcase AI tools, techniques, tips, strategies and resources that support teaching and learning.
The event is part of the institute’s ongoing workshop series exploring trends and issues relating to AI and higher education.
About the Speaker
Meagan Malone’s work examines the intersection of writing, composing technologies and higher education. Since 2023, she has collaborated with students, faculty, administrators and professionals across disciplines — including English, business, education, medicine and biomedical science — to explore the opportunities and challenges of generative AI.
At UAB, Malone serves as the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Fellow for Using AI in the Classroom and as an AI Pillar Lead for Teaching and Learning as part of the university’s strategic initiative on artificial intelligence. She also developed “Composing in the Age of GenAI,” a website offering pedagogical resources and perspectives on the evolving relationship between writing and artificial intelligence.
Celebrate forest restoration and pecan harvest
The Rural History & Ecology Research Institute (RHERI) at AUM will host its annual Forest Restoration and Pecan Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 8.
The AUM community is invited to join RHERI from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Pecan Grove, near the AUM Forest, for an afternoon of sustainability, history, and community. Register online to receive a free lunch and pecan snacks.
Participants will learn about the forest’s rich history and ecology while helping to restore the AUM Forest. Activities include planting native azaleas, collecting pecans, and removing invasive plants. Guests can also explore the forest’s hiking trails.
Participants should meet at the bridge leading to the AUM Forest and wear clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Sturdy shoes are required, with long pants and sleeves are preferred. Guests are encouraged to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
The celebration highlights AUM’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and community engagement.
AUM Army ROTC cadets ready for ruck march
AUM Army ROTC cadets will conduct an 8-mile ruck march on campus from 4 to 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4.
The training route will begin at the AUM soccer fields on AUM Drive and utilize the gravel road near the baseball field and the walking trail. The cadets will complete the loop twice.
All participating cadets will carry a rubber training rifle, commonly referred to as a “rubber duck,” and will wear reflective belts to ensure visibility and safety.
Ruck marches are a core component of Army ROTC training, designed to test physical and mental readiness through timed endurance exercises. These exercises also build resilience, confidence and stamina while preparing students for commissioned service as officers in the U.S. Army.
Honor an AUMazing library team member
The AUM Library is accepting nominations for the 2026 Betty J. Tims Friends of the AUM Library Faculty and Staff Service Awards.
The awards recognize library faculty and staff who go above and beyond to improve library services, expand access to library holdings or offer ideas that make library operations more efficient and cost-effective. One award will be presented to a faculty member and one to a staff member.
Know someone who makes the library a better place for Warhawks? Nominate a library faculty or staff member by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.
