Auburn University officials travel to Chicago to embrace second-graders after viral video, invite them to campus this fall
Auburn University today embraced a Chicago elementary school after a second grade class adopted the university for a school competition and produced an Auburn-themed video, which went viral and was viewed and shared by thousands through social media.
Auburn officials visited the New Schmid Elementary School to express their gratitude, announce plans to support the students' academic growth and invite the class to campus. The class will travel to Auburn in early September for academic activities and to attend the university's first home football game of the 2015 season on Sept. 12.
"We were all touched by these young students' preparation, passion for learning and expression of the Auburn spirit," said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs. "We're excited to be part of a university that cares enough to bring them to campus for an experience we hope will open doors and show them anything is possible."
The class researched Auburn academics, athletics and traditions as part of the elementary school's college week competition – taking home first place. In the end, they were able to recite information they learned, beginning with The Auburn Creed and finishing with the fight song.
Former Auburn star athlete and Chicago resident Bo Jackson was also on hand to thank and encourage the students.
"Auburn is in the business of helping people achieve their hopes and dreams," Auburn President Jay Gogue said. "There's a lot of enthusiasm across campus for helping the students reach their fullest potential."
While visiting the elementary school, Auburn officials met with administrators and teachers to learn how the university can best support their students. Planning is underway for academic engagement, beginning with the students' campus visit in early fall.
Aubie, the university's popular mascot, also made the trip, and the students were shown a video about New Schmid Elementary School featuring Auburn football player Jonathan Wallace and Aubie.
A previous story about the second-graders also appeared on the Auburn website. Click here for that story.
Media interested in this story can contact Communications Director Preston Sparks at (334) 844-9999 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
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