In Support of a Vision

Aubie hugging AprylAs a student as Auburn, Apryl Tarrant Mullins took on a variety of leadership roles that prepared her well for her current role as coordinator of student-young alumni programs with the Auburn Alumni Association.

A 1997 graduate with a degree in corporate journalism, Mullins recently stepped into the spotlight again with the creation of a fund for excellence in honor of her parents who had instilled in their daughter the importance of education and hard work. The Bob and Barbara Tarrant Fund for Excellence recognizes their efforts and the potential of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

"My first job after graduation was with the College of Engineering," Tarrant says. "I was impressed with the dean and the vision for excellence he had outlined, as well as with the many hardworking students I interacted with in the college. I wanted to support their goals and the vision that the college had for them."

Bob and Barbara Tarrant both grew up near Birmingham, Ala. Barbara's family couldn't afford to send her to college, but she was raised an avid Auburn fan. Bob's family was very involved in education and Bob received a free education by accepting an appointment to West Point.

Bob and Barbara raised their three kids to appreciate education, and made many sacrifices to make sure that their children received the best possible. So, it comes as no surprise that Apryl cares deeply about education.

 "When I began working for engineering, I learned so much about the positive impact that Auburn engineers have on the state and nation," Apryl said. "I share in the vision for excellence that the College has established."

The Bob and Barbara Tarrant Fund for Excellence allows the dean of the College of Engineering to use the gift as he sees fit to meet current needs and to address opportunities as they present themselves. According to Dean Larry Benefield, this flexibility provides the college with the agility to address the fast paced technological changes that define the world of engineering.

"Unrestricted gifts, like the one from the Tarrant family, make it possible for the College of Engineering to place funds where they can be best used to benefit the students," says Benefield. "We are grateful for this contribution and are proud that the vision of our college can be recognized in this way."