Future Engineer Fest shines light on being a member of the Auburn Family

Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosted more than 130 students and family members during two sessions in January and March as part of the college’s Future Engineer Fest.

The event is designed to bring admitted students to campus to give them, and their families, a glimpse into what campus life is like for an engineering student. The students came from 23 states, and each had the opportunity to mingle with their possible future classmates.

The Future Engineer Fest has proven to be a huge factor in students making their ultimate college decision, with more than 75% of attendees having paid their enrollment deposit for the fall 2026 semester.

“The Future Engineer Fest is one of our most exciting events each year as we get to welcome those who will be on campus in the fall and hopefully sway those who are still on the fence about being a part of the Auburn Family,” said Andrew McGill, manager of engineering recruitment. “This event gives these students and their parents an inside view of why Auburn is the best student-centered engineering experience in America.”

The event takes a more social approach to welcome the students and parents, beginning with tables from each engineering department and student ambassadors there to answer any questions the visitors may have. The table browsing also included games such as Plinko and human bingo to encourage socialization among the students, and photo opportunities with Aubie and Aurea, Auburn’s eagle mascot.

The next portion included a breakout session titled “Academic Success,” where Meredith Hovey, director of academic support and programming, talked with the students about academic support and all of the tools Engineering Student Services offers. The other breakout session, titled “Why Auburn,” was led by Mario Eden, dean of engineering.

Lastly, the parents and students were split up with parents attending a panel comprised of various faculty and staff to learn more about academic support and the student experience. While the parents attended the panel, the students were taken on an informal tour led by the Cupola Engineering Ambassadors where the students got to see places and things that aren’t normally offered on a regular tour.

Following the event, 76% of respondents strongly agreed that this event had a major impact on their decision to choose Auburn.

“This event was very well done and sealed the deal for my son,” said one respondent to the post-event survey. “He will be an Auburn Tiger in the fall! Thanks for a great program.”