The Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering will soon be offering a new scholarship program thanks to a $30 million commitment from its namesake and the Ginn Family Foundation. According to Auburn, the gift represents the largest commitment to scholarships in school history, establishing 40 awards annually, covering tuition, fees, room, and board for up to five years.

“When I was accepted into Auburn, the affordability issue was front and center, but a college education was important to my parents,” said Samuel Ginn, a native of Anniston and 1959 graduate. “My hope is that this program will lessen the financial burden of a higher education and help families in our state. There are so many students with strong family value systems, and they deserve an opportunity to focus on their studies instead of focusing on their financial situation.”

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Mario Eden, dean of engineering at Auburn University, noted Ginn’s first gift to the department in 2001 and the significance of the most recent commitment.

“Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Ginn made an investment in Auburn engineering that has propelled us to levels of achievement and excellence that previously we could only have dreamed of,” said Eden. “This new investment in the Ginn Scholars Program will provide access to hundreds of students from the state, further cementing our mission as a land-grant institution.”

To qualify for the scholarship, Ginn Scholars must demonstrate need, graduate from a Title I high school in Alabama, and be admitted to the College of Engineering.

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Following his service in the Army Signal Corps, Ginn worked at AT&T and its affiliates for more than thirty years. After his time as CEO of Pacific Telesis, an affiliate of the global telecommunications corporation, he built AirTouch, the largest cellular company in the world. In 1999, the company was sold for $65 billion. After the multi-billion dollar deal, Ginn took part in several start-ups.

Additionally, Ginn has served on several corporate boards and is a member of the Wireless Hall of Fame, the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten