My great grandfather studied at Auburn in the 1940s. My grandparents attended Auburn in the 60s. My parents went to Auburn in the 90s. All that to say, Auburn is in our blood.

However, sometimes when I hear my family members reminisce about their time here, it feels as if we went to different schools. So much has changed.I decided to ask my grandparents, Richard and Lani Lusk, a few questions about Auburn then versus Auburn now.

BW: What is the most noticeable difference in Auburn from when you were a student?

Richard: There are so many differences at Auburn from when we were there. Computers were the size of small buildings and now an iPhone can do more than they did. There was only one bar in town, so that was not part of the normal routine. There were no mixed dorms like there are today and no men allowed on the halls of the girls’ dorms. Students could not wear shorts to class.

Lani: Girls had to be in at 10 during the week and midnight Friday and Saturday. And we could only find one picture of us from our time in Auburn — and that was in the Glomerata. That is certainly a big difference!

BW: What do you wish would have stayed the same?

Richard: I’m not sure there is anything that I would change, or “roll back,” compared to today. If there is anything, it would be the feel of a college of 11,000 students versus today’s 30,000. That made for a more close-knit community, but the advantages of Auburn today far outweigh those benefits.

Lani: One thing I loved about Auburn was that it had a small-town atmosphere. It made no difference if you had money or not, because there was no place to spend it.

BW: What is the best change that has been made?

Richard: The best changes that have occurred on the Auburn campus (since we were there) are:

1. The addition of the many new facilities, classrooms, student enrichment areas and on-campus living accommodations. This is making the student experience at Auburn so much more life-changing and a richer experience for students today.

2. The increased level of academic achievement from both the faculty and the student body.

3. The improvement in Auburn’s sports facilities — the new Auburn Arena, the expanded football stadium, the improved baseball stadium, the aquatic facilities, and so much more.

BW: How has the culture of Auburn shifted?

Richard: The culture of Auburn has shifted due to the much larger size of the school today from when we were there. What hasn’t shifted or changed, is the Auburn spirit. It is still strong and becomes such an important part of every Auburn graduate’s life. It is part of what makes Auburn so special — the “Auburn family” is as strong today as it was when we were there.

BW: What is your advice to students who are here right now?

Richard: My advice to students that are here today is about the one thing that you can’t store up — time. College goes by so fast, so engage in as many activities as possible. Get involved in student organizations, enjoy all the sports venues, and learn as much as you can about what you want to do with your life.

Lani: I would say to students today to remember that things you do while you are in college will go with you the rest of your life. You can make good or bad choices that can change your life direction, because of their consequences. Don’t be foolish.  

Hearing my grandparents’ stories has given me an even greater appreciation for Auburn University and the way it has stayed true over time. While I was hesitant to keep tradition and come to Auburn after graduating from high school, I’m so thankful to call the plains home.

Be well, Auburn.