Auburn University has announced a historic milestone in its commitment to higher education and student success. Samuel Ginn, a distinguished alumnus and the namesake of Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, together with the Ginn Family Foundation, has pledged $30 million to establish a groundbreaking new scholarship program.
This extraordinary gift marks the largest single commitment to scholarships in Auburn’s history, underscoring Ginn’s enduring dedication to his alma mater and to the next generation of engineers.
The new program, funded through the Ginn Family Foundation, will provide substantial support to engineering students, easing the financial burden that often accompanies higher education.
The scholarship initiative is designed to ensure that deserving students, many of whom demonstrate academic excellence and strong personal values, have the resources they need to focus fully on their studies.
In a statement announcing the gift, Ginn emphasized the importance of supporting students who embody hard work and integrity but may be hindered by financial limitations.
“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,” Ginn said. His words reflect both his personal philosophy and his belief in the transformative power of education.
Samuel Ginn has long been recognized as a visionary leader in both business and education. A 1959 Auburn graduate in electrical engineering, Ginn went on to a highly successful career in telecommunications, where he became known as a pioneer in the wireless industry.
His legacy at Auburn is already firmly established through the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, which bears his name in recognition of his contributions and continued generosity. This new scholarship gift further solidifies his role as a champion for Auburn students.
University leaders have celebrated the announcement as a transformative moment for the institution. By investing in scholarships at this scale, Auburn is not only honoring the achievements of its students but also ensuring that financial challenges do not stand in the way of future innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.
The impact of the gift is expected to extend far beyond Auburn’s campus, as graduates supported by the program carry their skills and values into industries and communities around the world.
The $30 million commitment reflects a broader trend of alumni philanthropy that fuels Auburn’s mission to expand access, promote excellence, and strengthen its role as a leader in higher education. For engineering students, in particular, the scholarship program will open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
As Auburn looks toward the future, the generosity of Samuel Ginn and the Ginn Family Foundation stands as a shining example of how one family’s vision can shape the lives of thousands.
The new scholarship program is not just a financial resource—it is a testament to the belief that every deserving student should have the chance to pursue their dreams with confidence and support.
