America 250 at Auburn University

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Auburn University will host a yearlong series of campuswide events and activities celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial.

As the foundation of the United States, the Declaration of Independence states that all people are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, and governed by consent.

Nearly 250 years later, these ideas continue to shape civic life and democratic institutions. America 250 at Auburn University invites members of the campus community and beyond to engage and explore how these ideals have been interpreted, challenged, evolved, and/or reaffirmed over time.

By being both anchored in and extending across disciplines, this year-long programming demonstrates our institution’s long-standing commitment to open inquiry and robust discussion of complex issues.

New events and programs will be added throughout 2026.

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, we are reminded of the enduring ideals that shape American democracy. For generations, Auburn University has educated citizens and advanced knowledge in service to the public good. This milestone invites our community to reflect on our history, engage diverse perspectives, and recommit ourselves to preparing future leaders for the responsibilities of civic life.

President Christopher B. Roberts

Auburn University

The American Experiment at 250

A Conversation with Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and author Margaret Hoover

Monday, March 30

6PM - 7PM

Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center

(Free) Ticket Reservations Required

Learn more

Condoleezza Rice

Margaret Hoover

Faculty Fellows Program

Launched in 2026, the Foundation Fellows Program brings together faculty and students in a shared community of inquiry dedicated to exploring the ideas, texts, and traditions that have shaped American democracy. Launched in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the program invites participants to engage deeply with questions of citizenship, leadership, and the responsibilities of democratic life.

Learn more

Student Fellows Program

Learn more

Common Book

Auburn University has selected Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life by New York Times bestselling author and journalist Eric Weiner as the 2026 Common Book. The selection anchors a shared academic experience for incoming students and aligns with Auburn’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through its campuswide programs and initiatives.

Learn more

Commemorative Programs

Throughout the year, the university will offer numerous academic, engagement and commemorative programs through the colleges and units.

School of Communication and Journalism

Auburn Journalism Day is an annual event organized and sponsored by the School of Communication and Journalism that gives students an opportunity to network with working professionals and learn about the latest trends and important issues in the field.

Learn more

College of Sciences and Mathematics

Building on the success of last summer’s Geo Explorer Auburn Quest Out West expedition—from Auburn to the Esri Education Summit in San Diego and back—the College of Sciences and Mathematics is preparing an expanded, coast-to-coast initiative aligned with the upcoming 250th commemoration.

Learn more

Pebble Hill

Throughout the year, the university will offer numerous academic, engagement and commemorative programs through the colleges and units.

Learn more

College of Veterinary Medicine

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, through the AU Raptor Center, is in ongoing conversations to participate in two national America 250 commemorative events.

Learn more

Army ROTC

This spring, Auburn University’s ROTC will incorporate America 250 into a rappel tower event by inviting faculty to participate, engaging cadets in conversation, and creating a visible tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary, including a symbolic rappel display and photo opportunities during cadet certification training in the spring.

Navy ROTC

This year, Auburn’s Navy cadets will create a one-of-a-kind semiquincentennial salute at the heart of campus, bringing cadets in full uniform together at the Clock Tower to form “250,” framed by American flags and punctuated by a soaring War Eagle flyover. Designed as a visual tribute to service, tradition and the enduring ideals of the nation’s founding, the moment will blend Auburn pride with a powerful commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Have questions? Contact au250@auburn.edu.