COSAM News Articles 2015 June COSAM alumni perform as Dancing Stars of East Alabama

COSAM alumni perform as Dancing Stars of East Alabama

Published: 06/15/2015

Dr. Rian Anglin, molecular biology ’03 and pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of Auburn, and Dr. Glen Puckett, zoology/entomology ’01 and veterinarian and partner at Moores Mill Animal Hospital, recently participated in the fifth annual fundraising event, Dancing Stars of East Alabama.

Residents, doctors and business owners from around the area are chosen to partner with professional dancers to compete and raise money for local charities. Proceeds from the event benefitted Big House Foundation, The Lee County Literacy Coalition and By Our Love.

“The goal of Dancing Stars of East Alabama is to raise funds for local agencies that provide healing services to children of Lee County who have been hurt by life’s challenges,” said Anglin. “As a pediatrician, I see these children in my office every day. The foundations benefitted from this event make substantial differences in the every day lives of local children.”

Anglin, who has a background in tap dance, partnered with Carmen Cantrell, a member of the Auburn University Dance Line and instructor at Nix Dance Studios.

Puckett was paired with Casey Simmons, a dance instructor and competition director for Variations Studio in Auburn.

“I told Casey, ‘I’m not a dancer, so we’ve got to make this funny,’” said Puckett. “We had a great time competing and it’s just a tremendous charity to be a part of. It’s a great opportunity to give back and have fun doing it.”

After each of the nine dancing teams performed, the audience had the opportunity to vote for their favorite pair by making a monetary donation. By the end of the night, Anglin and Cantrell’s performance brought in $9,588 and the Choreographer’s Award, while Puckett and Simmons collected $17,848.

Anglin, originally from Valley, Ala., attended Auburn with the intentions of becoming a teacher, but quickly developed a love for science instead.

“I knew I wanted to combine science with my passion for working with children,” said Anglin. “Being a pediatrician has proven to be the perfect fit for me. I am privileged to help guide parents through the various stages of growth and development, and keep children healthy!”

Anglin is married to her high school sweetheart, Paul, and they have two sons.

Puckett has been a practicing small animal veterinarian in the Auburn area since he received his DVM from Auburn in 2008. He is married to Heather, and they have two children.