Tofey "TJ" Leon, biomedical sciences '14, has been named recipient of the prestigious 2015 Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship. The scholarship was established by the NCAA in 1988 and annually awards $24,000 to one male and one female student-athlete who possesses outstanding academic achievement as well as the potential for success in postrgraduate studies. While at COSAM, Leon maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average, was a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and competed in men's swimming where he earned numerous awards. To read the full story, click here. 

Gordon Sumner, a 2006 Auburn graduate, is a COSAM supporter and retired colonel select with the U.S. Army. He serves as interim president of Veterans Moving Forward (VMF), a nonprofit organization that places fully-trained therapy dogs in the homes of veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other physical and mental challenges. The dogs offer service 24 hours a day for 5-7 years at no cost to veterans or their families, and are trained to provide comfort and serve as assistants for carrying items, opening and closing doors, and alerting in an emergency. “There are no paid employees,” said Sumner. “We rely fully on volunteers and donations to maintain this organization. Every dollar we receive goes toward defraying costs of training, supplies, equipment and other fees.” To read the full story, click here.