Ernest and Cheryl Varney Endowed Scholarship

A conversation with Cheryl Varney.

Why did you choose to create a scholarship at Auburn University?
My husband, Ernest Orrin Varney, is a graduate of the Auburn University School of Architecture. We feel that our success is directly attributed to his education and experiences during his time at Auburn.

What would you want the recipients of this scholarship to know about the person for whom it is named?
My husband owns a successful architecture firm and we are thankful for his educational experiences at Auburn University. We feel that it is expected that we give back to the university that enabled his success.

Tell us about your Auburn story, favorite tradition, a “War Eagle!” moment, or what Auburn has meant to you.
Auburn has given us lifelong friends that we still have today. We travel often with many of our dear friends that we met through Ernie’s education experience at Auburn. We still have a “big chill” Auburn reunion every July 4th and for several days over the New Years Eve holiday.

What do you hope your recipients gain through this scholarship?
We hope that the funds we provide will make budgeting for a well-deserving student much easier. My husband was an out-of-state student who worked very hard to put himself through Auburn.