Hester Wear Atchison Scholarship in the College of Education

A conversation with Kay Hathaway Jones ’62.

Why did you choose to create a scholarship at Auburn University?
I wanted to honor my mother, who was responsible for me coming to Auburn, and at the same time provide financial support to another to attend Auburn. Education is an important means to broaden our understanding of the world we live in, as well as the people who live in it.

What would you want the recipients of this scholarship to know about the person for whom it is named?
My maternal grandmother shared with me a love of education; she was a wonderful teacher and I absorbed whatever she had to teach. My maternal grandfather, Rose E. Atchison, also has a scholarship in his honor in forestry, and my mother, Margaret Atchison Hathaway, has a scholarship in her honor in forestry/wildlife. These members of my family all share in a love of education, and what finer institution to receive that education than at Auburn University.

Tell us about your Auburn story, favorite tradition, a “War Eagle!” moment, or what Auburn has meant to you.
I attended AU for four years graduating with a BS in accounting/business administration. I was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, and was elected senior senator in student government. Auburn is a special place that radiates with a warm spirit you will rediscover on each occasion you return: there is no other place like it. War Eagle!

What do you hope your recipients gain through this scholarship?
I hope the recipients of this scholarship will work hard, receive a degree, go out into the workplace and find satisfaction and success, then give back to Auburn to help someone else.