John & Will Vandiver Memorial Scholarship

A conversation with Clay Vandiver.

Why did you choose to create a scholarship at Auburn University?
Three generations of Vandivers have attended Auburn University, dating back to John and Will Vandiver’s grandfather, who finished his degree in 1952. The love for Auburn dates back especially to John and Will’s father and mother, who attended Auburn in the ’70s. Their father walked onto the Auburn football team at a point in time when there was a still a junior varsity program. Tragically, John and Will Vandiver lost their lives in an automobile accident in December 2002 at the ages of 16 and 12, and never got a chance to enjoy this outstanding university. They both had aspirations to attend Auburn, and it seemed very fitting to look for a way to remember these two young people in a way that would preserve their name at an institution like Auburn, which has meant so much to our family.

What do you hope your recipients gain through this scholarship?
John Vandiver attended Buckhorn High School which is in New Market, AL (near Huntsville, AL). Will Vandiver would have passed through the halls of this fine high school as well. The scholarship recipient each year is a Buckhorn High School senior and we are so thankful that a new Buckhorn High graduate gets a chance to experience one of the finest colleges in the South.