AUBURN, Ala. – Former Auburn football captain Don Machen and Auburn University executive director of campus recreation Jennifer Jarvis were honored Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Jarvis received the Pamela Wells Sheffield Award, given each year to an Auburn woman for selfless service and commitment to the university and the Auburn Family.
"I am deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award and to honor the life of Pamela Wells Sheffield," Jarvis said. "Her service and commitment to Auburn University greatly touched the lives of so many."
Jarvis spearheaded construction of Auburn's Recreation and Wellness Center, which opened in 2013.
Jennifer Jarvis, right, receives the Pamela Wells Sheffield Award before Auburn's game vs. Arkansas/Photo: Anthony Hall/Auburn Athletics
"I am humbled by the contributions of past honorees, and grateful for the privilege of continuing to serve this amazing institution," she said.
In his column in the Auburn football program, Director of Athletics Allen Greene wrote of Jarvis, "Ever since her graduation in 1981, this former Auburn three-sport student-athlete has promoted health and wellness on our campus.
"Jennifer's service to Auburn extends far beyond the rec center. Keeping stats at women's basketball games. Helping launch a fan club for our softball program. Mentoring student-athletes through WINGS (Women Inspiring and Nurturing Greatness in Student-Athletes). Jennifer Jarvis personifies servant-leadership."
Machen, who captained the Tigers as a senior in 1961, received the Walter Gilbert Award, presented annually to a former Auburn student-athlete who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field.
Of Machen, Greene wrote, "Don came to Auburn in 1958 from Sylacauga, Alabama. Sixty years, three children and nine grandchildren later, Don and Jane are still here. After earning his Auburn University accounting and MBA degrees, he helped create a powerhouse firm that has served customers well for more than 50 years.
"Along the way, Mr. Machen epitomized community involvement, serving in leadership roles on virtually every board in town."
Reflecting on his six decades in Auburn, Machen thanked many who invested in him.
"I did not realize in 1958 as a wide-eyed freshman football player that Auburn would become my home for the next 60 years," he wrote in an email.
"The beginning of a wonderful journey that I would not trade with anyone. I was accompanied on this journey with a solid rock in the foundation of my life and career by my wonderful, loving wife Jane. She has not only been my guiding light for 58 years, but the mother of my loving children Mindy, Melanie and Mike and grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren.
"My athletic career was molded by my parents Louis and Augusta Machen. Daddy was an athlete himself at Jacksonville State University and my high school coach. They also taught me to really care for others by my upbringing in the church.
"I was blessed to attend Auburn University in the era of some of the greatest coaches in our athletic history. It started with my head coach, Ralph Jordan, and continued with a staff of assistants; my freshmen coach, Erk Russell, varsity coaches Vince Dooley, Buck Bradberry, Gene Lorendo, Hal Herring, Joel Eaves just to name a few. These men taught me so much more than just football. They taught me the basic fundamentals of life and gave me the strong base to begin my career."
Don Machen, left, wearing tie, receives the Walter Gilbert Award from Jerry Smith, last year's recipient. Photo: Anthony Hall/Auburn Athletics
Machen credited Auburn University instructors A.J. Hill, Dennis Hale and Al Hartman for teaching principles that led to his accounting success.
"They helped not only my growth, but Auburn University's growth from a department in a school of Business Administration to our own School of Accountancy," he wrote.
"Also, I have been privileged to watch the city of Auburn grow from the small town of deserted streets between quarters of Auburn University to a wonderful metropolitan city that still provides the quality of life features that I was proud to raise my family in and call my hometown.
"I have also been privileged to see the growth of our wonderful university. Not only in student body growth, but in excellent faculty and facilities that continue to promote Auburn on the national and worldwide scene.
"I want to thank all the people in my life that have made the receiving the Walter Gilbert Award possible. It is certain a great honor to be on this list with the previous recipients and an award that I will always cherish. Thank you to the Auburn University athletic department and to all the great Auburn Family."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer