This week's Alumni Spotlight features one of the program's best Horsemanship competitors – Hannah Loseke! The Western rider helped Auburn secure two national titles (2013, 2016) and its first Southeastern Conference championship as a senior in 2016.
Loseke secured All-America honors in her final season on the Plains and finished with 23 wins overall. In addition, she was named to the 2016 NCEA All-Championship Steam and was a two-time NCEA All-Scholastic First Team honoree.
Years competed: 2012-16
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Current job: "Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pediatric Dental Resident. Graduated dental school in May 2020 and now completing 2 year residency program."
Why did you choose your profession?: "I wanted to be a dentist because the profession incorporates sciences, working with my hands, having an artistic element, and building lasting relationships with patients. My mom is a dentist and I witnessed firsthand the heartfelt compassion for her patients, especially her pediatric patients, and I wanted to be a part of a profession that was rewarding for both patients and providers."
How did Auburn prepare you to be successful in your field?: In the classroom, Auburn prepared me for dental school by offering demanding sciences classes and having an excellent pre-medical/dental program. I had a strong science foundation and developed proficient study skills. The equestrian team prepared me in so many ways, but the biggest lesson learned was time management. Being a student-athlete cultivates an environment to master juggling classes, workouts, practice, and studying. Dental school and residency also have very long and demanding hours but learning to maintain a busy schedule at Auburn made the transition easy.
What does Auburn Family mean to you?: "I could feel the Auburn Family the very first time I walked through campus on my official visit. Once I felt that, I knew I would be able to move so far away from home for college. Being born and raised in Nebraska, Auburn quickly became my second home and second family. Whether I was lost on campus freshman year and a friendly face guided me to the correct building, to friend's inviting me into their home for Thanksgiving when I was unable to fly back to my own family, or a cheerful "War Eagle" from a stranger walking through the airport. Once you become a part of the Auburn Family, you are forever a member even when you graduate and leave campus."