Two Auburn University Honors College students named first recipients of Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation Scholarship

Published: May 18, 2022
Wade Berry | Honors College

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Two Auburn University Honors College students are the first recipients of the Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation Scholarship.

Regan Moss, a senior majoring in neuroscience with a certificate in health equity science, and Lauren Lavender, a rising senior double-majoring in biomedical sciences and neuroscience, were awarded the scholarship at a recent ceremony.

The Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation was established in 2020 to honor the legacy of former football head coach Pat Dye, who died that year. The foundation is named after Dye’s beloved farm, Crooked Oaks. Dye coached the Tigers from 1981-92.

The foundation was created with a mission to support the Crooked Oaks Farm and provide educational opportunities through the preservation of the wildlife and habitat; public use and enjoyment of the land and gardens; for the retirement and rescue of qualifying animals; and the study of nature.

The scholarship is designed to provide deserving Auburn students with the opportunity to study in a related field and gain experience needed to further the mission of the foundation and affect the world in their field of study.

Tiffany Sippial, director of the Honors College, said, “I was honored to be present at the dinner held at Coach Dye’s beloved farm where we formally recognized these two outstanding students for their achievements. Sitting alongside Coach Dye’s daughter, Wanda, and several of the Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation board members, who have dedicated themselves to honoring coach’s dreams, was a truly special moment for all of us assembled. I know that he would be so proud of Regan and Lauren. To be the first students to receive this award is truly special.”

Moss will attend Columbia University this fall to pursue a master’s in public health. She hopes to continue her research related to intersections of maternal and infant health and trauma.

“I am grateful for the support from the Auburn community to pursue my passion of improving health care,” Moss said.

Lavender plans to enter the field of pain-related neurology after graduation and wants to be part of the generation that bridges the gaps between the needs of patients and the resources available to treat them.

“I am appreciative of the decision of the Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation to invest in me and my future. The investment will certainly not be wasted,” Lavender said.

Rick Davidson, Crooked Oaks Legacy Foundation board chairman, praised the recipients and their potential future impact on the lives of others.

“The foundation board is delighted to honor these two distinguished Auburn students who, like Coach Dye, will impact and improve the lives of many, while bringing honor to Auburn University,” Davidson said.

More information about the Crooked Oaks Farm and the foundation is available on the website.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.