Government & Economic Development Institute - GEDI at Auburn University

09/14/2026

We’re happy to welcome our Intensive Economic Development Training Course participants back to The Plains for week 2 of this program.

We started off with a trip back in time with Steve Murray of the Alabama Department of Archives and History walking us through the history of economic development in Alabama followed by Dr. Joe Sumners discussing how Alabama’s government has helped to shape economic development.

It’s going to be a busy week of presentations, conversations, networking opportunities (and of course, Aubie!) and ultimately, graduation! Thanks to Spire for being our presenting partner and all our sponsors who have kept this program going strong for 42 years!

09/11/2026

“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”

09/11/2026

We remember and honor those we lost, those who responded and the loved ones who persevered.

🇺🇸 Twenty-five years after the events of September 11, we pause to remember those who lost their lives and honor the heroes who answered the call.

Today, members of Auburn ROTC, student veterans and first responders came together at Jordan-Hare Stadium for a memorial stair climb, carrying forward a promise to never forget.

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Angie Colvin Burque who received the 2026 Dr. Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award recently at the AU Outreach Engaged Scholarship Symposium for her work with BraveHearts.

Belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people committed to creating spaces where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

For Angie Colvin Burque, that commitment has shaped years of teaching, service and community engagement at Auburn.

As a clinical professor and director of field education in the Auburn University Social Work Program, Burque helps prepare future social workers to make a difference in the communities they serve.

Beyond the classroom, she has put the same commitment into action as founder and co-director of Auburn’s BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to build connections, express themselves and find a sense of belonging in their communities.

That work has earned Burque the 2026 Dr. Royrickers Cook Endowed Engagement Award.

Presented annually by AU Outreach, this award recognizes one faculty or staff member whose work demonstrates an ongoing and purposeful commitment to civic and community engagement, interpersonal relationships and service to underserved communities.

Named for Dr. Royrickers Cook, vice president and associate provost of University Outreach, the award celebrates the dedication to public service and community connection at the heart of Auburn’s land-grant mission.

Watch the award presentation and learn more: aub.ie/hXylS1

09/09/2026

As we prepare to welcome our Intensive Economic Development Training Course participants back for week two of the course, watch the latest installment of The GEDI Minute which looks back on week one of this program.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mvkrZsVsAmo

09/08/2026

The AU Outreach annual All In All Pink breast cancer and health awareness event is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, on the Auburn University Green Space behind the student center from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Join us for:
Live Music & Performances
Speakers
Survivor Stories
Free health screenings
Free Food
Give Aways and more!

All In All Pink provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and members of local communities to connect regarding the importance of health and wellness.
Find all the information here:
https://outreach.auburn.edu/ops/allinallpink.php?utm_source=auburn-outreach&utm_medium=web

09/04/2026

GEDI was happy to coordinate and host the Public Sector Human Resource Association (PSHRA) summer conference last week. 175 human resource professionals gathered in Gulf Shores for educational sessions, legal updates and to receive professional development certifications. They also enjoyed networking events and fun activities like karaoke and a tacky Hawaiian shirt contest.

We are already planning the 2027 conference, so if you work in HR, save the dates of August 23-27, 2027!

09/03/2026

Jason Wilson was a proud Auburn graduate, hardworking businessman, an innovator, entrepreneur, public servant and a dear friend to us here at GEDI. We knew of Jason's recent health struggles and were devastated to learn of his passing last month. Friends gathered last weekend to celebrate his life and legacy and we wanted to take the opportunity to do so here.

Many knew Jason as a founder of Back Forty B**r Company and Coldwater Mountain Brew Pub or as their City Councilman in the City of Gadsden. He had many accomplishments and touched the lives of people in communities all over Alabama. He worked to change laws, create jobs, improve lives and help Gadsden and other towns grow and succeed.

Jason lived the Auburn Creed and served on many Auburn University boards and committees. For us, he was a frequent speaker and panelist on the topics of entrepreneurship and small business development. Back in 2016 when we were looking for a location to hold one of our economic development programs, Jason hosted us at Back Forty. He also fed us and gave us a tour.

Jason was incredibly motivational and always gave generously of his time and expertise to help others succeed and to mentor other entrepreneurs. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, family member and friend to so many people and we were blessed to be among his friends and to have his support of our programs. He is already greatly missed.

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Jonathan Schniper and Spire on receiving an Impact Outreach Partnership Award at last week’s Outreach & Engaged Scholarship Symposium.

The Impact Outreach Partnership Recognition celebrates partners whose collaboration on a specific outreach or engaged scholarship project has resulted in meaningful, measurable impact and highlights the power of partnership in advancing shared goals and community-centered outcomes. The award was presented at the end of the two-day Outreach and Engaged Scholarship Symposium which was held August 26-27 in Auburn. Schniper also served as a panelist during the symposium’s keynote panel session: "Passion and Purpose, the Power of Partnerships”.

Spire has been the presenting partner of the Government & Economic Development Institute’s (GEDI) Intensive Economic Development Training Course since 2018. Jonathan Schniper currently serves as Manager of Business and Economic Development at Spire and manages the partnership with GEDI for Spire.

“Spire’s ongoing commitment, involvement, and generous support has significantly enhanced the quality and impact of our Intensive Economic Development Training program, creating lasting benefits for individuals and communities across Alabama and beyond. Their partnership has helped position GEDI’s course as one of the nation’s most respected and effective basic economic development training courses”, explained Auburn University Outreach Assistant Vice President, Jeremy Arthur.

09/01/2026

Your Town Alabama - Designing Its Future will be hosting its next Porch Time Social at The Graduate Hotel in Auburn the week of our Intensive Economic Development Training course. If you're in town, come meet these fine folks! Our Intensive participants are welcome to join as well.

Meet us at the Graduate by Hilton in Auburn! Get ready to connect with peers, share ideas, and build relationships that strengthen our communities.

What: Porch Time, a community-building social event for Auburn
When: September 15, 2026, 5-7 PM
Where: War Eagle Room at the Graduate by Hilton Auburn

The social will be held in conjunction with the Government & Economic Development Institute - GEDI at Auburn University's Intensive Training Course. We hope to see you there!

RSVP: porch-time-auburn-2026.eventbrite.com