Auburn alumni and philanthropists Darryl Rosser and his wife Diane Rosser have renewed their support of the online graduate programs within the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.
Online graduate programs offer an exciting opportunity for individuals to continue their career objectives while pursuing their education. The tailored curricula allow professionals to secure broader knowledge in finance, investment, business, ecology and other relevant subjects that will provide essential knowledge to fast-track their careers and make an impact on society.
The Rossers previously had been involved with the college by dedicating trees through the Auburn Oaks program and in the process met Dean Alavalapati who discussed his vision for the college.
Over the years, the Rossers have remained involved with the university and college, securing naming rights for additional Toomer’s Oak descendent trees in Samford Park.
“Each time we engaged with members of the Auburn forestry team and saw Dean Alavalapati’s vision come to life,” said Rosser. “We gained more and more enthusiasm in supporting the college through Tiger Giving Day, and other events.”
Rosser was later asked by Dean Alavalapati to join a group of CEOs on the Strategic and Tactical Advancement Resource, or STAR, team that would help advance the college on numerous fronts.
“I have been pleased to work alongside the dean and the STAR committee in advancing the recognition of the college, and in particular the online graduate programs as one of the top programs in the nation,” said Rosser.
Rosser, being a graduate of Auburn’s School of Business, had an ability to make an impact for the CFWE by mirroring the success that the Harbert College of Business had achieved under former Dean Hardgrave in utilizing the graduate program – particularly the online graduate program to elevate the status and recognition of the college.
“One of the things that has impressed me with Dean Alavalapati’s vision is the cross-engagement with the other colleges on campus in developing meaningful curricula for today’s changing marketplace,” said Rosser. “Historically, colleges within the university stayed totally ‘in their lane,’ missing the opportunity to develop important bridges that broaden the thinking and skillsets needed in today’s world.”
During the many conversations with the college regarding its needs, the Rossers were made aware of a need to increase exposure through online advertising.
“I could appreciate that as I had often used that tool in advancing my company’s exposure in the market,” said Rosser. “I was happy to provide
some seed money to assist in that initiative.”
“The college is grateful for Darryl’s leadership and the Rosser’s generous support of our online graduate programs,” said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. “The efforts made to elevate the visibility of the programs through strategic marketing and communications initiatives have been impactful to the college.”
(Written by Jamie Anderson)
