Logan Freeman, Summer 2024 Student Marshal
AUBURN, Ala. – Logan D. Freeman of Opelika, Alabama, has been selected as the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment student marshal for the 2024 summer commencement ceremony on Aug. 3.
Freeman, a graduating senior, will receive his bachelor’s degree in natural resource management with a minor in coastal management from the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE).
After spending most of his childhood outdoors, Freeman knew he wanted to direct his career where he could make a living while being in his favorite places in the world. As he reflected on his reasons for choosing to major in natural resource management, he said the major was perfect for him because it essentially advertised an opportunity to study everything that interested him about the outdoors, from strictly protected parks to the woods in his backyard to the billions of people who need to use these resources to survive.
Freeman was inspired at a young age to help others and give back to his community. “Through the organizations that my mom was a part of I saw desperate situations and families who needed some hope,” stated Freeman.
During his time with CFWE, Freeman spent one of his summers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab pursuing his minor in coastal management. It was here he had the chance to speak with local experts and attend numerous field trips around the area. Freeman credits the curriculum for providing him with real-world experience that will be valuable for future projects and collaborations.
After graduation, Freeman plans to commit to a nine-month training program with an organization partnered with Lakeview Baptist Church. “The goal is that this program will launch me into full-time ministry for at least the next few years. After that, my hands and mind are open,” said Freeman. His goals are to serve communities, travel and to be open to new opportunities. “The experiences that I have gained at Auburn will produce fruit for years to come,” noted Freeman.
Outside his time in the classroom, Freeman devoted his time to service and community at Lakeview Baptist Church. Additionally, he frequented events through the International Student Organization, such as their annual Peace Dinner.
Freeman considered his time at Auburn to be time well spent. “Reflecting on all that has happened since coming to Auburn would take a book, but the high points have certainly been the times of community and purpose that I have found while serving, learning and growing at my church,” said Freeman.
“In the CFWE, we are focused on helping communities to become more resilient to environmental pressures, particularly in coastal environments. Combined with Logan’s heart for service, we are confident his natural resources background will enable him to find many rewarding avenues to make a positive impact within the community,” said the Emmett F. Thompson Dean Janaki Alavalapati.
“We are proud of Logan and wish him much success in his career and future.”
More than 1,300 students are expected to graduate from Auburn University this summer during three commencement ceremonies held in Neville Arena on Aug. 3. The day’s proceedings will commence at 9 a.m. with a joint ceremony for graduates from several colleges, including the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. The ceremonies will be highlighted by a commencement speech delivered by Auburn alumnus Beau Byrd.
Following the morning ceremony, a dedicated ceremony for doctoral and master’s degree recipients will take place at 1 p.m.
President Christopher B. Roberts will preside over all three ceremonies, which are expected to bring more than 15,000 guests to Neville Arena. Among the 1,322 degrees being awarded, 829 are at the bachelor’s level, with 488 awarded at the doctoral, specialist and master’s levels, and five students earning doctorates in veterinary medicine and pharmacy. This summer’s graduates hail from 33 countries and represent 40 states.
Additional information is available on the commencement website, and information will be posted on the university’s commencement Facebook and Instagram accounts.
(Written by Kendall Wilkes)
