I will never forget one of my favorite parts of being a member of the Auburn Rotary Club was at the weekly meetings in the fall before the Auburn football games, Dean Foy would stand up on a chair and tell everybody to get their hands up for War Eagle. He would ask if we were ready, and if we weren’t loud enough, he tell us we needed to get louder! Each time I think about it, I can’t help but smile and get chills! What a treasure and beautiful spirit for the Auburn Family. I feel so blessed to know him the short time that I did. This is an article about what others remember about Dean Foy and his legacy at Auburn University. Annie
The Legacy of James E. Foy
Christina Chambers
Story Created: Oct 11, 2010 at 4:30 PM CDT
The legacy of James Edgar Foy lives on after the former Auburn University Dean of Students died in his sleep Friday night.
The Auburn family is mourning the loss of Dean Foy not only around campus, but also throughout the community. Friends, family, and, students said they can’t measure the impact Foy had on Auburn, but also said he will always be remembered for the unique way he said “War Eagle.” “If nothing else, the way he said WAR EAGLE was a big deal for me,” said Trey Johnston.
Dean Foy was a University of Alabama graduate, but he made his mark at Auburn University. As Auburn’s Dean of Student Affairs for a quarter century, Foy was known for expanding the support services and organizations available to Auburn students. “I just can’t tell you what a great guy he really was,” said Jeff Price.
Words like “greatly missed” and “loved” are posted on business signs throughout the community, but the most vivid memories go back to the Auburn spirit Foy had. “He did a lot of blood giving, but in reality, he bled orange and blue,” said Johnston.
Although Foy had been in bad health over the past couple of years, his drive, spirit and faith in Auburn University continued, and will continue on through the hopes and dreams of students to come.