Courtney Vanoy isn’t your average Auburn woman; she’s involved in more than can be imagined for a senior. Along with her role of being a student, she is a member and leader in more than a few organizations. One of those organizations includes the Auburn Mariners, which is the NROTC Auxiliary. The Mariner’s support the Midshipmen by going to their fundraisers and bringing them snacks to their PFTs (Physical Fitness Tests). They also organize socials so that they can get to know them. Courtney has held a few different leadership roles with the Mariners, but this semester will be her third semester as the organization’s President. She describes her role as being stressful because she’s the person who’s expected to have all the answers, but it’s also rewarding because she’s the person the Midshipmen and staff turn to. With being in an organization such as this, I was curious why she initially got involved as every Mariner has her own reason. Country told me that her Grandfather had Alzheimer’s and he had also been in the Navy so she wanted to be able to connect with him on some level. As a Mariner myself, I know of the close bond we share. So when I asked her why the organization is so close to her heart, she responded with, “We’re all united by the common goal of friendship and serving as well as being able to make new friendships and experiences.” Being a Mariner is a busy, rewarding experience that creates life long friendships.
Along with the Mariners, Courtney is the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America on campus and the Alzheimer’s Ambassador to Congressman Mike Rogers. Through this she is able to support her Grandfather and other individuals who have suffered with this illness. She also used to be a member of the Auburn University Band, which is what lead her to join Tau Beta Sigma (the band sorority). Along with all of this, she attends First Baptist Opelika where she used to lead a bible study until this semester.
Courtney has a big journey ahead of her as she is graduating in December with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a concentration in Pre-Pharmacy. She plans to apply to the pharmacy school at the University of Colorado because they have an impressive ambulatory program. This would give her more interaction with patients in a clinic setting and would allow her to educate and serve her patients in a personal way. Courtney is a loving, intelligent woman and will do incredible things where ever she goes.