Auburn’s Hey Day is more than just a campus tradition — it’s a timeless greeting that’s been passed down for generations.

“Hey Day is such a cool event,” said Owen Beaverstock, Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) president. “It’s the first thing I volunteered for when I was a freshman.”

The annual Hey Day event began in 1947 to welcome back World War II soldiers, when the SGA pushed for a day to unite campus. Nearly 80 years later, it has grown into a beloved custom of handing out nametags and encouraging everyone to say “hey” to each other.

“I love talking to strangers,” joked Parman. “You’re engaging in real conversation that reinforces the values of the Auburn Family." 

The 78th Hey Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will include live music, food, t-shirts, and a Social at Hey Day Market.

Parham said it’s a simple concept that can have a big impact.

“You could be the only one who speaks to that person this week or asks how their day is going,” she said.

Both Beaverstock and Parman consider it an incredible privilege to serve the student body.

Parman, a global studies major in the College of Human Sciences, said her role as 2025-26 Miss Auburn is like having a full-time job, a tradition that dates back to 1934.

“We do the ‘Empower Her’ women's leadership dinner, read to kids in schools, combat food insecurity, and engage with civic leaders,” she said.

Already in her tenure, Parman started an endowed scholarship for future Miss Auburns, and made outreach visits to the Auburn Bee Center, E.W. Fisheries Center and AU Singers. 

Like Parman, Beaverstock serves as an advocate for students, attending every Auburn Board of Trustees meeting as a non-voting member.

A double major in business and political science in the Harbert College of Business, Beaverstock was elected in February to lead SGA. Since then, funding has been secured for 10 new security shuttle drivers and 24/7 security on campus. He’s working with the City of Auburn to have a three-way traffic stop light installed at the crosswalk on Magnolia Avenue, between 320 West Mag apartments and the Ginn Concourse, to curb student pedestrian safety concerns. Most recently, trustees backed SGA’s concept to build a new, six-story, 680-bed dormitory on the Cambridge Hall property.

“We think that's a huge win for our students and a great spot, too,” he said.

Beaverstock said his advice to younger peers is to get plugged in — and early.

“One of the coolest things we do is the Expansion (EXP) Branch of SGA,” he said. “You can volunteer for Hey Day, CREED Day or football game shaker distribution. In the spring, we’ll have applications for year-round SGA roles.” 

Just like their post-war era predecessors, both Beaverstock and Parman will be leading the charge this week at Hey Day — greeting all with a spirit that is not afraid.

“It just shows the human touch that makes Auburn so special,” said Parman. 

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