Harbert Magazine Spring 2025

Tell us what you think about Harbert Magazine— and how you’d like to get it. If you prefer a digital copy instead of print, just send a note to: HarbertCollege@auburn.edu

Ralph Foster (’79, marketing) retired in 2020 from Auburn’s Division of University Outreach after almost 32 years. He has been honored as assistant vice president emeritus and assists with special projects for the Outreach Division. In 2024, he was appointed to the board of directors of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life in Montevallo, Alabama. He lives in Montgomery with his wife of 34 years, Lesley. Richard Hethcox (’70, business admin- istration) was commissioned through the ROTC program after graduation. He went on to serve 23 years in the Army and served in Vietnam. Richard created a company after his Army career, All American Products, Inc. He was a primary vendor for Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and many other companies, providing them with horticulture products in the Midwest for more than 20 years. “My experiences from Harbert College and my military career provided me the skill set to be successful along with hard work! I love Auburn, War Eagle!” Jeffrey Laseter (’75, accounting) met Susan Spivey Laseter at Auburn in the summer of 1974 and they married the next year. They plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary this coming year! In August he celebrated his 35th anniversary with The Dixie Group, Inc. in Dalton, Georgia where he is the director of compensation and benefits. Jane Maples (’79, general business, ’82, MBA) is happily retired for over five years after a 36+ year career with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. She travels, reads, and volunteers with nonprofit organizations. She returned to AU for an MBA after a job with Burlington Industries. She began work with NASA in purchasing (procurement) and ended her NASA career as the Agency software manager (ASM).

1960s Larry Freeman (’67, business adminis- tration) happily retired from High Lone Sales, which he owned for 27 years. Before that, he was with Harbert Construction for ten years as manager of MINCON Supply Co., and manager of international purchasing for Harbert International.

Virgil Gamble (’65, business administra- tion) is now living in Reston, Virginia.

Mike Jeffries (’65, aviation management) went directly from celebrating gradua- tion from Auburn into the Marine Corps. He flew hueys and cobras until ’76 when he was released from active duty. He then went to work for Texas Instruments Inc. where he worked on GPS and Loran C navigation projects. Mike flew airborne systems tests for 20 years and executive jet transports for six more. He retired in 2003 and is currently enjoying the retired life in Millbrook, Alabama. 1970s Tim Barton (’78, accounting, ’79, MBA) retired after a long career in finance as a controller. His last position was three years as executive director at Nashville Christian Towers. Frederick Dowdle (’70, business adminis- tration) has been retired for 14 years after a 40-year career as a construction accoun- tant with two major general contract- ing firms. He is 76 years old and enjoys his retirement time volunteering and spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sports activities. He now has a third generation of grandchildren who attend or have graduated from AU.

Scan the QR code above or visit aub.ie/harbertalumni to update us on what's going on with you. Your updates can be shared with your fellow alums here in the next issue!