Gus Malzahn is giving back to Auburn in a big way.
The Tigers football coach – as well as men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl – has pledged $500,000 toward the “Because This is Auburn” fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $1 billion thus far.
The coaches have started scholarships for first-generation college students, titled the Gus and Kristi Malzahn Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Scholars and the Bruce and Brandy Pearl Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Scholars. The scholarships are not tied to athletics.
“These gifts are particularly special because they will also provide an incredible opportunity for future first-generation college students who aren’t athletes,” Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said.