Mary Beth Snow, Auburn University

Mary Beth Snow, a Spanish major and community and civic engagement minor, participated in the College of Liberal Arts’ Living Democracy program, a living-learning experience in democratic decision-making and community development. Mary Beth lived in Collinsville, Alabama, a small community in the Appalachian foothills in the northeast corner of the state, during the 2013 summer. She partnered with the local public library to organize downtown beautification projects and a bilingual reading program for children of Spanish-speaking immigrants. Hispanic immigrants have found Collinsville a welcoming community, and the local library has sought for several years to increase its outreach to the growing population. Through her work, Mary Beth paved the way for additional students to participate in the program, strengthening the relationship between Auburn University and this unique town. Her work this semester in our local community emphasizes communication and distribution of information to the growing Hispanic population, and we believe her efforts will make a lasting difference and positive contribution to new and lasting relationships. President Jay Gouge, Auburn University