| Any definition of The Auburn Spirit would of necessity include
these blithe characters, Katharine C. Cater and James E. Foy, shown pedaling
on campus in 1967 after the University bought a few bicycles-built-for-two
for student recreation. Deans Cater and Foy were among the most popular
faculty members with students during their long tenures. She served
as dean of women from 1946 to 1976, then almost four years as dean of student
life and social director. Dean Cater became one of the few University
employees to have a building named in her honor when in 1980, a few months
before her death, she attended ceremonies during which the Social Center
became Katharine Cooper Cater Hall.
Foy served as dean of student affairs from 1950 until his retirement
in 1978. The Student Union promptly was renamed James E. Foy Union.
Two years after going to Montgomery to serve in Governor Fob James's administration,
Foy and his wife, Emmalu, were back in Auburn, engaged in affairs of Phi
Eta Sigma national freshman scholastic honor society. Foy served
as national secretary or national secretary-treasurer from 1953 through
1992. Mrs. Foy served as local office manager. Foy's father,
Erle, majored in electrical and mechanical engineering at Auburn in 1896-1900.
As a senior, Erle Foy was editor-in-chief of the Orange and Blue and captained
API's baseball team. A right-handed pitcher, he beat Alabama twice
in two days. His catcher told Jim Foy years later that Erle's curve
ball "curved all the way from third base." -- Photo: Emmalu Foy |
