Harbert alumnus Sumner to deliver summer commencement address

Distinguished alumnus, decorated Army veteran and nonprofit leader Dr. Gordon Sumner will return to Auburn University as the featured speaker for the university's summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

A retired colonel and nationally recognized leader in military service, veteran advocacy and organizational leadership, Sumner has built a career focused on supporting service members, strengthening military communities and advancing public initiatives nationwide.

As president and CEO of the nonprofit Veterans Moving Forward, Sumner has expanded the organization's national impact by expanding its outreach and volunteer engagement and significantly increasing the number of service and emotional support dogs provided to veterans at no cost.

Sumner earned an MBA from the Harbert College of Business in 2006, where he currently serves on the Dean's Graduate School Advisory Council. His military and public service honors include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and numerous additional U.S. and international awards recognizing his leadership and service.

Learn more by reading the full story published by the Provost's office