Jim and Alison Gorrie of Birmingham committed a $2 million gift to Auburn University's McWhorter School of Building Science in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction to enhance service learning opportunities for students and to create two endowed distinguished professorships within the school. Their gift is made in support of Because This is Auburn - A Campaign for Auburn University, a $1 billion fundraising effort in support of Auburn's students, faculty, programs and facilities.

"We are committed to the success of Auburn University, and we hope that this gift allows the school to provide students additional opportunities to experience real-life projects that are embedded in their communities," said Jim Gorrie, a 1984 building science graduate. "We also are pleased to provide support for recruiting faculty members who will continue the school's exceptional construction education."