New Biography on George Petrie Published by The Donnell Group
I
believe in Auburn and love it!� These famous words are recognized by anyone associated with Auburn University as the last line of The Auburn Creed. The Creed was written by George Petrie in 1943, which gives him a very special place in the hearts of all Auburn students and alum.
A new biography of this legendary author of the Creed has just been published by The Donnell Group, a book publishing company based in Montgomery. The company is owned by Rich Donnell, who graduated from Auburn in ’77 with a degree in journalism. In addition to owning the publishing company, Donnell also teaches Feature Writing classes at Auburn.
The book, which is titled “Auburn Man: The Life & Times of George Petrie,� was written by Auburn alumnus Mike Jernigan. The 384-page biography gives a very detailed account of Petrie’s life. Its main focus is on Petrie’s 55-year career in Auburn academics and athletics.
“One of the things I like most about the book is that it covers Petrie and his contemporaries. These were the men whose names today adorn so many campus buildings and streets. The book brings them to life,â€? says Donnell.
One of the highlights of the biography is the fascinating account of how Petrie formed the first Auburn football team in 1892. The book also draws attention to Petrie’s other numerous accomplishments. For example, Petrie served as a professor of history at Auburn for over 50 years, and during this time he became one of the most recognized historians in the country. “We all tend to know Petrie as the father of Auburn football and for writing the Auburn Creed, but few know he was one of the greatest historians ever,” says Donnell.
Donnell’s company has published a variety of special interest books, including the very popular “Hunting: The Southern Tradition.� In addition to the biography of George Petrie, The Donnell Group has published a number of other books bearing Auburn titles. These titles include “God’s Receiver: The Terry Beasley Story,� and “Touchdown Auburn: Memories and Calls from the Announcer’s Booth with Jim Fyffe.�
“Auburn Man: The Life & Times of George Petrie� can be purchased at local bookstores and at The Donnell Group’s web site: www.thedonnellgroup.com.
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