Education
Petrie is the first Alabamian to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Degrees from the University of Virginia in 1887 and a Doctor of Philosophy in "history, political economy, and jurisprudence" from Johns Hopkins University in 1890.
Petrie is the first Alabamian to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Degrees from the University of Virginia in 1887 and a Doctor of Philosophy in "history, political economy, and jurisprudence" from Johns Hopkins University in 1890.
From 1887 until his retirement in 1942, Petrie held various positions at Auburn, including professor of history and Latin, head of the History Department, and dean of the Graduate School. Petrie also organized and coached Auburn"s first football team in 1892. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
His time at the University of Virginia inspired Petrie to choose burnt orange and navy blue as the official colors for Auburn"s athletic teams.
Upon organizing the first Auburn football team in 1892, Petrie arranged for the team to play the University of Georgia team at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
The game inaugurated what is known to college football fans as the Deep South"s Oldest Rivalry. Petrie is perhaps best known to Auburn alumni as the author of the:
I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn.
Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.
I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.
I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all. I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all. I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."
And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love lieutenant
The creed has been a well known symbol of the university ever since Petrie wrote it in 1943.