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Messages From The President

April 30, 2012: Spring Video Message and End of Semester Update

As the semester draws to a close, I want to share a short video message to update you on some highlights from the past few months. Watch the video...

In addition to the video message, I would also like to share my final written update of the semester, which covers a number of important issues facing AU. Read the memo...

March 21, 2012: Campus Plan Approval by D.C. Zoning Commission

I am pleased to inform you that on Thursday, March 8, the D.C. Zoning Commission approved AU’s 2011 Campus Plan—which provides a “green light” to begin construction on a number of facilities projects to support AU’s academic aspirations and enhance campus ambiance, while also emphasizing our commitment to be a sensitive neighbor. Read the memo...

March 5, 2012: Project Team: Business Practices Social Responsibility and Service

On January 17, 2012, I issued a statement of policy on social responsibility (www.american.edu/president/announcements/January-17-2012.cfm) in the conduct of American University’s business practices. At that time I indicated I would name a working group to assist in the implementation of those principles. This communication announces the charge of that working group that will be a formal project team of the university. Read the memo...

Commencement Speakers

The 2012 commencement speakers were: White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett (WCL), former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles (SPA), Smithsonian Institution secretary Wayne Clough (CAS), USAID administrator Rajiv Shah (SIS), Calvert Investments CEO Barbara Krumsiek (Kogod), and Associated Press president/CEO Thomas Curley (SOC).

Read the announcement

View speeches

President's Award

Carol Foster with AU president Neil Kerwin

Carol Foster, an AU School of Public Affairs (SPA) graduating senior, received this year's President's Award during commencement. Click on the link below to read more about Carol's academic achievements and exemplary public service.

Sustainability Pledge

President Kerwin was among nine D.C. area university presidents who joined Mayor Vincent Gray to sign the College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP) on February 29 at AU’s School of International Service.

Campus Plan

The 2011 Campus Plan is a "roadmap" that details proposals and objectives to enhance and build upon our campus facilities for the next decade. An overarching theme is to bring more undergraduate students back to live on campus.

Learn More

Read the Campus Plan

Success Story

Literary Wonk Pens First Novel, Accolades Abound

Alumnus Leonard Rosen, CAS/PhD ’81, captivates readers with his first novel, a contemporary literary thriller, amidst the backdrop of intrigue, mathematics, and theological questions.