A Look at Leadership in Action: Meet AU’s 2026 Commencement Speakers

At American University, students don’t just study leadership—they engage with it directly. Each year, commencement brings influential voices to campus who reflect the real-world impact AU students are preparing to make.

The 2026 commencement speakers represent a powerful cross-section of journalism, public service, education, and global affairs—offering a glimpse into the networks and opportunities that define the AU experience.

2026 Commencement Speakers by School

• Kogod School of Business
  Andrew Ross Sorkin — Journalist, The New York Times; Co-anchor, CNBC’s Squawk Box
• School of International Service
  Samantha Power — Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
• School of Communication & School of Education
  Clint Smith — Author and Staff Writer, The Atlantic
• School of Public Affairs
  Walter Isaacson — Author, Biographer, and Former CEO of CNN
• Washington College of Law
  Jamie Raskin — U.S. Representative, Maryland’s 8th District

From Capitol Hill to global media, these speakers reflect the level of access, mentorship, and career-connected learning that AU students experience long before graduation.

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Supporting Student Success: Financial Aid Updates

As part of its continued investment in student success, American University has approved an increase in financial aid for the 2026–27 academic year, alongside a 4% tuition adjustment across undergraduate, graduate, and law programs.

This commitment ensures that more students can access and thrive in an AU education.

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Exploring America at 250: A Campus-Wide Experience

In anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary, AU is launching “250+ at American,” a multidisciplinary series of programs designed to examine the past, engage the present, and shape the future of American democracy.

Through events, panels, and discussions, students explore themes of civic identity, sustainability, and cultural understanding—hallmarks of the AU academic experience.

Featured Events Include:

• On Being American — A seminar hosted by Kwame Alexander exploring personal and collective identity
• American Languages: Multilingual Legacies — A panel examining the U.S. as a multilingual nation
• Sustainability Symposium — A deep dive into environmental progress and challenges

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Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Whether through conversations with global leaders, increased access to financial support, or participation in timely, thought-provoking programming, students at American University are constantly engaging with the world around them.

From learning alongside globally recognized leaders to engaging in timely conversations that shape our world, AU provides an environment where students are supported, challenged, and inspired. We look forward to welcoming our Future Eagles to our community and partnering with them on a journey defined by opportunity, purpose, and impact.

Warm regards, 

Evelyn K. Thimba 

Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment Management 

American University