Dear Alumni, 

In this season of cheer and pause, I find myself reflecting on you—my fellow American University alumni. This is a time of year that often asks us to simultaneously look back and ahead. In both mirrors, the impact of this community comes into sharp focus. 

The past twelve months have certainly brought its share of new joys and new challenges.  

Since assuming the role of president of the AU Alumni Board, I represented alumni at President Alger’s installation ceremony. I welcomed a new class of students to AU at Convocation. I have had the privilege of witnessing our alumni get their Talons Up for Giving Day 2025 and gather—clad in AU gear—at watch parties to cheer on AU men’s basketball at March Madness in cities such as Denver, Boston, Atlanta, among others. (Huge kudos to the multiple Patriot League championships clinched this past year, including AU women’s volleyball last month!) 

We’ve recognized tremendous lives of purpose and service at the annual Alumni Awards. The headlines-making Classes without Quizzes offered support to federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.  And the launch of the Knowledge Is Power Breakfast series underscored ongoing opportunities for thoughtful, topic-driven alumni events. 

There’s one question I’ve thought about again and again this year: What does it mean to belong to—and Show Up For—the AU community?

As I shared with the newest AU graduates at this past Sunday’s Fall Commencement ceremony, our network is not just a symbol of pride—it's about our collective power. It’s about opportunity, and it’s about making change together. 

Thank you for the many ways you have showed up and stepped up for AU this year. I wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season. Stay tuned for an exciting slate of alumni communications and events in 2026! 

With warm wishes to you and yours, 

Patty Caballero, SOC/BA ’91, Kogod/MBA ’00