The American University Alumni Board (AUAB) is here to support you!

The AUAB convened for the first time this year on Friday, February 8. Six impressive new board members join the 15 returning members to compose the 2019 Alumni Board. The AUAB leads AU’s Alumni Association, providing perspective on engagement with alumni and working to improve the student experience. Student leaders from across campus joined the AUAB for lunch to discuss ways in which alumni and students can continue to work together.

"It was an honor and privilege to represent the Graduate Leadership Council at the Alumni Board Luncheon and to learn about what they have planned for the upcoming year. A few of these objectives include increasing opportunities for student-alumni engagement and professional mentorship for students to obtain insider knowledge on how to be competitive job candidates.

More importantly, following the luncheon what became evident to me was the commitment to service by AU Eagles that extends beyond your time as a student and when you become an alum to American University. When I graduate this May, I am excited to join this extensive network and see I can continue to give back to the university." - Carl Amritt, SPA/BA ’17, SPA/MPA ’19

Students shared their experiences serving on Student Government, Residence Hall Association, Kennedy Political Union, GLC, and the Student Philanthropy Council. Alumni reflected on their own experiences in similar roles while at AU and how student organizations have grown and developed to meet the needs of students today.

"It was great meeting with the Alumni Board to talk about how they can continue to serve American University students and for me to highlight the work that the Kennedy Political Union is doing. Everyone was so eager to hear what I had to say and wanted to take action to help tackle the challenges that AU faces. I know the Alumni Board will be strong advocates on behalf of AU students and alumni, and they left a strong impression on how I can give back to AU after I graduate." - Yazan Hanouneh, SIS/BA ’20

Students and alumni are connecting during many professional, educational, and social events including Dinner with Alumni, Student-Alumni Career Panels and Networking events, and the upcoming Founders Week celebrating 126 years of AU. Be sure to check out the events page at american.edu/alumni to learn more about upcoming opportunities.

"I had a wonderful time getting to know our American University Alumni Board on Friday. I enjoyed chatting with members about their time at AU, how the institution has really grown in recent years and about how AU helped get them to their career today. There were so many remarkable individuals in the room, and it was refreshing and reassuring for a soon-to-be grad to see how far I can go after my time here at AU." – Leela Najafi, SPA/BA ’20

Got an idea for a student-alumni event? Email Amber McClay, assistant director for student-alumni engagement, at amcclay@american.edu.

Go Eagles!