The American University Alumni Association has worked to engage alumni since its founding in 1927. For most of those 96 years, it has been governed by a dedicated board of alumni leaders. And since 1948, the alumni association has honored outstanding alumni with its annual alumni awards.

Alumni awards are the highest honors presented by the AU Alumni Association. Selected annually through a highly competitive process, these awards recognize recipients who have made a lasting impact on society and on AU through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.

“American University alumni make incredible impacts every day through their work and commitment to community,” says President Sylvia Burwell. “Leaders and changemakers in every field, our 145,000-plus alumni exemplify AU’s mission and values.”

Nominations for the 2024 Alumni Awards are now open, and we need you to share stories of our incredible alumni. “The nominees and winners each year represent how AU alumni accept important challenges of our day and pursue the kinds of change that truly can’t wait,” says President Burwell. “I encourage you to join in celebrating these remarkable AU changemakers.”

The deadline for nominations is November 8. Learn more and submit your nominations now.

Questions? Contact us at alumniawards@american.edu.

Quick Links

• Alumni Awards Homepage
• Alumni Awards History
• Meet the 2023 Alumni Award Winners
• Alumni Association History