Through Change Can’t Wait, more than 170 scholarships have been created or expanded, four centers and institutes have been established or named, nine new endowed faculty positions have been created, and $34 million has been raised for capital projects that support student thriving.
But these numbers don’t tell the full story. From the start, Change Can’t Wait has been fueled by tens of thousands of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends. Meet some of the donors whose generosity proves that every gift makes change possible.
Most Gifts to the AU Fund for Excellence (86 and Counting)
Kate Rorer Watson, Kogod/BS ’99, and Brian Watson
"We give because I benefitted from substantial university and alumni support through grants and merit-based scholarships while at AU, and we wanted to pay that forward to current and future students."
Most Gifts from a Triple Eagle (22 and Counting)
Sara Nieves-Grafals, CAS/BS ’75, MA ’79, PhD ’80, and Al Getz
“I felt welcomed in so many ways [at AU]. The faculty and staff helped nurture me as a budding psychologist, and I was a recipient of scholarships. It makes me happy to know that we can help a little bit in providing that to others.”
15,000th Campaign Donor
Nathaniel Gath, SIS/BA ’16
“AU was a great fit for me. I attended nearly all the home basketball games, played ultimate frisbee for the men’s club team, found unique places to study on campus, minored in Arabic, and studied abroad in Jordan. I like that I’m supporting the student experience, which really matters.”
Most Gifts to the AU Fund for Student Support (27 and Counting)
Sandra Walter, Kogod/BS ’86
"Giving monthly makes it easy for me to give my best annual gift. Giving to this fund allows students to take advantage of all AU has to offer, never worrying that sudden changes in their financial means will be a barrier to their goals.”
Most Gifts to AU Athletics (118 and Counting)
Paul G. Servidio, CAS/BS ’04, and Jaimie Servidio, CAS/BA ’05
“We’ve always felt a connection to AU, its campus, and college athletics. It is where we met, made lasting friendships, and fulfilled dreams as student-athletes in golf and swimming. We remain committed to ensuring that student-athletes at AU have the resources they need to perform at the highest level.”
1,700th Student Donor
Sarthak Jain, Kogod/MS ’23, MS ’24
“The Market [AU’s food pantry] matters a lot to students. It is a great resource for international students like me. I made a promise to myself to give back regularly one day—and I know a few others who have as well.”
Most Gifts to the Black Alumni Alliance Book Award (34 and Counting)
G. Tony Bell, SIS/BA ’88
“I have nothing but love for AU and will continue to give for as long as I live. Knowing that my investments help improve the student experience is what drives me to give.”
8,000th Faculty/Staff Donor
Jason Arnold, CAS Professorial Lecturer and Director, Theatre/Musical Theatre Program
“My son loved participating in DC Math Circle, run by AU’s mathematics faculty for third through eighth graders. I am so appreciative of the faculty’s time and wanted to support their work to advance my son’s skills and excitement for the subject.”
Gift That Activated the Latino Alumni Alliance Book Award Endowment
Sara and Mark Eversden, parents of Andrew Eversden, SOC/BA ’19 
“We knew AU was going to be a great fit for our son from the moment we dropped him off on campus. As Eagle parents, we became members of the Parent Leadership Council, where we sought out opportunities to support students of color, something we are particularly drawn to in our philanthropy.”
Gift that Activated the Black Alumni Alliance Book Award Endowment
Ava T. Jones, SIS/MA ’09
“Philanthropy has the power to be transformative. With so much going on in the world, this was another way for my giving to have a meaningful impact. I want the next generation to have access to resources—all the things they need to make their AU experience wonderful for them.”
A version of this story appeared in the June 2024 edition of American Magazine.
