Dear AU Community, 

We are pleased to share an update on the university’s comprehensive Exterior Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan Project, led by the Office of Space Planning and Management, and in close partnership and collaboration with key university stakeholders.   

The goal of the Exterior Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan Project effort is to install a suite of exterior signs with a standardized logic and design aesthetic to help the AU community, first-time visitors, and family members navigate their way throughout campus. An early proponent of the project was Nana An, AU’s former Assistant Vice President of Finance and Chief Budget Officer, who saw the need for additional street signs on campus and the importance of the overall project. Together with her husband Joe, she helped launch the effort by making a generous gift towards the initiative to commemorate her retirement.  

This project provided a unique naming opportunity for vice chair Charlie Lydecker, SPA/BA ’85, and Christine Lydecker, Kogod/BSBA ’86, Kogod/MS ’88. On Monday, April 1, the road beginning at Glover Gate as you enter from Massachusetts Ave to the Hall of Science intersection will be officially named Lydecker Way, and the tunnel will be renamed Lydecker Tunnel in recognition of a generous gift from the Lydecker family. The signage installation is expected to take two to three days to complete.   

The Lydecker family’s gift ultimately also supports the Student Thriving Complex, the university’s historic $109 million investment in AU Athletics, student well-being, and student engagement fueled by the Change Can’t Wait campaign in combination with university resources. Their generosity helped the university transform the main thoroughfare this past summer with the addition of new dining and retail spaces, including AU’s Campus Store, and enhancements to the space outside of the Sports and Convocation Center—a natural convening area for major university events and athletic competitions and a sentimental place of importance on campus for the Lydeckers.  

In 1981, Charlie came to AU on a swimming scholarship. High school sweethearts, Christine followed Charlie to the team in 1982, and together they cultivated lifelong friendships through shared experiences as student-athletes. Swimming and recreation remain an important part of their lives today, and they both continue to sustain a lifelong commitment to sports and well-being. As part of the Student Thriving Complex, Lydecker Way and Lydecker Tunnel will connect students with the spaces, resources, and services needed to build healthy lifelong habits. 

We are grateful to the Ans and Lydeckers for their investment in the Exterior Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan Project, and are excited to deliver these enhancements to the campus community.  

Onward,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones 
CFO, Vice President and Treasurer 

Courtney L. Surls 
Vice President, Advancement