With twinkling lights strung from the rotunda’s second floor and the floating echoes of live music, the architectural beauty of the Katzen Arts Center was on full display last week for the 2025 President’s Circle Celebration. 

The October 23 event gathered more than 200 of American University's most dedicated donor-advocates, students, faculty, and members of AU leadership—including AU’s 16th president, Jonathan R. Alger—for an evening of philanthropic recognition. 

This year’s venue and program carried a special nod to the 20th anniversary of the Katzen Arts Center—the marquee space for the arts at AU and home to the AU Museum. Made possible by a gift from philanthropists Myrtle and Cyrus Katzen, the center represents a powerful creative legacy for Washington, DC. 

Opening remarks from actress Caroline S. Aaron, CAS/BA ’74, Hon. DFA ’24, and a performance by the AU Chamber Singers set an uplifting tone for the evening. Remarks from Vice President of University Advancement Matthew Eynon and President Alger similarly drew connections between the creative spirit of the arts and the one found in philanthropy.  

“When we celebrate the arts, what we are really celebrating is our humanity—that intangible essence that inspires us to create. . . . This is the same essence we celebrate when we think about philanthropy,” said Eynon. 

The impact of AU’s President’s Circle giving society was a perfect example. In fiscal year 2025, society members were responsible for raising over $5 million for student scholarships, nearly $4 million to advance AU faculty teaching and research, and support for numerous other university priorities. 

In addition to a powerful video with highlights of the year, musical performances by AU faculty Nancy Jo Snider and Kevin Jang and an original student composition titled “Metamorphosis” by the AU Theatre/Musical Theatre Program made for a deeply stirring and memorable evening. 

The high point came with the awarding of this year’s Cyrus A. Ansary Medal to triple Eagle and acclaimed artist Sharon A. Wolpoff, CAS/BA ’74, MFA ’81, WCL/JD ’85. 

As she accepted the award before an audience of friends—including AU Museum C. Nicholas Keating and Carleen B. Keating Director  and Curator Jack Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus Elliott Milstein, and Professor Emeritus Peter Starr—Wolpoff spoke of AU’s poignant role in her life.  

Wolpoff began her undergraduate studies at AU as an art student and continued on to receive her MFA. In a tale of perseverance, she also attended law school at AU’s Washington College of Law (WCL), and took those lessons into her work with her family’s business.  

Her path in life, she told the audience, was always in the arts and always propelled onwards through the friendships and experiences forged through AU. It’s why she finds such meaning in the opportunity to give back to AU, the AU Museum, and WCL as an alumna and donor. 

“To say I grew up at AU isn’t an exaggeration—it’s the foundation of my journey,” said Wolpoff. “As I accept this award, I accept it on behalf of a shared commitment to a future of continued impact, service, and philanthropy. It’s a shared commitment that we must continue to uphold to ensure lasting excellence for American University.”