American University Alumni Magazine

The following address was delivered at American University's Convocation on August 22, 2025. Good morning, Eagles! On behalf of nearly 160,000 alumni around the world, welcome to the AU family. By your side is a community that transcends generations in cheering on your success, made all the more full-circle by the presence today of our Golden Eagles who are celebrating 50 years or more since their AU graduation. Thank you for showing us what sustained excellence looks like. Look around you.

With your AU diploma in hand, you’re now part of an impressive alumni network of over 150,000 (and counting) Eagles throughout the US and around the globe. Here are the resources and opportunities available to you as an AU alum as you navigate your next steps—whether job hunting, grad school, or whatever the future holds! The AU Alumni Association: A Powerful Network All graduates of AU are automatically part of the AU Alumni Association—no fees, dues, or registration required.

On Thursday, May 15, the American University Alumni Association and community came together to celebrate the 2025 Alumni Award winners. Five outstanding AU alumni were honored for their accomplishments in education, the arts and activism, and international relations.

American University alumni are visionaries in their communities and pioneers across many fields. From education to the arts and activism to international relations, AU graduates make an outstanding impact on society through professional, philanthropic, and volunteer accomplishments. The Alumni Awards are the highest honors presented by the AU Alumni Association.

Recent and ongoing layoffs, hiring freezes, and other changes occurring in the federal government have affected many AU community members. "During times of transition and uncertainty, the strength of our alumni network is more important than ever,” says Patty Caballero, Alumni Association president.

Attracted to AU because of family ties, DC’s charm, and impressive course offerings, Cami Smith, CAS/BA ’77, Michael Smith, CAS/BA ’79, Janet Benjamin Mockovciak, SIS/BA ’78, and John Mockovciak, Kogod/BSBA ’76, earned not only a valuable education, but connections that have lasted a lifetime.

AU’s Alumni Association congratulates Eagles who ran for and won election in 2024. Former Rising Star Award recipient Sarah McBride, SPA/BA ’13, will become the first openly transgender member of Congress, representing her home state of Delaware. “I know how much this win would have meant to me as a young person as I faced my own crisis of hope and wondered whether the heart of this nation was big enough to love me, too,” Representative-Elect McBride said.

American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) proudly congratulates Dr. Renata Brazil-David SJD/’2010, on her historic election as the new Director General of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). Dr. Brazil-David's mandate will begin on July 18, 2025, following a decisive election held on October 9, 2024, during the 41st ITSO Assembly of Parties.

Jeff Gates' series of digitally created portraits present the viewer with a critical depiction of American leaders and their followers who have prioritized personal power and careers over the needs of the people. The exhibition reflects the growing loss of confidence in our government and the increasing distrust in politicians to address the country's problems.

American University’s commitment enhancing to student thriving and the undergraduate experience, advancing impactful research, and tackling the world’s most pressing challenges manifests itself in myriad ways. Across our campus, students find their community and hone their purpose. Faculty, who exemplify the scholar-teacher ideal, innovate and inspire. Staff ensure our programs and students are poised for success.