Tenure at AU: Since 2009

Education: BA, Theatre, Florida State; MA, Women's Studies, The George Washington University

Areas of Responsibility: Oversight of all alumni relations operations

What I Love About AU: Our alumni are inspiring; their dedication to public service, and their commitment to improving the world around them is uplifting, and I am honored to engage with our alumni on a daily basis.

Contact: 202-885-5936 or lenney@american.edu

Tara Lang, Director of Alumni Programs

Tenure at AU: Since 2005

Education: BA, English, Texas Christian University; MS, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University Bloomington

Areas of Responsibility: Oversight of all alumni programming; Faculty on the Road; Faculty Down the Road; Holiday Soiree; Toast to Graduates; AU Alumni Awards

What I Love About AU: I love working for a university with alumni, students, faculty, and staff who are so committed to improving the world around them. It's a daily inspiration!

Contact: 202-885-5921 or tlang@american.edu

Laura Legg, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Admissions Volunteers

Tenure at AU: Since 2010

Education: BA, International Studies, Dickinson College; MEd, College Student Personnel, Western Carolina University

Areas of Responsibility: Oversight of alumni volunteer programming in support of undergraduate admissions

What I love about AU: The vibrant network of scholars, opportunities for global engagement as well as local interaction, the friendliness of the community, and a residential campus with an urban sensibility.

Contact: 202-885-3413 or legg@american.edu

Traci Crockett, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Communications

Tenure at AU: Since 2010

Education: BA, English, Roanoke College

Areas of Responsibility: Oversight of all Alumni Relations communications, including Alumni Update e-newsletter, the Alumni Web site, e-mail communications, the alumni section of American magazine, collateral materials, and the alumni social media accounts.

What I Love About AU: The community's drive to make a difference and working with people who are impassioned by their support of higher education.

Contact: 202-885-5910 or crockett@american.edu

Carlita Pitts, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Special Events & Programs

Tenure at AU: Since 2011

Education: BA Communications, The Ohio State University

Areas of Responsibility: All-American Weekend and Local Alumni Programs

What I Love About AU: I love working with a network of alumni who are passionate about giving back to AU. Whether it's through financial support, community service or mentorship, they demonstrate their commitment to the University through active leadership.

Contact: 202-885-5902 or cpitts@american.edu

Melissa Bevins, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Outreach Activities

Tenure at AU: Since 2010

Education: SIS/BA '02

Areas of Responsibility: Domestic and international alumni chapters, including event planning and volunteer management; Affinity groups, including the Latino Alumni Chapter and Young Alumni Chapter; the Alumni Board's alumni outreach committee

What I Love About AU: I love having the opportunity to learn from my fellow alumni about what made their experience at AU unique.  The university works to instill a core set of values and a commitment to service in each student, and it is fascinating to see what people do to fulfill that commitment once they leave the university.

Contact: 202-885-5933 or bevins@american.edu

Michael Sumner, Alumni Programs Coordinator

Tenure at AU: Since 2011

Education: BS, Sport Management, North Carolina State University; Master's of PRT-Sport Management, North Carolina State University

Areas of Responsibility: Alumni Audit Program, Benefits and Services, Dinner with Alumni Program, event support.

What I Love About AU: I love connecting with the vast network of alumni of American University and hearing about their lives and how American University helped them to get where they are now!  I love being able to offer them benefits and services that keep the alumni engaged and connected to the University even after being removed from campus for many years. 

Contact: 202-885-5962 or sumner@american.edu

Rebecca Vander Linde, Staff Assistant

Tenure at AU: Since 2010

Areas of Responsibility: Day-to-day office management, assistance with communications and marketing, Alumni Board administration, event support, answering alumni inquiries.

What I Love About AU: I enjoy working with a dedicated network of alumni, learning about their accomplishments, and helping them stay involved with the university beyond graduation. AU alumni are unique in their dedication to public service and changing the world, and I am proud to be a member of the AU community.

Contact: 202-885-5968 or vanderli@american.edu