Greetings from Chip Griffin

American University often plays host to prominent speakers and noteworthy speeches. Perhaps none in the history of the institution stands out more than President John F. Kennedy's speech at the 1963 Commencement. A number of events have taken place recently to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the occasion.

As the sweltering heat of summer makes its way into Washington, D.C. and across much of the rest of the country, there are some lighter opportunities to celebrate your own relationship with AU. Once again this year, we have a partnership with the Washington Nationals, so you can enjoy seeing your alma mater featured prominently during many games -- and you even have the opportunity for discounted tickets so you can enjoy our national pastime.

Looking ahead to the fall, we'll be welcoming a new freshman class to AU. There will be a number of Summer Sendoff events around the country that bring together these incoming students to celebrate this new chapter in their lives. Alumni are welcome to attend these events to begin the process of welcoming them to the broader community of Eagles.

Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for All-American Weekend in October. I find the opportunity to get together with so many fellow graduates of American University to be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience -- and I'm certain you will too.

I look forward to seeing and hearing from many of you this fall. In the meantime, try to beat the heat and enjoy your summer!

-Chip