As president of the Alumni Association, I have the opportunity to attend lots of great events and meet many of the talented graduates of our alma mater. Recently, we hosted an event in Alexandria, Va. for alumni featuring our alumnus-in-chief, Dr. Neil Kerwin. As one of us -- and now president of American University -- he clearly enjoys these events, and I know that the alumni who turn out enjoy the chance to engage with him.

I also had the opportunity to attend a dinner hosted by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress that honored AU alumna and current member of the Board of Trustees, Margery Kraus, for the corporate statesmanship of the firm she founded several decades ago, APCO Worldwide. Margery's vision and leadership helped drive the success that APCO has had in the public affairs industry and in giving back to the community.

As the academic year draws to a close, the activity at AU does not. Over the hot summer months, the transformation of the campus will continue as the finishing touches are put on the new Cassell Hall dorm and work continues on the renovation of McKinley Hall as the new home of the School of Communication.

Over the weekend, this year's senior class donned their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas at Commencement, and they formally joined our ranks as alumni of American University. As we do each year, we sponsored a Toast to Graduates event honoring the graduates as we welcomed them to our community. It marks a real milestone in the lives of these young people -- and not just because it's the first time they can attend an official AU event and be handed a glass of champagne!

Please take a moment to welcome these new members of our Alumni Association as you cross paths with them. Continue to be generous with your time as you offer career advice -- or even hire a fellow alum!

- Chip