In addition to the satisfaction that comes from changing the lives of students, donors can choose to name scholarships, programs, faculty positions, and spaces after themselves or loved ones. Naming gifts generally range from $10,000 to $10 million for spaces and buildings, and $50,000 and more for endowments that will honor a donor in perpetuity.

Opportunities to Make a Difference

American University aims to build facilities and faculty and student resources worthy of our world-class institution. Below is a sampling of opportunities for donors to make a difference.

$10,000,000+

Names buildings, such as the new School of International Service and renovated School of Communication.

$3,000,000-$7,000,000

Names the SOC Theatre, Academic Wing of the Katzen Arts Center, and the Athletic Center Complex.

$5,000,000+

Names and endows centers such as the Center for Teaching Excellence, Israel Studies, University Honors, Congressional and Presidential Studies, Global Peace, and Women and Politics Institute, as well as major academic degree programs and departments.

$2,000,000

Names and endows chairs for full time tenured faculty in any school and college.

$1,000,000-$2,500,000

Names spaces in Kogod, SIS, and SOC, such as high-tech executive classrooms, the SIS Lounge, outdoor and rooftop terraces, building floors, and suites for academic programs.

$1,000,000

Names and endows distinguished professorships and coaching positions for AU Athletics.

$250,000-$1,000,000

Names large conference and seminar rooms in schools and colleges, lobbies, offices for endowed chairs and department chairs, large classrooms, dormitory lounges, and athletics suites.

$500,000

Names small classrooms and conferences rooms, administrative offices and suites.

$50,000

Endows graduate fellowships and undergraduate or graduate scholarships.

$10,000-$50,000

Names current use scholarship funds, graduate student carrels, some faculty and administrative offices.