March 27, 2009

AU’s second trip to the NCAA tournament—earned after winning the Patriot League men’s basketball championship in an exuberant Bender Arena in mid-March and then playing on national TV in the East regional—was another great moment in recent university history and another indication of AU’s maturing to a new level of expectation and achievement.

It’s not that we “expected” to go to the Big Dance for the second consecutive year, as if our ticket was punched from the first day of fall practice. But having “been there” before, having both pride and focus, and then playing very aggressively against a nationally ranked opponent brought a sense of confidence in our ability to compete at the very highest level.  

The team’s achievement this spring is a metaphor for how AU is positioned—in a number of areas—to move to the next levels of accomplishment and recognition in all of our pursuits. With a new strategic plan, a solid financial base, enhanced facilities, prominent faculty, a top-notch staff, highly qualified students, and a commitment to get even stronger, AU is building on our strengths with confidence in ourselves and expectations for continued success. 

It was a great run. I can’t wait for the next one.

The president's column features periodic postings from Neil Kerwin and highlights his experiences as a member of the AU community—as AU's 14th president, faculty member, alumnus, parent, and neighbor.

We invite you to email comments and questions to President Kerwin at president@american.edu.