There is something special about finding yourself among people who understand where you come from, recognize the experiences that have shaped you, and remind you that you belong. For American University alumni, the annual Mosaic Collective and Alumni Reunion (MCAR) offered just that: an opportunity to reengage with one another, celebrate shared experiences, and strengthen the bonds that connect generations of Eagles. 

Held October 23–24, this year’s reunion brought alumni together to honor the advocacy and action fostered by AU’s alumni groups.  

From the connections made at the Community Mixer Opening Social at Shanklin Hall, a Black-owned social club in Washington’s Adams Morgan neighborhood, to the stories shared and conversations had throughout the weekend, the chance to reconnect and give back keeps alumni coming back each year. 

“AU has given me a lot in my life over the years, and so this opportunity to come back and volunteer and give something back to the students means a lot,” said Bradley White, SPA/BA ’99, WCL/JD ’07, vice president of operation of the American University Alumni Board.  

The annual Books and Brunch: Stories Known and Unknown featured two AU alumni authors, Maria Morukian, SIS/MA ’04, an SIS adjunct professor, and Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi, Kogod/MBA ’01. In conversation with moderator Anita Schmied, SPA/BSBA ’74, both authors explored how personal stories can challenge assumptions, illuminate overlooked experiences, and foster greater understanding. 

Qi’s memoir, Elected American: From Red China to Blue Maryland, chronicles her journey from immigrant to elected official and examines the role of immigrant voices in American democracy. Her decision to write the book stemmed, in part, from a gap she saw in the national conversation about civic participation. 

“I didn’t find books talking about immigrant participation in American democracy,” Qi said. “I wanted to fill a void in our public discourse.” 

Morukian’s The Belonging Blueprint explores how organizations can create environments where people feel valued, included, and empowered to thrive. While the books approach different subjects, both underscore the importance of recognizing individual experiences as part of a larger community. 

As Schmied observed, “There is a common theme in these books. It’s the idea of belonging, the idea that we are part of this community.” 

For attendees, that message resonated well beyond the conversation itself. Lobna Ismail Kronemer, SIS/BA ’84, reflected on the pride she felt hearing stories from alumni whose work and experiences embody AU’s commitment to purpose and leadership. 

“I found a great sense of pride, a great sense of this is the best university for changemakers and people that are leaders, not out of profit, but out of purpose,” she said. 

MCAR Celebrate! gave alumni a lasting opportunity to network and reunite while enjoying performances by musical act Tafon & Band and AU student dance troupes AU in Motion and Les Coeurs D’Afrique. 

“Throughout the weekend, we have celebrated the many ways our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends strengthen the AU community,” said MCAR committee ambassador Angel Livas, SOC/MA ’09. “We hope that tonight inspires each of you to deepen your connection to AU.” 

AU President Dave Marchick recognized the profound significance of these connections, describing the spirit of the reunion as something fundamental to the university itself. “The essence of this weekend is part of the university’s DNA,” he said. 

For Dr. Nkenge Friday, vice president of inclusive excellence, the lasting impact of MCAR lies in the care alumni invest in one another and in the generations that follow. She encouraged attendees to continue building relationships with current students, particularly those who may be looking for guidance and a stronger sense of connection. 

“We have students who are hungry to connect, who may not have the language, who may not know how to ask our alumni for help,” Friday said. “But your role really needs to cement them here.” 

A sense of belonging, cultivated through years of connection and sustained by each new generation of Eagles, is what gives MCAR its lasting significance.  

For those who return year after year, and for alumni discovering the Mosaic Collective for the first time, the message remains the same: an Eagle’s connection to AU does not end at graduation. It lives on in the communities they build, the students they encourage, and the stories they continue to share.