Interested in Joining the Alumni Board?
At-large board members serve a two-year term, following which they may reapply for a second term. Considering applying to the Alumni Board? Along with the application for membership, a full resume, a professional bio, and at least one letter of recommendation are required. Applications are accepted each year in summer or fall for service beginning the following calendar year.
Responsibilities of an At-Large AUAB Member:
- Attending and actively participating in all AUAB meetings (four per calendar year, typically hosted during business hours).
- Active participation as a member of an AUAB committee or task force.
- Being a knowledgeable ambassador for AU and the Alumni Association.
- Strengthen the relationship between the AUAB and the broader Alumni Association through service as an ally or champion liaison to one or more of our affinity groups
- Attend at least four Alumni Association-sponsored and university events when possible (in-person and virtual)
- Initiating outreach to and seeking engagement with fellow alumni through programs and events.
- Make a gift of at least $2,000 during each two-year term (Contributions and matching gifts may be designated to any university fund or program and can be fulfilled monthly, quarterly, or annual installments.)
Participation Guidelines
Participation Guidelines (detailed below) include a variety of ways AUAB members support the work of AU. Please note that alumni residing outside the DC metro area support AU through regional community participation, alumni admissions work, and virtual opportunities. Applications from alumni in diverse geographic regions are strongly encouraged.
- Participate in student-alumni engagement opportunities such as the Dinner with Alumni program, Eagle Summit, summer send-off events, or year-end/graduation activities.
- Follow the AU Alumni Association on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share Alumni Association content with personal networks.
- Read and share the Alumni Update e-newsletter, alumni news, updates from President Burwell, American magazine, event invitations, etc., with personal networks.
- Create an employer profile in Handshake, AU’s career management system, and post jobs and internships for AU students and alumni.
- Join AlumniFire, an online networking platform exclusively for AU alumni and students, to offer mentorship, informational interviews, or general networking opportunities.
- Join the Alumni Admissions Volunteers program.
- Offer tours to visiting alumni/prospective students.
- Connect with and support alumni alliances and interest groups.
- Along with the application form, please submit a full resumé́, professional bio, headshot, and one letter of recommendation by September 14.
- The Alumni Board Nominations Committee will review applications in October. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- prior involvement and philanthropic support.
- answers to essay questions.
- ability to contribute to the board’s geographic, ethnic, gender, and occupational diversity; and diversity of school/college within AU.
- At the Nominations Committee’s discretion, candidates may be asked to participate in phone interviews.
- The Nominations Committee will present prospective new members to the AUAB in early December for approval.
- All new at-large members will be notified of their selection by mid-December and are expected to attend and participate in the AUAB winter meeting.
- We will send a confirmation email once your application materials are submitted. If you don’t receive it, please contact Carlita Pitts at cpitts@american.edu.
Thank you for your interest in the American University Alumni Board! Questions? Contact LaTanya Sothern, chair, Nominations and Governance Committee, at latanyasothern@gmail.com or Carlita Pitts, director of alumni engagement, at cpitts@american.edu.
ALUMNI AWARDS
The American University Alumni Awards are the highest honors presented by the AU Alumni Association. Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient has made a lasting impact on society and on AU through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HISTORY
In 1927, the same year that the first electronic TV image was transmitted and Charles Lindbergh completed his first solo flight across the Atlantic, the Alumni Association of American University was created.