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Communities and Interest Groups

American University has a broad range of alumni communities and networks that eagerly seek your active participation.

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Connect with alumni who have shared experiences, interests, and careers. 

Shared Communities

The AU Asian Pacific Islander Alumni Alliance (APIAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and contributions of American University alumni who identify with Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities. Grounded in unity and cultural pride, the APIAA seeks to strengthen visibility, promote cross-cultural understanding, and inspire future generations of AU alumni to lead with purpose. While the alliance centers on the cultural heritage and needs of this community, we welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, advocacy, and inclusive excellence. 

Chair: Rosa Park-Tokola, SIS/ BA ’12, MA ’14
Events Chair: Alan Doorasamy Jr., KSB/BSBA '20
Communications Lead: Adrienne Yeh, SIS/BA '23
Questions? Email us at [email protected] 
Connect with APIAA: LinkedIn | Instagram 

The AU Black Alumni Alliance (BAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and contributions of American University alumni who identify with the Black and African Diaspora. While the BAA centers the cultural heritage and needs of this community, we welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, advocacy, and inclusive excellence. 

Chair: Joshua Dantzler, SPA/BA ’21
Immediate Past Chair: Nakeesha J. Ceran, SPA/BA ’10, MA ’12
Engagement Lead: Clifford Young, SIS/BA '21
Questions? Email [email protected] 
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

The AU Disability+ Alumni Alliance (DAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and advocacy of American University alumni with disabilities and allies. Rooted in the principles of accessibility, empowerment, and equity, the alliance promotes awareness, community, and opportunity for all. While the alliance centers the lived experiences and advocacy of the disability community, we welcome all alumni who share our mission of promoting connection, empowerment, and inclusive excellence. 

The AU Jewish Alumni Alliance (JAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and traditions of American University alumni who identify with the Jewish community. While the JAA centers the cultural heritage and needs of this community, we welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, advocacy, and inclusive excellence. 

Co-Chair: Saul Burk and Cheryl Parker SOC/BA '05
Questions? Email [email protected]
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The AU Latino Alumni Alliance (LAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and contributions of American University alumni who identify with the Latino, Latina, and Latinx diasporas. Rooted in heritage, resilience, and collective pride, the LAA cultivates meaningful connections that uplift culture and empower future generations of AU alumni. While the alliance centers the cultural heritage and needs of this community, we welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, advocacy, and inclusive excellence. 

Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Email LAA | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The AU Pride Alumni Alliance (PAA) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and contributions of American University alumni who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. With pride and purpose, the alliance strengthens visibility, connection, and advocacy for a more inclusive and affirming AU experience for all. While the alliance centers the lived experiences and needs of this community, we welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, advocacy, and inclusive excellence. 

Chair: Walker Sands, Kogod/MBA ’14
Questions? Email [email protected]
LinkedIn | Facebook

The AU Women’s Network (WN) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the leadership, achievements, and perspectives of American University women and those committed to gender equity. Rooted in empowerment and shared ambition, the network connects women across generations and industries to lead boldly, lift others, and create lasting impact. While the network centers the experiences and professional growth of women, we welcome all alumni who share our mission of promoting connection, empowerment, and inclusive excellence.

Co-Chairs: Alycia Bell, CAS/ BA ’14
Questions? Email [email protected]
Facebook | LinkedIn

Industry and Interests

The Eagles in the Nest (EITN) network fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community of American University alumni who continue to serve and work at their alma mater. United by school pride and a shared commitment to AU’s mission, the network strengthens professional connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging across the institution. We welcome all AU employees who are alumni and are dedicated to cultivating community, service, and inclusive excellence within our campus family. 

Staff Liaison: Leslie Hall, PhD

The AU Entertainment & Media Alumni Network (EMAN) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that connects American University alumni across creative industries—from film and television to journalism, digital media, and the arts. Inspired by the power of storytelling and innovation, the network amplifies alumni voices shaping culture and driving change through creativity. We welcome all alumni who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, collaboration, and inclusive excellence. 

Staff Liaison: Calvin Haney 
LinkedIn | Facebook

The AU Veterans Alumni Network (VAN) fosters a lifelong, supportive, and engaged community that celebrates and advances the shared experiences, leadership, and contributions of American University alumni who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or are connected to the military community. Rooted in the values of service, integrity, and resilience, VAN provides a space for meaningful connection, professional growth, and continued service beyond the uniform. While the network centers the experiences and needs of veteran and military-affiliated alumni, we welcome all who are committed to our mission of promoting connection, leadership, and inclusive excellence. 

Chair: Steven Betsch SPA/BA '23, MPA '24
Staff Liaison: Leslie Hall, PhD
Questions? Email [email protected]
Facebook

Student Experience

The Alumni Admissions Volunteers (AAV) program invites dedicated AU alumni and parents to assist with the recruitment of prospective undergraduate and graduate AU students. 

Staff Liaison: Amanda Dowd
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

The AU Eagle Alumni Board is an alliance of AU alumni who worked on the student newspaper, The Eagle, during their time at American University.

Chair: Zach Cohen, SIS/BA '14
Questions? Email [email protected]

The Gospel Choir Alumni Network was created to bring together AU alumni who previously performed in the Gospel choir during their time at AU.

Staff Liaison: Leslie Hall, PhD
Questions? Email [email protected]
Facebook
 

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