Dear Alumni,

August is here, summer vacations are winding down, and the new AU semester is about to begin. Some of us are returning to classrooms of our own as educators or students. I have recently been busy helping my daughters—both AU students. One moved into a new apartment last week, and the other is getting ready to study abroad this semester. I know a number of my fellow parents will relate! 

Speaking of moving, the AU Class of 2030 will be arriving on campus this weekend to begin their Eagle journeys. Between the checklist of residence hall essentials, the tearful goodbyes, and a packed week of activities for All-American Welcome, the university and alumni leaders are committed to making sure first-year students and their families find the support here we all cherish, including the Fuel Their Fall initiative. 

If this community-building resonates with you—or if you know an alum who’d excel in this capacity—I encourage you to submit a nomination to the AU Alumni Board (AUAB). Applications are open now through Sunday, September 13.  

Serving on the AUAB alongside such engaged members continues to be one of the great privileges of my life as an alumna. It’s a space where we each show up for AU, draw on our personal and professional experiences, meet directly with university leaders, and work together in earnest to make AU’s alumni network the strongest it can be for all Eagles. We need committed alumni to help us as our work is more important than ever. More information on the role and responsibilities of an AU Alumni Board member can be found at the AUAB webpage or by email at [email protected]. 

I am also extremely proud to highlight the news that AU exceeded its development goal for fiscal year 2026, raising over $61.1 million in commitments.  

This achievement isn’t abstract—it’s the financial aid and scholarships that allow talented students to be the first in their families with a college degree, the funding for a professor to take students to a research conference, or the opening of an athletics center that allows student-athletes to win on the field and in the classroom. Alumni generosity made this milestone possible, and our philanthropy is reverberating in real ways across campus.  

A few important updates and reminders to close out this month: 

• Get your tickets for AU Night at Nats Park on August 31 and join alumni, students, parents, faculty, and fans as the Eagles take over the ballpark for a day. Watch the Nationals face the Marlins and get an exclusive AU co-branded t-shirt (that even this Mets fan would love!). 

• RSVP by August 24 for the Golden Eagles Reunion Weekend on August 28 in which we’ll welcome alumni celebrating 50 years or more since graduation. Eligible class years can RSVP here, check their email for their invitation, or reach out to [email protected].  

• The start of fall is a great time to get involved with one of AU’s 10 regional alumni chapters or 13 community and interest groups to stay in the loop on local events and grow your networks.   

Patty Caballero, SOC/BA ’91, Kogod/MBA ’00