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From AU to City Hall: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb Returns Home for Commencement

The Forest City’s first millennial mayor and SPA alumnus will address 1,100 graduating Eagles at Bender Arena on December 20.

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Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, SPA/BA ’09.When Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, SPA/BA ’09, takes the stage in Bender Arena on December 20, he will return to the campus where his career in civic leadership first began.

Bibb will deliver the keynote address to 1,100 graduates across eight schools and colleges during American University’s 152nd commencement.

“I am honored to return to American University. . . and celebrate the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and public servants,” Bibb said. “My time at AU helped shape my belief that public service is about recognizing what is possible, having the courage to act, and doing the hard work to make a difference. 

“As graduates prepare to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead with that same sense of urgency, I look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact they are poised to make.”

Born and raised on Cleveland’s Southeast Side, Bibb studied urban studies at AU, participated in the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program, and received the Bruce Hughes Public Service Award. 

He began his professional path working for then-Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) before holding leadership positions across the public and private sectors focused on municipal innovation and economic development. 

First elected at age 34 in 2022, Bibb is the second-youngest person ever to serve as mayor of Cleveland. Now in his second term, he is advancing the “Cleveland Era,” a focused agenda to revive industrial roots, build safer neighborhoods, and govern with efficiency. 

Under his leadership, the Forest City has seen significant reductions in violent crime, transformed vacant and underutilized land into job-ready sites, expanded access to affordable housing, and reconnected residents to Cleveland’s dual waterfront. Bibb has also emerged as a recognized national voice on public safety, sustainability, and climate action.

“Mayor Justin Bibb’s commitment to making a difference reflects the sense of purpose he cultivated at AU,” said Interim President David Marchick. “As Cleveland’s first millennial mayor, he puts that commitment into action and demonstrates the impact every AU graduate has the potential to make.”

The ceremony will also feature remarks from two graduating student speakers. Ni’Aisha Banks, Baker/MEd ’26, is a first-generation college graduate, mother of four, and community advocate working to bridge systemic policy with the daily experiences of families, while Emma Desai, SIS/BA ’26, has focused her undergraduate career on community reinvestment, affordable housing access, and financial inclusion.