Dear AU community,
The cherry blossoms have hit peak bloom, which means that spring is officially here! The spring season showcases Washington, D.C. at its finest, and I hope you are enjoying not only our beautiful city, but also AU’s own incredible collection of historic and symbolic cherry trees across campus.
As we head into the final weeks of the semester, there is so much happening here at AU that reflects the energy, creativity, and sense of purpose that define both this city and our university community.
From 250+ at American programs exploring the promise of our democracy, to arts performances, research showcases (did you know your fellow Eagles are participating in a historic NASA mission using AU’s own permanent dipole radio telescope?), and so much more, this is a time when Eagles truly soar. I hope you will take a moment to engage with something that piques your interest and cheer on your fellow community members. I’m including below a few suggestions:
- Campus Beautification Day: Happening tomorrow, this annual tradition, now in its 33rd year, is a great way to roll up your sleeves and help preserve the natural beauty of our campus. Volunteers are welcome to register outside the Mary Graydon Student Center from 8-11 a.m. Participants will receive a t-shirt, lunch, and a chance to win raffle prizes.
- On Being American: On Wednesday at 6 p.m., join poet, author, Emmy-winning producer, and Sine Institute 250+ at American Fellow Kwame Alexander for an evening of poetry, music, and discussion about how personal and collective stories define our shared American identity. RSVP here.
- Lunch and learn with SPA faculty: On Friday at 11:30 a.m., our final 250+ at American Engaged Scholarship in a Changing World series of the semester will feature a lunchtime conversation with three School of Public Affairs faculty members –– Professors Laura Paler, Tricia Bacon, and Daniel Dreisbach – who will share insights on their scholarship and teaching (Box lunches will be provided). RSVP here.
- Music and Mind: Next Tuesday (April 14) at 1 p.m., Renée Fleming, internationally-renowned soprano and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts & Health, will be joined by Sunil Iyengar, with the National Endowment for the Arts, and AZA Allsop, Assistant Professor in Yale's Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Collective Healing at Howard University for a lunch and learn conversation about the burgeoning field of neuroarts. RSVP here.
- Music and Mind encore: Also, on Tuesday (April 14) at 6 p.m., Renée Fleming will join me for a fireside conversation about her incredible career as an artist and an advocate. (The first 30 student attendees will receive a signed copy of her book “Music and Mind.”). RSVP here.
We continue important work on the first stages of implementing the Meet our Moment strategic plan. This work is being recognized – our innovative AU Ready commitment to fund internship or research experiences was featured in Inside Higher Ed and WUSA 9. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on the many moving parts –including the 90-day Core Sprint, the readiness pledges, and more.
Before you know it, commencement will be here and we’ll be celebrating our 2026 graduates. Beginning May 7, our six commencement ceremonies will feature inspiring and notable speakers including Andrew Ross Sorkin, award-winning journalist and author (Kogod); Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (CAS); Clint Smith, journalist, poet and author (SOC/SOE); Ambassador Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize–winning author and Harvard professor, (SIS); Walter Isaacson, best-selling biographer (SPA); and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), constitutional law expert and longtime AU law professor (WCL).
I look forward to seeing you around campus as we finish the 2025-26 academic year strong!
Warmly,
Jonathan R. Alger
President, American University