American University School of Communication (SOC) alumni have opened the door for dozens of SOC students to take advantage of transformational opportunities during their time at AU.

Financial support over the last year has helped to prepare students as future leaders in communication and education in high-profile settings that include:

• The New York Career Intensive offers a select cohort of up to 20 students a fast-paced window to career exploration through a series of site visits hosted by alumni working in a spectrum of media industries. The trip also includes an in-depth networking opportunity with many AU alumni living and working in multiple fields across New York City.
• The LA Career Intensive takes a select group of juniors, seniors, and graduate students with a focus in the field of entertainment to the West Coast to meet alumni and industry professionals through site visits, meetings, panel discussions, and social events. By the end of the trip, the participants have business cards and contacts for future conversations as well as a better understanding of the landscape for work in the field of communication, specifically television and film in L.A.
• Graduate students were able to travel to present research and network with leading academics at the International Communication Association conference in Cape Town, South Africa
• A group of graduate and undergraduate students attended the Cannes Film festival in France. Students heard from a series of industry insiders, deepened their understanding of film acquisitions and distribution, and networked with a broad range of professionals. Of course, they also enjoyed themselves exploring the coastal town, watching unreleased films and experiencing the red carpet!

“Now more than ever, private philanthropy will help the School of Communication remain a leader in public relations, journalism, film, and communication studies. These gifts will provide students with enhanced hands-on learning opportunities as they work and learn with industry leaders to make an impact domestically and globally,” said SOC Marnel Niles Goins.

Donor support also bolsters faculty as they engage students with the classroom and the world and has created opportunities for enhanced networking, research, travel, and exhibition, all adding value to the student experience and faculty teaching and publication.