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About University Awards

Each year, American University recognizes the exceptional achievements of outstanding faculty, staff, graduating students, and alumni through University Awards. There are four categories of these university-wide awards:

  • University Student Awards, which honor graduating students for outstanding achievements in scholarship, student, and community service;
  • University Faculty Awards, including Scholar/Teacher of the Year and honors for teaching, scholarship, service, and community engagement;
  • University Staff Awards, for meritorious staff achievement;
  • American University Alumni Awards, the highest honors presented by the AU Alumni association.

The nomination process for University Awards opens in January.

Outstanding students also have opportunities throughout their AU careers to be recognized for their achievements – including Academic Achievement Awards and school and college honors.

AU Seal
2018 Student Award Recipients

Student Awards

University Student Awards honor graduating students and are presented in May during commencement weekend. 

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Three people holding an award

Faculty Awards

University Faculty Awards, presented at the Faculty Recognition Event in April, honor the work of full-time and adjunct faculty.

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2023 Collaboration Award winners Karyn Cassella, Amanda Dowd, Jimmy Ellis, and members of the American University President's Cabinet.

Staff Awards

University staff awards recognize outstanding staff and are presented during Staff Appreciation Week in May.

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American University 2018 Alumni award recipients

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards are the highest honors presented by the AU Alumni Association.

About Alumni Awards

Past Recipients

View past recipients of the Student, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Awards. We applaud their continued great work and success on and off campus!

View Past Recipients

Dayana Sarova presents the conclusions of a year-long research project at the SIS Undergraduate Poster Conference.

Achievements ·

2021 President's Award Winner Lauded for Teamwork and Leadership

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