Dear AU Community:

Throughout my time at American University, my favorite time of the year has always been commencement. This past weekend, my final commencement as AU president, once again affirmed that feeling and energized our community with five ceremonies filled with cheers, inspiring addresses, and the smiles of our graduates and their friends and loved ones. And we still have one more opportunity for celebration with WCL commencement on May 18! Congratulations to our graduates for their well-earned achievements! And thank you to the many staff and faculty who volunteered and helped make the ceremonies special and memorable for our graduates and their families. Cheers to the class of 2024!

The conclusion of the academic year is also an important time to thank our teams for all they do to support our students and move our mission forward. Beginning on May 28, Staff Appreciation Week will feature many events and opportunities to celebrate our people. A few highlights include: Staff Recognition Reception, the President’s Open House and Cupcake Challenge, the Staff Picnic, and the Volleyball Tournament! Check out the full schedule on the Staff Appreciation Week website.

As we look ahead to summer, the university will close on Friday, July 5 in recognition of our teams’ hard work and accomplishments throughout the year. This will provide a longer break for the Fourth of July holiday. As a reminder, AU will also be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in commemoration of Juneteenth. For team members who work those days in support of core campus functions, thank you. Your manager will work with you to identify alternatives to ensure that you have the opportunity to take corresponding time off.

I hope you have an opportunity to rest and recharge this summer, enjoying your favorite pastimes with family, friends, and loved ones.

Onward,

Sylvia