It's been an a great start to President Alger's first semester and he's got a special message for all AU neighbors...
Dear AU Neighbors:
Welcome to the 2024–25 academic year! With classes underway on AU’s main campus, the energy and enthusiasm are palpable. Even though this is my first year as AU president, I’ve spent most of my career in higher education with the last 12 years as president at James Madison University. The magic and promise of a new academic year never get old.
To help kick off our first year together, here are five things I’m looking forward to doing in my first year on campus:
Enjoying fall and spring on campus—not necessarily in that order. From the moment I stepped foot on AU’s campus—a 90-acre accredited arboretum and gardens—I was struck by the incredible natural beauty. I’m looking forward to seeing the fall colors descend on our 5,000 trees and the pop of springtime flowers across campus. And while fall and spring may be my favorite seasons (despite my allergies!), thanks to our hardworking Facilities Management team, there’s something in bloom every season of the year.
Supporting our Eagle student-athletes and performing artists. My wife Mary Ann and I are training to become diehard Eagle fans – look for us on the sidelines wearing our red and blue and cheering almost as loudly as Clawed. We will also be attending as many artistic performances as possible because our whole family has been involved in music, theatre and the arts for many years. Go Eagles!
Coming together for a concert. Students in Kogod’s business and entertainment program are hard at work planning an unforgettable concert in Bender Arena on October 24. Stay tuned for more information and get ready to dance!
Engaging in exciting, thoughtful programming. We’re kicking off Dialogue across Differences, a key piece of our Civic Life initiative—a new, university-wide effort focused on civic education and engagement and centered around civil discourse. These events will be a chance to come together as a community and build what I believe can be a national model for engaging across different viewpoints and lived experiences through respectful inquiry and active listening.
Getting to know all of you. Over the next year, I will be spending a lot of time listening to and learning from the entire AU community, including neighbors. I want to hear your thoughts and hopes for AU’s future.
I’d also love to hear what you love about this community. Send me an email at president@american.edu or stop me in the neighborhood and introduce yourself. I look forward to connecting, engaging, and working together over the next year and beyond.
With warm regards,
Jonathan R. Alger
President, American University
