Dear Alumni,

Several weeks have passed since I had the privilege of addressing AU’s newest students at Opening Convocation last month, but I am still finding myself inspired by the energy in Bender Arena.  

My message to the stadium full of Eagles? Harness that energy toward passion and purpose—the fruits of which I see in spades across our AU Alumni Association.  

The Class of 2029 includes more than 1,700 students hailing from DC, 49 states, and 42 countries. Nearly twenty percent of first-year students also represent the first in their families to attend a four-year institution.  

Also joining the Convocation festivities in Bender Arena were members of our AU Class 1975 as part of their official welcome as Golden Eagles. The weekend invites all alumni celebrating 50 years (or more!) since their AU graduation back to campus. These distinguished alumni are the history-bearers of the university, and this year’s programming was filled with reconnection and reflection. 

Speaking of exciting returns to campus, the AU community welcomed US Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE), SPA/BA ’13, for a conversation with President Jon Alger on her journey from AU to the halls of Congress. The event kicked off this year’s Perspectives on the Civic Life series, which remains a key initiative for President Alger. AU will also be launching 250+ at American in honor of the country’s semi-quincentennial, and I look forward to sharing opportunities for alumni to take part in the months ahead.  

Next up on the calendar are two very special event traditions for the AU Alumni Association. 

September 24 sees the 14th Annual CBCF Ebony Eagles of Excellence Awards Reception. Hosted by AU’s Black Alumni Alliance, the event will honor seven members of our AU community for their leadership in advancing education, advocacy, healthcare, and shared opportunity. 

I’m also excited to share that the 2025 Mosaic Collective and Alumni Reunion (MCAR) will take place October 3–5. From the evening gala to a brunch panel on women’s voices in media, the lineup of events showcases all that makes our alumni community so alive and dedicated. 

MCAR coincides with AU’s Family Weekend, so it’s a fantastic time to come back and take in all the sights and sounds of campus in the autumn. As a longstanding member of the Latino Alumni Alliance and now parent of two Eagles, I’m thrilled to be spending the first weekend of October with my immediate and extended AU family.  

All events hosted by the Mosaic Collective Alumni Alliances and Networks are open to all American University alumni, and the university’s ongoing commitment to Inclusive Excellence remains a central priority.  

For my fellow alumni, we can be proud to see our alma mater continue to embrace dynamic lived experiences, global perspectives, and thoughtful civic dialogue. 

Best wishes, 

Patty Caballero, SOC/BA ’91, Kogod/MBA ’00