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SIS student Coralie Arias works with other students at the global youth forum

Achievements ·

SIS Student Presents Recommendations to Prevent Youth Recidivism at United Nations in Vienna

Coralie Arias, SIS/BA ’28, a Sakura Scholar studying in in Japan, presented youth-led recommendations on preventing recidivism to a United Nations commission in Vienna.
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Scenic model of Bad Books set design

Achievements ·

Professor Meghan Raham Wins Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Set Design

Scenic designer created innovative set for “Bad Books” last spring at Round House Theatre
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Raychelle Burks

Achievements ·

Prestigious Fulbright Awarded to AU Forensic Chemist Raychelle Burks

At Australia’s Curtin University, Burks will advance the field of frugal forensics—affordable, portable tools designed for real-world conditions
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Photo by Jeff Watts.

Achievements ·

Ambition, Empathy, and Authenticity: Distinguished Speakers Inspire Class of 2026

Nearly 2,700 graduates embraced the charge to lead with curiosity and find meaning in service during American University’s 151st commencement in Bender Arena
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SIS Awards 2026 text on gradient red and purple background

Achievements ·

SIS Awards 2026

Congratulations to all SIS student, faculty, and staff award winners!
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Antiracist Research and Policy Center

Achievements ·

Dr. Sarah Trembath Receives Inclusive Excellence Award

ARPC Interim Director recognized for commitment to advancing equity
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Emma Baumgarten

Achievements ·

The Ballot Champion: Voters at AU Cofounder Earns National Honors for Nonpartisan Civic Leadership

Emma Baumgarten, SIS/BA ’26, was named to the ALL IN 2026 Student Voting Honor Roll for building a permanent, year-round infrastructure for student democratic engagement
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Taha Vahanvaty and Ethan McBride

Achievements ·

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Meet AU’s 2026 President’s Award Winners

Ethan McBride, SPA/BS ’26, takes home the university’s highest undergraduate honor for his accessibility advocacy, while Taha Vahanvaty, SPA/BA ’26, is the inaugural recipient of the President’s Award for Civic Engagement.
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Professors Nate Harshman, Sarah Trembath, Mary Frances Giandrea, and Dan Kerr

Achievements ·

CAS Faculty Recognized for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Inclusion

2026 University Awards awarded to Professors Nate Harshman, Mary Frances Giandrea, Dan Kerr, and Sarah Trembath
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#12 Overall for Public Affairs

Achievements ·

American University’s School of Public Affairs is Ranked No. 12 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

This is the seventh consecutive year that SPA ranked among the top 5 percent of public affairs schools in the country, and the sixth year in a row that the school has held the distinction of the highest rated school in Washington, D.C.
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