Dear Alumni, 

Speaking both as an AU alumna and Eagle parent, few experiences are more nostalgic and uplifting than being back on campus in early autumn to celebrate the Mosaic Collective and Alumni Reunion (MCAR) and Family Weekend this past October 3-5.  

Our slate of MCAR events centered on the joyful, generative power of inclusion—a theme that has taken on special resonance in our current world.  

Whether spotlighting cultures and community on the Mosaic Gala dance floor, learning from esteemed women journalists at Books & Brunch, gathering with university leaders at Celebrate!, or closing out with a sorority, fraternity, and community leader Farewell Brunch, the weekend had something for everyone.

At the heart of events like MCAR is the incredible potential of our alumni community. And there’s much to recognize and activate this month. 

Seven AU alumnae—Gina Adams, SPA/BS '80, Muriel Bowser, SPA/MPP ’00, Debra Lerner Cohen, CAS/BA ’77, Ann Friedman, SOE/MAT ’98, Monica Jeffries Hazangeles, CAS/MA ’96, Margery Kraus, SPA/BA ’67, SPA/MA ’71, and Diane Seltzer, WCL/JD ’91—made Washingtonian’s 2025 list of the most powerful women in DC.  

I am also thrilled that nominations are set to open this week for the 2026 Alumni Awards. As the AU Alumni Association’s highest honors, the awards recognize exemplary leadership, service, and innovation, and the annual awards ceremony is an evening of profound inspiration. I encourage all alumni to consider nominating themselves or a fellow Eagle.  

Parallel to recognition is activation, and I am excited to share that the AU Alumni Board and University Advancement teams have been actively strategizing new alumni engagement initiatives. United under the theme #ShowUpForAU, these efforts will include a call for alumni stories, incentives for event guests, and new multimedia profiles.  

I look forward to sharing more about these and others in the coming months! So keep an eye out on alumni communications and—again—be sure to submit your 2026 Alumni Awards nominations by November 16! 

Best wishes, 

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