Gary Abramson, SPA/BA '68, says AU is rising to the role of an institution that the world's leading artists, social scientists, and philosophers recognize and seek out. A partner in the Tower Companies, Abramson has been a member of the university's Board of Trustees since 1986 and was appointed chair of the board in 2005.  His support of AU includes a $1,000,000 pledge to the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center in September 2002.

The former political science major cherishes his memories of the sleepy little campus, but also relishes his vision of AU's growing place in the world. "I really feel like I owe the school," Abramson says. "Once I got involved I felt I was part of this growth, because AU has really been in an expansion mode. It re-enlivened this attachment from my youth. I became part of this community of people, a family-type group…the American University family."

Abramson's dedication to that family has been displayed even in the most trying of circumstances. Three years ago, at about the time he agreed to cochair both AU's Arts Campaign and its Development Committee, Abramson developed pain in his right shoulder. Within six days he was in the hospital fighting for his life against a staph infection that traveled to his spine, and he emerged from the hospital a quadriplegic. Eventually, he traveled to Miami for a special spinal surgery to help him regain some motion in his legs and right arm, and for the last two and a half years he has pursued a rigorous program of five-day-a-week physical therapy. Amidst it all, he never abandoned his commitment to or belief in American University.

"Even when I was in Miami, I was working with AU," he says. "We had a fund-raiser in my apartment. I've done board meetings via video conference. Even though I haven't been able to be as active as I want to be, I still try to do what I can." Abramson's dedication, even in the face of critical illness, earned him the 2003 President's Circle Award. It is the development of the university, particularly of the new Katzen Arts Center, however, that is his greatest award. The Katzen facility will not only provide AU with a world-class arts center, but its location at the corner of Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues will allow more people a taste of university life.

"People who aren't familiar with AU may not go [directly] through the campus…but in effect they'll feel they're driving through it now," he says. "It's a very important project because this is an opportunity for American University to make a statement in Washington and to be out front with something curbside that says great things about the school." 

 "Now it's blossoming," adds Abramson. "It's coming to the forefront in arts, music, business, and being a much more important, vital, and visual influence in Washington."