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March 2006
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ALUMNI NEWS |
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Annual Alumni Awards Nominations Sought What do Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund Founder Susie Kay, SPA/BA ’86 and Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch, CAS/BA ’74, CAS/MA ’76, have in common? They are both recent recipients of AU’s prestigious alumni awards. Since 1948, the AU Alumni Association has been rewarding outstanding alumni for their dedication and service to American University and the communities in which they live and work. The individuals nominated are leaders in the community who offer their time and energy without asking for anything in return. They give for the joy of giving and are proud of their contributions. Traditionally, two awards have been presented to deserving AU alumni. The Alumni Recognition Award is given to alumni who inspire the world around them through service to the community or a philanthropic mission. Susie Kay received this award in 2003 for her extensive work with disadvantaged Washington, D.C., students. The Alumni Achievement Award is given to outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional accomplishments. In 2005, Lonnie Bunch received this award following his appointment as founding director of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture, a crowning accomplishment in a distinguished career in American museums. This year, the Alumni Association will also be presenting a third award. The new Rising Star Award will recognize young alumni (those who have received their undergraduate degree within the last 10 years) who are already making significant contributions to the greater society through professional or philanthropic work. AU has alumni of all ages who stand out in their fields, but an increasing number of them are under the age of 30. So, the alumni board felt it seemed only natural to acknowledge these up-and-comers with a new award. All three awards will be presented at this year’s Alumni Weekend “Movers and Shakers” cocktail reception, October 21, 2006, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown Washington. To nominate your favorite stellar AU alum, fill out this form online: http://www.alumni.american.edu/awards, or contact Tara Sherwin in the Alumni Programs office at 800-270-ALUM (2586) or 202-885-5960. -Tara Sherwin | |||
