February 2008

ALUMNI NEWS

Attention Alumni: Now Taking Nominations for the 2008 Alumni Awards

What do New England Council president James T. Brett, SPA/BA ’73, news personality Tony Perkins, SOC/BA ’81, and PR and real estate entrepreneur Ken Biberaj, SPA/BA ’02, have in common? They are all 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 those alumni 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. James Brett received this award in 2007 for his extensive work as a civic leader in Massachusetts, both in the public and private arenas. 

The Alumni Achievement Award is given to outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional accomplishments. In 2006, Tony Perkins received this award after his return to the D.C. broadcasting community as the weather forecaster and feature reporter for WTTG-TV’s Fox 5 Morning News, following six years with ABC’s Good Morning America.
 
For the past two years, the Alumni Association has presented a third award. The Rising Star Award recognizes young alumni (those who received their undergraduate degree within the last 10 years) who are already making significant contributions to society through professional or philanthropic work. 

Last year’s recipient, Ken Biberaj, SPA/BA ’02, is the vice president and spokesperson of the RTR Funding Group, which owns and operates the famed Russian Tea Room in New York City. He is also the director of investment sales for Broadway West Enterprises Ltd., a commercial real estate company. AU is proud to have alumni of all ages who stand out in their fields, but an increasing number of them are under the age of 30, like Biberaj. It seems only natural to acknowledge these up-and-comers with an award of their own. 

All three awards will be presented at this year’s Alumni Weekend “Port and Politics” reception, October 25, 2008, in the Butler Board Room on AU’s main campus.
 
To nominate your favorite, stellar AU alum, visit us online, or contact Tara Sherwin in the Alumni Programs office at 800-270-ALUM (2586) or 202-885-5960. Nominations are due Friday, May 2, 2008.

-Tara Sherwin

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