May 2008

ALUMNI NEWS

Charlie Koniver, SPA/BA '05, Andrew Lemke, and Beth Morgan, SIS/BA '79.

Dr. Kerwin Continues National Tour in South Florida

On an oceanside patio, with views of sparkling blue water, an orange sunset, and palm trees blowing in the wind, more than 30 alumni from a wide range of class years arrived at Miami’s Grove Isle Resort and Spa on April 24 for President Kerwin’s latest stop on his national tour.  Like their former classmates in seven other cities, AU alumni in the Miami area had the chance to talk to Dr. Kerwin and hear his thoughts on AU and plans for the university’s future. 

“We were so fortunate to have Dr. Kerwin come to South Florida and speak with our alumni group,” said Rachel Goldstein, SIS/BA ’06.  “His vision of American University brought together graduates from many decades.  It was great to hear about their respective experiences at AU.”

Miami chapter leader Carl Hildebrand, SIS/MA '02 and Jose Alvarado, KSB/BSBA '92. photos by Tara Sherwin

Following an introduction from Miami chapter leader Carl Hildebrand, SIS/MA ’02, Dr. Kerwin offered updates on AU’s rankings and latest achievements and spoke about the university’s new strategic plan, which will guide the university’s progress over the next 10 years.  Dr. Kerwin stressed that outreach to alumni is not only a priority of his as president, but that it will also have a significant presence in the plan.  The strategic planning committee, comprised of representatives from all campus constituencies (including alumni), is beginning to compile a basic list of themes upon which to base the new plan.  At the Miami reception, President Kerwin encouraged everyone present to take an active role in the planning process by contributing any ideas they might have for AU’s growth and improvement. 

"It was so exciting to hear Dr. Kerwin's plans for AU's future, and more importantly, to hear how passionate he is about actively including alumni in that future," said Hildebrand. "It's good to know we're valued by the university and that our contributions - both financial and otherwise - truly matter."

With more than 600 alumni in the South Florida region, Miami boasts a growing alumni chapter.  Attendees at the reception were excited about the large number of fellow Eagles in the area and look forward to more South Florida activities. 

“The recent alumni event gave us the fantastic opportunity to meet other graduates of AU that live and work here in South Florida,” Goldstein commented.  “It’s wonderful to know that there’s such a strong contingency of successful graduates here in Miami that attended the same university as me.”

For information about future events in South Florida, please check the alumni Web site or contact Ema Gantcheva at 202-885-5933.

- Tara Sherwin

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