November 2008

I’m the new guy here – after only a month at American I’ve quickly learned about the wonderful variety of people in this community, the strong value placed on intellectual life in our environment, and the tremendous impact of AU’s service ethic. None of that surprises me, of course, and all of it is what attracted me to come to AU in the first place. But it’s reassuring to see those things in action.

Seeing it first hand also proves to me how far we can go. Our alumni span the globe, including individuals in all walks of leadership in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As a group, you possess an expectation for excellence for yourselves, your families, your communities, and your alma mater. With 100,000 in the ranks, you have the ability profoundly to affect AU’s future. American University needs and wants your engagement and involvement. With your fellow alum, President Neil Kerwin, SPA/BA ’71, and your Alumni Board, my job is to make sure we are up to the challenge and provide you meaningful opportunities.

It’s appropriate at this season for me to thank you for all you have done through involvement and giving. I’d also like to invite you to do more. Whether it’s just by staying in touch, e-mailing your comments about the Strategic Plan, mentoring a current student, coming to a game, serving on a board, auditing a class, or making a gift, you are always welcome at AU. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Minar
Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations

  
Thomas J. Minar began Oct. 15 as AU's new VP of Development and Alumni Relations.  photo by Jeff Watts

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Melissa Reichley
Executive Editor, Alumni Update and
Director, Development Communications
202-885-5930

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