There was a celebratory mood across the American University campus last week, as the community hosted nearly 30 inauguration events in the leadup to President Jon Alger’s installation on March 28.

Here are some snapshots from the events, which marked a new era for the university under Alger’s leadership. 

The Future of Civic Life

Faculty, staff, and students gathered at Constitution Hall for a deep dive on the future of The Civic Life, Alger’s signature university-wide initiative that will establish AU as “a civic education powerhouse.”

“I don't need to tell all of you how important and timely this initiative has turned out to be. When you think about the Civic Life [and] the importance of focusing on the role of higher education in supporting and sustaining democracy—this is not something that we can take for granted,” Alger said.

The event featured a discussion moderated by SPA professor and Civic Life Steering Committee chair Tom Merrill. Panelists included Sine Civic Life Faculty Fellows Molly O’Rourke, SOC executive in residence; Samantha Cohen, SOE Hurst senior professorial lecturer; and Ronya-Lee Anderson, Department of Performing Arts professorial lecturer.

Each shared how AU—led by its students—is already engaged in this work.  

“We are absolutely not trying to invite people into a type of politeness,” O’Rourke said. “We are inviting people into caring for one another, into being able to listen to one another—to listen deeply, not just be able to respond or to criticize [and] to listen with empathy and, even for just a moment, put ourselves in the place of the other person.”

Some of AU’s 34 inaugural student fellows then led small discussions about how to foster deeper dialogue that can build a more inclusive community.

“Everything starts with conversations,” said student fellow Marilys Jn-Baptiste, Kogod/BS ’28, CAS/BA ’28. “Small conversations will build into big ones that lead to solving at least some of the issues we are facing.”

Doing Good

During Storytime at AU in Butler Board Room, more than 1,000 gently-used books were collected and distributed to 17 community partners that work with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.

Volunteers—including Alger’s daughter, Eleanor—sorted and packaged books for elementary school students in underserved areas of DC. They also made bookmarks and wrote encouraging notes for the children and educators, which were tucked in the care packages.

“It’s really important that students who live at AU are part of the larger DC community [and to engage in] work that directly benefits organizations and schools across DC,” said Maddi Brown, CAS/MS ’25, a graduate assistant for DC Reads.  

Learning From Others

Over at Bender Library, community members were interacting with a different sort of book through an innovative program called Human Library.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “readers” could stop by to “borrow” a human “book” for a one-on-one conversation exploring the world through someone else’s lived experiences. “Human books” included community members who talked about their disability, their background as a first-generation American and college graduate, their Jewish faith, and more.

 “While I began each conversation with a similar summary about my experience as an individual with invisible disabilities, the questions that each reader asked were so unique and truly eye-opening for me,” said Sydney Henry, AU Library communications coordinator, who participated as a human book, sharing her story about Dysautonomia. “It opened the door for me to consider certain aspects of my own personal story that I hadn't previously put much thought into. It also was so empowering to have people genuinely interested and asking questions.”

The library also hosted the first stop on AU’s History Walk, a transcribe-a-thon, and a chance for community members to add their AU story to the library’s digital collection.

Campus in Bloom

Under a cloudless cyan sky outside Duber Hall on East Campus, the College of Arts and Sciences celebrated six Yoshino cherry trees gifted to AU by All Nippon Airways and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The trees were dedicated as a symbol of friendship, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. They join more than 200 cherry trees planted across campus, which were in peak bloom during inauguration week.  

Picnic

AU community members enjoyed a festive afternoon of barbecue, games, and student performances on the quad after the installation ceremony. Coach Duane Simpkins and the men’s basketball team—who brought the Patriot League championship home to Bender for the first time in 11 years—also got a special shoutout during the picnic.

Other Events Around AU

• President Alger introduced a panel discussion at the Washington College of Law about how legal education advances the rule of law, democracy, and civic life.
• The School of Communication held an event about civic innovations in media, storytelling, and news.
• The School of Education hosted a session about how civil discourse shapes school board policy.
• Celebrity Chef Damaris Phillips hosted a takeover at TDR, which included a meet-and-greet, teaching kitchen event, and special lunch and dinner menu.