Since I arrived on campus, I've been continually impressed and excited by our AU community. Your achievements, collaborative work, and service to others make AU such a great place to study, work, and live.

Each year at this time, to recognize some of those achievements, that work, and that sense of service, we launch the University Awards process. These awards recognize graduating students, faculty, and staff who exemplify dedication, hard work, and outstanding service to AU. If you know someone who deserves this special recognition, I invite you to nominate them.

Nominations are due:

• February 16, 2019 for faculty
• March 1, 2018 for staff
• March 23, 2018 for students

We'll honor the awardees during the following events:

• Faculty Recognition Dinner, in mid-April
• Commencement Weekend, in early May, for graduating students
• Staff Appreciation events, in early June
• Alumni Recognition, during All-American Weekend in October

I'm also pleased to announce the new Faculty and Staff Collaboration Award is entering its second year after a successful launch last year. This award celebrates outstanding efforts by faculty and staff who have broken down barriers across campus, and is sponsored by Human Resources. I am excite to recognize and honor those that work with others to get to greater results.

You can find detailed information on the awards, selection criteria, deadlines, and access to nomination forms on the University Awards website.

I hope you'll take a few moments to help us acknowledge those members of our community who have shown a sustained and exemplary commitment to AU - so we can thank them, and highlight them as an example.

I also hope you know that each member of our community is vital to our mission. Whether you are an honoree or not, I am thankful for your contribution to our AU community.