Fellow Eagles -
 
It's fitting that we end this unusual year with a celebration of AU Alumni on the Front Lines. The stories of fellow alumni Muriel Bowser, Mark Bucher, Alexis Dobbs, Irene Glowinski, and Deon Jones illustrate just how much AU alumni impact the world - and how proud we all should be to be in their company. Please visit american.edu/alumni/front-lines to learn more about them and share your own stories as we recount the many ways we've made a difference together in 2020.
 
As 2020 draws to a close, so does my time as your Alumni Association president. I have found many joys in this role and have done my best to keep our motto, "ideas into action, action into service," top of mind. Together we have accomplished much – we have created a fund to enhance student experiences, grown the Pride Thanksgiving program by leaps and bounds, and provided more scholarships and financial aid to AU Eagles who truly deserve it. For all of this and so much more, I am grateful. And I know the momentum we have seen of late will only continue to grow.
 
I could not be prouder to leave this role in the very capable hands of my friend and colleague Jonathan Mathis, Kogod/BSBA '04. Jonathan will lead this organization with a compelling and thoughtful vision. I am excited to work with him and for you to get to know him better.
 
In this season of thanks, I am reminded of how much I have received from my myriad AU experiences. This institution has been a part of who I am since I stepped foot on campus, and that won't change with the end of this tenure. I have pledged to continue working on behalf of the institution, and I look forward to being involved with many more AU-related initiatives.
 
Before I go, I want to thank my AUAB colleagues, the many other volunteers with whom I have worked, and all AU community members who have propelled our great alma mater forward during the last few years. It is not possible to thank all by name, but I do want to particularly thank President Sylvia Burwell for her visionary leadership of AU and for her strong support for alumni and for your alumni association.  Also, Dr. Fanta Aw, Acting Provost Peter Starr, Vice President of Development Courtney Surls, and last but assuredly not least the incomparable Raina Lenney and her wonderful and tireless team in the Office of Alumni Relations. Having had the opportunity to see up close how committed these people are to our university is something I will always treasure.
 
Have a wonderful holiday season--and remember, "once an Eagle, always an Eagle!"
 
Gratefully and with thanks for all you do for AU,
- Rob Johnson, SPA/BS '81