The American University School of Communication (AU SOC) Photography BA program has received a $50,000 anonymous endowment to provide financial support to enhance experiential learning opportunities.  

“A gift like this to a small program like Photography is a game changer,” said SOC Interim Dean Leena Jayaswal, award-winning photographer and co-founder of the Photography degree. “We are grateful for the support that allows Photography students to engage in photography outside of the classroom. 

The Photography BA program immerses students in all forms of photography, from fine art to photojournalism. Combining the resources and expertise of SOC and AU's Department of Art, College of Arts and Sciences, the program includes historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to photography.  

“We are already devoted to students having experiences outside of the classroom, like exhibiting at the Cuban embassy, specialized tours of the Photography archives at the National Gallery of Art, and participation in community art initiatives like DC Home Rule at the DC History Center but this funding will allow us to prioritize the students experience and open up opportunities that were previously unavailable.” said Jayaswal. 

In another recent hands-on experience, students from AU and the University of the District of Columbia showcased their work in a juried student photography exhibition, “Homage to Guillen and Hughes.” Inspired by the writings of Langston Hughes and Nicolas Guillen, the exhibition explores themes of racial, class, and social justice from the 1930’s and 40’s in the United States and Cuba. Student photography is regularly on display in the McKinley Building on AU’s main campus.  

Photography students also benefit from the recently renovated Media Production Center, which houses exceptional facilities for photo editing and photography instruction: a new film processing lab, a darkroom, an advanced digital photo lab, a framing and mounting room, and faculty and staff offices.

This confidential and anonymous gift to the Department of Photography – and the School of Communication – will further student opportunities for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like to support the Photography Program, please email Jake Bridges at jbridges@american.edu