“Throughout the course of my first year as AU President, I’ve spoken a lot about civil discourse and civic engagement as essential ingredients of a college education and of a strong, healthy and sustainable democracy. Those components are at the core of our new civic life initiative, as we have explored how to engage in thoughtful dialogue and debate across differences to seek common ground, and to address problems together with a spirit of creativity and innovation.”
“Bring the same intellectual curiosity and humility that you cultivated in your studies to the professional, social and community challenges you will confront in the future with an attitude of respect and radical hospitality toward others. I ask that you practice, practice active listening, and use facts, evidence, research and reason to challenge assumptions and consider different approaches and perspectives. We need you to lead us away from hate and division and toward love and understanding. We need you to build bridges and connections.”
See more from the 2025 American University Commencement.Â
American University was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Jonathan Alger.
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