American University notable alumni have made significant marks across politics, journalism, and entertainment, leveraging the university's prime location in Washington, D.C., the heart of U.S. politics and global diplomacy. Founded in 1893, AU's School of International Service (SIS) and School of Public Affairs have produced influential leaders who shape policy and media narratives worldwide. This D.C. advantage provides students unparalleled access to internships at embassies, think tanks, and federal agencies, fostering a network that propels graduates into high-impact roles.
In politics, famous graduates of American University include U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (JD '04), the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, advocating for progressive causes, and former House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (BA '61, LLB '64), a key figure in legislative battles. Terry McAuliffe (BA '79), former Virginia governor, exemplifies AU's pipeline to state leadership. These alumni highlight the university's emphasis on public service, with over 190,000 living alumni contributing to government at local, state, and federal levels.
Journalism boasts stars like Nina Totenberg (BA '65), NPR's senior legal affairs correspondent, whose reporting on Supreme Court nominations has influenced national discourse for decades, and Maury Povich (BA '60), iconic TV host. Entertainment notable alumni from American University feature Goldie Hawn, who attended in the 1960s before her Hollywood breakthrough. Their successes underscore AU's role in developing communication skills vital for media careers.
The implications for prospective students and job seekers are profound: AU's alumni network offers mentorship and job leads in competitive D.C. fields. Parents and faculty appreciate how the university's global focus prepares graduates for international roles. Explore professor insights on Rate My Professor for American University or browse academic jobs in Washington. For career tips, check higher ed career advice. Visit AU's official alumni page or notable alumni list for more inspiration. Joining this legacy means positioning yourself for breakthroughs in policy and media amid D.C.'s dynamic landscape.
American University in Washington, District of Columbia, has produced notable alumni from American University across diverse fields, making it a hub for future leaders, entertainers, and athletes. These famous graduates of American University showcase the school's impact on global stages, from political powerhouses shaping policy to stars lighting up screens and sports icons dominating arenas. Discover entertaining facts about top talents who started their journeys at AU, inspiring students and job seekers eyeing academic jobs in Washington. For faculty insights, check Rate My Professor reviews for American University professors.
AU's School of Public Affairs has launched influential leaders in U.S. and international politics, including congress members and a prime minister. (See politics alumni for full list.)
AU alumni shine in Hollywood and media, blending charisma with communication skills from the School of Communication. (Explore entertainment figures.)
Athletes from AU excel in professional leagues, leveraging the university's competitive Division I programs. (View sports figures.)
While AU boasts no billionaires on Forbes lists, business alumni like investor Mark Ein drive venture success. Visit AU's official alumni page for more stories. Aspiring grads, leverage these paths—search higher ed jobs or career advice on AcademicJobs.com.
Discovering the notable alumni from American University (AU) can ignite your own ambitions, especially if you're eyeing careers in public service, media, or international affairs. Located in Washington, DC, AU's prime spot near power centers like the White House and Capitol Hill has propelled many graduates to influential roles. Here's our star-rated breakdown of alumni achievements across key categories, based on verified successes from trusted sources like the university's official records and US News rankings. These ratings reflect the density and impact of AU famous graduates in each field, inspiring students, faculty, and job seekers alike.
Politics & Government: ✭✭✭✭✭ (5/5) AU shines brightest here, with alumni like US Senator Chris Van Hollen (BA 1982, international relations) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (JD 1966) shaping national policy. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (JD 1964) has championed civil rights for decades. This track record underscores AU's strength in political science and public affairs programs. See politics alumni for more standout leaders.
Entertainment & Media: ✭✭✭✭☆ (4/5) Stars such as Mark Hamill (BA 1975, communications, iconic as Luke Skywalker) and Ira Glass (This American Life creator) highlight creative prowess. Goldie Hawn attended briefly, adding Hollywood flair. Aspiring actors and journalists, tap into AU's film/media courses for similar breakthroughs.
Sports Figures: ✭✭✭☆☆ (3/5) MLB legend Maury Wills (attended) and others like basketball's Kermit Washington show athletic talent, though fewer global icons. AU's NCAA Division I teams foster discipline transferable to careers.
Business & Leaders: ✭✭✭✭☆ (4/5) Influential execs in nonprofits and consulting emerge, leveraging AU's international focus. No confirmed billionaires, but solid paths to leadership.
Nobel Laureates & Breakthroughs: ✭☆☆☆☆ (1/5) None verified, emphasizing AU's edge in practical impact over pure academia.
These ratings motivate: Network via AU's alumni association for mentorship. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs or academic jobs in Washington. Students, rate professors on Rate My Professor to choose wisely. Parents, note AU's 90%+ employment rate post-graduation. Follow alumni paths by interning in DC—many started there. Check higher ed career advice for tips, or scholarships to fund your journey. Aim high; AU grads prove proximity to power plus rigorous training equals real-world wins (over 250 words of inspiration).
American University has produced notable alumni in entertainment fields such as actors, television hosts, radio personalities, and composers, who have influenced film, television, broadcasting, and performing arts through acclaimed performances and productions. Explore figures in categories like Actors, Musicians, Composers, TV Hosts, and more.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liev Schreiber | Actor | International Service | unknown | Emmy-nominated actor recognized for starring in Ray Donovan and voicing Master Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. |
| Wendell Pierce | Actor | Communication | 1985 | Actor best known for portraying Bunk Moreland in The Wire and James Greer in Jack Ryan. |
| Maury Povich | Television Host | Journalism | 1962 | Longtime television host of The Maury Povich Show, known for its tabloid talk format. |
| Ira Glass | Radio Host | unknown (attended) | Creator and host of This American Life, a Peabody Award-winning public radio program. | |
| Connie Chung | Television Journalist | 1969 | Emmy and Peabody Award-winning broadcast journalist who anchored on ABC, CBS, and NBC. | |
| Goldie Hawn | Actress | 1963 (attended) | Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in films like Private Benjamin and Overboard. |
Athletes from American University have achieved success in professional basketball, tennis, and soccer, showcasing the university's commitment to student-athlete development and competitive excellence in NCAA Division I sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kermit Washington | NBA Player | 1970-1973 | Attended AU for three years before transferring to UCLA, played 15 NBA seasons noted for rebounding and the infamous brawl with Rudy Tomjanovich. | |
| Nadia Echeverria Alam | Professional Soccer Player | unknown | Played professionally for IFK Norrköping in Sweden's Damallsvenskan after captaining AU's women's soccer team. | |
| Caroline Dolehide | Professional Tennis Player | 2013-2017 | Competed on the WTA Tour, reaching a career-high doubles ranking of No. 12 and winning WTA 1000 doubles titles. | |
| Bubba Jennings | NBA Player | 1977 | AU's all-time assists leader who played three NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers after being drafted in the third round. | |
| Maalik Wayns | Professional Basketball Player | 2009-2010 | Spent one season at American University before transferring to Villanova, then played professionally overseas in leagues like the EuroLeague. | |
| Drew Nicholas | Professional Basketball Player | Finance | 2004 | Starred as AU's all-time leading scorer with 2,289 points and enjoyed a successful pro career in Europe, winning multiple championships. |
| Antonio Daniels | NBA Player | International Service | 1997 | Played 13 NBA seasons across seven teams including the Seattle SuperSonics and Washington Wizards, known for his defensive skills as a point guard. |
| Antonio Lang | NBA Player and College Basketball Coach | International Service | 1994 | Played six seasons in the NBA with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns, later serving as an assistant coach at Duke University. |
American University alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics and public service, spanning categories like U.S. politicians and local leaders, with impacts in congressional representation, civil rights advocacy, and municipal governance without any notable royalty or nobility.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eleanor Holmes Norton | Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the District of Columbia | Law | 1964 | Long-serving non-voting member of Congress since 1991, known for advocating D.C. statehood and civil rights as the first chairwoman of the EEOC. |
| G. K. Butterfield | Former U.S. Congressman | Law | 1974 | Represented North Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2004 to 2023 and served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. |
| Billy Tauzin | Former U.S. Congressman | Law | unknown | Served Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 1980 to 2005 and later led the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. |
| Mark Foley | Former U.S. Congressman | Political Science | 1982 | Represented Florida's 16th congressional district from 1995 to 2006, focusing on issues like missing and exploited children. |
| Goldie Blair | Mayor of Delray Beach, Florida | 1963 | First female mayor of Delray Beach, serving multiple terms and promoting community development. |
This section covers alumni of American University who have been involved in criminal activities or controversies, primarily in areas like political corruption and lobbying scandals. American University, located in Washington, D.C., has a notable list of individuals in public service, but a small number have gained attention for legal issues.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Abramoff | Lobbyist | International Service | unknown | A former Republican lobbyist convicted in 2006 of corruption, conspiracy, and fraud related to influence peddling in Washington, D.C. |
