Alumni Events

PAST EVENTS

Alumni Reception at the Résidence de France in the U.S.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Washington, D.C.

We had the honor of welcoming our ACM-IAU alumni, board of trustees, and partners back to the Résidence de France in Washington D.C. for a special reception in February 2024. The event featured remarks from several distinguished speakers: the Ambassador to France Laurent Bili, ACM-IAU President Carl Jubran, ACM-IAU Chair of the Board of Trustees, Joe Herlihy, Ia Meurmishvili on behalf of Ambassador Kurt Volker, and a Q&A with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Jim Hoagland and Steve Clemons. The evening also included a silent auction offering chances to bid on various exclusive trips, artwork, and gift baskets all inspired by our IAU study abroad locations!

To see more pictures from this event, please check out the Flickr album.

Alumni Luncheon at the Army and Navy Club
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Washington, D.C.

Along with our 2024 ACM-IAU alumni reception, we also had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon for ACM-IAU alumni at the Army & Navy Club of Washington D.C. This event was co-sponsored by IAU alumna, Leslie McNamara (Aix, 1965-66) and her husband Robert, alongside fellow classmate Dennis Murray (Aix, 1965-66) and his wife Dana.

This year's luncheon was open to all alumni classes, offering the opportunity for some of our oldest and youngest alumni to meet and swap travel stories, and for friend groups to reunite for the first time in 30 years!

To see more pictures from this event, please check out the Flickr album.

Alumni Luncheon (50+ years) at the Army and Navy Club
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Washington, D.C.

Preceding the night of celebration at the Résidence de France, IAU alumna Leslie (McFarland) McNamara (65’-’66), husband Robert McNamara, along with fellow alumnus Dennis Murray (65’-’66), and his wife Dana Murray cosponsored a very special luncheon for IAU graduates from more than 50 years ago. All thirty-seven alumni and their guests enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing on their time in France and their adventures abroad, over a delicious three-course meal at the Army and Navy Club in D.C. Between flipping through the pages of the IAU yearbook, La Cigale, guests shared their respective IAU stories. This event reignited the lifelong bond that connects all IAU alumni, and we are so grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful experience.

A special thank you to our cosponsors Leslie, Robert, Dennis, and Dana, and to all our wonderful alumni and guests who shared their stories with us over an unforgettable afternoon.

To see more pictures from this lovely event, please visit: The Luncheon Album .

Reception at the Résidence de France in the U.S.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Washington, D.C.

Following an extremely successful inaugural event in February 2020, we are pleased to share that on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, IAU alumni, board members, staff, university partners, and special guests gathered again at the Résidence de France for an evening of reconnecting, reminiscing, lively conversations, and celebrating international education. We are grateful for the over 175 attendees and their continued collegiality and engagement.

The event was hosted by the Résidence de France, the entire Embassy and Residence staff, President Jubran, and the ACM-IAU Board of Trustees. We were honored to hear comments from Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy, Madame Aurelie Bonal as well as ACM-IAU Board Chair Marianne Keler, President Carl Jubran, and Ambassador and Trustee Kurt Volker, to whom we are very thankful for arranging such a memorable evening at La Résidence. Lastly, we were recognized by Kansas State University, represented by Grant Chapman, Associate Provost for International Programs. He presented President Jubran and ACM-IAU with the Internation Innovative Education Program of the Year Award. This award was given in memory of Alison Benson, a Kansas State University student who tragically passed away while on her study abroad program with ACM-IAU. Please read more about the award and Allison at https://iau.edu//newsandarticles#kstate22. Videos of the inspirational messages and the Kansas State award presentation can be seen on our Flickr page.

The evening culminated in a very successful silent auction. See more about the items up for bid: SILENT AUCTION ITEMS DESCRIPTION.

To view more photos from the event, please visit our Flickr Album: The Reception Album

IAU Alumni & Partner Reception
at the University of Chicago's
Gleacher Center
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Chicago, IL

ACM and IAU hosted a successful Alumni and Partner Reception at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center on March 24^th, welcoming over 80 alumni, guests, university partners and staff members. The event was co-sponsored by IAU alumni Caroline Karr (Spring 1982) and Dr. Brian Proctor (Fall 1982) and his wife Linda. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and hear from ACM President, Dr. Carl Jubran, and longtime IAU Trustee, Donna Manning. Photos from the event can be found and downloaded on our Flickr Account.

Alumni donations for this event were allocated directly to IAU’s student scholarships. These funds help IAU enable students who otherwise would not be able to enroll to participate in an abroad program. During the reception, IAU also unveiled its newest campaign: a matching program in memory and honor of IAU’s 2^nd President and longtime Professor, Amos Booth. Donations received up to July 31, 2022 will be matched 2:1 by ACM’s Board, and 1:1 thereafter through the end of the year. We encourage our supports to consider supporting this, or the many other funding options found at https://iau.edu/donate.

Reception at the Résidence of the French Ambassador to the U.S.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, February 20th, IAU alumni, board members, staff, university partners, and special guests gathered at the Residence of the French Ambassador to the United States for an evening of connection, lively conversations, and a celebration of international education. Alumni spanning all of IAU's 63-year history were present and enjoyed reminiscing and forging connections with other former IAU students from years past. It is always heartwarming to see the similarities that arise in the stories of our alumni from different years and decades when they talk about their life-changing experiences abroad. University partners and colleagues from every part of the country also joined the event and engaged in meaningful conversations surrounding topics of study abroad in our present moment. We are grateful for your presence at this event and your continued collegiality. Our sincere thanks to Ambassador Philippe Étienne, Senior Counselor Benjamin Roehrig, the entire Embassy and Residence staff, the IAU Board of Trustees, and to all who were able to join us. An extra thanks to IAU and ACM board member, Ambassador Kurt Volker, for arranging the evening at the Ambassador’s residence and for his stimulating speech about the merits of studying abroad, especially in today’s world. Ambassador Volker’s speech--along with clips of those from Benjamin Roehrig, President Carl Jubran, and IAU Board Chair Marianne Keler--are available for viewing here. Photos from the event are available here. Thanks to all who joined for this special evening!

Denver Reception - Friday, March 29, 2019
Denver, Colorado

We would like to thank the alumni, guests, and friends of IAU who joined the IAU team at the home of Joyce McCarl Nielsen ('61-'62) this past Friday, March 29th for a special evening of sharing IAU memories and stories. Special thanks to the generous sponsors of this event, Joyce McCarl Nielsen ('61-'62), Steve and Barb McCarl ('58-'59), and Julie McCarl Brookes ('81-'82), without whom this event could not have been possible.

It was a wonderful event full of IAU love stories, reminiscing about shared experiences, and lots of laughter! It is always heartwarming to hear about the similarities that arise when alumni from different years and decades talk about their own particular experiences with the Institute. Thank you for sharing this evening with IAU!

To see photos from the evening's event, please visit IAU's Flickr page.

New York City Reception - Wednesday, October 3, 2018
New York, New York

Thank you to all alumni, guests and colleagues who could join us on October 3rd for our alumni reception at the beautiful and historic National Arts Club in New York City. A special thanks to IAU alumna and Board of Trustees member Donna Manning, who generously hosted and sponsored the event.

It was wonderful to hear stories from all of our alumni from across our 61-year history, and to see share some of IAU's newest initiatives with the alumni community. We were also very happy to have IAU Board President Marianne Keler, Board Member Lisa Anderson, and IAU’s own Yamina Boudellal in attendance.

To see photos from the event, please visit the IAU Flickr page.

Boston Reception - Friday, March 23, 2018
Boston, Massachusetts

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the IAU Boston alumni reception. It was so lovely to have you there! It is incredible to see the similarities that come up in conversation when alumni from across IAU's 60-year history talk about their own particular experiences with the Institute. Thank you for sharing this evening with us!

An extra thanks to our generous hosts, Judith and Gerald Fleming, and to all those who donated to help make this event a success. We are so appreciative of your support in making this event possible. We also are very pleased that Yamina remains involved in the alumni affairs of IAU and were very thankful to have her with us this for this event.

To see photos from the event, please visit the IAU Flickr page.

Minnesota Reception - Friday, September 22, 2017

White Bear, Minnesota

Thank you to all who attended the IAU Minnesota alumni reception! It was so lovely to meet everyone and hear about the diverse experiences at IAU! It is always heartwarming to see the similarities that arise when alumni from different years and decades talk about their own particular experiences. Thank you for sharing this evening with us!

An extra thanks to our generous hosts, Dennis and Dana Murray, for providing the gorgeous venue of the White Bear Yacht Club, and to Tracy and Lance Anderson for the beautiful floral arrangements and support. We are so appreciative of their time, resources, and efforts in making this event possible. What a joy it was, as well, to have our beloved Yamina as part of such a special occasion.

To see photos from this event, please view the Flickr Album.

California Bay Area Reception

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Thank you to all those who could join us for a lovely evening among the trees in Portola Valley! We so appreciate everyone taking the time to enjoy some French cheese, California wine, and each other's stories from their time with IAU. We had fifty years of IAU alumni present, spanning from 1966 to 2016. It is always so wonderful to hear stories of IAU then and now--how much has changed and how much has remained the same. Thank you all for making the evening so enjoyable.

A special thanks to former IAU professor Anthony Triolo and his wife, Louise, for offering their home and their time to host this event. We so appreciate their generosity and efforts in making this event a success. Additional thanks to Yamina for coming all the way from France to be present at this reception.

To see photos from the event, please visit our Flickr album.

IAU’s 60^th Anniversary Celebration & Alumni Reunion
May 17-21, 2017
Aix-en-Provence, France

60th Anniversary Celebration & Alumni Reunion Highlights

During the weekend of May 17 - 21 over 130 alumni, family, and friends descended onto Aix and IAU to celebrate 60 years of the Institute for American Universities. The week was filled with receptions, dinners, courses for alums, lectures, wine tours, visits to Marseille and Avignon, and a wonderful Gala Reception on May 20th featuring both a silent and live auction to raise money for scholarships and the IAU building fund. See below for highlights from some of the events!

Opening Reception

To kick off the weekend of festivities, alumni gathered in the Main Hall of 2bis rue du Bon Pasteur for opening remarks from IAU President Carl Jubran ('92), and then moved to IAU's newest building, Manning Hall, to mingle with fellow alumni and enjoy light refreshments and wine!

Tour of IAU Campus

IAU staff gave tours to alumni of IAU's campus, including Manning Hall, 27 Place de l'Université, and 2bis rue du Bon Pasteur, which is now known as the Centre d'Etudes Francaises, but which alumni may remember as "La Chapelle des Penitences Bleus." The Main Hall of this building will be renamed the Amos Booth Hall, after the influential former president of IAU.

Past and Present Panel Discussion

IAU alumni Kate Butler ('12), Sandra Barron ('88), Donna Manning ('61-'62), and former IAU French professor, Paul Desorgues, talked about their experiences at IAU throughout the years, and how their time in Aix influenced the rest of their lives.

Cooking Classes

Alumni were given the opportunity to attend cooking classes on Thursday afternoon. Here they learned how to make traditional Provencal meals, and got to enjoy the fruits of their labor afterward!

Wine Tastings Throughout the Weekend

IAU Wine Studies Coordinator Professor Amy Mumma led two packed Main Hall crowds on the intricacies and delights of wine tasting on Thursday afternoon. She also led students in wine tasting on Sunday afternoon to Château LaCoste.

Being a Student Again

Attendees had a chance to relive their student years and could select from a variety of courses which were taught by current and former IAU professors. Survival French, Muslim Presence in Europe, Seminar in Art Criticism, Picasso, Matisse & the Mediterranean, and French Food & Culture were among the offerings. To everyone’s pleasure, no grades were given.

"Free to Rock" Special Viewing

Executive Producer Doug Yeager (’66-’67) shared the inspirational story behind his (and fellow IAU alumnus Nick Binkley ’66-’67) 12-year preparation for Free to Rock, a ‘’Rock-u-mentary’’ that focuses on Rock & Roll’s influence on ending the Cold War. After the screening in the Main Hall of 2bis rue du Bon Pasteur, a standing ovation greeted an emotional and appreciative Doug, and an energetic Q&A followed. For those interesting in purchasing the DVD, please visit this link.

Painting with the School of Art

Alumni took a bus out to Beaureceuil, at the base of Mont Sainte-Victoire, to spend a beautiful Saturday morning painting in the poppy-filled landscape. School of Art professors Pauline Betrancourt and O'Neill Cushman gave pointers to the newest art students.

Cocktail & Barbeque at the School of Art
Alumni gathered on Sunday evening for a concluding barbeque at the School of Art studio on the Route de Tholonet. It was a beautiful evening of reflecting on the weekend's events and saying farewell to new and old friends, complete with wine, barbeque, and pétanque.

Avignon Day-Trip & Extended Wine Tour

On Monday Professor Pamela Morton led a group of alumni for a day-trip in Avignon to visit the old IAU Avignon campus and learn about the history of the city. On Monday and Tuesday, Professor Amy Mumma led a group of alumni on a wine tour to different wineries throughout Provence.

Evening Gala at the Hotel Aquabella

The gala gave all attendees a chance to reconvene as one large group, celebrating 60 years of IAU in the Hotel Aquabella ballroom. Dr. Rudy Alvarez (’59-’60) was recognized with a video montage and awarded a plaque which will hang at IAU honoring his 50 years of service on IAU’s Board of Trustees. Yamina Boudellal was also recognized with a video montage and awarded a plaque honoring her 46 years of service supporting IAU students. A silent auction of artwork donated by School of Art professors, students, and friends of the art school was held with great success, as was a live auction of various IAU items (including a week at President Jubran and Dr. Alvarez’s homes in Aix!). Several alumni were recognized with lifetime achievement awards. A lovely meal – with wine of course - was followed by the live auction, dessert, and finally some dancing to IAU alumna Lizzie Gayle's ('88) wonderful band.

The silent and live auctions held during the gala were incredibly successful. We would like to thank all of the artists who donated paintings to make the silent art auction a success: Grace Anderson, O'Neill Cushman, Michele Hénot, Fi Katzler, Jill Steenhuis, and the family of Leo Marchutz. To see the catalogueof works, please click here.

In addition, it was announced that IAU would start a Diversity Scholarship in Yamina Boudellal’s name (see below for more information). Pledges were taken to help fund these scholarships. There was also an opportunity for alumni to have their name inscribed on a 60th Anniversary commemorative plaque ($100) and to donate towards the naming of the Main Hall after former IAU President and Professor, Amos Booth. All told, IAU raised over $27,000 during the gala. We are incredibly grateful for those who made pledges and donations and encourage those who did not have an opportunity to do so during the reunion to go to I AU's Donation Page in order to support the various campaigns. Please consider a donation.

Click here to see more photos from the 60th Anniversary Celebration!

A slideshow of photos and memories played throughout the alumni reunion and during the Saturday evening gala. To view this video, please click the thumbnail below.

Click here to see the itinerary of the weekend!

Please click here to see the catalogue for the silent art auction, with works generously
donated by IAU artists.

San Diego Alumni Happy Hour - November 3, 2016

On Thursday, November 3rd, several IAU College alumni gathered at IAU's U.S. Office of Admissions & Alumni Affairs to share memories of their experiences with IAU and to enjoy French cheese and wine. Our very own Yamina Boudellal joined the party all the way from Aix. Thank you to those who could make it, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

(Left) Erin Borgeson Wallen ('88), IAU President Carl Jubran ('92), and Rhonda Morris Epstein ('76-'77) (Center) Rhonda Morris Epstein ('76-'77), IAU's Yamina Boudellal, and Joanie Anderson Volle ('85-'86) (Right) Emma Angold ('15), Stephanie Chang ('07), and Fiorella Morales ('15)

IAU’s New York City Reception - October 26, 2016

We want to thank those who attended the IAU College New York City reception on October 26th for making the evening so memorable! It was wonderful to hear your stories and memories of your time at IAU. The energy in the room was electric and it was heartening to see so many of you connecting and re-connecting with your fellow IAU alumni. We appreciate you making the time to be there and hope you enjoyed the evening.

Our thanks again to longtime IAU Trustee and alumna Donna Manning for hosting such a special evening and to IAU Trustee and Sculptor Greg Wyatt for securing the beautiful venue. What a joy it was to have our beloved Yamina as part of such a special occasion.

To see more photos of the evening, please visit our Flickr Album.

Santa Barbara Alumni Reception – April 9, 2016

IAU welcomed alumni to join us for a very special reception hosted by alumna Victoria Riskin (1966) and her husband David W. Rintels. The afternoon event was a delightful occasion to reconnect with old friends and share thoughts on 'What's your most vivid memory of Aix and the Institute?'. IAU President, Dr. Carl Jubran, covered the Institute's recent developments, and we took a moment to celebrate the Institute on the eve of its 60^th anniversary in 2017.

During the reception, IAU showcased its IAU paraphenalia which included IAU t-shirts, ties, scarves, mugs, notebooks, pens and more. Our warm thanks go to all who participated for contributing to the success of the evening. Please continue to check our website for news of future receptions. IAU alumni interested in organizing an event in their area are invited to contact Vice President of U.S. Operations, Kurt Schick.

Please visit our photo gallery to see images from the reception.

Victoria Riskin, Frances Cook, Dennis Murray, Susan Helling Maertz, Leslie McNamara
(all class of 1965-66) with Carl Jubran (class of '92)

Washington, D.C. Alumni Reception - February 18, 2014

IAU President, Dr. Carl Jubran, and staff members Yamina Boudellal, Kurt Schick, Kate House and Rebecca Coyle welcomed alumni and other friends of IAU at a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception in Washington, DC at the University Club. In attendance were Board of Trustees Chair Mary Frances Pearson (Class of '74), as well as members Frances D. Cook (Class of '66) and Marianne Keler.

During the reception, IAU showcased its IAU paraphernalia which included IAU t-shirts, ties, scarves, mugs, notebooks, pens and more. Our warm thanks go to all who participated for contributing to the success of the evening. Please continue to check our website for news of future receptions.

Please visit our photo gallery to see images from the reception.

Larry Moody (The Aix Center, Fall 1961 - Spring 1962) and
Emily Siner (The French Honors Program, Spring 2012)

New York City Alumni Reception - October 3rd, 2013

IAU hosted its third Alumni Reception at the National Art Club in New York, New York this past October. More than 120 IAU Alumni, their guests, members of the IAU Board of Trustees, IAU staff and representatives of partner sending schools gathered together at the National Arts Club in New York, New York to celebrate the Institute for American Universities. Notable guests included Board of Trustees Chair Mary Frances Pearson (Class of '74), as well as members Donna Dillon Manning (Class of '62), Frances D. Cook (Class of '66) and Marianne Keler. Former IAU Resident Fellow, Fawad Khan (Class of '99), and visiting professor, Greg Wyatt, were also in attendance. The entire history of IAU was spanned by our Alumni guests, as IAU President, Dr. Carl Jubran (Class of '92), spotlighted IAU's inauguration of its newest building, Manning Hall, which was completed this past July. The presence of Yamina Boudellal, staff member of the Aix Center since 1969, and Kate Freyhof, Marchutz ‘09, Enrollment Coordinator, underscored the breadth and depth of the IAU community which now has over 20,000 alumni!

Below are images from the reception. Click here to view our full photo gallery.

IAU NYC Alumni receptin

IAU Board of Trustees Members & Guests

IAU NYC

Former IAU Board of Trustees Chair, Donna Dillon Manning (class of '62), accepting a plaque honoring the inauguration of Manning Hall from IAU President, Dr. Carl Jubran (class of '92)

Alumni in NYC

IAU Alumnae reminiscing about their time abroad in Aix-en-Provence

Chicago Alumni Reception - April 4, 2013

Alumni, friends and staff of IAU gathered in Chicago, IL. Visit IAU's Flickr page to see the night's events.

Ms. Susan Talley Brinkman (The Aix Center, 1972-1973) and
Ms. Annie Chestnut (The Aix Center, 2011)

IAU Alumni Reception held in Denver - March 22, 2012

More than 60 IAU Alumni, their guests, members of the IAU Board of Trustees, IAU staff and representatives of partner sending schools gathered together at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel in Denver, to celebrate the Institute for American Universities and our connection with it.