AU History Walk

The History Walk is a self-guided tour, marking significant locations on campus that reflect AU’s rich and diverse history.

1

Bender Library

In 1979, a new library was built on campus, officially named the Jack I. & Dorothy G. Bender Library and Learning Resources Center. It is named for the parents of Washington business leader, Howard Bender. His spouse, Sondra D. Bender, was a member of the American University Board of Trustees, 1982-2002. The American University Library plays a vital role in connecting students, faculty, and scholars across the academy with information, ideas, and one another. 

2

John F. Kennedy Speech Plaza

On June 10, 1963 President John F. Kennedy delivered the commencement address that would later be known as “A Strategy of Peace.” 

3

Bender Arena

Bender Arena, opened in 1988, serves as the main focal point of varsity athletics at American University. Bender Arena is named for Jack I. Bender, the father of Howard Bender, whom, along with his wife Sondra Bender, donated the funds for the facility. It also features the Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell Hall of Fame, which recognizes the achievements of the Department of AU Athletics. Cassell was a longtime and beloved figure at AU. He served as Athletic Director, coach, and later administrator to President Hurst Anderson.

4

Kay Spiritual Life Center

Kay Spiritual Life Center opened in 1965 and is one of the oldest interfaith centers in the U.S. The 16-ft impressionistic flame atop of the center represents divine light. The building is named for Abraham S. Kay, a Russian immigrant and owner of the Kay Construction Company in the Washington area.

5

Katzen Arts Center

The Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center brings all the visual and performing arts programs at AU into one 130,000 square foot space. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts, the center provides state-of-the-art instructional, exhibition, the AU Museum, and performance space for all the arts disciplines. The construction of the Center was made possible by Dr. Cyrus and Mrs. Myrtle Katzen, who house much of their modern art collection within the building.

6

Kerwin Hall

Formerly the Ward Circle Building, opened in 1969, it was renamed Kerwin Hall after former University President Neil Kerwin in 2017. Located outside, the Julian Bond Plaza, dedicated in 2017, serves as a place to sit and reflect on the values that Julian Bond promoted during his lifetime. The late activist, educator, and politician was also an adjunct professor of government in the School of Public Affairs.

7

School of International Service

SIS was founded in 1957 as an answer to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's call to prepare students of international affairs to "wage peace." The program remains a top-10 school for international affairs and houses world-renowned faculty, over 20,000 alumni, and more than 3,000 current students. The current building was completed in 23010 and is LEED Gold-certified. SIS has welcomed famous world leaders and dignitaries that include Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former President of the United States Barack Obama, and journalist David Gregory. 

8

Washington College of Law

American University Washington College of Law is an institution with a unique heritage. It was founded over 120 years ago by two pioneering women - Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett - at a time when women were generally excluded from the legal profession. The Washington College of Law merged with American University in 1949. WCL has had many locations over the years, and, as of 2016, is currently located at the Tenley Campus.

Eagle Trivia

Here are some fun historical facts you may not know about American University!

Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.

Known as the Father of American landscape architecture, Olmsted designed Central Park in New York, the U.S. Capitol grounds. Olmsted’s firm was consulted for the university’s original design. Although these plans were not used, the original sketches from 1895 can be found in the university archives.

Alice Paul

AU is home to several women suffragists including Alice Paul, who was one of the main leaders and strategists for the campaign that lead to the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote. 

Women and AU

1896: The Washington College of Law was founded for women. Here is pictured the first graduating class in 1898.

1915: 5 of AU’s first 28 students were women. These achievements were relatively unheard of during a time before women were granted the right to vote.

Concerts

AU brought big named artists to perform including Nirvana, Talib Kweli, The Police, and The Roots.

Arboretum

AU’s arboretum and gardens display over 300 varieties of plant species. There are over 3,000 trees on campus and AU is ranked #4 on Best Choice Schools’ list of “Most Beautiful Urban Campuses.”