American University: Change Can’t Wait Campaign Program and Reception

On March 13th, 2024, American University hosted it’s pivotal and final stop on its Change Can’t Wait campaign tour in New York City. The evening brought together nearly 300 alumni, faculty, and university leaders at The Morgan Library & Museum for a program titled "More Than a Game: The Role of Sports in Society." Held at an institution known for the importance it places on preservation of knowledge, American University reached out and, as an event photographer local to NYC and with previous experience working at the Morgan Library, enlisted me to capture it’s keynote discussions, panels, and networking. The evening as well involved AU community experts and a celebration of President Sylvia Burwell’s leadership as the campaign moved toward its historic fundraising goal.

The program took place within Gilder Lehrman Hall, where the acoustic environment and tiered seating provided a focused setting for the evening's speakers. Following the presentation, the event transitioned into the Gilbert Court for reception. Documenting the evening required capturing the gravity of the presentations in the hall before shifting to the Renzo Piano-designed glass atrium - where the architecture and design intersected well with AU’s academic and community spirit.