Washington D.C. – Washington College of Law’s Claudio Grossman Hall buzzed with excitement on Thursday, April 25th, as alumni and guests gathered for the American University Alumni Association Awards Dinner and Ceremony. The event celebrated the achievements of distinguished alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, embodying the University’s values of leadership and service.
Credit: Patricia Mcdougall
Master of Ceremonies Courtney L. Surls, Vice President of University Advancement, guided the evening, while the President of the AU Alumni Association, LaTanya Sothern, had the honor of presenting the awards.
Throughout the ceremony, the Alumni Association recognized exceptional individuals across various categories:
Global Alumni Leader Award: The Association bestowed this award upon Mong-Yong Chung, Kogod/MBA ’91 and Chairman of Hyundai Sungwoo Holdings, for his remarkable leadership in global business.
Credit: Patricia Mcdougall
Neil Kerwin Alumni Achievement Award: The Association honored Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, SOC/BA ’73, WCL/JD ’76, WCL/Hon. LLD ’03, a retired judge from the US District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, for his contributions to the legal profession and public service.
Enterprises at the American University Alumni Awards & Dinner Ceremony on April 25, 2024
Credit: Patricia Mcdougall
Alumni Recognition Award: Jan Du Plain, SPA/BA ’66 and President of Du Plain Global Enterprises, received this award for her commitment to diplomacy and international relations.
Credit: Patricia Mcdougall
Alumni Eagle Award: The Association recognized Rob Johnson, SPA/BS ’81 and retired Assistant General Counsel of Exxon Mobil Corporation, for his distinguished legal career and exemplary corporate leadership.
Credit: Patricia Mcdougall
Rising Star Award: This award celebrated the promising achievements of young alumni Deon Jones, SPA/BA ’14, a talented performance artist, and Yamillet Payano, CAS/BS ’18, CEO and Co-founder of Sign-Speak.
Credit: DW
The 2024 Alumni Awards Dinner resonated with success. Guests visibly celebrated the honorees, their applause echoing the profound impact each has made. As the event concluded, lively conversations and networking opportunities continued, showcasing the enduring influence of the American University community and its ability to inspire future generations.
