Founders Day is one of American University’s most enduring traditions. It was first celebrated on February 21, 1931 with a banquet and pageant sponsored by the Women’s Guild of the University. There were over 200 guests and $5,000 was raised for the Guild’s scholarship fund. For AU’s golden jubilee in 1943, AU Professor Merritt Claire Batchelder wrote The Founders: An Historical Pageant which was performed on Founders Day. Over the years, the event has grown to a week-long series of activities including dinners, convocations, and musical and sporting events. AU’s eighth President, Hurst Anderson, was inaugurated on Founders Day in 1953 and major celebrations were held as part of AU’s 75^th anniversary (1968) and Centennial (1993).

AU President Hurst Anderson and actor portraying AU Founder, Bishop John F. Hurst, passing by Hurst Hall during 75th anniversary celebrations (1968)

AU students painted the fence around the construction site for the Ward Circle Building as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.

The Founders Day Ball which is organized by the Student Government in conjunction with the Residence Hall Association and the Graduate Leadership Council is one of the signature events of modern Founders Day. This year’s ball will be held on February 21^st at the National Air and Space Museum which continues the recent trend of holding the ball in prominent city locations.

American University fielded its first integrated basketball team in the 1956-57 season and went on to become the NCAA Eastern Champs in 1958 despite challenging playing conditions. Coach Dave Carrasco recruited several local players including Willie Jones and Dickie Wells who excelled both on and off the court to make their coach’s dream to develop a racially integrated basketball program at American University a reality.

Men’s Basketball team 1957-58

Did you know that before Bender Arena opened in 1988, AU played its home games in various locations including the Fort Myer, VA gymnasium?

Fort Myer