American University Annual Report 2016-2017

KERWIN'S LEGACY
IN FINANCIAL AID
ANSARY FOUNDATION GIVES $1M FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Cyrus Ansary, alumnus and former chairman of the Board of
Trustees, understands the importance of guaranteeing meaningful
resources for the university’s highest priorities. In recognition of
this commitment to students, and to honor the dedicated service
of Ansary’s friend and colleague Neil Kerwin, the Ansary Foundation
donated $1 million this year to support new student scholarships,
creating one of AU’s largest endowed funds.
The Ansary-Kerwin Scholarships were named to recognize the work
and achievements of the former university president and to celebrate
the Ansary family’s long affiliation with American University.
These scholarships will be awarded to deserving sophomores,
juniors, or seniors demonstrating financial need, with a
preference for those studying science, math, communications,
business, American history, public administration, or international
service. Philanthropic support, such as the Ansary family’s,
ensures that an AU education is accessible, attainable, and
affordable for talented and high-performing students eager
for all that such an experience offers.
Ansary’s connections to American University are deep.
He earned a BS from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1955.
On the Board of Trustees from 1969 to 1996, Ansary served as
chair from 1981 through 1989 and as chairman emeritus since
then. Two of his children are alumni: Pary Ansary Davis, BA ’86,
and Douglas Ansary, MBA ’97; son Jeffrey Ansary recently joined
the Kogod Advisory Council.
The Cyrus A. Ansary Medal, established in 1990, is the highest
award bestowed by the university each year to an individual of
great distinction and leadership in civic and corporate affairs.
Previous recipients include
J. Willard Marriott Jr.,
David Lloyd Kreeger,
Alan L. Meltzer, Robert Kogod,
and Silvia Kay Greenberg.
Generous donors like
Ansary have provided
important opportunities for
students. More than 350 AU
scholarships are endowed,
providing continuing support in
perpetuity. Approximately 500
students are beneficiaries of
scholarships, fellowships, and
awards each year.
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