Black Alumni at AUP

When Lloyd DeLamater established the American College in Paris in 1962, he sought to “bridge the gap of narrow nationalisms,” creating an institution that would educate those ready to explore a world far beyond their birthplace. Today, it is that same vision that propels a new generation.  

In the spring of 2020, the world was shaken by the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Images of Floyd’s murder reignited the BLM movement across the globe as people of all backgrounds united against racism and the unabashed assault on Black bodies. Black students and alumni at AUP quickly convened with faculty, staff and leadership to advocate for further support of Black students and alumni at the University. Through town halls and open house discussions, many students and alumni of color came forward with stories of discrimination, feelings of otherness and erasure, and the desire for support, mentorship and community from within the University.  

As a part of the University’s multi-tiered response, AUP has begun to form the Black Alumni at AUP organization. Black Alumni at AUP will support and welcome all self-identifying Black alumni, allies, and former students who have completed at least one semester of study at AUP.  

In partnership with the University, the mission of Black Alumni at AUP is to provide resources, create opportunities, and support those who experience discrimination and racial injustice. As citizens of the world, our humanity binds us to the cause of “bridging the gap of narrow nationalisms” and shaping a better future for a new generation.   

It is for this purpose that Black alumni will seek to support each other and Black students at The American University in Paris, in the following ways, including but not limited to:  

1. Connecting Black alumni and students through networking, mentorship and mutual support; 
2. Developing academic scholarship; 
3. Creating opportunities for growth and success for Black students and alumni; 
4. Promoting financial assistance to current AUP students;  
5. Amplifying the diverse voices of Black students;  
6. Partnering with the University to create meaningful, lasting change at AUP. 

The BAAUP formed in Fall 2020 and is in the process of organizing. Further updates will be posted to this page. To join Black Alumni at AUP please fill out the registration form in the link below. To learn more, please contact baaupaup.edu. 

AUP and Black Lives Matter 

Learn more about the actions that AUP is taking in response to Black Lives Matter, including the creation of a Diversity Council and various working groups to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our community.  

For more information, contact the BAAUP at baaupaup.edu