WASHINGTON – American University Board of Trustees member Alan L. Meltzer and his wife, Amy, have made a $7 million gift in support of AU's new Center for Athletic Performance as well as the university's renowned Center for Israel Studies (CIS). The Meltzers have committed $5 million for the athletics facility, and $2 million to create the Alan L. Meltzer and Amy Meltzer Fellowship for CIS.
The Meltzers' gift to athletics stands alongside the recently announced $3 million gift from Jack Cassell, also a Board of Trustees member, and his wife, Denise. Together, these gifts launch the planning phase for the new state-of-the-art facility, which will allow AU's student-athletes and teams to expand on their achievements and open new recreational opportunities for the entire campus. Since joining the Patriot League in 2001, the women's volleyball team has won 15 conference titles; field hockey has won 10 conference titles; and the women's basketball program has won two Patriot League titles and advanced to two NCAA Tournaments, while men's basketball has won three Patriot League titles.
"Shaping a changing world requires the dedication exemplified by the Meltzers and the hard work to transform their generosity into action. We cannot succeed without the leading members of our community helping us fulfill our vision, and continuously challenging us to seek even greater achievements. We are grateful to Alan and Amy Meltzer for their leadership, and we thank them for their partnership," said AU President Sylvia M. Burwell.
The Meltzer family is devoted to American University. Alan Meltzer has served on the AU Board of Trustees since 2007. His own experience as an AU wrestler shaped his understanding of the value of athletic competition and the community that sports can create. In 1998, the Meltzers named the Marilyn Meltzer Wrestling Room in honor of Alan Meltzer's mother. The $5 million gift this year builds upon the Meltzers' support and ensures the continuation and success of AU's wrestling program, while also providing a foundation of philanthropic support for the entire Athletics department.
"We're so very thankful to Alan and Amy Meltzer for their tremendously generous gift in support of the Center for Athletic Performance," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Billy Walker. "Alan and Amy's gift will support all sixteen of our varsity programs as well as the entire university community. Alan has a history of extraordinary generosity to athletics, spearheading efforts to support our wrestling program for decades. As a former AU student-athlete himself, Alan has once again demonstrated his remarkable character and leadership with this exceptional gift. We have reached a point in AU Athletics' history where the Meltzers' gift will help elevate our facilities for a new generation of Eagles."
For the full AU release on the Meltzers' generous gift, click HERE.
