women's lacrosse team volunteering at Campus Beautification Day
Josh Markowitz

Athletics Joins American University Community for Annual Beautification Effort

WASHINGTON - An annual tradition continued for American University Athletics as student-athletes and coaches from many teams did their part to enhance the grounds of the University for Campus Beautification Day on April 8. The unseasonable cold was no obstacle as groups from lacrosse, women's soccer, cross country and track, field hockey, men's basketball, wrestling, volleyball and swim & dive volunteered their time to help out all around campus.

The AU tradition, spearheaded by AU Facilities Management, the AU Arboretum and the AU Office of Sustainability, happens each April around Earth Day. Participants don the signature teal t-shirts, spread out and work to enhance the beauty and sustainability of AU’s grounds.

Track team at campus beautification day
Field Hockey team at campus beautification day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Campus Beautification Day is one of our favorite spring traditions. We love giving back to the AU community by planting and restoring campus grounds to help keep campus vibrant. As someone who values nature and grew up surrounded by it, I am and grateful to give back and to contribute to its positive impact it has on our well-being and mental health—and I’m proud we get to contribute to that. AULAX is all about community and giving back, and we’re especially grateful to the workers who keep our campus running and beautiful every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Elly Skeels, AU Lacrosse
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day

Close to 100 of AU's student-athletes joined the campus-wide effort to improve the grounds as mid-Spring approaches and "New Eagle Day" brings more than 1,800 visitors to campus. Student-athletes got their hands dirty while spreading and raking mulch all over campus, digging holes and planting flowers.

We talk a lot about gratitude with our student-athletes. Part of showing gratitude comes with the responsibility of giving back and staying active in the community. One big way to demonstrate our gratefulness for the AU community is helping out during Campus Beautification Day. This is the least we can do, as so many others work tirelessly to make AU amazing.
Jason Borrelli, AU Wrestling Head Coach
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
Student-Athletes volunteering at 2025 Campus Beautification Day
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