To Our Dedicated Friends:

On behalf of President C. Michael Smith and the Board of Trustees of the American University of Afghanistan, it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to be part of the university’s next incredible accomplishment.  On May 26, 2011, the American University of Afghanistan will graduate its very first class of students – both men and women – on its campus in Kabul, Afghanistan.  As we celebrate with our students, we ask that you consider a donation to the AUAF Class of 2011 Fund.

The commencement ceremony is a milestone achievement for AUAF.  It marks the very first graduating class of male and female students.  We expect to have 30 graduates, eight of whom are women.  In only a few years, we have come a long way.  Since opening our doors in 2006 with 57 students, barely 1% women, AUAF’s enrollment numbers have increased to nearly 800 students.  Women now make up 21% of the overall student body, increasing by 46% from the fall to spring 2011 semesters alone.

And now – our first graduates.

To honor our first graduating class, who are paving the way for so many Afghans today; Friends of the American University of Afghanistan has committed to grant all graduation funds raised to the AUAF Class of 2011 Fund.  The Fund is a current-use gift to the university, and will make an immediate impact on AUAF’s core priority, financial aid.  An idea suggested by our graduating class, the Fund will provide financial support to AUAF’s incoming class – setting an example and a tradition of giving on behalf of AUAF graduates.  It represents their commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan…one leader at a time.

We are honored to share this celebration with you.  Thank you for your contributions of time, money, energy, and commitment – such generosity has been vital to help us reach this point.  Our hope has always been that the American University of Afghanistan will educate the future leaders of Afghanistan – and it is happening.

Please consider our warm invitation to attend AUAF’s graduation on May 26, 2011 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  If you are unable to attend, please continue your support by donating to the Class of 2011 Fund.  We need your help.

If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Schaler at heidi.schaler@friendsofauaf.org.

With Sincere Thanks,

Leslie M. Schweitzer

Chairman of the Board