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The Eagle •

Lost supplies, budget denials, canceled events: Multicultural organizations struggle with CSI - The Eagle

When Sofia Rodriguez attended a Project Move Out event on campus, she found items that did not belong there. An arts-and-crafts box with only stickers remaining labeled “Latinos En Acción” sat in the room, as well as a pop-up banner from Sister Sister, a group on campus that creates spaces of empowerment for Black women.

Some club leaders allege that the Center for Student Involvement lost supplies from the office’s multicultural closet during Mary Graydon Center renovations, causing students to...
We Own Adventure •

Scouting prepares values and skills in business, NOESA recipients say

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awarded 11 Eagle Scouts with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to recognize their professional accomplishments, three of whom currently work in business through financial services or economic development and connect their achievements back to Scouting.

The NOESA was established in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated achievements beyond their Scouting experiences. On April 22, 2025, the NOESA will be presented to the Eagle Scouts at an awards dinner in Arlington, Virginia...
We Own Adventure •

Olympian connects his accomplishments to his Scouting experience

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awarded 11 Eagle Scouts with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to recognize their professional accomplishments, one of whom is a successful rowing Olympian who connected many of his accomplishments back to the skills of being a Scout.

The NOESA was established in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated achievements beyond their Scouting experiences. On April 22, 2025, the NOESA will be presented to the Eagle Scouts at an awards dinner in Arlington, Virginia...
We Own Adventure •

NOESA Honorees recognize Scouting skills within their governmental work

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awarded 11 Eagle Scouts with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to recognize their professional accomplishments, four of whom have worked in government affairs and connect their achievements back to Scouting. 

The NOESA was established in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated achievements beyond their Scouting experiences. On April 22, 2025, the NOESA will be presented to the Eagle Scouts at an awards dinner in Arlington, Virginia...
We Own Adventure •

NOESA Recipients recognize the skills of Scouting in their work at firms

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awarded 11 Eagle Scouts with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to recognize their professional accomplishments, three of whom work at law or lobbying firms and connect their achievements back to Scouting.

The NOESA was established in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated achievements beyond their Scouting experiences. On April 22, 2025, the NOESA will be presented to the Eagle Scouts at an awards dinner in Arlington, Virginia...
The Eagle •

Students rally at Department of Education amid cuts from federal government - The Eagle

Students from universities across Washington, D.C., gathered outside the Department of Education on April 4 for the “Hands Off Our Schools” rally to protest the Trump administration’s targeting of universities nationwide. 

Student governments from District institutions — including American University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Temple University and George Mason University — formed a coalition after the Department of Education sent a letter in February targeting the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of 60 universities and threatening to cut federal funding if schools do not comply with their requests...
We Own Adventure •

NCAC Scout urges youth to join Scouting, no matter what age

Youth have joined Scouting at various ages and rose to success, demonstrating the possibilities you can experience as a Scout no matter when you start. 

Roberto R., a freshman in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, is a prime example of success in only four years. He started Scouting in December of 2020 for Troop 98 and in 2022, he was inducted in the Order of the Arrow. After only three years of Scouting, Roberto received his Eagle in 2023 and worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for the 2024 summer session...
We Own Adventure •

Cherry blossom shoulder patch still in use after 50 years

A former Scoutmaster created a council shoulder patch design that included cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial for a contest in 1974 and it’s still being used today as Scouting America National Capital Area Council’s standard.

Robert Wehr was a Scoutmaster for Troop 403, which contained around 55 Scouts at the time. Before 1974, the patches had no pictures and only the area listed, but Wehr changed the tradition when he participated in a contest to create the new design.
“We had a really...
The Eagle •

Los Angeles wildfires impact students on American University’s campus - The Eagle

In early January, Southern California was hit by the second most destructive wildfire disaster in state history, impacting many students at American University. 

In the aftermath of the fires, students from Southern California received an email from Vice President of Student Affairs Raymond Ou reminding students that the University is there to support them at this time. Ou also included many resources that students can consult if they need them....
We Own Adventure •

Eagle Scout Project improves the safety at Sky Meadow State Park

In September, Mia R. became an Eagle Scout after completing her Eagle Scout Project that sought to improve the conditions of Sky Meadows State Park.

Mia is part of Troop 1865G, a unit from the Buke Lake District. Mia joined Scouting when she was 14, dedicating almost four years of participation before receiving her Eagle. As a Scout, Mia has earned over 40 merit badges, visited Philmont and works as a camp counselor at Camp Rodney.
We Own Adventure •

Eagle Scout Project encourages literacy among children

Jaiden R. completed her Eagle Scout rank in September after creating three little libraries for her synagogue as her Eagle Scout Project to improve literacy and accessibility to books.

As a member Troop 987G, Jaiden has participated in Scouting for three and a half years. She achieved her Eagle this past summer and has also participated as a Senior Patrol Leader for two terms. One of the first female Eagle Scouts in the country was a founding member of her Troop, showing the possibilities for girls in Scouting...
The Eagle •

Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute brings third pair of pandas from China to D.C. - The Eagle

Two four-year-old pandas made their debut Jan. 24 at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, marking the third pair since 1972. Crowds of visitors flocked to the zoo to celebrate the new arrivals. 

The prior panda pair, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, returned to China in 2023 with their latest cub, Xiao Qi Ji, after a three-year extension agreement to accommodate the cub’s birth in 2020. The NZCBI announced on May 29, 2024 that the new set of pandas would be arriving at the en...
We Own Adventure •

Scouting America National Capital Area Council Celebrates 115 Years of Youth Leadership, Character Development and Adventure

WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2025) – On February 8, Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 115th birthday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it officially adopts its new name, Scouting America. Scouting America is the nation’s foremost youth program providing young people with unique opportunities focused on character development, leadership, fun and outdoor exploration. The organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program...
The Eagle •

National March for Life brings thousands to downtown D.C. - The Eagle

Thousands of anti-abortion protesters from around the United States gathered on the National Mall to continue their fight against abortion as part of the National March for Life on Jan. 24. 

The National March for Life takes place every year in D.C. to march and protest against abortion. The 2025 schedule included a pre-rally concert featuring the Christian band Unspoken, a rally with guest speakers and a march from the National Mall to the Supreme Court....
We Own Adventure •

Camp Kenya features hiking and safari

A group of Scouts in Troop 160 traveled to Nairobi to attend the Camp Kenya 2024 program from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4, participating in many adventure activities and learning new Scouting skills.

Camp Kenya was open to all youth and adults registered in a Scouts BSA Troop. A Scout parent from Troop 160 is from Kenya and found out about the opportunity, prompting them to share it back to the troop. Namith Gangireddyvari, 19, and Nishanth Gangireddyvari, 15, were two Scouts who participated in the camp....
The Eagle •

Change Can’t Wait campaign ends, efforts to continue initiatives do not - The Eagle

Change Can’t Wait closed its fundraising campaign on Sept. 5 after a Board of Trustees vote, but new scholarship opportunities will continue as the administration plans its next campaign.

Former American University President Sylvia Burwell launched the fundraising campaign in 2021 to expand scholarships, advance research and connect with the D.C. area. The campaign reached its goal of $500 million on June 18, and the Board later voted to officially close it....
The Eagle •

AU professor Terry Szuplat publishes his first book, ‘Say It Well’ - The Eagle

Terry Szuplat, an American University alumnus and former White House speechwriter under former President Barack Obama, shared advice on the importance of personal speeches, listening to different perspectives and how his time at the University impacted his career in his first book, “Say It Well.” 

Szuplat’s book blends advice on public speaking, personal experiences about becoming a better speaker and advice he received from Obama...
The Eagle •

Journalist Tara Palmeri discusses the election campaign, state of journalism - The Eagle

Tara Palmeri, American University alumna and senior political correspondent at the subscription news website Puck, spoke to American University students about the 2024 election campaign and the current state of the journalism field on Oct. 17.

The event was hosted by the Kennedy Political Union, the School of Communication, AU College Democrats, College Republicans of AU and the American Forum. The discussion was moderated by associate professor Jane Hall....