P E T E R T K O U R I D E S L E C T U R E S E R I E S :
American University President Burwell on a Life in Public Service
March 14, 2024, at The University Club
The Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation was honored to have Sylvia Mathews Burwell as the fourth speaker in our Peter T Kourides Lecture Series, which was created to recognize the importance of the contributions of Greek-Americans to public service and civil society.
Sylvia Mathews Burwell was named the 15th president of American University, and is the first woman to serve in this role. Under her leadership, American University has more than doubled research funding from external organizations, launched the $500 million “Change Can’t Wait” campaign, created four new research centers, endowed eight faculty chairs and created over one-hundred and fifty scholarships, and invested $109 million in construction of a new “Student Thriving” Complex.
Previously, President Burwell held two Cabinet positions in the U.S. government – serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services and as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, President Burwell has also held leadership positions at two of the largest foundations in the world – the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Walmart Foundation.
With her presentation, President Burwell joins with the Honorable Senator Paul Sarbanes, Ambassador John D. Negroponte and former Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet, each of whom spoke at prior Peter T. Kourides Lectures.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres preceded the presentation by President Burwell.
A video of the event is available, free of charge, on our website.