A message from Scott Sprenger, AUR's President

Since its founding in the hopeful yet uncertain post-war years, AUR has stood for something bigger than itself: the conviction that international understanding, rooted in democratic values and intercultural dialogue, is essential to building a better world. That mission feels more urgent now than ever.

 

Today, we are a thriving community of thinkers, explorers, and creatives united by a common commitment to liberal arts education and its power to foster curiosity, resilience, and ethical leadership. In a world facing complex challenges - from climate change to rising nationalism - AUR is preparing students to engage critically and compassionately, across borders and disciplines.

 

And we are growing. With a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand into the historic Banabite monastery at the summit of Rome’s Janiculum Hill, we are transforming our campus - and our capacity to serve future generations. This project, supported by a bold $5 million challenge gift and an ambitious $10 million campaign, represents not just physical growth, but the realization of our founding vision: a dynamic, inclusive, and globally engaged university community in the heart of Rome.

 

At AUR, we believe opportunity is most powerful when matched with preparation. For over fifty years, we’ve quietly shaped students into leaders, scholars, and changemakers—individuals ready to make an impact wherever they go. Now, standing at the threshold of an extraordinary new chapter, we invite you to imagine what’s possible here.

 

— Dr. Scott Sprenger, President

The American University of Rome