June 26, 2001

The Patriot League Council of Presidents voted unanimously last spring to formally accept American University as the League's eighth full member and Georgetown University as a football-playing associate member.

American joins Bucknell University, Colgate University, The College of the Holy Cross, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy as full members in the Patriot League. Georgetown joins Bucknell, Colgate, Fordham, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Towson as football playing members. The American Eagles begin competing in a full League schedule in 18 sports this fall (2001-2002 academic year).

"We are proud to join the outstanding institutions of the Patriot League as their new colleague and athletics competitor," said AU President Benjamin Ladner. "American University supports the goals of the League in striving to achieve the very best of what higher education offers with both academic and athletic excellence." The Patriot League's full members consistently rank among the Top 25 Division I programs in the NCAA Graduation Rates Report. Celebrating its 10thanniversary, the Patriot League has sent 102 teams to post season play in the NCAA, ECAC, or National Invitational tournaments. The League also boasts of 53 student-athletes who have qualified for NCAA Championships. More than 145 Patriot League student-athletes have earned All-America honors in 17 sports. The Georgetown Hoyas will begin football competition this fall. "We are very pleased with the addition of American University and Georgetown University to our League," Patriot League Executive Director Carolyn Schlie Femovich said. "Both institutions have a strong tradition of excellence in academics and Division I athletics reflects the core values of the Patriot League. Each will be an excellent complement to our League."

INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION American University Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, American University has students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 160 nations. Its academic program in the arts and sciences, public affairs, government, law, business, international service and communications prepare students for the global society. Athletically, the Eagles are currently enjoying their most successful stretch. Since the 1997-98 season, American has sent four teams to NCAA championships, had four student-athletes named All-Americans and, during the 1998-99 season, had four students named VERZION-CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. Prior to joining the Patriot League, the Eagles competed in the Colonial Athletic Association since its inception in 1985. Georgetown University Georgetown University combines the tradition of being the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States with an awareness of everchanging education needs. Founded in 1789, the University continues to challenge the minds of young men and women eager to learn. Located on a 104-acre campus perched on a hilltop overlooking the Potomac River, Georgetown enrolls about 6,400 undergraduate students and 6,200 students seeking degress from the graduate, law and medical schools. Georgetown is a member of the Patriot League for football only.

The Patriot League, which was founded on the principles of admitting athletes who are academically representative of their class, is in its second decade of academic and athletic achievement. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education. The Patriot League began as a successful Division I-AA football conference in 1986. Full League members include American, Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Associate members include Fairfield (field hockey), Fordham (football), Georgetown (football), Hobart (men's lacrosse), Towson (football), Ursinus (field hockey) and Villanova (women's lacrosse). These member institutions are among the oldest and most prestigious in the nation. Alumni from Patriot League colleges and universities have played a leadership role in the shaping of our country. For more information, visit the Patriot League website at www.patriotleague.com