Aug. 22, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and USA Today announced that American University's athletics program is now confirmed as the leader in NCAA Division I graduation rate improvement.

The USA Today/NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement awards list the Washington, D.C., school on top when it comes to improvement in grad rates of the 1994 freshman class compared to those entering school in 1993. The Eagles' rate improved by an impressive 29 percent. As part of the award, the school will receive $25,000 from the foundation.

In the original report released on July 27, American's athletics program was recognized as having the second-best percentage point improvement for graduation rate in NCAA Division I, following Hofstra, which projected a 34 percent improvement.

After a recalculation of the figures, it was determined that Hofstra did not report the correct data, thereby elevating American to the top spot.

"The improvement (shown in the report) is indicative of the model we're trying to build," says David Taylor, chief of staff to American President Benjamin Ladner. "The Patriot League will be a good fit for us in striking a good academic balance."

The first USA TODAY/NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement Awards recognize these schools for their high student-athlete graduation rates in three categories: overall student-athlete graduation rates, the difference between graduating student-athletes and the general student population, and improvement from the previously- reported rate.

American became a full member of the Patriot League on July 1. The Patriot League was founded on the principle of admitting student-athletes who are representative of their class. In addition to American, the league features Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy ? all outstanding academic institutions.

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 programs in the arts and sciences, public affairs, government, law, business, international service and communications prepare students for the global society.

American fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women's sports and nine for men. The University's first Patriot League contest as a full member will take place on Saturday, September 8, when the field hockey team travels to Worcester, Ma., to face Holy Cross at 12:00 p.m.