Dear BAU Community,
Our summer session has officially come to an end, and I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exciting few weeks at Bay Atlantic University. This summer brought new achievements, exciting announcements, and continued progress across our university. Combined with memorable off-campus experiences that strengthened our community.
A Few Highlights from July:
Celebrating Independence Day at BAU
We kicked off the month with our annual Fourth of July BBQ, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an afternoon of great food, music, and community. This year was especially meaningful as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, honoring the nation’s history while looking toward the future. Together, we celebrated the diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives that strengthen both our university and our country. A special thank you to our Student Services team for organizing this annual tradition.
Summer Adventures at Kings Dominion
As part of our summer student engagement programming, BAU students spent an exciting day at Kings Dominion, enjoying thrilling rides, delicious treats, and quality time with friends.
More than just a day of fun, outings like these give students the opportunity to build friendships, strengthen their sense of community, and create lasting memories outside the classroom. We extend our sincere thanks to our Student Services team for planning another exceptional experience and for their continued commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive campus community.
Mentora College Summer Youth Program
Recently, we celebrated the successful conclusion of the Mentora College Summer Youth Program, welcoming students ages 11 to 17 for three weeks of immersive English language learning, cultural exploration, and personal growth.
Through interactive classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and educational excursions throughout Washington, D.C., students strengthened their English skills while building confidence, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships. We are proud to help inspire the next generation of global learners and leaders.
Celebrating Culture Through Community Partnerships
We closed out the month by celebrating the 10th International Colombian Festival as a proud returning sponsor, commemorating the festival’s milestone 10th anniversary and marking our third consecutive year supporting one of the Washington, D.C., region’s largest celebrations of Colombian culture. Throughout the day, our team connected with prospective students, families, alumni, and community members, sharing information about Bay Atlantic University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, English language opportunities through Mentora College, and the many advantages of studying in the heart of the nation’s capital. Visitors also enjoyed stopping by our booth to participate in raffles, meet our team, and learn more about the opportunities available at BAU.
The festival welcomed thousands of attendees for a vibrant day of live music, traditional dance, authentic Colombian cuisine, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, celebrating the rich heritage and lasting contributions of the Colombian community. We are grateful to the festival organizers, volunteers, and everyone who visited our booth for helping make this year’s celebration such a success.
August at a Glance
As we look ahead to August, I’m excited for another month of learning, connection, and new beginnings at Bay Atlantic University. From welcoming our incoming students during New Student Orientation and celebrating University Day to engaging with the region’s innovation community at DevFest, the weeks ahead are filled with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and shape BAU’s future.
I look forward to welcoming new members of our BAU community, strengthening the connections that make our campus so special, and continuing to celebrate the experiences that define student life both inside and outside the classroom.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran
President, Bay Atlantic University
