Dear BAU Community,
It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of the year! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with warmth, connection, and good food. As we move into the final stretch of the semester, this is a perfect time to pause, take a breath, and reflect on all the growth, learning, and resilience we’ve experienced together. I wish you success on your upcoming finals and encourage you to stay focused, take care of yourself, and celebrate your hard work!
November Highlights: Celebrate Academics & Art at BAU
DC Startup & Tech Week Thanks Bay Atlantic University
Darius Clair, Director of Programs & Community for DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW), shared a heartfelt note of appreciation for Bay Atlantic University’s support during their October events. BAU played a pivotal role as a Community Sponsor, with students making up nearly 20% of volunteers and 15% of attendees. Faculty and staff also helped spread the word, contributing to the success of an event that welcomed over 9,000 participants across 200+ activations.
“The exceptional commitment demonstrated by students from BAU is a testament to the caliber of talent within your programs. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to achieving even greater heights together at DCSTW 2026,” said Darius Clair.
He concludes his note by warmly inviting BAU students, faculty, and staff to return for DCSTW 2026. We are incredibly proud of our community for their dedication, hard work, and meaningful contributions in making this partnership a remarkable success.
CEIH Is Coming: Save the Date for Spring 2026
If you’ve been an active member of our newsletter, you’ve heard us talk about our exciting new CyberEdge Innovation Hub (CEIH) and now we finally have a grand opening date!
CEIH is a custom-designed, dynamic research and training environment where students gain real-world skills in cybersecurity, AI, cloud, data science, and software development. It’s a hub for bold thinkers and problem-solvers ready to lead in tomorrow’s tech-driven world. Our grand opening is coming in Spring 2026 – stay tuned for hands-on workshops, exciting events, and opportunities to explore the future of technology.
Meet the Director: Connecting Mentora Students
Mentora College recently hosted a three-day “Meet the Directors” series, giving students the opportunity to connect directly with faculty. Through interactive activities, discussions, and program insights, students learned more about their academic pathways, asked questions about their programs, and received guidance for their future careers. We extend a special acknowledgment to Dr. Omari Itomi for her leadership and dedication in facilitating these sessions.
New Merchandise Available: Finn the Dolphin Socks
Show your Bay Atlantic University pride with our New Finn the Dolphin Socks, crafted for comfort and quality. They also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family!
Socks are available for purchase and pick-up at The Bay. Don’t miss this fun way to celebrate BAU and support your community!
Webinar Recap: The Power of Data Beyond STEM
This month, we partnered with EducationUSA to host the Power of Data Beyond STEM webinar. Dr. Sean Michael Cox, Dr. Bintou Lingani, and Dr. Pipop Nuangpookka shared their expertise, answering students’ program-specific questions and offering valuable insights into career and academic opportunities beyond traditional STEM pathways. The session provided students with practical guidance and real-world perspectives, helping them explore how data skills can be applied across diverse fields.
GPI Talk Series: Why Be Ethical? Exploring Moral Responsibility
Our Monthly GPI Talk Series continues with an engaging conversation led by this month’s featured speakers, Amber Warren and Rev. Mark Farr. Together, they explored one of philosophy’s most challenging questions, “Why be ethical?” and invited students to think critically about moral responsibility, personal values, and the real-world impact of ethical decision-making.
Annual Thanksgiving Celebration
Student Services recently hosted their annual Thanksgiving gathering, providing a warm and welcoming space for students to relax, enjoy delicious food, and connect with one another ahead of the holiday break. Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make the celebration special!
Thanksgiving Lunch & Learn Brings Our Community Together
Our Thanksgiving Lunch & Learn was a wonderful reminder of the power of connection within our campus community. Colleagues came together to share a warm meal, enjoy seasonal games, and take time to engage in meaningful conversations outside of our usual routines.
In addition to the fun and fellowship, the session focused on strengthening communication and collaborative campus environment. Participants explored helpful strategies, exchanged perspectives, and reflected on how strong communication can enhance both our work and our relationships.
Events like this remind us how important it is to pause, gather, and celebrate the season together. We’re grateful for everyone who joined us and contributed to the positive energy in the room.
The Eternal Africa: Colors and Shadows: Pop-Up Exhibition
Exploring Creativity Through Our Exhibit
Bay Atlantic University, in collaboration with the GPI Africa Program, recently hosted a vibrant three-day pop-up art exhibition celebrating Africa’s timeless beauty, resilience, and creativity. The exhibition featured the stunning works of Mubarak Abbas and offered attendees an immersive experience of art, culture, and live music.
Abbas’ works reveal Africa’s enduring stories, highlighting memory, resilience, dignity, and joy across daily life, women’s heritage, nomadic journeys, and craft and architecture. The exhibition was not only a showcase of artistic excellence but also a beautiful interpretation of African life and culture, leaving many attendees deeply inspired and appreciative.
One visitor wrote to Mr. Abbas:
“Dear Mr. Abbas, many thanks for sharing such inspiring pieces of art with all of us. Your work is just outstanding. You will always live through your art. Much love — Rody”
Meet the Artist: Mubarak Abbas
On the last day of our exhibit, we hosted a “Meet the Artist” session featuring Mubarak Abbas. The event offered attendees an intimate look into Abbas’ creative journey, highlighting the history of his work, the unique places that inspire him, and the ways in which war and struggle have shaped his artistic style. The evening featured live music by Nadir Mubarak Abbas and a special Q&A, providing students and guests the opportunity to engage directly with the artist and gain deeper insight into the inspirations and stories behind his work.
BAU in Action: Celebrating Community and Giving Thanks
All month long, our incredible faculty and staff proudly represented Bay Atlantic University at a series of outreach events, connecting with prospective students and sharing the many opportunities available at our institution. They visited NOVA Loudoun and Alexandria Campuses to discuss transfer options and academic pathways, engaged directly with students at NOVA Woodbridge Campus, and represented BAU at the Washington Area Independent School (WAIS) College Fair, highlighting our programs and support services.
We are truly thankful for the chance to meet potential students, answer questions, and share the Bay Atlantic University experience.
Semester’s Final Stretch
As we approach the final weeks of the semester, we reflect on the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the experiences that have shaped our journey. Looking ahead, we celebrate the accomplishments of the past month and embrace the dedication, creativity, and community spirit that will carry us through finals and into the holiday season.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran
President, Bay Atlantic University
