Dear BAU Community,
We’re halfway through the Fall Semester and what an incredible journey it’s been so far!
As the days grow cooler and the leaves begin to change, this month was full of community, engagement, and discovery, with events and experiences that showcased the dedication and spirit of our Bay Atlantic University community.
Campus News, Events & Discovery Month
Empowering Innovation and Connection: BAU at DevFest 2025
In October, we were honored to serve as a community sponsor of DevFest 2025, a leading forum where developers, architects, technology executives, and innovators convened to explore the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Our BAU students were proud to participate in this event, engaging with industry leaders and sharing our commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement among our students.
BAU Students Recognized for Innovation at Global Hackathon
Our students represented BAU with distinction at the DevFest 2025 Hackathon, earning third place for their innovative project. This achievement highlights their creativity, technical skill, and teamwork. We are proud of their success and grateful to everyone who supported their participation. Their accomplishment reflects BAU’s ongoing commitment to empowering students to become global innovators, critical thinkers, and leaders who use technology to drive meaningful progress.
DC Startup & Tech Week 2025 – Celebrating Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Discovery
As part of BAU Discovery Month, Bay Atlantic University was also proud to serve as a community sponsor for DC Startup & Tech Week 2025 — a weeklong celebration of innovation bringing together entrepreneurs, creators, and industry leaders from across the region. Throughout the event, BAU students and representatives participated in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions that bridged the gap between education and industry. This partnership underscores BAU’s commitment to providing students with real-world experiences that inspire innovation, collaboration, and future-ready careers.
Exchange Students Connect at the Bahçeşehir Study Abroad Program Gathering
Our exchange students joined the BAU community for an evening filled with games, laughter, and great conversations about life in Washington, D.C. during the recent Bahçeşehir Study Abroad Program Gathering. The event provided an engaging space for students to share their experiences, build friendships, and feel at home within the BAU family. As a globally focused university, Bay Atlantic University is proud to welcome students from around the world and foster meaningful cultural exchange.
Exploring the Future of AI and Cybersecurity
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering thought leadership and innovation, Bay Atlantic University hosted a discussion featuring Dr. Zelalem Mengistu, CEO and Director of Global Cybersecurity & Emerging Tech Advisory at RASBYTE. The event delved into “Adversarial Machine Learning: The Silent War in AI,” highlighting how artificial intelligence is transforming and challenging the cybersecurity landscape.
BAU Represents at Leading Technology and Cybersecurity Events
Bay Atlantic University students proudly participated in the prestigious Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges: Eastern Alliance (CCSC:EA) 2025 Conference, held at Arcadia University. Our teams showcased their talent in both the Collegiate Programming Contest and the Cybersecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, demonstrating BAU’s continued commitment to excellence in technology, innovation, and hands-on learning.
Fall Adventures Out on the Trails
We explored the fall foliage on our unforgettable fall hiking excursion across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. Surrounded by vibrant autumn colors, BAU students enjoyed scenic trails, ziplining, and cozy cabin nights — a refreshing opportunity to unwind, connect, and embrace the beauty of the season. Special thanks to BAU Student Services for organizing this enriching experience that combined outdoor adventure with the spirit of community and exploration.
Community Engagement: BAU Shines Beyond Campus!
Bay Atlantic University wrapped up an exciting season of outreach and community involvement by taking part in the final Thai Festival of the year in Annandale, a joyful and meaningful opportunity to connect with the local community while showcasing the richness of our academic programs and student support services. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our student volunteers and staff for representing BAU with such enthusiasm and professionalism. This festival capped off an incredible series of events that also included multiple visits to the NOVA Campuses, where our team connected with students and shared transfer opportunities for those looking to continue their academic journey with us.
A Season of Gratitude and Growth
As we step into November, I invite you to join us for the many meaningful events happening across our campus — from our Friendsgiving celebration and Pop-Up Art Exhibition to special student activities that bring us together in gratitude and connection. Each event is an opportunity to reflect, engage, and strengthen the sense of community that makes BAU so special.
Together, let’s make this month a time of thankfulness, growth, and shared experiences.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran
President, Bay Atlantic University
