AAU celebrated its 35th anniversary on April 3 at Václavské Náměstí’s Hotel Ambassador with a special black tie event and awards ceremony for the annual Spring ball.
In light of the 35 years since AAU’s opening, administration decided to combine the three extravagant events into one, where students, faculty, staff, and alumni all had the opportunity to enjoy. The event featured a fun award ceremony, an open bar and catering, live music, beautiful outfits, and a night full of dancing.
“The 35th anniversary is deeply meaningful to me,” said vice-president of student affairs Jeta Sahatqija. “It’s a celebration of resilience, vision, and transformation.”
AAU was founded by Jansen Raichl and Dr. Vlasta Raichlova in 1990 and was originally called Anglo-American College. Shortly after the Velvet Revolution the name changed to Anglo-American University and it became the first private university in the Czech Republic to use English as its primary language.
Over the past 35 years, AAU has made some notable accomplishments, such as becoming the first University in Europe to be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In 2006 they expanded with the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, and in 2010 they added the School of Journalism, Media, and Communications.
“This milestone is also a reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of a community where everyone works together with dedication and intention to shape a meaningful student experience,” said Sahatqija. “It’s a shared achievement built on collaboration and care, and that’s what makes it truly powerful.”
AAU’s biggest area of growth has been in student support services whose job is to give support not only academically, but through personal growth and mental health. In 2025 the Housing Office was established and they are now partnering with various housing options around Prague. In 2024, the Academic Tutoring Center (ATC) was revamped giving AAU students access to four free sessions at the Psychological Counseling Center per semester.
AAU opened the gala event with the awards ceremony where students and staff were nominated and received admiration for their dedication and commitment to the community. Clubs, student council members, various professors, courses, and scholars had the opportunity to win an award in select categories via nomination. The list of winners can be found here.
“I am beyond grateful for the community for nominating and voting for me, not just one but two awards!” said senior Clara MacPherson. “AAU has come so far in 35 years and I am proud to be part of the community.”
The ceremony was filled with many smiling faces, as well as a lot of cheering and support from the audience. Overall, almost everybody was a good sport supporting the winners and barely any tears were shed.
Following the open bar and buffett, students, faculty, staff, and alumni danced the night away to a live band where everyone was dressed elegantly enough for the dance floor to shine all evening long, or at least until about midnight when the venue closed.
“The food was one of the best parts of the night,” said AAU student, Sophia Rehim. “I can’t believe it’s only the 35th anniversary but I’m excited to see how AAU plays out in the next couple of years.”
The free buffet and open bar was supposed to stay available until 22:00. However, both closed 30 minutes before due to supply shortages.
The night included a raffle where students had the chance to win prizes such as an iPhone 15 Pro and gift cards to hotels, gyms, and restaurants. All of the money raised was donated to AAU’s emergency student fund for students in need.
With AAU’s accomplishments over the past 35 years, the celebration was well deserved thanks to its community. Hopefully the future only holds good things for the University.
