*The 3-year first-time residency attainment rate is the weighted average of the 2022-23, through 2024-25 academic years. For each year, the rate is the percent of students attaining a residency out of all graduates or expected graduates in the year who were active applicants in the NRMP match in that year or who attained a residency outside the NRMP match in that year. The 1-year first-time residency attainment rate is 95% for 2024-2025 graduates.
Our Community Vision
The AUC Office of Alumni Engagement seeks to develop a dedicated and proud, global alumni community whose members are committed to each other, devoted to AUC’s mission, and invested in its future.
As graduates, you are at the center of this vision, and together we honor and celebrate our dynamic alumni community and make a positive impact. The Office of Alumni Engagement offers:
- Events, from receptions at major medical conferences to family-friendly gatherings and networking nights.
- Opportunities to share your news and get the latest classmate updates.
- Meaningful alumni ways to volunteer and support the next generation of graduates.
2026 Alumni Awards
Nominations are open!
The annual Alumni Awards recognize the impact of an exceptional leader, a rising professional, and an outstanding ambassador. You may nominate an individual in multiple categories; however, the selection committee reserves the right to grant an award for which the candidate has not been nominated. Self-nominations are welcome. Award recipients will be selected by the AUC Alumni Council. Winners will be announced in May 2026.
Review the awards criteria and submit a nomination to recognize a peer by March 1, 2026.
Nominations and Eligibility
- Nominees must be AUC graduates.
- Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by fellow alumni, faculty or staff.
- Nominees may be nominated for multiple awards, but can only receive one award.
- The selection committee may award a nominee in a different category than originally nominated.
- Nominees must be positive advocates for AUC and agree to share their stories and comments for the promotion of the alumni community and university.
- Nominees must be alumni in good standing.
Award Descriptions & Criteria
Alumni Legacy Award
This award recognizes the success of an alumnus/a who has made significant contributions to his/her profession, community, and the advancement of AUC and its values, including encouraging and inspiring the next generation.
Candidates will have:
- Attained professional, societal or communal recognition
- Displayed excellence in their healthcare field
- Practiced medicine with the utmost character and integrity
- Served as a role model
- Engaged as a strong advocate of AUC
Early Distinguished Career Award
This award recognizes a recent AUC graduate (within the last six years) who has achieved early career success while embodying the University’s purpose, vision, and values.
Candidates will have:
- Graduated from AUC within the last 0 - 6 years
- Displayed accelerated career progression and advancement
- Meaningfully contributed to the medical field: clinical, diagnostic, public health, regulatory, and/or military service
- Attained professional, societal, or communal recognition
- Engaged as a strong advocate for AUC
Alumni Ambassador Award
The award recognizes the critical role that alumni play in the University’s continued success. From supporting admissions events to engaging with students, reconnecting alumni and more. We are proud to recognize an ambassador who makes a meaningful impact within the AUC community.
Candidates will have:
- Supported and advocated on behalf of the University
- Been actively engaged in admissions events, student life, and/or other alumni programming
Awards & Criteria
Alumni Achievement Award
(1 award per year)
The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the success of an alumnus/a who has made significant contributions to his/her profession and industry while embodying the university's purpose, vision, and values.
The award recognizes those who have had extraordinary success in the following areas: professional achievement, community involvement, advancement of AUC and its mission, giving back of time, talent, and/or capital, and encouraging and inspiring future leaders as well as contributions that have benefited the healthcare community and/or profession.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC.
- Display excellence in the healthcare field: clinical, diagnostic, public health, regulatory, and/or military service, etc.
- Attained professional, societal, or communal recognition.
- Be a strong advocate for AUC.
Alumni Resident Star Award (1 award per year)
The Alumni Resident Star Award recognizes a recent graduate of AUC who has achieved early career success while embodying the university’s purpose, vision, and values.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC within the last 0 – 6 years.
- Display accelerated career progression and advancement.
- Meaningfully contributed to the medical field: clinical, diagnostic, public health, regulatory, and/or military service.
- Attained professional, societal, or communal recognition.
- Be a strong advocate for AUC.
Alumni Ambassador Award
(1 award per year)
AUC alumni play a critical role in the University’s continued success. From supporting admissions activities to engaging with students to rallying alumni support, our alumni impact all aspects of the student life cycle. We are proud to recognize those true ambassadors of AUC and give back to their alma mater in meaningful ways.
Award Criteria:
- Must be a graduate of AUC.
- Support and advocate on behalf of the University
Be highly engaged in AUC admissions, student life, and or and alumni programming
Events and Opportunities
Exceptional Leaders and Caring Volunteers
Welcome Back Alumni
AUC alumni planning to visit St. Maarten are always welcome to stop by the campus. If you are planning a visit within the next six months, please fill out this form and we will aim to accommodate special activities during your time on campus.
Keep in mind: once the request is submitted, you will be contacted by the Office of Alumni Engagement (typically within a few days) in order to coordinate arrangements for your visit. Activities are subject to the availability of the individuals involved, local holidays, semester breaks and other unforeseen circumstances.
Alumni may visit the campus without the need to schedule any activities; alumni are granted access to all common areas, no approval required.
AUC Connect – Alumni Mentoring Program
Alumni interested in serving as mentors to current and future students, or who desire to participate in national outreach efforts, can do so through our Office of Alumni Engagement. We are always looking for alumni to participate in our AUC Connect program which pairs current students with alumni mentors, and fosters collaboration to achieve professional and career goals.
The 2025 Alumni Award Winners
Each year the AUC Alumni Awards provide us with the opportunity to showcase the tremendous impact of three extraordinary graduates. On Saturday, May 17, we recognized and celebrated the award winners during the AUC 2025 Commencement ceremony in Miami, Florida. Learn more about these distinguished alumni below and through our alumni spotlight series.
Alumni Excellence Award Recipient: Sandip Saha, MD ’10
Dr. Saha is known for his pioneering robotic technique in lung cancer diagnosis and for his dedication as a compassionate AUC volunteer supporting future healthcare professionals.
Alumni Resident Star Award Recipient: Racquel Kaizer, MD ’22
Dr. Kaizer is celebrated for her determination to overcome obstacles to medical school and to achieve remarkable success as a resident.
Alumni Ambassador Award Recipient: Zynab Hassan, MD ’09
Dr. Hassan has been a dedicated AUC volunteer, supporting a multitude of initiatives to support the next generation of AUC graduates.
Featured Alumni News
Talking With Adam Stivala, MD ’16
Keeping Busy With Wesley Nilsson, MD ’17
A Heart-to-Heart Chat with Pediatric Cardiologist Anne A. Tedga, MD, '11
How Personal Experience Shaped a Path to Medicine and Alumni Accolade
Alumni Engagement FAQ
How can I stay engaged with AUC as a recent graduate?
You can stay engaged by attending alumni events at upcoming industry conferences, volunteering for AUC Connect, providing your updated contact information via this form, and keeping in touch with your classmates.
What are the benefits of being involved in alumni activities?
Being involved in alumni activities can help you expand your professional network, gain access to career opportunities, access continued learning opportunities, and contribute to the growth and success of your alma mater.
Contact Alumni Engagement
Gustavo Galue
Manager of Alumni Engagement
alumni@aucmed.edu
Gustavo Galue joined AUC in 2010 and has worked in higher education since 2006. Gustavo leads all university initiatives related to alumni, including alumni engagement activities and the mentoring program. Prior to his current role, Gustavo worked as a manager in the admissions department at AUC.
With almost two decades of higher education experience, Gustavo relies on his knowledge and skills to create, develop, and manage new ways to engage with AUC alumni in an authentic and meaningful way. His leisure activities include photography, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and loved ones.