The American University of Paris (AUP) is delighted to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Trustees.
Two new trustees joined the Board in January 2026, Beth Brinkmann and K. Brian Keegan (’79), with an additional two new trustees joining in October, Luke Laumann (’05) and Mathias Strasser.
Already distinguished leaders in their fields, they bring decades of experience to AUP across higher education, law, finance, and management. Their commitment to academic excellence, cross-cultural engagement and professional integrity closely aligns with AUP’s mission to provide an education that will broaden their students’ international horizons, giving them the skill set needed to easily navigate a fast-changing world.
Among the new board members are two AUP alumni: K. Brian Keegan (’79), an Economics major at AUP and graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business, who is currently Managing Director at the Corporate Finance Advisory firm KB Keegan & Advisors; and Luke Laumann (’05), an International Economics major at AUP with a law degree from the University of Virginia, who is now a Partner for the Private Equity firm Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP.
The other two new members are Beth Brinkmann, a legal professional whose career included 26 arguments before the US Supreme Court and, most recently, teaching at the William & Mary, and the Stanford law schools; and Mathias Strasser, Founder and CEO of Scissero Ltd. where he offers his combined experience in financial services, technology and the legal sector.
“As AUP continues to evolve in line with rapid technological advancement and increasing demands in the higher education sector, we are grateful for the innovative insight and guidance of these new members. Their academic and career experience, as well as support for the liberal arts model, will further strengthen our Board of Trustees and widen our perspectives,” said Sonya Stephens, President of AUP.
President Stephens and the Chair of the Board also extend their heartfelt gratitude to a number of valued and long-serving outgoing trustees: Elizabeth Ballantine (2010-2026), Elliott Burdette (’70) (2015-2026), John Klein (2016-2026), Achim Klüber (’77) (2014-2026), Christina de Labouchère (’86) (2014-2026), Barbara Reno (2014-2026), and Jacqueline Routier (’90) (2020-2026). All have been recognized as trustee emeriti for their years of dedicated service and leadership.
The University also thanks Doris Daughney, for her service as Chair of the Board of Trustees (2020-2026), and her continued service as a trustee, and welcomes Giles Kemp as its new Board Chair, since June 2026.
Giles Kemp, Chair of the Board of Trustees, commented, “These exceptional individuals, accomplished professionals, and steadfast supporters of AUP contributed to much of the success of the University over the past decades.”
“We are deeply grateful to all our trustees, both past and present, who have helped shape AUP’s future and steward its role as a reference point for international liberal arts education. We will continue to identify trustees for AUP as the Board continues to develop and grow alongside the University”, added Kemp.
Founded in 1962, The American University of Paris (AUP) is an international institution dedicated to cross-cultural and interdisciplinary teaching and learning. Located in the heart of Paris, AUP provides a liberal arts education that prepares students to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in global communities. The university currently has over 1,200 students enrolled representing 110 nationalities and 56 languages, creating a highly international academic environment. Students choose from over 300 courses taught by 200 faculty members and industry professionals, combining rigorous academic study with practical perspectives.
AUP’s mission is to offer a transformative educational experience that bridges disciplines, cultures, and borders, enabling students to pursue their professional and intellectual goals internationally. Grounded in the American liberal arts values and a global orientation, the university encourages critical inquiry, intercultural dialogue, and intellectual exploration to prepare students for their future and broaden their horizons.
The American University of Paris is accredited by the NECHE New England Commission of Higher Education and is declared to the Rectorat de Paris as an établissement d'enseignement supérieur privé (private higher education institution).
