By Brittney Dunkins
George Washington University students, families, alumni and friends will don buff and blue and fill the Charles E. Smith Center for the Colonials Invasion spirit rally on Friday evening.
The show of GW spirit is the kickoff to Colonials Weekend 2014—three high-energy days of university traditions and activities Oct. 17-19 that highlight the diversity of the campus community.
More than 4,200 people attended the celebration coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Parent Services in 2013. This year, the roster of events—from a headlining performance by “Late Night” host Seth Meyers to the Vern Harvest and the premiere of “Vanishing Point”—is expected to draw a comparable-size crowd.
For many students, the true highlight of the weekend is the opportunity to reunite with visiting family and friends, according to Peter Konwerski, vice provost and dean of student affairs.
“Colonials Weekend is designed for all members of the GW community to enjoy the historic, artistic and cultural sites that the D.C. region has to offer,” Dr. Konwerski said. “Many families are reconnecting for the first time since the start of classes in August, and the quality time they spend together is what truly makes Colonials Weekend a special event.”
George Washington Today has put together a roundup of Colonials Weekend events below. A full schedule is available online.
Friday, Oct. 17
Colonials Invasion
Doors open at 8 p.m., Charles E. Smith Center
The annual pep rally is the kickoff to Colonials Weekend and the start of the basketball season for GW teams. Watch a “dunk” contest, participate in a give-away and see performances from Capital Funk, GW Bhangra and the GW Gospel Choir.
World Premiere of “Vanishing Point” by Jeri Kroll
7:30 p.m., Marvin Center, Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre
Director and GW Professor of Theatre Leslie Jacobson and composer Roy Barber adapted author Jeri Kroll’s tale of a young woman suffering from anorexia and bulimia for a performance piece that blends musical theater and dance.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Colonials Weekend Welcome Ceremony
10:15 a.m., Lisner Auditorium
GW Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Steven Lerman will welcome GW alumni, families and friends of the university to Colonials Weekend with the help of GW faculty, staff and student leaders. The event will feature “Polls Apart,” a political panel discussion moderated by Frank Sesno, director of GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs.
Dedication of Tucker Field
10 a.m., Barcroft Park, Arlington, Va.
Celebrate one of the largest gifts ever given in support of the GW Department of Athletics and Recreation, donated by GW trustee and GW baseball alumnus Avram S. Tucker, B.B.A. '77.
The Vern Harvest (formerly Octoberfest)
2 p.m., Mount Vernon Campus Quad
Get in the spirit of fall on the Mount Vernon Campus at the annual Vern Harvest, formerly known as Octoberfest. The afternoon of activities includes pumpkin carving, yard games, arts and crafts, balloon artists, caricaturists and more.
Seth Meyers at Colonials Weekend 2014
Doors open at 8 p.m., Charles E. Smith Center
Tickets are sold out for “Late Night” host and “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Seth Meyers’ headlining performance on Saturday. The comedian will bring his trademark wit to the stage of the Charles E. Smith Center.
La Fiestasa
8 p.m., Marvin Center, Grand Ballroom
La Fiestasa is the finale of the 2014 Latino Heritage Celebration, a series of events that explore the Latino identity at GW and in the world.
Sunday, Oct. 19
President’s Jazz Brunch
9 a.m., Marvin Center, Columbian Square
Live jazz music will accompany a buffet-style brunch hosted by WRGW, the student radio station. The cost to attend is $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 12 years old and under.
12th Annual Foggy Bottom/West End Neighborhood Block Party
1 p.m., I Street Northwest, between 22nd and 23rd streets
The free community event is an opportunity to meet members of the community while enjoying local food, crafts and music and dance performances.