George Washington faculty members and staff celebrated the holiday season while also recognizing GW’s values at the 23rd annual Foggy Bottom Campus holiday party on Tuesday. The holiday party had a “service” theme, with attendees donating goods or funds for Hurricane Sandy relief.
“The holiday party is a tradition we look forward to every year, and is our way of thanking the faculty and staff for all they do for GW,” said Executive Director of University Events Kathryn Bugg.
The party, which was sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service and Colonial Community, featured a savory lunch buffet and sweet holiday treats, a photo booth, ice sculptures, caricatures, and live performances of classic holiday songs sung by a chorus of GW faculty and staff members, including George Washington President Steven Knapp. The GW Jazz All-Stars, a faculty ensemble, also performed.
Vice President for External Affairs Lorraine Voles announced University Human Resources as the winner of the holiday door decorating contest. The team’s “GW’s Colonial Kitchen” door featured George Washington—in colonial garb—and penguins cooking up a recipe for excellence that incorporated all of the GW values.
Partygoer Angeline DiSarno, an executive coordinator in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, said she enjoyed mingling during the party.
“It’s a great opportunity to see colleagues in other divisions,” she said.
Dr. Knapp thanked attendees for coming and for their commitment to GW’s values.
“If this party keeps growing as it has over the past few years, we’re going to need a grander ballroom,” Dr. Knapp said. “This is a terrific turnout, and it’s a great sign of the spirit of this community. We’re combining fellowship, friendship, good food and drink with opportunities for service that are the hallmark of our university.”
The university also hosted a holiday party on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus on Dec. 12, where attendees collected new clothing, toys and non-perishable food to benefit the Loudoun County Community Holiday Coalition.