Although much needed rain finally hit Sonoma County in late October, it did not dampen the spirits of the GW alumni, parents and friends who attended the Luther Rice Society’s Fifth Annual GW Food and Wine Tasting in Healdsburg, Calif.
Held at Selby Winery’s tasting room, the event was hosted by winemaker and owner Susie Selby, M.B.A. ’84. Guests, including GW Board of Trustees member Art Wong, M.D. ‘67, and School of Business Dean Linda A. Livingstone, enjoyed tasting stations with food pairings for five different Selby wines. These included Ms. Selby’s 2013 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, winner of the 2014 Sweepstakes White Wine at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, and her 2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, which has become a favorite at the White House.
“I feel that GW was very instrumental in my success today, and it's my pleasure to be able to host an annual event that brings Bay Area alumni together,” said Ms. Selby, a member of the GW School of Business (GWSB) Advisory Board.
Dr. Livingstone gave brief remarks, sharing how warmly the GW community has welcomed her since her appointment as GWSB dean in August. Dr. Livingstone is familiar with the West Coast—she was previously the dean of the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University in Malibu.
“I am excited about this academic year and all of the exciting programs, academic achievements and profound, ‘only at GW’ student experiences that will follow,” she said. “I am excited to embark on this new opportunity and am glad that you have joined me for such a wonderful beginning of this journey.”
Frances Silcox, M.A. '84, attended the event for the second year in a row with her husband David Smith, J.D. ’84. A proud graduate of GW’s Museum Education and Studies program, Ms. Silcox says she still considers her GW classmates as some of her closest friends.
"I just love thinking about my GW friends,” she said. “And how many other places in the world would my classes be held in the Smithsonian? That kind of combination of theory and practical application I swear could only happen at GW."
The event was sponsored by the GW School of Business and the Luther Rice Society (LRS). Since its inception in 1968, LRS members have contributed millions of dollars to GW. These members comprise alumni, parents and friends who are proud of GW’s rich history, passionate about its current students and faculty and dedicated to shaping its future.