For the past 16 years, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Andrew Sonn, Ed.D. ’10, has called the George Washington University home. His career spans from early years managing GW Housing to now leading the Office of Parent Services.
Though Mr. Sonn previously oversaw the Office of Parent Services, he will now take a more hands-on role, working directly with GW parents and caregivers to address their needs and concerns.
George Washington Today writer and editor Brittney Dunkins talked with Dr. Sonn about his experience at GW and vision for the Office of Parent Services.
Q: You’ve led many offices at GW. What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned from your experiences?
A: The greatest thing I have learned is that it is crucial for us all to focus on the reason higher education is in place: to educate future citizen-leaders. Prioritizing students' academic and intellectual development is at the core of my philosophy as an educator. I believe that as long as the administration prioritizes student learning and holistic development, we are using our time well and spending university resources wisely. What sets our institution apart are the students. They are individuals who are truly committed to serving the local community, region, nation and world. All that we do is aimed at supporting student journeys.
Q: Why are parents so valuable to the GW community?
A: GW parents and caregivers play an important role in the GW community. Like a coach, parents should be aware of university resources to advise their students, yet parents should also allow their students to problem solve on their own and develop self-reliance, resilience and grit—attributes that will help in their career and life journeys. We encourage parents to have those important educational conversations with their students about their career aspirations, the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol, balancing challenge and support and fostering self-efficacy.
Q: You worked with the former Executive Director of the Office of Parent Services Rodney Johnson for many years. What do you hope to continue from his legacy?
A: I recall meeting Mr. Johnson during my first week working at GW more than 16 years ago and his support of me as a colleague, and his passion for and commitment to GW made an everlasting impression. I hope to carry on this important legacy for the next generation of GW parents and caregivers by fostering a similarly warm atmosphere in the Office of Parent Services and in our outreach. A personal touch is important to me, and I welcome any calls, emails and communications from parents and caregivers if they need to vent or talk about a problem with someone with a caring ear. I can empathize well because I am a parent with three kids—two girls and a boy—who range from middle school to kindergarten age.
Q: What advice do you have for GW parents who would like to become more involved in the campus community?
A: One great way for GW parents and caregivers to get involved is to support career education and development by hosting GW student interns, holding informational interviews with GW students and hiring GW graduates. GW’s Center for Career Services has great resources for these opportunities. GW parents and caregivers may also volunteer during Colonial Inauguration. Each year, 20 to 30 returning GW parents share their wisdom with new parents. After CI, they may also volunteer to host one of many summer send-off events, which unite students, parents and alumni in scores of international and U.S. locations. In November, we send a call for nominations for PAAC members to the parent listserv. PAAC elections will be held in December for the open seats on the council.
Q: Can you share any new or upcoming events, initiatives or continuing traditions for GW parents?
A: This year marks the 22nd annual GW Colonials Weekend and parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend Colonials Weekend, one of GW’s greatest traditions, and join us for academic, community-building and cultural events. My favorite part of the weekend is seeing students and families reuniting in person after being apart for about two months since move-in.
What is the role of the Parent Association Advisory Council?
A: The PAAC has been a very active contributor to the GW community for over two decades. The PAAC includes two international parent representatives and members representing 14 states—who have made a big difference at GW. For instance, PAAC members were instrumental in the smoke-free residence hall initiative, which transitioned to the Smoke-Free GW campaign. PAAC members have also been great champions of the career services and mental health services.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your expanded role leading the PAAC , an elected body of 30 GW parents and caregivers who lead parent involvement at GW?
A: I look forward to working with the PAAC addressing the evolving needs of students, as well as the changing needs of GW parents, caregivers and family members. The university is experiencing a shift from “baby boomer” parents to parents who are members of Generation X. As a Generation X parent, I am looking forward to working with this new crop of parents as we tackle new issues and offer different resources to support student achievement and parent/caregiver education and engagement.
Q: What is on the horizon for the Office of Parent Services?
A: The Office of Parent Services is embarking on several initiatives to review our resources and offerings. We are benchmarking our communications infrastructure, website and events against other parent services offices nationally. At the same time, we seek to expand our social media initiatives to reach the changing generations of college parents and caregivers. It is exciting, and I am honored and humbled to be leading the office during such a critical time for parents and caregivers.