With the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop, Michael R. Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, will address the graduates and receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.
GW’s Commencement Weekend, which actually spans six days from May 10 to 15, comprises dozens of events. They include the traditional Interfaith Baccalaureate, the doctoral hooding and individual school celebrations. The capstone will be the university-wide ceremony on the morning of May 15. GW is the only school in the nation to hold its graduation on the National Mall.
“A GW Commencement is like no other commencement ceremony in the world. Our celebration is truly a reflection of our student body: relevant, intellectual and enthusiastic. On the National Mall, smack in the middle of the Capitol and the Washington Monument, we show the world the depth of a GW education through our students, honorary degree recipients and the richness of our academic offerings,” said Lorraine Voles, vice president for external relations. “This year, we are also incredibly fortunate to have Mayor Bloomberg address our graduates.”
A handful of senior student athletes, including tennis players and rowers, will participate in a special commencement on May 10 because they’ll be away competing on May 15. The class of 2011 will present its senior class gift at noon on May 12 at Kogan Plaza. And students in the top 10 percent of the senior class and in the top 1 percent of the junior class will be inducted into GW’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest academic society, on May 13.
“Planning begins at least a year in advance to coordinate the ceremony on the National Mall, school celebrations, and dozens of receptions and special events. The committee of over 100 staff members works hard to create a memorable and enjoyable weekend for graduates and their guests,” said Kat Bugg, executive director of university events.
GW's class of 2011 graduates represent 47 countries, 47 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. About 30 percent of the class are multicultural students.
After earning the right in the student speaker competition, Collin Stevenson, B.A. ’09, who is earning a master’s degree at the Elliott School of International Affairs, will address his fellow graduates.
This year’s GW Awards, which honor service to the university community, will be presented to Michael King, professor of chemistry and department chair; Edythe “Eydie” Costantino, assistant director, finance and administration of the University Honors Program; Corbbmacc “Corbb” O’Connor, B.A. ’10; and James Isom, former executive director of the University Police Department.
In addition to Mr. Bloomberg, Peggy Cooper Cafritz and William Coleman Jr. will also receive honorary degrees. Ms. Cafritz, B.S. ’68, J.D. ’71, has been a longtime advocate for the arts and education in the District. Ms. Cafritz, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, co-founded the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and served as former chairman of the D.C. Board of Education. Mr. Coleman, a civil rights activist, public servant and attorney, will receive a Doctor of Laws. Mr. Coleman has held advisory or consultant positions to eight former U.S. presidents.
Mr. Bloomberg founded Bloomberg, LP in 1981 and created a financial information computer that would collect and analyze securities data and deliver it immediately to the user. Today, Bloomberg LP employs more than 13,000 people worldwide and has more than 300,000 subscribers to its financial news and information service in over 160 countries. Mr. Bloomberg was first elected New York City mayor in November 2001, two months after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. As mayor, he’s reformed the city’s school system, increasing graduation rates by more than 25 percent and raising reading and math scores to record levels.
GW's Commencement and all the other activities bring all parts of our university together. It provides a terrific culminating event for our graduates and allows many members of our community to participate in their celebration,” said Michael Peller, assistant vice president for events and venues. “What greater way to celebrate GW at its best.”