For Colonials, fall in D.C. isn’t just the start of cooler evenings and snaking lines at “Gelbucks.” It’s also a time to raise high at Colonials Weekend, the annual celebration of university pride for George Washington University students, parents, alumni and friends.
Held Oct. 16-18, the high-energy series of events will feature university traditions such as the Colonials Invasion spirit rally, the Vern Harvest and the 13th Annual Foggy Bottom/West End Neighborhood Block Party.
The weekend will culminate in two sold-out performances by comedian and retired “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart.
George Washington Today writer and editor Brittney Dunkins spoke to university community members about their favorite Colonials Weekend memories. Check out their responses and a roundup of highlights from the upcoming Colonials Weekend below.
Jonathan Tsipis
Head Coach, GW Women’s Basketball
Q: What is your favorite Colonials Weekend memory?
A: My favorite moment at Colonials Weekend happened last year at Colonials Invasion. We started a new tradition, where family members of players and coaches introduced them to the crowd. My family from across the country recorded an introduction for me that was shown at Colonials Invasion. It was a nice surprise to see the tape of my family supporting me, while my team and the crowd cheered.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the coming basketball season?
A: I'm looking forward to the opportunity to prove how good our team can be. We won the Atlantic 10 championship last season and achieved a program record win of 29 games. We are excited to go one step further this year.
Q: How would you describe Colonials Weekend in three words?
A: Celebration, tradition and family.
Geneva Henry
University Librarian and Vice Provost for Libraries
Q: GW Libraries will discuss “the 21st-century library” during Colonials Weekend. How does the modern library’s mission differ from the past?
A: The modern library is here to help students and researchers not only to locate but also to organize, visualize and analyze the information they need. You should replace that old image of rooms full of books with rooms full of technology: computers, 3-D printers and specialized software packages.
Q: This is your third Colonials Weekend, what are you most looking forward to?
A: It is always a pleasure to meet the parents and families of our students. As the mother of a college senior, I know how exciting it is to visit campus and share the day-to-day experiences of my daughter. One of my favorite events at GW is “Celebrating the Creative Process” at Eckles Library, which brings together the winners of the Eckles Prize with musicians and artists from the Women's Leadership Program.
Zinhle Essamuah, B.A. ‘15
Presidential Administrative Fellow, First-Year Graduate Student
Q: As a PAF and graduate student this year, do you anticipate that the experience will be enjoyable in a different way?
A: This year will be different because I'll be watching many of my undergraduate friends participate and help facilitate the events. It was fun helping with the Vern Harvest as an RA in West Hall my sophomore year, but now I'll have the pleasure of enjoying the weekend differently. For the first time, I'll be in the audience for Acapellapalooza, so I'll need to get in line early to get a good seat.
Q: What Colonials Weekend activities do you recommend to a first time visiting parent or alumnus?
A: Acapellapalooza and the Colonials Weekend Jazz Brunch are a good treat. I encourage a first time visiting parent or alumnus also to attend the "Classes from GW's Best." I'm hoping to stop by Leslie Jacobson’s class, “The Power of Story—Theatre as a Catalyst for Societal Change." Leslie Jacobson is one of my mentors at GW, and it is always a joy learning from her. I'm also planning to attend the class taught by Bernard Demczuk, “The Black History of Foggy Bottom within the Context of the Black History of our Nation’s Capital.” I appreciate any opportunity to learn more about the important contributions of blacks in our nation's capital and on our campus. These classes are great opportunities to put "knowledge in action," as we say at GW.
Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II
Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs
Q: This is your first Colonials Weekend, what event are you most looking forward to?
A: I am thrilled to participate in my first Colonials Weekend so soon after starting in my role as dean of the Elliott School. I am most looking forward to meeting Elliott School students and parents at the “Meet the Dean” breakfast I am hosting on Saturday morning to kick-off the weekend.
Q: Is there a specific message you hope to share with students and parents during the event?
A: The breakfast is an ideal way to connect with our students and learn about the issues that matter to them. I am excited to have an opportunity to engage with our community on this level and share my vision for the school, which prioritizes scholarship, teaching, ethics and practice. To move our already highly-ranked program forward, we need opportunities like these that bring faculty, students and parents together to collaborate.
Robert Pagoni
GW Parent, President of the Parents Association Advisory Council
Q: Why is Colonials Weekend a special time for GW parents?
A: As the father of two GW alumnae and a current student, I have so many great memories of attending Colonials Weekend, such as meeting the families of my daughters’ roommates for dinner or brunch, bidding on great items at the silent auction with other parents and taking a picture in the Marvin Center with my daughters.
Q: What is your favorite Colonials Weekend memory?
A: Over the years there have been so many great events at Colonials Weekend, from watching the late Robin Williams perform to seeing Whoopi Goldberg on stage and dancing on the floor in front of the Beach Boys. It’s truly a time to make lasting memories.
Britany Waddell
Director of Community Relations
Q: What can the GW and Foggy Bottom/West End communities look forward to at the block party this year?
A: The Miller Band, featuring Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller, will headline the block party again. They are a crowd favorite, and I consider them a highlight of the event.
Q: What is your favorite Colonials Weekend memory?
A: My favorite memory of Colonials Weekend was when the marching band from Ballou Senior High School in Ward 8 performed.