Earlier in the week, the George Washington University announced the launch of its new strategic framework that will shape the institution’s future for years to come. But by the weekend, members of the GW community turned back the clock and turned up the tunes during Alumni and Families Weekend, the annual event that brings past and present together, with this year’s theme being a celebration of the 1990s.
Held Friday through Sunday with events at both the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, the gathering of alumni, families and friends served as a reminder of the enduring strength and connectivity of the GW community.
“Alumni and Families Weekend is one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our community," said Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Patricia Carocci. "It's truly inspiring to see the way our GW family reaches across generations to celebrate all that connects us.”
On Friday night, the Back to the ‘90s All-Alumni Rewind party allowed GW community members to fully step back into the era of scrunchies, dial-up internet, Discmans, flannel shirts, Starter jackets, beepers and mixtapes. Held in the University Student Center’s Grand Ballroom, attendees danced the night away at the ‘90s-themed bash complete with dueling DJs, throwback tunes and nostalgic treats.
With temperatures hovering in the low 60s all weekend, it felt like fall—which made for a perfect backdrop for the Vern Harvest on the Mount Vernon campus. Participants celebrated the season at MVC with a traditional autumn festival, hosted by the Division for Student Affairs (DSA), as they enjoyed pumpkin decorating, crafts, fall treats and more.
While the celebrations and good times were in full swing, GW community members also had the opportunity to hear directly from leadership about the times ahead at the university. President Ellen M. Granberg partook in a Leadership Dialogue Saturday afternoon with GW alumna Carrie Potter, B.B.A. ’99, M.B.A. ’01, where they discussed collaborations taking place across the university community and GW’s plan to enhance its institutional prominence. Granberg also joined the festivities honoring alumni achievement at the annual Spirit of GW Awards on Saturday night, as well as a host of other activities throughout the weekend.
In addition to many thoughtful conversations about GW’s current opportunities and future aspirations, there were plenty of opportunities for fun and community. GW Athletics and schools hosted open houses throughout the day on Saturday, and some of GW’s esteemed faculty presented some student-favorite lectures for parents and alumni to hear. Celebrated actor, comedian and television host Joel McHale burst sides with jokes at the Fall Comedy Show Saturday night at the Charles E. Smith Center. On Sunday morning, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Colette Coleman hosted a jazz brunch for GW families in the USC’s Grand Ballroom.
This year’s Alumni and Families Weekend offered formal opportunities for former student organizations to reconnect, including at the Alumni Beer Garden Saturday afternoon on Kogan Plaza. Alumni of organizations such as Cherry Tree, Colonial Cabinet, Governing Board, The Hatchet, Politics & Values, Program Board, Residence Hall Association, Student Association and WRGW all connected over cold beverages.
The 2025 Alumni and Families Weekend proved to be all that. GW Today student photographers Cooper Tyksinski and Jordan Tovin, as well as freelance photographer Abby Greenawalt, captured some of the weekend’s moments. Enjoy.
