GW Today’s Top Stories of Fall 2018

Research on Hurricane Maria, successful congressional races and high-profile visitors like Bernie Sanders and Ruth Bader Ginsburg marked the most popular stories of the semester.

December 11, 2018

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The Milken Institute School of Public Health's study of excess deaths in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria was the semester's most-read story. (Photo: Steven Shepard)

1. GW Researchers: 2,975 Excess Deaths Linked to Hurricane Maria
The semester’s most popular story got a high-profile boost from a surprising quarter: President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed the hurricane death toll was inflated by Democrats “to make me look as bad as possible.” (The Milken Institute School of Public Health stood by its research.)

2. Ten GW Alumni Ran for Congress, Seven Won
Alumni from all over the country—and representing both sides of the aisle—claimed victory in the 2018 midterm elections.

3. Bernie Sanders Returns to GW
Fans packed Lisner Auditorium to hear the Vermont senator discuss his new book, “Where We Go from Here.” Other popular visitors to GW this semester included Hasan Minhaj, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Chuck Todd.

4. Stay Prepared as Hurricane Florence Makes Landfall
The GW community was ready in anticipation of the season’s first major hurricane making landfall. While the Washington, D.C., area mostly avoided damage from Hurricane Florence, communities farther south on the East Coast were less lucky.

5. Message from President LeBlanc on the Mass Shooting in Pittsburgh
After the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in October, Thomas and Anne LeBlanc offered condolences and stood in solidarity with the Jewish community.

6. Board of Trustees Approves Tuition Rates for 2019-20
Beginning fall 2019, the undergraduate rate will cover up to 18 credit hours per semester while fixed tuition policy and dining plans will continue.

7. In Photos: Students Share Why They Are Thankful
From friends and family to supportive professors, students shared the many things they were grateful for on the eve of Thanksgiving.

8. Behind the Scenes at ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’
School of Media and Public Affairs senior Gillian Horn shared her experience as an intern on the late-night comedy powerhouse.

9. President LeBlanc Announces Details of Culture Assessment
Faculty and staff were invited to participate in this survey as part of a strategic initiative evaluating and improving institutional culture at GW.

10. 9 Questions with Mark Diaz, GW’s New EVP and CFO
Mark Diaz, who became GW’s executive vice president and chief financial officer in August, discussed his role, the university’s financial health and some of the projects he will oversee.