George Washington University community members gathered in Philadelphia on Jan. 14 for lively conversation about the past, present and future of GW with President Thomas LeBlanc. The event was the first stop on a GW + You community reception national tour.
Philadelphia Alumni Network chair Christine “Chrissy” Caggiano, B.A. ’06, welcomed nearly 100 community members, and GW Alumni Association Executive Committee member Vikram Kuriyan, B.A. ’05, moderated a conversation and question-and-answer session with Dr. LeBlanc, followed by a reception.
“It was a great evening for GW in Philly, and a very diverse group had a wonderful time. I think the format really encouraged an interactive dialogue,” said Mr. Kuriyan. “We’re really looking forward to bringing this event to GW communities across the country in the coming months.”
The GW + You series is designed to gather the spirit of GW in venues across the country, share the vision for what is happening on GW’s campuses and spark conversation about the university’s goals.
Building on the momentum of an initial presidential welcome series, the GW + You events offer updates not only on the university’s strategic plan but also provide greater opportunities for alumni, families and friends to connect with one another and the university and share feedback and ideas.
“These events emphasize the power that members of the GW community possess, individually and collectively, to support one another, shape the future of GW and make a difference in our world,” said Patty Carocci, associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving.
In Philadelphia, the conversation ranged from the upcoming renovation of Thurston Hall to changes in student enrollment to how the emergence of Washington, D.C., as a tech hub creates opportunities for GW students.
Several alumni shared stories about how scholarships from GW changed their lives, prompting Dr. LeBlanc to share his own experience as a scholarship recipient. He emphasized the importance of ensuring today’s students receive the same kind of support.
“We invite you to join us in that mission by telling people about the good things going on at GW, or, if you can do it, donate to a scholarship fund,” said Dr. LeBlanc. “You’ll never feel better about yourself than if you can give someone a future.”
Several recently admitted students attended the event, in addition to current GW parents and graduates from 1965 through 2019.
“I find President LeBlanc visionary and very approachable,” said Laurence “Larry” Lane, B.A. ’68, M.A. ‘76, a former member of the Graduate School of Political Management Advisory Board. “I brought a prospective undergraduate student with me whose grandparents are friends. They’ve had an outstanding time seeing where the school is going.”
GW + You Community Receptions
Dr. LeBlanc will visit the following locations during the GW + You series:
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Miami
Tampa
Northern Virginia
Richmond
New York City
Boston
Washington, D.C.
