The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs has received a $1.15 million bequest from the Lloyd H. and Evelyn E. Elliott Charitable Remainder Trust. The Elliott School was named for Lloyd Elliott and his wife, Evelyn “Betty.” Dr. Elliott served as president of the university from 1965 to 1988.
“For more than two decades, Lloyd Elliott led this university with a grace, thoughtfulness and strategic acumen that laid the groundwork for everything his successors have achieved,” said President Steven Knapp. “This final and extraordinarily generous gift is one more expression of the dedication to GW that he and his wife Betty brought to their engagement with GW over so many years.”
The gift establishes the Elliott School Strategic Initiatives Fund, an endowment that will be used to support priority programs within the school and to launch new initiatives on emerging global issues. The fund will be open to additional contributions from any donor at any level.
“Lloyd and Betty were actively engaged in the life of the school that bears their name. This gift is a testament to their commitment to the school’s important work,” said Michael E. Brown, dean of the Elliott School. “This new endowment will enhance the school’s academic programs and global impact in perpetuity. It is a tremendous step forward for GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs.”
As vital members of the George Washington community for more than four decades, Dr. and Mrs. Elliott made myriad contributions to the university’s institutional development. Dr. Elliott served as honorary chair of the Elliott School’s senior advisory group—originally known as the International Council and now the Board of Advisors—for more than a decade. In 1999, the family established the Evelyn E. and Lloyd H. Elliott Fund, which supports a professorship at the Elliott School and other important school programs. Mrs. Elliott passed away in 2009; Dr. Elliott died in 2013.
“My parents were devoted to GW and to the Elliott School in particular,” said Patricia Kauffman, the Elliotts’ daughter and member of the school’s Board of Advisors. “They believed in the important mission of the school—to prepare tomorrow’s leaders to manage global challenges.”