‘Proud to Be GW’ 2010

The George Washington University held its first annual “Proud to be GW” festivals earlier this summer to recognize faculty and staff for their contributions to the university. Senior leadership joined with GW Spirit members to lead attendees in learning and singing GW’s Fight Song. Participants also enjoyed food, games, prizes, music and other activities.

The festivals introduced faculty and staff to the “GW values”: learning, communication, community, diversity, excellence, respect, service, sustainability and teamwork.

“The festival was a great way for GW to say thanks to its hardworking employees in a setting that enhanced community spirit and introduced GW’s values,” says Brenda Jones, who led the volunteer staff committee coordinating the festivals.

The three festivals—two on the Foggy Bottom Campus (one of which was for night shift employees) and one on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus--were held in June. About 1,600 employees attended in all.

The festivals kicked off GW’s new year-round recognition program. The cross-divisional program will incorporate GW traditions like the Service Excellence Celebration, holiday party and service awards and offer a variety of other activities throughout the year that raise awareness of the GW values, says Ms. Jones.