Thomas LeBlanc Joins GW Staff at Proud to Be GW Festival

George Washington University President Thomas LeBlanc, who began his tenure Aug. 1, was introduced to hundreds of university staffers Thursday at the Foggy Bottom Campus’s Proud to be GW festival.

“I’m very conscious of the fact that [the university] runs because of you, and we really appreciate the work you’ve done,” Dr. LeBlanc told a capacity crowd at the Marvin Center. “We’re proud to be a part of this great place, and I just got here. So those of you who have been here for a long time must be really proud of this great place.”

The annual festival celebrates university employees with free food, music, games and giveaways. The Virginia Science and Technology Campus will hold its own celebration Aug. 22.

The president chatted with his new colleagues as attendees snacked on hot dogs and cotton candy or got down—with impressive know-how—to dance-along classics like “Cha Cha Slide.” Below, a gallery of the carnival-themed festivities:

GW staff participated in a "cake walk" to win baked goods.

"We're tremendously excited to be here," University President Thomas LeBlanc said.

Mascot George led the Electric Slide and posed for selfies with partygoers.

Attendees filtered out to the Marvin Center balcony to enjoy ice cream, music and games in the sunshine.

Attendees could win door prizes like tote bags, outdoor concert chairs and umbrellas.

Staffers took a break from the dance floor to chat with colleagues and friends.