The George Washington University welcomed several high-profile speakers to campus this semester, admitted students to the class of 2022, saw personnel changes among top administrators and surprised 10 local high school students with a free education. Below, GW Today looks back at some of the semester’s most popular topics:
- GW, Politics and Prose Announce Spring Series
The GW community welcomed prominent speakers, including James Comey, former FBI director, and CNN anchor Jake Tapper. Both men were promoting new books.
- University to Introduce New Dining Options
Several of the semester’s most popular stories focused on the new dining plans that will be introduced in fall 2018, aimed to give students more affordable choices. SAGE Dining Services also will begin operating the two dining venues on the Mount Vernon Campus.
- Provost Announces Reorganization to Enhance Student Experience
In January, Provost Forrest Maltzman announced the creation of Enrollment and the Student Experience, a new organizational structure and approach that will provide a cohesive experience throughout all phases of the student lifecycle. The new unit will launch this summer.
- GW Hosts ‘France Week’ in Celebration of Visit by the President of the Republic of France
Foggy Bottom was abuzz when Emmanuel Macron, the president of the Republic of France, held a townhall event at the Charles E. Smith Center. He encouraged students to challenge the traditional rules of politics and posed for selfies with students.
- National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt Will Deliver GW Commencement Address
The university announced renowned geophysicist Marcia McNutt will speak to GW graduates and their families on the National Mall. Meenu Mathews, a senior in the Elliott School of International Affairs, will be the student speaker.
- Flu Season Hits GW
The Colonial Health Center reminded students to get the flu vaccine, wash their hands frequently and stock up on basic over-the-counter medicines as an influx of students tested positive for the flu at the start of the semester.
- Anuj Mehrotra Named Dean of GWSB
The longtime administrator, researcher and faculty member at the University of Miami will join GW in July. Mark Diaz, named executive vice president and chief financial officer, also comes to GW from Miami.
- Lou Katz Announces Retirement
After 27 years at GW, Lou Katz, executive vice president and treasurer, announced he would step down from his role at GW in June. Leo Chalupa, vice president for research, also announced he would be stepping down this summer. Ben Vinson III, dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, was named provost and executive vice president of Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Vinson will begin his new role in July.
- GW Surprises D.C. High School Students with Free Education
Ten exceptional Washington, D.C., students received a Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship in March, which covers the entire cost of their college education at GW.
- Inside GW Offers More Personalized Experience
The university implemented a new model for its “Inside GW” admitted student experience, bringing hundreds of prospective members of the class of 2022 to campus each weekday and one Saturday in April. This year’s applicants hailed from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and 150 countries.
