ByGeorge!

November 2004

A Focus on Foggy Bottom

New Office and Area Events Seek to Develop Common Bond


GW and the Foggy Bottom community share common ground and recently they have shared common events that have enhanced and celebrated the University and neighborhood life.

In an effort to support dialogue with government officials, area residents and the business community, GW has created the Office of District of Columbia and Foggy Bottom/West End Affairs. Led by Michael Akin, who has more than three years experience in GW’s Office of Government, International and Corporate Affairs, this department will serve as a point of coordination and action between the University and its local constituents.

“I applaud GW for responding to the residential and business community requests for dialogue and collaboration with this dedicated office for town/gown affairs,” said DC Councilmember Jack Evans. “Proactive communication with the community is especially welcome and appreciated from the city’s largest private employer.”

During his tenure, Akin has been instrumental in thinking differently about community relations, helping to establish FRIENDS in 2002. With more than 100 community members, FRIENDS is dedicated to building stronger, positive relationships through communication, cooperation and collaboration.

Akin is a member of Mayor Anthony Williams’ Urban Professional Advisory Board, precinct captain for Ward 2 Democrats and a member of the DC Chamber of Commerce. His advocacy experience includes community outreach for Emmaus Services for the Aging and he is a member of the DC Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT). Akin has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political communication with a minor in applied ethics from GW.

As this new office opens for the community, students participated in the sixth annual Foggy Bottom Cleanup Day on Oct. 23, as they continued the tradition of giving back to the Foggy Bottom community.

“The objective of the event is simple: to work with and for our neighbors to clean up our home,” said Chrissy Caggiano, Student Association vice president of community affairs. “The event is an incredible opportunity to take a step back and do something small to make a big difference in the area.”

Earlier in October, the GW and Foggy Bottom communities enjoyed the second annual FRIENDS block party.


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