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December 2007 Steven Knapp Inaugurated as GW’s 16th President
Thousands Attend Week of Events that Celebrate the University Community More than 5,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and special guests gathered on GW’s campuses to celebrate the inauguration of President Steven Knapp, Nov. 12-17. In more than 30 events, the University highlighted its Washington area partnerships, research, and worldwide alumni, and inaugurated its 16th president. The weeklong celebration began Monday, Nov. 12, when executives from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens presented two Hog Island sheep, a breed believed to have been raised by Washington, to President Knapp and his wife, Diane Robinson Knapp. Held on GW’s Mount Vernon Campus, the outdoor event featured George and Martha Washington costumed interpreters; hot apple cider, sheep cookies, and other treats; reading materials from Eckles Library; and storytelling and coloring books for children. The 100 guests were able to pet and feed the animals, which will live on the Knapps’ sheep farm in Sparks, Md. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the focus turned to community relations as D.C. city officials, representatives from area nonprofits and businesses, and Foggy Bottom and West End residents joined GW to recognize the University’s myriad partnerships in the city and the region. The day began with a community breakfast featuring remarks by D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, followed by presentations by seven of GW’s schools. A luncheon celebrated GW’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership’s 10th anniversary. The day’s activities concluded with the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Annual Hunger Banquet. Through lectures, paper sessions, and a special gallery, GW student and faculty researchers showcased their work on Wednesday, Nov. 14, a day devoted to research and discovery. A morning symposium in the Marvin Center featured presentations by Vanessa Northington Gamble, GW University Professor of Medical Humanities; Stephen Greenblatt, professor of English at Harvard University; and Frank Sesno, GW professor of media and public affairs and Emmy Award-winning CNN correspondent. In the afternoon, 180 posters depicting the work of faculty, students, and creative artists were on display, while 16 GW professors participated in panel sessions on subjects ranging from the 2008 presidential election and life sciences to the environment and urban issues. On Thursday, Nov. 15, alumni from across the country and around the globe returned to the University to welcome the Knapp family in a day dedicated to the University’s lifelong and worldwide community. Some 600 attended the day’s events, which included the induction of Steven and Diane Knapp into the GW Alumni Association, a networking session hosted by the GW Career Center, and a series of panels featuring distinguished alumni on topics including the economy, entrepreneurship, international affairs, and health care. A “Lunch with Alumni” paired students with alumni to discuss career aspirations and featured keynote speaker Sen. Mike Enzi, B.A. ’66, (R-Wyo.). GW Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm Jr., B.A. ’66, M.A. ’68, introduced Enzi, who was his roommate when they were both students at GW. That evening, the University’s top donors donned black ties and gowns for the First Annual President’s Ball at the National Building Museum. Marvin Kalb, GW’s James Clark Welling Presidential Fellow, served as master of ceremonies for the event, where 475 guests dined, danced, and were recognized for their philanthropy to GW. The week’s festivities also honored GW’s namesake with a special exhibition at the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery. Titled “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: George Washington’s Vision,” the exhibit featured pages from George Washington’s last will and testament bequeathing stock in the Potomac Company for the establishment of the University and Gilbert Stuart’s circa 1800 life-size oil painting of George Washington. In addition, the Bible on which George Washington took his oath of office was displayed in the Charles E. Smith Center during and following the inauguration and again in the afternoon at an all-University reception. The Bible was provided courtesy of St. John’s Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City. The formal activities concluded with the installation of Steven Knapp as GW’s 16th president in a ceremony at the Charles E. Smith Center on Friday, Nov. 16, followed by a luncheon for visiting dignitaries. Approximately 2,500 faculty, staff, students, alumni, national and international delegates, and other guests joined GW’s Board of Trustees and Presidents Emeriti Lloyd Hartman Elliott and Stephen Joel Trachtenberg to welcome and install Knapp. University Marshal Jill F. Kasle presided over the ceremony, which featured greetings from Board of Trustees Chairman W. Russell Ramsey, B.B.A. ’81; D.C. Councilmember and GW Professor of Law Mary Cheh; President of the GW Student Association Nicole Capp; Professor of Art History and Chair of the Faculty Senate Lilien F. Robinson, B.A. ’62, M.A. ’65; President of the GW Alumni Association Richard Crespin, B.A. ’93; and Senior Manager of Facilities Management Thelma P. Spriggs. William R. Brody, president of The Johns Hopkins University, formally introduced Knapp. In his address, Knapp detailed the history of the University, the work of his predecessors, and his desire to strengthen the national and international status of GW, including improving research. “It’s a pleasure to stand before such a large assembly of those who have worked to make the name of The George Washington University so important to so many different people for so many different reasons,” said Knapp. “My job from this day forward will be to do everything in my power, working with all of you, to make that name synonymous with the highest degree of excellence in the pursuit of our mission: a mission of learning, discovery, and service to the nation’s capital, the nation itself, and the global community to which we all belong.” The week ended with a Day of Service on Nov. 17, including a Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon, Foggy Bottom Clean-Up, and a food drive. GW Vice President for Communications Michael Freedman, who chaired the Inaugural Steering Committee, expressed his appreciation to the more than 100 staff, students, faculty, alumni, and trustees who worked for six months to plan and execute the activities. “This was a consummate team effort and a source of great pride to all of us,” he said. To read remarks and view the video from the inauguration, visit inauguration.gwu.edu.
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