February 2008

NEWS briefs

GW Ranks in Top Three for Peace Corps Volunteers
GW’s undergraduate alumni rank second in the nation for medium-sized universities and GW’s graduate alumni rank third in the nation for numbers of volunteers serving overseas as Peace Corps volunteers. Since the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, 928 GW alumni have served abroad.

“As I travel to meet alumni, both in the United States and abroad, I am impressed by their exemplary commitment to public service,” says GW President Steven Knapp. “Alumni Peace Corps volunteers illustrate the hands-on commitment to making a real difference in the world that is so strongly characteristic of GW students.”

GW Student Center Hours Extended
In response to student requests, GW has extended the operating hours of the Marvin Center. Students now are able to use Columbian Square and the seating areas on the first floor until 2 a.m. daily. Use of the space during the new operating hours will be evaluated after a trial period to determine if continuation of the extended hours is warranted. The Smart Market area in J Street will extend hours during this time to provide a selection of “grab-and-go” food items and beverages for late-night patrons, such as Starbucks coffee, salads, and sandwiches.

In addition, the popular restaurant WOW Cafe and Wingery, located on the Marvin Center’s fifth floor, recently has received approval from the District of Columbia to serve beer and wine.

Free Depression Screenings Offered Weekly to GW Community
Free depression screenings are being offered to GW students, faculty, staff, and community members on a weekly basis until the end of spring semester. Screenings take place each Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Marvin Center Great Hall.

Individuals complete a brief depression screening questionnaire. Counselors review results with participants, answer any questions, and provide referrals if appropriate. Basic information about depression and related topics, such as suicide, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol abuse is available. Alcohol screenings also are offered.

The free weekly depression screening program is sponsored by Chi Sigma Iota, an honor society for students, professional counselors, and counselor educators, in collaboration with GW’s Community Counseling Services Center. For more information, call (202) 994-8645.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu