Feb. 5, 2002

An Open Letter to the Community

GW Set to Celebrate a 90-Year Relationship in Foggy Bottom

As The George Washington University marks its 90th anniversary in Foggy Bottom in 2002, I invite you to join us in celebration of this milestone. We welcome especially the participation of our neighbors, who have shared in bringing to fruition the accomplishments of nine decades in the 181-year history of GW.

The evolution of Foggy Bottom is a source of pride to the University and to the District of Columbia. GW and its neighbors have flourished in unison. We have both participated in the remarkable improvements to the landscape and cityscape of this neighborhood. And I attribute much of its vigor to the infusion of youthful vitality and community-spirited activities that are intrinsic to a university’s mission.

When GW moved here in 1912, occupying first an old school building between 20th and 21st streets, Foggy Bottom was largely an industrial area, home to the Abner Drury Brewery, Heurich Brewery, Washington Gas Light Company’s gasworks, and a coal yard. The passing years have seen a transformation: industrial sites have been replaced by offices, townhouses, apartments, urban parks, and University facilities. The richness and diversity of this mix has made Foggy Bottom a vibrant place to work, study, and reside. We are truly an exceptional community.

In recognition of our 90 years in Foggy Bottom I invite you to attend the special events that will mark this occasion. We are planning academic programs, anniversary publications, and the establishment of a Foggy Bottom museum located on GW’s campus. I look forward to welcoming you to celebrations of our community and the vitality that is its hallmark.

Cordially,

Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, President

 

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