November 1, 2005

Colonials Weekend 2005

Thousands descended upon the University’s Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses Oct. 21–23 to take part in GW’s annual celebration of family and friends. This year’s festivities got rolling Oct. 21 with two sold-out performances by Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” More than 8,000 filled the stands of the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center for the opening event.

Stewart touched on a number of subjects during the evening including his Jewish upbringing, politics, and, a favorite topic, the media. Prompted by a question from the audience, Stewart took aim at CNN’s “The Situation Room,” only to discover moments later that the show’s host, Wolf Blitzer, was in the audience.

Despite stormy skies Octoberfest at the Mount Vernon Campus once again drew large crowds Oct. 22. Although forced to move to Lloyd Gymnasium, University alumni, friends, and families took part in various activities and games, including face and pumpkin painting.

The Boston Pops, led by conductor Keith Lockhart, capped Saturday night’s festivities. The program included a “Baby Boomer Sing-A-Long” with pop music classics such as “Do Wah Diddy,” “Satisfaction,” “Proud Mary,” and “YMCA” to appeal to the parent and alumni portion of the audience. President Trachtenberg played the part of Abraham Lincoln, while he recited the Gettysburg Address as the Pops performed a composition of the same name by Randy Edelman. A high spot during the evening came with a rendition of the GW Fight Song. Followed by John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” conducted by Wolf Blitzer.

Jazz Brunch concluded the weekend with an impressive turnout of nearly 400 people. Diners were treated to the music of GW students in the jazz program, which was also broadcast on WRGW Radio.

The weekend also featured campus and city tours, as well as special lectures and receptions for parents, students, and alumni. Other Colonials Weekend events included Colonials Village on Saturday, which allowed parents to get a glimpse of life at GW, and a Cabaret Showcase put on by GW students on Friday evening.

Colonials Weekend Photo Gallery

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu