ByGeorge!

November 2007

Thousands Flock to Colonials and Alumni Reunion Weekends


Comedian Billy Crystal brings President Knapp on stage during his Oct. 12 performance at the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center.

By Julia Parmley

Family, food, and fun took center stage at Colonials Weekend 2007, as 4,800 students, parents, and friends came to GW Oct. 12-14 to enjoy more than 50 weekend activities.

The weekend began with a performance by Tony Award-winning comedian Billy Crystal, who had the audience in stitches during his evening show on Friday and a repeat performance Saturday, both at the Charles E. Smith Athletic Center.

Saturday morning, GW President Steven Knapp spoke about his goals and vision for the University in an hour-long conversation with Frank Sesno, professor of media and public affairs and Emmy Award-winning CNN special correspondent, in front of a packed audience in Lisner Auditorium.

Pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, and fall desserts were all part of the entertainment at Saturday afternoon’s Octoberfest, held on the Mount Vernon Campus Quad and organized by the Mount Vernon Programming Council. Visitors to the Mount Vernon Campus also enjoyed the Elizabeth J. Somers Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) art exhibition opening reception in the G-Dub Java Lounge, where WLP students sang, played instruments, and showcased their art. Following the exhibition reception, more than 600 students and families came to the Freshman Families Reception at the Mount Vernon Campus Alumnae House on W Street to enjoy chili, cornbread, and music from a Caribbean steel drum band.

Jazz music served as a wake-up call for families at the Jazz Brunch Sunday morning in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom. More than 400 dined on a vast selection of breakfast food while enjoying a performance by student band the GW Jazz All Stars. The brunch was hosted by veteran radio broadcaster Dick Golden and WRGW, GW’s student radio station.

The weekend festivities concluded with the fifth annual Foggy Bottom/West End Neighborhood Block Party Sunday afternoon on the Eye Street Mall. Community groups, area restaurants, and GW organizations handed out food, information, and souvenirs to the crowd of 3,000, while children enjoyed face painting and balloons.

“I think it was a really successful and exciting weekend,” says Director of Parent Services Rodney L. Johnson. “Overall, I have heard nothing but positive feedback. I am especially pleased President Knapp was able to attend so many of the events.”

Parents Valerie and Gene O’Brien and their daughter Kayley came to GW from Long Island, N.Y., to visit their GW student, freshman Kelsey. The family attended many of the weekend events, including the conversation with President Knapp and Octoberfest. “We’ve really enjoyed the weekend,” said Valerie O’Brien. “There were so many things to do, we were sad we couldn’t get to it all! The organization and professionalism was wonderful; it was top-notch.”

Alumni Reunion Weekend, separate from this year’s Colonials Weekend, also was a resounding success. Andrew Kaufteil, director of reunions, says more than 1,000 people came back to campus on Sept. 28-30 to enjoy a variety of events, including a reception on University Yard, Back to Thurston dormitory reception and tour, the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards, and class reunions. “Participants came from around the world, including Nigeria, Germany, the Netherlands, England, St. Maarten, and more,” says Kaufteil. “All involved with reunion—students, alumni, staff—left the weekend with a renewed connection to each other and to GW.”

 


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