Past Centennial Events

A Century of Change: One Hundred Years of GW in Foggy Bottom School of Media and Public Affairs Building, 805 21st Street, NW, First Floor Cases the exhibit, culled from materials in GW's University and Special Collections Research Center holdings, traces 100 years of growth of both the university and its surrounding neighborhood, exploring and honoring their mutual history. Themes and displayed artifacts focus on GW School Spirit, George Washington as man and icon, and GW Presidents. Men’s Basketball Homecoming Game Saturday, February 18, 2012
Smith Center
4 p.m.

Game ticket or GW student ID required for admission. Students and alumni will learn more about the centennial festivities while cheering on the GW men’s basketball team as they play the Saint Joseph’s Hawks on Homecoming. Halftime will include a recognition of the 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, and fans who arrive early will receive a special centennial giveaway!
Seen in Foggy Bottom & Centennial Coffees Open Tuesday, February 21 – Thursday, February 23, 2012
Media and Public Affairs Building
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Open to public, no registration required. Drawn from the University’s collection, this exhibition highlights those important people, events, and locations on campus through paintings, prints, and artifacts. It will also show works by GW students through the years, giving their own perspective of the campus they inhabited. This limited engagement will be accompanied by an exhibition in the 2nd floor cases. The public is invited to warm up at the Centennial Coffee Bar, a complimentary coffee service available outside the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery.
George Washington’s Birthday Bonfire Wednesday, February 22, 2012
University Yard
6 p.m.

Open to the public, no registration required. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 making him 280 in 2012! Students, staff, faculty, and alumni are invited to celebrate the father of our country and the university’s namesake at a bonfire in his honor. The event features colonial-era music and a chance to roast marshmallows for s’mores.
Women’s Basketball Game Senior Night Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Smith Center
7 p.m.

Game ticket or GW student ID required for admission. The GW women’s basketball team will play the La Salle Explorers. A special centennial giveaway will be awarded to the first 100 attendees.
The Real George: Leadership and Character Thursday, February 23, 2012
Jack Morton Auditorium
5-6 p.m.

Discover the REAL George. Myth debunkers and experts reveal the real story of this American icon.
Voices: Celebrating the African American Legacy in Foggy Bottom Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Jack Morton Auditorium
6-7 p.m.
Reception to follow.

This panel discussion will feature long-term Foggy Bottom residents reflecting on the changes in Washington, D.C. and in their lives. The reception will feature food from one of D.C.’s popular landmarks, Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Foggy Bottom Historical Walking Tour History Hunt Saturday, March 3, 2012
Starting Point: Marvin Center, Great Hall, 800 21st Street NW
1-2:30 p.m.

Prepare to discover the secrets of GW’s historic buildings during the inaugural Foggy Bottom Historical Walking Tour History Hunt for students, neighbors, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Grab a partner and enter for a chance to win $100 cash each!
Duke: Edward Kennedy Ellington's Washington Monday, April 23, 2012
School of Media and Public Affairs Building, 805 21st Street, NW
4 p.m.

First Floor Cases Commemorating GW's Foggy Bottom Centennial and the Smithsonian's Jazz Appreciation Month, this program includes a presentation by Dr. John Hasse, the founder of JAM and curator of American Music at the Smithsonian's American History Museum, who will talk about the Washington, D.C., that nurtured Duke Ellington for the first 25 years of his life: his childhood, school days, and first musical experiences. Dr. Hasse and members of GW's musical faculty will then discuss the Ellington legacy in the 21st century, and the GW Faculty Jazz All Stars will present a half-hour concert of music written by Duke Ellington. Post-concert reception on 2nd floor of the Media and Public Affairs Building.
Welcome Week Saturday, August 25 – Saturday, September 8, 2012
This year’s welcome to new and returning students will include two weeks of activities and events, celebrating 100 years in Foggy Bottom.
GW Community Breakfast Thursday, September 6, 2012
Cloyd Heck Marvin Center Continental Ballroom
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Neighbors are invited to join President Steven Knapp for a breakfast celebrating the community.
Centennial Cherry Blossom Tree Commemoration Thursday, September 6, 2012
Marvin Center Great Hall
12 p.m.

100 years ago, GW relocated to the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and the country of Japan gifted Washington, DC, the celebrated cherry blossom trees. Commemorate these dual centennials with a ceremonial tree planting and taste-of-Japan reception.
Freshman Day of Service and Convocation Saturday, September 8, 2012
Come together with your class for Freshman Convocation, where you will be welcomed to GW by faculty and administrators. Then come to serve at schools, parks, and in the community with your new DC Neighbors! We will complete community service projects on the 4th annual Freshman Day of Service in honor of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and to celebrate GW’s 100 years in Foggy Bottom.
Watergate: A Novel (For GW Alumni) Wednesday, September 12
Alumni House, 1918 F Street NW
6 - 8 p.m.

Watergate, the political scandal that forced the resignation of the President of the United States took place just steps from GW’s Foggy Bottom campus. Professor of English, Thomas Mallon relives the scandal all over again in Watergate: A Novel and takes readers through the twists and turns of Nixon’s presidency. Join your fellow alumni on a journey to the past with all the characters you thought you knew and to the places that hold all the secrets of the scandal. Enjoy hors d’ oeuvres, drinks and a new perspective to an often retold story of scandal and mystery. The cost to attend is $10 and includes a cocktail reception and discussion with Professor Mallon. Watergate: A Novel will be available for purchase at the event.
Alumni Weekend Thursday, September 27- Sunday 30, 2012
Every year during Alumni Weekend, campus comes alive as thousands of alumni, friends and families return to GW. All Colonials and their families are invited to attend! During the four days of activities, alumni can choose from 60+ events, including a concert featuring Earth, Wind & Fire; Taste of GW; Back to Thurston, Sunday Political Brunch; historical tours exploring Foggy Bottom’s rich history, and more!
Walking the Spirit of Black Foggy Bottom – a tour for GW Alumni Friday, September 28, 2012
12 – 2 p.m.

This walking tour and discussion uncovers the presence of the absent in Foggy Bottom. Known as one on the most important and prominent African American communities in DC, Foggy Bottom was predominantly Black from 1870-1970. The tour will visit 33 historic Black sites in and around GW and delve into DC Black history from slavery to liberation, from "The Bottom" to the top of DC's Black Bourgeoisie.
The George Washington University Apple Day Sponsored by University Events & Whole Foods Foggy Bottom
Featuring the Centennial Candy & Caramel Apple Bar
Thursday, October 11, 2012
12 p.m.– 1 p.m.

Swing by Kogan Plaza to grab an apple during GW’s fun annual tradition – apple day! And to celebrate GW’s 100 Years in Foggy Bottom, stop by the Centennial Candy & Caramel Apple Bar while supplies last to make a special treat. Whole Foods Market Foggy Bottom is sponsoring this event for a second year. Bushel baskets of apples will be available at various locations at the Mount Vernon Campus and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus.
Colonials Weekend Friday, October 19,2012
3-7 p.m.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Be sure to stop by "Centennial Central" during Parent and Family Check-in at the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom to learn more about the history of GW in its location in Foggy Bottom. Find print copies of the historical walking tour, commemorative giveaways and treats.
Foggy Bottom/West End Block Party Sunday, October 21, 2012
Eye Street between 22nd and 23rd Streets NW
1-4 p.m.

The culmination of the ten-month celebration of GW’s location in Foggy Bottom, this free annual event includes over 100 booths from local businesses, restaurants, groups and institutions. The event is hosted by FRIENDS, a community group that promotes positive dialogue between GW and its neighbors. 2012 also marks the tenth anniversary of the block party and will include special centennial giveaways, live entertainment and remarks from district leaders.

The GW and Foggy Bottom Historical Encyclopedia

GW FB Historical Encyclopedia
Browse through hundreds of years of history of the university, from its founding days, to its growth in the neighborhood and beyond.

 

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