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In the midst
of the Foggy Bottom Ball, an event intended to celebrate GW’s
place in the neighborhood’s history over the past 90 years,
District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams stood before a crowd
of between 700 and 800 students, faculty, staff, and neighbors to
declare the University the “heart and soul of Washington”
and Feb. 23 “The George Washington University Day.”
The evening marked a rare occasion when all of the District’s
former mayors joined Williams to commemorate GW’s longstanding
commitment to its Foggy Bottom neighbors as well as to the city
as a whole.
President Trachtenberg remarked on the infrequent convergence of
mayors Walter Washington, Marion Barry, Sharon Pratt, and Williams
saying “This is truly a noteworthy event when you get all four
of the city’s mayors together.”
Trachtenberg presented each mayor with a special gift. Mayor Washington
received a GW clock complete with a compass because, President Trachtenberg
says, throughout his career the city’s first mayor always knew
which direction to lead the District.
Mayor Barry received a clock that included a thermometer because,
“He has been so good at gauging the political climate,”
says Trachtenberg.
Mayor Pratt also received a GW clock and Mayor Williams received
an hour glass, signifying that “each hour presents a new opportunity
as the District moves forward.”
The evening also featured a wealth of good food and good music,
including performances by King James and the Serfs of Swing and
a capella singing groups, including Emocapella, which sang “Nebutol”
for the mayors. The audience also enjoyed a thrilling swing-dancing
exhibition by Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg.
(Above from left, seated in the front row are Walter Washington,
DC’s first mayor and a GW honorary degree recipient, Mayor
Marion Barry, Mayor Sharon Pratt, and current Mayor Anthony Williams.
Standing from left are Mary Washington, Cora Barry, former chair
of the DC City Council Arrington Dixon, Francine Trachtenberg and
President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg).
~ Reporting
and photography by Thomas Kohout, ByGeorge! editor
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