As part of its ongoing commitment to bring alumni back to campus to interact with students, the Office of Alumni Programs (OAP) kicked-off its “Dinner with Alumni” program this fall with much success.

The program enables a group of approximately 10 interested students to have dinner with an alumnus/a at his or her home or at an area restaurant, and matches students and alumni who have similar academic, career, or personal interests. The students draw inspiration from the professional, educational, philanthropic, and personal accomplishments of our alumni, and likewise, our alumni gain a meaningful connection with student participants. The host provides insight and guidance to student participants and underwrites the dinner. The host’s contribution is considered an “in-kind” gift to the University and is tax-deductible.

In October, GW Trustee and SEAS alumnus Mark V. Hughes hosted a dinner of SEAS students with much success. This past month, three recent ESIA alumni – Cameron MacKenzie, Sarah Marquis, and Nicole Speulda – took 15 ESIA students to dinner.

The response from student participants has been enthusiastic. “The alumni dinner was an awesome experience. It allowed me to ask alumni about life after GW, and about their experiences in employment and graduate school," said one student. “I was thoroughly impressed with everything my alumna host had accomplished at GW and beyond.”

If you are interested in participating in the “Dinner with Alumni” program, or you would like more information, e-mail dinner@gwu.edu.