GW in the City
The George Washington University was founded in 1821—only a few decades after the District of Columbia became the capital of a young nation. The relationship between the University and the city is a close and mutually beneficial one.
GW draws on the resources of the Washington area to enhance its educational mission and provide an unmatched quality of life. In return, the University, through its students, faculty, staff and alumni, contributes talent, energy and knowledge toward improvements in the quality of life in metropolitan Washington, D.C.
Heritage
Our Washington, D.C., location is a constant reminder of the connection to our namesake. It motivates the entire University community, which was—and still is—inspired by both George Washington’s vision for a national university and his personal leadership, courage and integrity.
Culture of Leadership
GW’s location at the center of the nation’s capital provides the University community with access to policymakers, political leaders and opinion makers. Many of our distinguished faculty members are drawn from this community. Our alumni have gone on to join their ranks. Our students have unmatched opportunities for work and internships with leading governmental, international and nonprofit agencies and institutions. Campus events, including lectures and seminars, allow the GW community to interact with these talented and influential leaders.
Center of Discovery and Enterprise
Beyond its proximity to the centers of politics, policy and law, the University’s presence in Washington puts it at the nexus of research and commerce in essential industries, including industries of the future. The D.C. region serves as a hub for information science and technology, communications and media, biomedical and biotech and basic research of all kinds.
Arts and Culture
Washington gives the GW community access to the finest in U.S. arts and culture, from theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts to the museums of the Smithsonian Institution. Washington is also rich in popular culture, with countless venues for musical and comedy performers.
Global Perspectives
By virtue of Washington’s position as an international crossroads, GW benefits from access to people, ideas and cultural and educational resources from around the world. An awareness of global perspectives informs our educational enterprise.
Grounded in Community
The nature and character of GW’s campuses, deeply tied to the city, keep the University’s students, faculty and staff grounded in the realities of contemporary life and the challenges beyond academia. Our close connections to the community provide rich learning experiences as well as the opportunity to serve in meaningful and effective ways.
The GW Experience
Students
All in the Family
Greg and Heather Hachenburg talk about their undergraduate experience at GW, one of many sibling pairs to share in the Colonials legacy.
Creating Next Generation Leaders
GW program helps female students connect with leading women across a variety of fields and develop their roles as future women in leadership.
Where the City is a Classroom
Freshman volunteers experience life beyond Foggy Bottom...
Faculty
Fighting Neglected Diseases
GW professor works to eradicate diseases that affect the health, education and economic development of the world's poorest people.
Building the Super Computer
Pioneering lab puts GW at the forefront of high-speed computing and offers GW students unprecedented access to science and skills of the future.
Blast From the Past
Students map an ancient—and dramatic—eruption as part of a geological research program in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Alumni
Giving Back to the District of Columbia
D.C. public health director calls GW education the foundation of his career.
GW Opens Doors
A chance encounter with a GW alumna helped give one GW undergraduate, an aspiring broadcast journalist from Texas, his big break.
The Legend Lives On
The $2 million bequest commitment caps a lifetime of philanthropy and service to GW, establishing the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics.