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News & Events
Summer 2009
A Message from the Dean
In the midst of global economic turmoil and genuine financial hardship at many universities, I am pleased to report that The George Washington University is in good financial shape and the Elliott School of International Affairs has just completed another terrific academic year.
At our Elliott School commencement ceremony in May, more than 750 undergraduate and graduate students walked across the stage, joining our extraordinary alumni who now number more than 17,000. Our commencement speaker, Ambassador Kurt Volker (M.A. '87), just completed a tour as the U.S. permanent representative to NATO. For more details on commencement and Ambassador Volker, see the story in this issue of Briefing.
One of our distinguished alumni, Rose Gottemoeller (M.A. '81) has been appointed as U.S. assistant secretary of state and is the lead American negotiator in the U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control negotiations that are now unfolding. You can read more about Ms. Gottemoeller and her important responsibilities in this issue of Briefing.
Our special events programs continued to enrich the intellectual life of the University in 2008-09. Our U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities series held 18 events over the course of the academic year. Our Distinguished Women in International Affairs series featured four international leaders, including former UN Deputy-Secretary-General Louise Frechette. The Ambassadors Forum brought seven ambassadors to campus. The Security Policy Forum held four events, including a February 2009 event with Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, who is now the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. To make our events more accessible to alumni and our extended academic community, we are placing video clips and transcripts of some events on our website. The Elliott School's Web Video Initiative will expand substantially next year. Stay tuned.
Next year promises to be even better. The Elliott School just set new records for undergraduate and graduate applications: both increased by 15 percent over last year. The large number of applications we received is a clear indication of the Elliott School's superb academic reputation. This fall, our new students will be joined by several new faculty, who will strengthen our expertise on issues ranging from economic development to international security to world history. We also plan to conduct searches for at least three new faculty positions, which will further strengthen our academic community.
We are fortunate to be able to forge ahead in these difficult economic times. Please let us know if you have suggestions for any of our academic, special events, or alumni programs.
Michael E. Brown
Washington, D.C.
June 2009