November 12, 2007

MEDIA CONTACT: Judith Evans
(202) 994-6467; evansjud@gwu.edu
EVENT CONTACT: Inaugural Office
(202) 944-1600; inaug@gwu.edu

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS WITH THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DURING INAUGURAL EVENTS HONORING GW'S 16TH PRESIDENT STEVEN KNAPP

WASHINGTON - The George Washington University will inaugurate Steven Knapp as its 16th president Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, in celebration of President Knapp's inauguration, GW is hosting a day-long series of events recognizing its partnerships in the nation's capital. "GW: In and Of Washington" will explore the many ways in which the university is inextricably linked to the greater Washington metropolitan area.

"The university's mission proceeds from its location in and of the District of Columbia," said Richard Sawaya, vice president for government, international, and community relations and assistant professorial lecturer in honors. "President Knapp's commitment to community comes from his prior experience and his understanding of the university's mission.  It's most appropriate that the inauguration week include a community breakfast, and a focus on our area partnerships."

The community breakfast with President Knapp held in the Marvin Center's Abrahms Great Hall will kick off Tuesday's festivities. The breakfast, which is open to the public, will celebrate GW's unique location and its neighbors in the Foggy Bottom/West End and Kent/Palisades communities.

Also featured throughout the day are the many partnerships between the university, its schools, and the District of Columbia Public Schools, government agencies, and regional institutions. For example, the GW Medical Center will discuss ways it has improved the quality of life for District residents through public health initiatives. Also, a luncheon will be held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of GW's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, which has more than 500 graduates of the intensive courses designed for mid-level and senior managers in the District of Columbia government. 

The day's activities will conclude with a hunger banquet, an educational simulation designed by Oxfam America to promote awareness of global and local hunger. Participants, including President Knapp and Diane Robinson Knapp, randomly will be assigned socio-economic profiles and provided with a meal accordingly. The Hunger Banquet is hosted by GW's Office of Community Service, the Interdisciplinary Student Community Oriented Prevention Enhancement Service, and the GW Human Services Program of the Sociology Department.

The George Washington University will celebrate the inauguration of Steven Knapp as GW's 16th president with a week-long series of academic and enrichment activities culminating in the President's formal installation on Friday, Nov. 16.  For more information, please visit http://inauguration.gwu.edu or call the Inaugural Office at (202) 994-1600.

For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org.

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