March 5, 2002
Having a Ball
Washington, DC, Mayors Washington, Barry, Pratt, and
Williams Join Celebration of GW’s 90-Year Commitment to the Community
By Thomas
Kohout
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.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
