IMPACT
Fall 2017 A P U B L I C AT I O N F O R G W ’ S M OS T G E N E R O U S D O N O R S
A
Community of
are C
Institute works to ensure quality care for all
Did I feed the goldfish?
Did I leave the oven on? Did I make my annual gift to my university?
*
Your philanthropy ensures that qualified students can afford to attend GW, make the most of their opportunities, and graduate with the skills and experience necessary to succeed. Don’t forget to make your annual gift to the George Washington University at go.gwu.edu/annualgift.
* And find out if your employer will match your gift. DAR3143
IMPACT
CONTENTS
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FAMILIES AND FRIENDS • The Domnick Family supports new technology to advance discovery and creation • GW parents Jian Zhang and Min Shi support GWSB dean’s fund
6 FOUNDATIONS • Nursing educator Dr. Ashley DarcyMahoney selected for prestigious foundation scholar program • Russia and Eurasia program develops policy-relevant and collaborative research 12
STUDENTS AND FACULTY • Harlan Trust supports campus greenhouse • Crowdfunding effort paid for improvements to the Military Community Center • Alumni support Women’s Leadership Program student experiences and professional development • Alumnus starts fund to support a GSPM study abroad program in South Africa • Center advances study, design, and implementation of competition law systems globally
PAGE 8 | COVER STORY
A Community of Care Institute within the GW Cancer Center works to ensure quality care for all
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LEADERSHIP CORNER
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IN FOCUS
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Students lead crowdfunding initiatives
PHOTO FINISH
Colonials Weekend 2017
• Gift provides daily balanced breakfasts to student-athletes • Voluntary library funding provides important upgrades and student services in GW’s libraries • GW Legacy Challenge puts matching dollars to use right now 20
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES • GW Law and the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project help exonerate wrongly incarcerated individuals • Girl Rising and GW work together to promote girls’ education and empowerment
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WHY I GIVE • GWSB alumna starts a needs-based scholarship for children of military parents • Presidential Fellow gives back to support GW’s prestigious professional development program
giving.gwu.edu
[LEADERSHIP CORNER] I M PA C T EDITOR
Amanda Charney
The Transformative Power of Education
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
GW’s 17th president is no stranger
Craig Burdick Joan Ochi Julia Parmley, MPS ’10 Lauren Savoy, MA ’15
to philanthropy. When Thomas
LeBlanc was 16, the high school
junior from Plattsburgh, New York,
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
spent a year studying abroad in
Margaret Battey Monica Dutia Michele Lynn Cassandra Zacharkiw
Brazil through a scholarship from the American Field Service. That trip turned out to be seismic for
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
him; a fountain of awareness on
Thomas J. LeBlanc
every level.
INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT
The generosity of those around
AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Matthew R. Manfra
INTERIM SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
Matthew Lindsay, MBA ’07 PHOTOGRAPHERS
William Atkins Gayatri Malhotra, SPH ’19 Lauren Shear Logan Werlinger DESIGN
Michelle Wandres GW Impact is published by the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, The George Washington University, 2033 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20052.
G W I M PAC T
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Please send change-of-address notices to us online at alumni.gwu.edu/update, via email to alumrecs@gwu.edu, or by post to Alumni Records, 2033 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20052.
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Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect official positions of the university.
We’re passionate about the role higher ed plays today for others. We were two lowermiddle-class kids, and education has made our lives— only because other people decided to invest in us.”
President Thomas J. LeBlanc
him touched his life again when he was ready to go to college. Noting that his family didn’t have a lot of money, he acknowledged that
without financial aid he wouldn’t
have been able to pursue higher education.
“I went to Brazil on the good
graces of others, I went to college on the good graces of others, and then in graduate school
both Anne (his wife) and I had
teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, that
type of thing,” says LeBlanc. “So
we’re very grateful for the fact that
other people—nameless, faceless in many cases—invested in us.” LeBlanc and his wife
established an endowment at
the University of Miami, where he
served as executive vice president and provost, for students to study
abroad, because “often the barrier
The George Washington University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
is financial aid.” LeBlanc adds,
Cover photo: Logan Werlinger/ The George Washington University
Brazil) and we wanted to give back
“Somebody put up the money for me to have that experience (in
and make sure the next generation has that experience, too.” |
GW
giving.gwu.edu
[IN FOCUS] Why Did I Receive this Magazine? We send GW Impact to our most generous donors.
Members of the following societies receive the magazine
as a token of our appreciation for giving to GW. Inside these pages, you’ll read about students and faculty who make a difference at GW every day and thrive because of donors like you.
Thank you. The George Washington Society
The George Washington Society honors the commitment and cumulative giving
of our most generous supporters. Donors
whose cumulative giving totals have reached $100,000 or more during their lifetime are
recognized through this society. Donors whose cumulative giving totals have reached
$1 million or more are considered 1821
Benefactors of the society, named in recognition of the year the university was founded. The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society honors alumni, friends, faculty, and staff who support GW through
a bequest intention, charitable gift annuity, charitable trust, or other planned gift. Luther Rice Society
Luther Rice raised the necessary funding to
make George Washington’s vision of a university in the heart of our nation’s capital a reality. The Luther Rice Society, named in his honor,
recognizes distinguished students, alumni, and
Students Lead CROWDFUNDING Initiatives Alumni and donors can make a direct impact on students and the GW community through GW’s Colonial Crowdfunding initiative.
Each semester, registered student organizations pitch
their passion projects through the Center for Student
Engagement. A committee comprising students and staff members review the ideas and select several projects to move forward. During the past two years, Colonial
Crowdfunding has received 86 applications, and 23 studentled projects have advanced to participate in fundraising. To date, student organizations have raised more than $28,000 to support these projects.
out recent and future projects æ Check at go.gwu.edu/gwcrowdfund.
friends who annually contribute at a leadership level ($250+ for alumni within five years of
graduation; $500+ for alumni six to nine years after graduation; $1,000+ 10 years out).
G W I M PAC T
GW Loyal
Established in 2014, GW Loyal was created
to honor our most committed donors, those
who understand the importance of consistent faculty, parents, staff, and friends who give any
amount, to any area of the university, for two or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1-June 30) are recognized as members of GW Loyal.
The Mu Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is fundraising to provide high school senior girls from Washington, D.C., with a trunk full of school supplies and toiletries for college.
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support to the university. Students, alumni,
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giving.gwu.edu
Above: Rapid prototyping creates scale models using 3D computer and printing equipment.
|e Corcoran is more than just a building; it is a new way of
creatively taking on the social issues of the day. We are honored to invest at the ground level for what we believe will be a pillar for the future.”
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KELLY Domnick
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[FAMILY PHILANTHROPY]
Creativity has the potential to
Practical Application
School of the Arts and Design aims to
Family gift provides rapid prototyping studio to enhance discovery and creation By Julia Parmley, MPS ’10
change the world. The Corcoran
Advisory Council, an experience Kelly says has been “rejuvenating.”
“We have met many interesting
link creative expression and practical
people that we would never have
rich, multidimensional careers in the
life,” she says.
application to prepare scholars for 21st century world.
GW parents Kelly and Sean
Domnick recognize this mission
requires philanthropic support. Their
gift in support of the Rapid Prototyping Studio will allow all Corcoran students and faculty to embark on projects that emphasize experimentation, iteration, and prototyping.
The Domnicks, parents of
Kathryn Domnick, CCAS ’18, became interested in the Corcoran after
getting involved in the GW Family
Philanthropy Board and the Corcoran
been exposed to in our usual circle of The Domnicks are excited for the
possibilities of the Rapid Prototyping Studio, which will foster discovery
and creation. But the Domnicks are discovering something themselves
through their engagement with GW.
“We have actually gained so much
by being involved [with GW],” says Kelly. “We have been invigorated, inspired, and exposed to new
adventures. Kathryn laughs and says that we are learning and having as
much fun as she is at GW, and I think it is true!” |
GW
giving.gwu.edu
[FAMILY PHILANTHROPY]
Tradition of Giving Family supports GWSB dean’s fund
| By Julia Parmley, MPS ’10
GW parents Jian Zhang and Min Shi were thrilled when their daughter Isabella Zhang, GWSB B.Accy ’14, chose to attend GW—even though it was thousands of miles away from their home in China.
“GW’s community values were a fit with our family,” say
Jian and Min. “During her four years, Isabella received a lot of valuable career training and internship opportunities,
which were valuable to help her secure a full-time job after college. As parents, we have also actively expanded the
influence of GW in China. Isabella will always be thankful to her alma mater, carrying forward its culture and promoting its values.”
Joining the Family Philanthropy Board and providing
philanthropic support to GW was a “natural step” for
Jian and Min. “Keeping close contact with schools and
participating actively in a school’s development has been a tradition of our family,” say Jian and Min, who also established a fund in China that provides financial aid for students around the world.
We believe students who are eager to study should be offered a place to receive a proper education.”
Jian Zhang and Min Shi
Jian and Min hope their
support of the GW School of
Business Dean’s Fund will make an impact on students of need and enhance the research opportunities of students and faculty.
“We believe
students who are eager to
offered a place to receive a proper education,” say Jian and Min.
the biggest gift you can give to anybody.” |
GW
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“Education is
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study should be
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giving.gwu.edu
[FOUNDATIONS]
Better Care for Kids GW faculty member selected for prestigious scholar program Experts agree children living in
a child’s health. This is particularly important for the 45
health care needs. Dr. Ashley
children’s physical, educational, emotional, and social health.
poverty have more complicated Darcy-Mahoney is doing something about it.
A neonatal nurse practitioner,
Read more about how GW is advancing equity in health care on page 8.
| By Joan Ochi
researcher, and educator, Dr.
Darcy- Mahoney has dedicated her career to exploring how social and environmental factors influence
percent of all U.S. children who live in poverty, a key factor of At the GW School of Nursing, Dr. Darcy-Mahoney
employs innovative teaching methods that empower aspiring pediatric clinicians to be effective health care leaders. And her work is getting noticed.
In June, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation—the only
national foundation solely dedicated to improving the education of health professionals—selected Dr. DarcyMahoney as a Macy Faculty Scholar.
Launched in 2010, this program aims
to accelerate needed reforms in health
professions education to accommodate
the dramatic changes occurring in medical practice and health care delivery.
Macy Faculty Scholars receive $100,000
annually over two years to pursue
mentored educational innovation projects. Dr. Darcy-Mahoney is leading an effort to develop, implement, and build the
Pediatric Equity Scholars Program (PESP), which will teach medical and nursing
students to identify and address the social determinants of pediatric health through
interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
PESP is housed within the multidisciplinary
G W I M PAC T
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Health Workforce Institute at GW’s Milken
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Dr. Darcy-Mahoney
is transforming the way we deliver early childhood care to highrisk infants and children. Her innovative, evidence-based research demonstrates how to help lift families out of poverty, connect them to community partners, and ameliorate the impact of poverty on the health of children.” School of Nursing Dean Pamela Jeffries
Institute School of Public Health, and partners with
GW’s School of Nursing, School of Medicine and Health
Sciences, and Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, as well as Children’s National Medical Center. “The early detection and management of
socioeconomic barriers is an important, emerging
component of pediatric scope of practice for doctors,
nurses, and nurse practitioners,” says Dr. Darcy-Mahoney. “The interdisciplinary program helps students recognize diverse social factors influencing health in children and
identify potential roles that pediatric health professionals play to improve social conditions.” |
GW
giving.gwu.edu
[FOUNDATIONS]
Policy-Relevant Research Foundations support Russia and Eurasia program | By Michele Lynn In his presidential inauguration speech, John F.
Kennedy said, “The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.” Nearly 60 years
later, his statement holds true—particularly with regard to
Russia and Eurasia—which is why the work of the Program on New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia (PONARS Eurasia) remains vital.
Run by Henry Hale and Marlene Laruelle, both re-
nowned scholars on Russian and Eurasian politics, PONARS Eurasia fosters a community, especially of mid-career and rising scholars, committed to developing policy-relevant and collaborative research.
“Since 2009, the Elliott School has been the proud home
for PONARS Eurasia,” says Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II,
demics, mainly from North America and post-Soviet Eurasia, PONARS Eurasia is advancing policy-relevant research
1997, and the John D. and Catherine
T. MacArthur Foundation and GW’s Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, which houses PONARS Eurasia, have also provided support. PONARS Eurasia celebrated its
20th anniversary with its annual D.C.
Elliott School’s mission to connect academic scholarship to
conference featured presentations
Eurasia. The core mission of this program is aligned with the policy and foster collaborative research efforts.”
To achieve its goals, PONARS Eurasia publishes policy
memos and working papers, organizes top-tier conferences and workshops, and disseminates findings through social
media. The philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation
Policy Conference in September. The of nearly 20 draft policy memos by
program members to the D.C. poli-
cymaking community for discussion
before the memos are published and disseminated. |
GW
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on security, politics, economics, and society in Russia and
Top: Professor Henry E. Hale, co-director of PONARS Eurasia, in conversation with David Szakonyi, assistant professor of political science, on regime stability and elite corruption in Putin’s Russia.
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dean of the school. “Through a network of over 100 aca-
of New York has funded PONARS since
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Sherry Molock, associate professor of clinical psychology, the George Washington University and Tony Burns, community advisory member
Community of
giving.gwu.edu
A
are C
GW Cancer Center works to ensure quality care for all By Michele Lynn
hen Tony Burns was diagnosed with cancer in April
One of the ways that the institute is addressing cancer
W
inequities is through its community advisory board (CAB)
lifelong District resident.
a bridge between the community and doctors.” As part
2016, he thought he had been handed a death
sentence. “But here I am, one year post-treatment,
in remission, getting on with a new normal,” says the
Tony now uses his experience with cancer as a patient
advocate, volunteering with the Institute for Patient-Centered Initiatives and Health Equity, which is part of the GW Cancer Center. The institute conducts research with underserved
communities that have been historically discriminated against
on which Tony sits. “The community advisory board gives a voice to patients,” he says. “It lets board members be
of its efforts, the board is conducting a series of listening
sessions in D.C.’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities in order advance research based on patient and community priorities.
“This is an innovative approach, as most of the past
in clinical care settings, scientific research, and society at large.
research has been created in isolation in an academic
historically underserved in order to prioritize research ques-
head and address the priorities of the communities we
The institute seeks to understand the experiences of those
tions that are responsive to addressing cancer patient needs.
The institute then creates training materials, in-person
setting,” says Mandi. “We are trying to turn research on its serve.”
Only a small percentage of research subjects are
people of color or who identify to researchers as part of
improve communication with underserved patients, en-
is only representative of white, straight, higher-income
public health professionals, and medical administrators
hance patient engagement, reduce health care inequities, and improve patient outcomes.
“There is a clear and compelling need to eliminate
people, the guidelines and clinical pathways that are published may not be well-suited to the realities of minorities coming in the door,” she says.
The institute is part of a new vision for the GW Cancer
minorities here in our nation’s capital,” says Mandi
Center led by director Eduardo M. Sotomayor, M.D. “Nearly
tered Initiatives and Health. “Minorities make up the ma-
about 16 percent of the broader region is Hispanic, and
Pratt-Chapman, associate center director for Patient-Cenjority of our city’s residents, and often face more aggressive cancers, and sustain worse health outcomes.”
half of Washington, D.C., is black or African-American,
approximately 10 percent of D.C. residents are from the LGBTQ community,” he says. “Mandi and her team are
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bias in health care toward racial, ethnic, and sexual
the LGBTQ community, she adds. “If published research
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courses and seminars, and other tools to help clinicians,
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LGBTQ Community-Driven Cancer Research Advisory Board, from left: Mandi Pratt-Chapman, associate center director, Institute for PatientCentered Initiatives and Health Equity at the GW Cancer Center; Graham Crawbuck, former health equity research assistant, Institute for PatientCentered Initiatives and Health Equity at the GW Cancer Center; Robin Lewis, environmental justice advocate and outreach specialist, Smart Beginnings Business Solutions, LLC; Susan Messina, director of development and communications at Iona Senior Services; Aubrey Villalobos, director, Cancer Control and Health Equity, Institute for Patient-Centered Initiatives and Health Equity at the GW Cancer Center; David Mariner, executive director at the DC Center for the LGBT Community; Sherry Molock, associate professor of clinical psychology, the George Washington University; Tony Burns, coordinator, patient advisory council, lead mentor team member, Whitman Walker Health. Not pictured: Alayna Waldrum, housing policy consultant
giving.gwu.edu
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identifying groups that have not been
The Pfizer Foundation granted $1 million to the GW
treatment efforts in the past—and bringing
ing for Patients and Providers: Advancing Equitable,
control, screening, diagnosis, and
to the table populations that have been ignored for too many years.”
Patient-Centered Cancer Care. This program aims to
improve patient-provider communication, reduce health
care bias, and foster strong patient-provider relationships. Patient-provider communication, explicit and implicit
Alayna Waldrum, a cancer survivor who
what extent patients can share in decision-making about
the board is empowering the community: “I’m African-American, I’m a woman,
bias, and patient-provider relationships influence if and to cancer treatment options based on their values, preferences, and real-life needs.
“We are moving from training for knowledge to
and I’m a lesbian—all of which are pop-
training for action to foster systems changes in 25
that tend to have worse health outcomes
cancer center will create action plans focused on some
ulations with greater risk for cancer and
after diagnosis and treatment,” she says. “The community advisory board is an FA L L 2 0 1 7
we are working on broad community
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important piece of the puzzle because
Pfizer Foundation* in 2009, the institute
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Cancer Center for a new program called TEAM Train-
Community Training and Engagement serves on the CAB alongside Tony, says
institutions nationally,” says Mandi. “Teams from each aspect of patient-provider communication, cultural
competence, and shared decision-making based on local needs.”
Mandi says her group’s projects would not be possi-
education and activism in cancer care
ble without the initial grant from The Pfizer Foundation
national level.”
To support the initiative’s mission, Mandi and her team
and treatment, not just in D.C. but at a Thanks to a $1.2 million gift from The
created a training center focused on pa* The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions.
As an outgrowth of that successful project, last year
properly included in cancer prevention,
tient-centered care and became a go-to
training source for clinicians interested in
patient navigation and cancer survivorship education throughout the country.
and the foundation’s renewed commitment to its work. are building a powerful collaboration with providers,
researchers, and patient advocates from GW, Fenway
Health, LGBT HealthLink, the Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office of the National Institutes of Health, Massachusetts General, Harvard, Oregon Health & Science
University, the University of Maryland, Howard University, Kaiser, and a variety of patient advocacy organizations.
experts to advance care in this way and to conduct
such a complex project, which included a great deal of formative research as well as development of a
hybrid curriculum and a leap into the nascent area
We’re really starting with the grassroots in elevating awareness and helping providers to offer more culturally competent care.”
of implementation science,” she says. “The level of
giving.gwu.edu
“We need philanthropy to address our mission
because it takes resources to bring together national
MANDI PRATT-CHAPMAN
The Pfizer’s Foundation’s commitment to the institute and the willingness of colleagues across the U.S. to
collaborate on this work is a testament to the glaring gap we are trying to address,” she says.
“The Pfizer Foundation is proud to support the im-
portant work of the GW Cancer Institute in advancing cancer care for vulnerable and underserved popula-
tions,” says Caroline Roan, Vice-President, Corporate Responsibility at Pfizer and President of The Pfizer
Foundation. “We share the goal to strive for greater
equity in health care delivery to ensure that individuals have access to quality health care.”
Quality health care is a result of collaboration and
partnership among all involved, Tony says. “Doctors
say, ‘We want you to live the best life you can, mentally
and physically. We want you to come in and if we don’t
to address this,” she says.
you (physicians) something as well. That’s how we are
compassion and communication,
know something, teach us.’ And we (patients) can teach going to see a dent in some of the disparities.”
Lori Wilson, M.D., chief of surgical oncology at
Cancer care also requires
Mandi says.
“We want to foster a culture of
Howard University College of Medicine and Howard
patient engagement for shared
on Cancer for the American College of Surgeons, has
viders go into these fields because
University Hospital and D.C. chair of the Commission
worked closely with the institute’s team in health equity—her area of expertise—as a reviewer of the full curriculum. “GW has really focused on patient-centered care in a very systematic way and has provided the
support that the region needs to understand issues of
disparities and health outcomes, how that impacts the community, and how we get all the players together
they care. They are the experts on
the therapies, but the patient is the expert on their body, their values,
and what’s most important to them in terms of their goals of therapy. Having some attention to that is critical and that’s what we help do.” |
GW
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The GW Cancer Center (GWCC) was established in 2015 as an umbrella organization for all the cancer-related activities going on at GW. It leverages the George Washington University, the GW Medical Faculty Associates, and the GW Hospital to focus GW’s efforts on patient care and cancer research. Directed by Eduardo M. Sotomayor, a professor of medicine, the GWCC is committed to its vision of creating a cancer-free world through groundbreaking research, innovative education, and equitable care for all. With the mission of driving transformational research, personalized therapy, family-centered care, and cancer policy from the nation’s capital, the center seeks to become the premier cancer care facility in the Washington, D.C., area and to earn a designation from the National Cancer Institute within 10 years.
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Cancer Center
decision-making,” she says. “Pro-
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giving.gwu.edu
[Facilities | RESEARch]
Open-Air Study Harlan Trust supports campus greenhouse
Far above the bustling streets of Foggy Bottom, the new Wilbur V. Harlan Greenhouse is an oasis of green where
plants, flowers, grasses, and other vegetation thrive. Butterflies and their larvae also call the greenhouse on the
eighth floor of the Science and Engineering Hall home. The state-of-the-art structure was built with funding
from the Harlan Trust, an endowed fund established by the estate of the late Wilbur “Bill” Harlan, BS ’35, who
received a degree in botany from GW and briefly served
G W I M PAC T
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as a lab instructor in the department. At the advice of a
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former botany professor, Bill began his career teaching
English in Afghanistan, and went on to work for the U.S.
| By Joan Ochi
Students and faculty
continue to collaborate on what plants they’d like to see and we are constantly updating and curating our collections. Biology is the study of living organisms, and in the greenhouse that’s exactly what we provide.” manager Rachel Klein, greenhouse Manager
Department of Agriculture and travel extensively in Asia,
source plant and insect samples for their work. The green-
established the Harlan Scholars program, which provides
revealed 3,100 seeds beginning to germinate. The flowers
Europe, and South and Central America. His bequest also undergraduate and graduate students scholarships and summer stipends to pursue their research interests.
Since opening in February 2017, the greenhouse has
become an integral part of the Biology Department and a valuable resource for faculty and students—including
Harlan Scholars—who use it to conduct research and to
house also serves the wider GW community—a recent visit will eventually be planted at the Washington Middle
School for Girls through a partnership with ArtReach at THEARC in Southeast Washington, D.C.
It seems an apt analogy to say that Bill Harlan’s gift
was a seed that has flourished into a space that is enhancing our study of the natural world and living things. |
GW
giving.gwu.edu
[Students | Veterans]
Home Away From Home Crowdfunding effort improves the Military Community Center
| By Amanda Charney
I want this center to be a
place of higher learning, intellectual conversation, and a home away from home with our members knowing they are always welcome. Our members come from all walks of life. This center is designed to make them successful in the classroom and in life.” Tyler Mcmanus
Before the Military Community Center opened in 2016, a few things
GW students donated more than five U-Haul trucks full of items like rugs, kitchenware, and plastic drawers to translators who aided the United States military in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
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were not quite in order.
“When we saw the space, we knew there was some work to be done
around the center. Painting walls, putting in new carpet, and running a network were some of these things that just are not cheap,” says Tyler
McManus, CCAS ’18, president of the GW Veterans student organization
and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “Colonial Crowdfunding was the smartest option when it came to being able to afford these needed renovations.” The successful student-driven fundraising effort raised $5,550
and paid for décor, electronics, and basic supplies that helped get the space ready to provide centralized services for military-affiliated students.
“In addition to providing formal resources, the center
would also serve as a space to promote community
among students, increase academic success, create an
informal home between classes for off-campus students,
and elevate GW’s standing as a leader in military-friendly schools.”
not exclusive to just veterans. We as an organization have members that are also dependents, ROTC, and general supporters with no military affiliation.” services.military.gwu.edu |
GW
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Tyler’s hope for the center is that it’s viewed as an
important location for all students. “Our organization is
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engagement, provide an inner network of support
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giving.gwu.edu
[STUDENTS | LEADERSHIP]
Outside the Lecture Hall Fund supports WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM STUDENTS Alexandra Gross, CCAS ’17, will never forget the energy she felt in the room while presenting her research at the 2017 Scientista
In the tradition of Mount Vernon
States came together to promote women in science, technology,
Program (WLP) is a selective, year-
engineering, math, and medicine,” she says.
But it was the impromptu meetings in the hallways where the
magic really happened. “Between inspirational talks, you get to network with different recruiters and researchers in these
fields that can help guide you toward potential internships or career choices,” she says.
The biology and psychology double-major traveled to
the Scientista Foundation event thanks to funds from the
Kimberly and J. Robert Humphries Fund in Support of the Elizabeth J. Somers Women’s Leadership Program (WLP). Kimberly, BA ‘91, and Rob, JD ‘85, established the fund to enable WLP alumnae to participate in experiences that will enrich their academic and professional development.
As of press time, Alexandra is putting her new
skills to practice as a corps member with Teach for America.
| GW
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At the
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ABOUT WLP
Symposium at the Microsoft headquarters in New York City.
“Undergraduate and graduate women from all around the United
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| By Cassandra Zacharkiw
Scientista Symposium, I presented my research poster, went to many of the talks, and had an amazing time—what a great event to empower women in STEM!” Alexandra Gross
College, the Women’s Leadership
long living and learning program for freshmen women at GW. Students
who participate have the benefit of small classes, close contact with
faculty and women in leadership
roles, and strong community ties within the program.
On the Ground
giving.gwu.edu
[Students | STUDY ABROAD] Fund supports a GSPM study abroad program in South Africa Veronika Velch Kruglashova, GSPM ’18, recently completed a life-changing trip to South Africa, where she “wanted
to feel the spirit of the country, to see its tensions, and learn
intercultural communication in the field with the supervision
| By Cassandra Zacharkiw
The Juliet and Joshua Berkowitz, CCAS ’87, South
African Residency Fund supports the trip by defraying the costs of travel, housing, meals, and transportation.
“This trip helped me grow my global professional
of a great professor,” she says.
connections, understand how the South African political
Perspective Residencies, a study abroad program at the
diverse cultural and social environment,” Veronika says. |
That description pretty much sums up Global
Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) that pairs one month of online coursework on a country’s political
system and culture with one week of in-country advocacy work.
Dr. Christopher Arterton, founding dean and professor
of political management, led the South African program that took Veronika and 15 other classmates on a journey through Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. They met with
political and business leaders and exchanged ideas with
regulatory, media, and activist forces. Students developed a
series of political and public affairs engagement campaigns, and the tools and strategies they learned while in South
Africa will continue to inform their efforts in future projects.
system operates, and learn how to advocate in such a
GW
Nelson Mandela inspired me to participate in
the South African residency. His ability to forgive after being imprisoned for 27 years was remarkable, he personified what it meant to be a leader. I wanted to immerse myself into the culture that birthed this great man.” Nakeisha Burnett, GSPM ’19
G W I M PAC T FA L L 2 0 1 7 15
giving.gwu.edu
[FACULTY | RESEARch]
Level Playing Field
Center advances study, design, and implementation of competition law systems globally | By Joan Ochi Professor William (Bill) E. Kovacic wants to make
the CLC increase its research efforts, engagement and
markets.
topics related to competition law.
it easier for companies to compete fairly in global
Through GW Law’s Competition Law Center (CLC),
he aims to do that through research, collaboration
with competition agencies, and forums that engage academics, students, business
professionals, government officials,
education activities, and published works on major
Students are engaged in all of the CLC’s programs,
which offer opportunities for them to see how new institutions develop and how competition systems work.
judges, and practitioners in
GLOSSARY: CY PRES
issues.
phrase meaning “as near as”)
District Court for the District of
are settled and it is not possible
in 2008. GW Law alumnus Michael
ered to some or all of the class
discussion on competition-related A cy pres award from the U.S.
Cy pres (derived from a French awards result when class actions
Columbia established the center
to distribute the money recov-
Hausfeld, JD ‘69, was instrumental in
members. In these cases, the cy
helping the school secure the award, which subse-
quently has helped
pres doctrine allows these funds to be directed to a nonprofit charitable organization, in
Kovacic, the global competition
professor of law and policy, directs the CLC, which has also benefitted
his own research on how other competition systems are developing. He has worked in more than 40 countries, interviewing officials to gain
a global perspective on how they
develop cases and strategy, and how
their systems compare to the U.S. The CLC’s extensive research is reflected in a variety of papers and books.
| GW
support of work that indirectly
benefits the class and advances the public
G W I M PAC T
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interest.
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Michael Hausfeld’s
energy and contribution on our behalf enabled us to obtain the $6 million grant that has established the foundation for our center. Without that kind of generosity and commitment, we would have a program that— while still wellrespected—could not have obtained the distinctive level of competence and made the contributions that we have made.” Professor BIll Kovacic
giving.gwu.edu
[Students | SERVICES]
SIDE DISH
38,000+ meals served annually
160
days open
259
meals served daily
Generous Serving
Gift provides daily balanced breakfasts to student-athletes
| By Craig Burdick
In 2014, the NCAA lifted restrictions on what and
ing them a breakfast buffet conveniently located in the
That same year, former GW center fielder and current
start the day off well-fueled.”
how much schools could feed their student-athletes.
Trustee Avram “Ave” Tucker, BBA ’77, made a gift to the
[Charles E.] Smith Center, we’ve better ensured they will Because the Smith Center doesn’t have a full kitchen,
Lauren works with catering staff and the strength and
student-athletes.
can be easily prepared.
which supported Training Table breakfasts for Colonial Today, all 500 student-athletes have access to a
conditioning team to find tasty and nutritious food that “When we build out the menu, our goal is to include
several sources of lean protein, whole-grain carbohy-
dietician.
types of food recommended for a healthy athlete aren’t
Director of Sports Nutrition Lauren Trocchio, a registered “I love that we give our student-athletes breakfast,
since breakfast tends to be the meal many college stu-
dents (and adults) miss out on,” says Lauren. “Historically, by the time classes and practices happen, some athletes wouldn’t get a good meal until dinner time. By provid-
drates, healthy fats, dairy, and fruit,” explains Lauren. “The all that different than for your average healthy adult, but volume and timing become more important. Whether athletes hope to gain muscle mass, lose body fat, or
maintain, they can tailor their choices at Training Table to meet their needs.”
| GW
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balanced breakfast, with menu oversight provided by
G W I M PAC T
GW Department of Athletics and Recreation—a portion of
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giving.gwu.edu
[Students | services]
A Little Goes a Long Way Voluntary library gift provides new chairs and services for GW’s libraries The voluntary library gift, a $50 donation from
including upholstered furniture at the libraries and modi
services, resources, and spaces at Libraries and Academic
as a 24/7 study space for graduate students. The gift also
students each semester, allows for consistent funding of Innovation and supports ongoing improvements. The
fund is nearly 30 years old and shows student commit-
ment to improving a resource for everyone at the univer
sity. Recently, the gift helped fund tangible improvements,
fications required to open the Global Resources Center helped fund student jobs in the libraries, purchases of
specialized software, and the Top Textbooks program,
which makes expensive textbooks for select high-enrollment courses available via loan to all students.
| GW
BEFORE
Voluntary library funding has supported: • 24/7 study space for graduate students • student jobs in the libraries
g
• the Top Textbooks program
G W I M PAC T
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g
By October 2015, the much-loved club chairs throughout Gelman were past the end of their lifecycle. Only about 10 years old, they had already been reupholstered twice and needed another round. Voluntary library gift funds allowed the libraries to replace these with new chairs.
18
AFTER
• new software and technology
Immediate Impact GW Legacy Challenge puts MATCHING dollars to use right now
TESTIMONIALS FROM GW LEGACY CHALLENGE DONORS
“Giving to Power & Promise in the past allowed us to help
giving.gwu.edu
[Planned giving]
students follow their academic dreams. However, for the Leg-
acy Challenge, we directed our matching funds to The Store,
GW’s on-campus food pantry. If
By Margaret Battey
Planned giving donors rarely expect to see the effects of
their philanthropy. For years
and years, the idea has been the same: Donors provide future gifts for charities
through their wills, trusts, and other estate plans.
However, that
all changed for
four months on
February 1, 2017, when the George Washington University launched its
GW Legacy Challenge, an innovative fundraising initiative that provided
a 10 percent cash match for donors who made new or increased planned gift commitments to GW. The matching pool was created by a generous group of GW alumni and friends who donated outright funds.
“We learned of the concept from our friends at several other non-
profit organizations, but didn’t know of any universities that had done it,”
explains GW’s Director of Planned Giving Courtney L. Tsai. “We found that
the extra match dollars offered a great incentive for donors to inform us of their planned gifts and it was a great success.”
By June 1, more than 50 GW Legacy Challenge donors had
documented $11.2 million in new planned gifts—double the amount of planned gifts typically received by the university during a similar
While these planned gifts will have a significant impact on students
and schools in the future, the GW Legacy Challenge distributed more than $336,000 in funding to causes and
for Spirituality and Health and GWTeach to multiple endowed scholarships and
fellowships and many individual schools’ Power & Promise funds.
| GW
not going to be successful in the classroom. The Store is one way
as alumni and donors we can help
these students succeed inside and
outside of the classroom. While our planned gift will impact GW many decades in the future, the matching funds allowed us to make an impact today.”
Seth Weinshel, BBA ’00, MTA ’00, and his wife, Kristy, BBA ‘00, MBA ‘08, directed their matching gift to The Store, GW’s on-campus food pantry.
“|ank you for all your help
If you are interested in becoming a lead donor for a future GW Legacy Challenge, please contact Courtney Tsai at courtneytsai@gwu.edu or 202-994-8144.
to be able to take advantage on
behalf of the fund of the opportunity provided by the university.”
Bell J. Clement, CCAS PhD ’14, directed her matching funds to the Julian Clement Chase Endowment Fund.
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across the university, from the Institute
because they can’t afford it, they’re
in facilitating this. We are grateful
purposes that donors care about now. Matching funds were allocated widely
their next meal is coming from
G W I M PAC T
timeframe.
a student is worried about where
19
giving.gwu.edu
[GIVING OPPORTUNITIES]
Proved Innocent
GW Law AND THE MID-ATLANTIC INNOCENCE PROJECT HELP exonerate wrongly incarcerated individuals | By Monica Dutia GW students and local attorneys work together
Seven years later, on September 19, Lamar was led into
prevent and correct convictions of innocent people.
Corngold, JD ‘17, Sophia Herbst, BA ‘14, and Ben Flick,
through the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) to MAIP, a member of the global Innocence Network,
is housed in GW Law and serves D.C., Maryland, and
Virginia, offering hope for those who have nowhere to
turn. Convicted of terrible crimes and ignored by society
done research to get him resettled.
“Working at MAIP was the most rewarding experience
the hard work of students, volunteers, and a committed
bel. “The feeling of getting to see Lamar walk out a door
has helped secure the release or exoneration of 25 men since the initiative began in 2000.
This September, one of MAIP’s clients, Lamar Johnson,
was exonerated after 13 years behind bars and two failed appeals. He was wrongly convicted of a shooting in
2004 and served six years before MAIP took on the case.
Lamar’s case was of particular
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‘19, drafted and helped prepare the pleadings, and have
I had in law school, and I’m extremely excited to be able
staff, MAIP represents convicted felons free of charge and
G W I M PAC T
JD ‘14, investigated, and Isabel and Katelyn Young, ESIA
despite their innocence, many incarcerated individuals
have never had competent legal representation. Through
20
a Baltimore courtroom and released. GW students Isabel
importance to me because it was my first case assigned to me on my first day of the externship. He was the first client I went to visit in prison, and I got to work on his case for over two years.” Isabel Corngold From left: Lamar Johnson, Katelyn Young, ESIA ‘19, and Isabel Corngold, JD ‘17, share a moment following Lamar’s release on September 19.
to continue my work here now as a legal fellow,” says Isaand then get to shake his hand is something I will hold onto for the rest of my legal career.”
Gifts to MAIP support fellowships for GW Law
students with an interest in casework and a passion for
justice, as well as operating costs for the organization’s office on campus. go.gwu.edu/give2maip
| GW
The Power of Storytelling
giving.gwu.edu
[GIVING OPPORTUNITIES] GW partners with global campaign that promotes girls’ education and empowerment | By Joan Ochi In India, Ruksana’s family lives on the streets, but her father has sacrificed everything to send his
daughters to school. Ruksana’s life is filled with danger, but she es-
capes into her artwork and draws
strength from her father’s resolve.
In Ethiopia, 13-year-old Azmera
is told she must marry, but with
her brother’s support, she says no. Instead, Azmera is pursuing her
dream to become a teacher and a
community leader, working against child marriage and helping other
The Girl Rising internship
allowed me to gain the hands-on experience I need to pursue my interests in working in India on genderbased violence, inequalities, and diseases. This experience has not only changed my life, but it has also clarified how to translate my passion for girls and women into pragmatic action.” Gayatri Malhotra, Milken SPH ’19
who lent their talents to give voice to these stories.
As Girl Rising’s academic part-
ner, GW and Milken Institute School of Public Health Associate Professor Amita Vyas and her team amplify
this inspirational campaign through
research, training, events, advocacy, and on-the ground programs.
“For girls, adolescence is a time
of great vulnerability and an ideal point to leverage development
efforts,” she says. “However, despite the countless organizations provid-
adolescent girls who aren’t able to attend school.
ing health care, education, and other resources, millions
women whose experiences have been brought to
only flourish if we ensure that they actually make it in the
Ruksana and Azmera are two of the amazing young
life—and the big screen—through Girl Rising. The global
campaign for girls’ education and empowerment uses the power of storytelling and media to change how people
think about and value girls and girls’ education. The origi-
of girls are not able to access these resources. Efforts will door. Storytelling is helping us change how girls are val-
ued so people see the impact of educating and keeping a girl healthy.”
Gifts to GW’s Girl Rising program advance this world-
nal film, which debuted in 2013, features nine unforgetta-
changing work in a variety of ways. Students will work on
circumstance and overcoming tough odds to achieve
NGOs around the world, promote Girl Rising campaigns,
ble tales of girls in the developing world, striving beyond their dreams. Alicia Keys, Salma Hayek, Priyanka Chopra,
and Meryl Streep are among the many leading actresses
the production of new Girl Rising stories, travel to partner and help translate tools into additional languages. go.gwu.edu/give2girlrising
| GW
Why is Girl Rising so important? • Just 39% of rural girls attend secondary school (UN Women)
• With each additional year of a mother’s education, the probability of infant mortality drops by 5-10% (USAID, 2015)
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Gayatri Malhotra (in floral print) with students at a government school in rural Punjab.
• Each extra year of secondary school can help a girl increase her future earnings by 10-20% (USAID, 2015)
G W I M PAC T
• 13.5 million children (most of them girls) will be married before they turn 18 (UNFPA, 2015)
21
giving.gwu.edu
[Why I give]
Good
Fortune When Sandra (Sandy) Switzer Sieber, MPA ’81, looks back on her time at GW, she remembers it fondly. It
brought about new possibilities outside of her existing
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Development Center in 1972. Sandy eventually worked her way to becoming a Navy contracting intern.
Sandy and her husband, Charles William Sieber,
roles as a wife, mother, and professional.
recently established the Malvinia Helen Lavich Switzer
successfully obtained the next promotion but rose to
need-based scholarship for an undergraduate student in
“[Through earning a master’s degree], I not only
22
GWSB alumna starts a needs-based scholarship for children of military parents | By Monica Dutia
the level of the Senior Executive Service,” Sandy says. “I think I was a good example for my daughter and was a
happier person being able to work to my full capability.”
Sandy retired as the first director of the Army Contracting agency after 34 years of government service.
Sandy’s relationship with GW started when she began
pursuing a degree in public administration while working
as a contracting intern at the Naval Air Systems Command
and Leonard Tway Switzer Jr. Memorial Scholarship, a
the School of Business with a parent who is or was in the
U.S. Armed Forces. Sandy’s parents served in the Navy for
nearly 30 collective years, so it was important to her to help students whose parents were also serving the country.
Sandy created the scholarship because she feels fortu-
nate to have parents willing and able to provide her with a college education, but many others are less fortunate.
“It is so critical for success in the world today to get a
in 1976. After receiving a bachelor of science in physical
good education,” she says. “My hope is that [the recipient]
she became a secretary for the Naval Ship Research and
degree to completion in that field.”
education in 1969 and a brief teaching stint post-college,
will find their passion while attending GW and pursue a | GW
giving.gwu.edu
[Why I give]
Career Development GW Alumnus Find his passion through THE PRESIDENTIAL FELLOWSHIP | By Lauren Savoy, MA ’15
“I would not be where I am today in
academic, professional, and personal
tial Fellowship program and its strong
1989, the program has graduated 135
my career if it weren’t for the Presidenalumni network,” says Eric Thibault, CCAS BA ’11, MPA ’13, and former Presidential Administrative Fellow
(PAF). The professional development
and leadership opportunities available
involvement. Since its founding in
students in nearly every discipline,
ranging from global communication
and public administration and policy
to museum studies and public health. As they move onto successful
to him through the prestigious Pres-
careers, Presidential Fellows often stay
to his true passion—helping people
university throughout their careers
idential Fellowship program led him grow in their careers. He is currently a
talent management lead at the Appian Corporation, where he is responsible for creating and implementing the company’s talent strategy.
The Presidential Fellowship pro-
gram offers high-performing seniors a master’s degree in return for a
two-year commitment working within university departments and serving as GW ambassadors through their
PRESIDENTIAL FELLOWSHIP ALUMNI GENEROSITY In fiscal year 2017...
70% volunteered with the program and the university, including attending networking events 46% made a gift to GW
committed to the program and the through philanthropic giving and volunteering.
“I consistently give to the profes-
sional and academic development
fund,” Eric says. “The opportunities
made available with that money set
this program apart from other fellowships. They set you apart as a candi-
date during interviews and continue to be a professional accelerator in the early stages of your career.”
| GW
No gift is too small. Collectively, we can make a big impact. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I was able to attend GW thanks to generous scholarships from our alumni. Without them, I would not be where I am today.” ’13
Eric Thibault
Eric (second from right) with a group of Presidential Fellows at a Trachtenberg School Fall Ball.
G W I M PAC T FA L L 2 0 1 7 23
giving.gwu.edu
[PHOTO FINISH]
All Together Now GW hosted Colonials Weekend October 19-22, 2017, bringing thousands of alumni, families, students, and friends to campus. On Thursday night, eight alumni
received the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate by the university
and the George Washington Alumni Association. The
weekend continued with a kickoff party; Colonial Madness in celebration of the basketball season; Taste of GW,
featuring GW alumni-owned and -operated businesses; deans’ receptions; class reunions; a jazz brunch; and
many more educational and social events. Watch a short
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highlights video at go.gwu.edu/cw2017.
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| GW
Division of Development and Alumni Relations 2033 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20052
for Being a Friend to GW You’re more than a friend, you’re family. While we can’t cook Thanksgiving dinner for you, we did the next best thing (or maybe the next best thing after that)—we curated a gratitude playlist specially for you.
Listen to your playlist at go.gwu.edu/ThanksForGiving.
Your heart is true. You’re a pal and a confidant.