GW Impact- Fall 2009

FALL 2009

Report on Philanthropy

Rebecca Groom, student veteran

GW Power and Promise of Student Aid - Veterans and the Yellow Ribbon Program, page 14 Âť

Report on Philanthropy

Features A Welcome Message

Celebration of Service

Funding Knowledge

Inspired by Example

Annual and Planned Giving

The Student Experience

GW Power and Promise

Supporting Veterans

Out and About with Our Donors

1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

w w w. g w u. e d u / G I V E GW Impact is published by the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

Interim Vice President John Kudless Assistant Vice President for Communications Patricia Danver Editor: David Garofalo Designer: Reingold, Inc. Photographers: Michael Leong Jessica McConnell Dave Scavone Julie Woodford

Welcome Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends: It is my pleasure as chairman of the GW Board of Trustees Development and Alumni Relations Committee to thank all of our donors for a very successful year. In these challenging times, alumni, parents, students, and friends of The George Washington University stepped forward with gifts to the GW Power and Promise of student aid.

Contributions to student aid topped $12 million last year, up from $10 million the year before. In the Annual Fund alone, the dollar contributions increased by almost 50 percent and the number of donors to student aid nearly doubled.

In a year that was difficult for many of our peer institutions, The George Washington University was able to exceed last year’s fundraising by 17% from the 2007-08 fiscal year, bringing in a total of $103.9 million from individuals, foundations, corporations, and a significant grant from an affiliate organization.

In an unforgettable year for the financial markets, the GW Endowment did not escape unscathed. The Endowment assets decreased by $245 million to $1.011 billion, a loss of 21.4 percent. However, it is worth noting that this is below the average among our peer institutions which saw losses as high as 30 percent.

At George Washington, 27 new endowment funds were created and $25.1 million in gifts and transfers were contributed to the Endowment.

Please enjoy the fall issue of GW Impact—it should give us all great pride to be associated with an institution that honors returning veterans with our Yellow Ribbon Program (story page 14); spurs our students onto public service with the new Colin Powell Award for Public Service (story page 2); and inspires us to give back like distinguished alumna Nancy Broyhill (story page 6).

With warmest regards,

Nelson Carbonell, SEAS BS ‘85 Chairman, Board of Trustees Development and Alumni Relations Committee

G W I mp a c t

Fa l l 2 0 0 9

1

Service

Celebration of GW Honors Alumna Veteran

GW presents inaugural Colin Powell Public Service Award to Tammy Duckworth, MA ’92, and launches Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.

At The George Washington University’s “Celebration of Service” dinner Oct. 15, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, MBA ‘71, Hon DPS ‘90, presented the inaugural Colin Powell Public Service Award to Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth, MA ’92. Assistant Secretary Duckworth was chosen for this honor for her lifetime of service.

In addition, GW President Steven Knapp announced the launch of the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service that will support public service activities across the University. President Knapp made the announcement during the event, which was held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and emceed by journalist Cokie Roberts and her husband, Steven Roberts, a professor at GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs.

“I am honored to have two of GW’s most prestigious alumni, General Powell and Assistant Secretary Duckworth, here for this special award and this exciting announcement,” said President Knapp. Tammy Duckworth was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. She was sworn in by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, on April 24, 2009.

2

New Society Members

1821 Benefactors RCN Corporation Metropolitan Washington Chapter, ARCS Foundation George Washington Society Morton P. Hyman Ted Turner Tempietto Circle of the Heritage Society Elizabeth E. Force, MPhil’72, PhD’73 Ernest H. Forman, DSc’75, and Maryann Forman Donna Medeck Gokhale, BCS’62, and Julian Gokhale Dr. Shaun Herness, MA’93 Dr. M. Ivan Rusilko David Whitcombe and Lucy Kim Whitcombe, BS’83* *deceased

Diane Robinson Knapp, President Knapp, Peter Aquino, president and chief executive officer, RCN Corporation, Michelle Aquino

Antonia Schierling, former president, Metropolitan Washington Chapter, ARCS Foundation, Betty Polutchko, president, Metropolitan Washington Chapter, ARCS Foundation, President Knapp

A major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Duckworth served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and also flew combat missions as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. During a mission north of Baghdad in 2004, her aircraft was ambushed and a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter she was co-piloting. As a result of the attack, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm.

She received many decorations for her actions, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Since her recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Duckworth has dedicated her life to public service, advocating on behalf of disability rights and veterans. She testified several times before Congress regarding medical care and employment for veterans. In 2006, Duckworth ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, losing by less than 2 percent of the vote. In 2007, she received the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award and was named the 2008 Disabled Veteran of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans. In 2008, she was selected by candidate Obama to deliver the presidential campaign’s key address on veterans’ rights at the Democratic National Convention. In 2009, she was named an American Veterans (AMVETS) Silver Helmet award recipient.

In 2008 and again in 2009, she completed the Chicago Marathon, fulfilling a promise made at Walter Reed. She has also resumed flying and recently received a Statement of Demonstrated Ability from the FAA, certifying her to fly aircraft without the use of assistive devices. She has declined her Army medical retirement to continue her service in the National Guard.

For more information visit, www.gwu.edu/give/serviceevent

“General Powell has been a true role model for service, and it is hard to think of a more suitable candidate to receive the first Colin Powell Public Service Award than Assistant Secretary Duckworth.

She has truly embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice the award was created to recognize.”

G W I mp a c t

President Knapp

Fa l l 2 0 0 9 3

Funding

Knowledge

Members of the Lerner family flank Dean Frederick M. Lawrence and U. S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer on the Newseum seventh floor terrace.

(From left) Grant Tanenbaum; Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, JD ’83; Theodore N. Lerner, AA ’48, LLB ’50; GW Trustee Robert K. Tanenbaum, JD ’82; Dean Lawrence; Justice Breyer; Annette M. Lerner; Debra Lerner Cohen; Michael Lerner Cohen; Stefanie Cohen; Edward Cohen; and Mark D. Lerner, BBA ’75

Morrison Joins Law School as Inaugural Holder of Endowed Position Created by Lerner Family Foundation

By Denise St. Ours Thanks to a generous gift of $3 million from the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation to endow a new position at the Law School, Alan B. Morrison joined GW as the associate dean for Public Interest and Public Service Law. The new position builds on GW’s expertise and reputation as a leader in those fields.

School graduate. “I hope to be able to imbue students with all the reasons that I and so many others have found it so rewarding to pursue those careers—and to make it possible for more students to do so.”

“The generosity of the Lerner Family has enabled us to create a position in the Law School that exemplifies our University’s commitment to and our students’ passion for public service,” said President Steven Knapp.

Morrison teamed up with Ralph Nader in 1972 to found and direct the Public Citizen Litigation Group, the litigating arm of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen. Over the span of his career, Morrison has argued 20 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Having spent most of my career in public interest and public service work, I am very excited about this opportunity to promote and advance these programs at GW’s Law School,” said Morrison, a Harvard Law 4

Alan Morrison GW’s Law School has been a leader in public interest law since the field began to emerge about four decades ago. “GW Law has a long history of dedication to public service and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law,” said Frederick M. Lawrence, dean of GW’s Law School. “It was a

particular pleasure to work with Bob Tanenbaum—a GW Trustee and Lerner family member on this project.

We agree that the selection of Alan Morrison provides a unique opportunity to put GW at the forefront of the growing interest among lawyers to participate in public service and make GW a recognized leader in cultivating this desire for professionals to be a part of larger causes. Together we feel that we have created a position that expands our ability to have an impact in the greater Washington community and beyond.”

Under the leadership of GW trustee emeritus Theodore N. Lerner, AA ’48, LLB ’50, and trustee Robert K. Tanenbaum, JD ’82, as well as Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, JD ’83, Judy and Mark Lerner, BBA ’75, and Edward and Debra Cohen, Lerner Enterprises has become the largest Washington area private real estate developer and is also the managing principal owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. Previous gifts from the Lerner Family Foundation funded the Annette and Theodore Lerner Family Health and Wellness Center at the University and the Theodore N. Lerner Hall at the Law School.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grants

By Pam Cicetti Based in Princeton, New Jersey, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the largest U.S. philanthropy devoted solely to improving the quality of health and health care in our nation. To date, The George Washington University Medical Center has received nearly $27.5 million in RWJF funding for everything from research on food safety to creating better delivery systems for emergency care. Here are some of the studies and programs funded by RWJF aimed at informing and changing national health policy and delivery.

Department of Nursing Education In September 2008, GW’s Department of Nursing Education was awarded a 12-month planning grant from RWJF to convene leaders of the nursing community to explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated, national Nursing Quality and Safety Alliance (NQSA). This effort is in response to ongoing lapses in patient quality and safety, emerging national policy directions that address transparency and accountability, and an interest by national nursing leaders to respond with a shared “voice.” To date, the nursing organizations that have been convening at GW have agreed to launch the NQSA early next year to strengthen their policy voice in Washington. A grant has been submitted to fund its implementation.

Center for Health Care Quality Health care quality and equity are front and center in the reform debate currently taking place in Congress. Through major grants from RWJF, The

Center for Health Care Quality at The George Washington University Medical Center School of Public Health and Health Services is managing two major national programs designed to lift overall quality of health care and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in its delivery. Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, is director of the Center housed in the Department of Health Policy. The Department is chaired by Sara Rosenbaum, J.D. Aligning Forces for Quality Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) is RWJF’s signature effort to provide models for national reform. AF4Q asks the people who get, give, and pay for care to work together toward common, fundamental objectives to lead to better health care delivery. Its $300 million commitment to improve health care in 15 communities is the largest effort of its kind ever undertaken by a U.S. philanthropy. GW is proud of the role it plays as national program office, overseeing and directing assistance to participating communities.

Urgent Matters Urgent Matters is a $6.4 million national initiative. It is dedicated to finding, developing, and delivering strategies to improve patient flow and reduce emergency department crowding. The program provides technical assistance to hospitals and fosters shared learning and innovation among participants.

For information on providing foundation support to GW, please contact Amy Butler at aebutler@gwu.edu.

Avon Grant Supports GW Professor’s Breast Cancer Research

By Gray Turner A $300,000 grant from the Avon Foundation will enhance the research of GW’s Dr. Patricia Berg, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

“We are very grateful for the support from the Avon foundation for this important work and have every hope that the research being performed by Dr. Berg will lead to lives saved from breast cancer and potentially other cancers,” said Dr. Jim Scott, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The Foundation’s support will allow Dr. Berg and her team to research a particular biomarker that is found in 80 percent of invasive ductal breast tumors and metastasis, and determine its use as a marker in risk assessment and as a predictor of disease progression.

G W I mp a c t

“Avon’s support of breast cancer research gives an important boost to those of us looking for ways to improve early diagnosis and treatment of this disease which kills about 40,000 American women each year,” said Dr. Berg. Washington, D.C. currently has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the country.

GW President Steven Knapp with Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Interns.

GW Partners with Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

By Pam Cicetti An exciting new partnership between the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Semester in Washington Politics program at The George Washington University allows students to merge practical experience on Capitol Hill with theoretical course work in applied politics at GW. Students participating in the internship program earn academic credit from The George Washington University and are armed with valuable real-world political experience. In the case of Ursula Lauriston, she earned a job, too.

Ursula was a CBCF-GW Emerging Leaders Communications intern in the Office of Senator Roland Burris in the spring of 2008. Two months into her internship, she was given the opportunity to address a CBCF-GW event in the Capitol attended by members of Congress, GW leadership, and congressional staff. The speech was received so well, it led to a job offer for a permanent position in Senator Burris’s office where Ursula is now a press assistant preparing press statements, releases, and speeches, among other duties.

“This is a perfect example of how partnerships between GW and key organizations in Washington can enhance our efforts to make a GW education more accessible for more students,” said GW President Steven Knapp.

Ursula credits her CBCF-GW internship with building her confidence, teaching her how to network, and learning from GW professors and prominent guest speakers in her political management classes about how Washington really works. In her words, the CBCF-GW internship “brings you to the table.”

Visit www.gwu.edu/apply/nondegree/ semesterinwashington to learn more about GW’s Semester in Washington Program

Dr. Patricia Berg accepting the Avon Foundation grant Fa l l 2 0 0 9

5

Inspired by

Example Fulfilling a Dream to Help GW Students in Need

By Gray Turner and Hayden Hill For trustee emerita Nancy Broyhill, BA ’65, The George Washington University represents an opportunity for students and alumni alike: for students, a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience, and for alumni, the chance to give back to the university that shaped their lives.

The daughter of two former GW students, Broyhill loved the vibrancy of GW from her first day on campus. Having grown up in a political family— her father was a U.S. congressman—she knew immediately that attending college in the heart of the nation’s capital was her “cup of tea.”

As a student in the Public Affairs program, Broyhill noticed that many of her classmates worked fulltime jobs, in addition to their rigorous course work, to finance their schooling and make ends meet.

Even as a young undergraduate, she recognized the immense strain on these students and their burden of securing financial aid—a burden she would later work to alleviate.

Nancy Broyhill, Nancy BABroyhill ’65

Following graduation, Broyhill became involved in the GW Alumni Association and eventually became the Association’s president. Soon after, Broyhill was asked to serve on GW’s Board of Trustees, a role she filled for 25 years.

“Serving on the Board of Trustees was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” said Broyhill.

“I was able to stay involved with the campus and the students, meet interesting people across a broad professional spectrum, and really understand the challenges facing the University.”

In light of her experiences as a student, alumna volunteer, and trustee, Broyhill wanted to give back in an important way. In addition to the annual contributions she has made since 1979, she established an endowed scholarship fund in honor of her father, the late Joel T. Broyhill, an 11-term congressman from Arlington County, Virginia. The Joel T. Broyhill Scholarship Fund for Public Policy Studies provides an annual merit-based scholarship to an undergraduate student studying political science or a student pursuing an advanced degree in public policy who also demonstrates financial need.

Three years ago, however, Broyhill discovered another way to enhance the scholarship. With an upcoming remarriage and overseas honeymoon fast approaching, she knew that her will needed updating. Not having the time to sit down with an attorney, she purchased software and rewrote her will on her own, making sure to include a bequest to benefit The George Washington University.

“I always knew that I wanted to make a planned gift to GW. I just hadn’t gotten around to updating my will,” Broyhill said.

At the suggestion of the GW Planned Giving staff, Broyhill designated her bequest to further support the Joel T. Broyhill Scholarship. It is her hope that as the endowment grows, the scholarship will encourage young people to pursue a career in politics or public service, while taking full advantage of their proximity to Capitol Hill and the internships and experiences available.

“It would never occur to me not to give,” says Broyhill.

“Since graduating I have seen the University blossom in so many ways. For many alumni our time at GW has opened doors for us, whether through the value of a diploma or meaningful life experiences. We now have the capacity and responsibility to support future students; to give them the same chance we were given.

This is an opportunity we cannot pass up.”

6

Alumnus Eric Daleo’s Support of Gelman Library Started Early

John Asher III, MSA ‘73 Donates Time, Talent, and Resources to GW

By Denise St. Ours John Asher—GW donor, student mentor, guest lecturer, and School of Business Advisory Board member—is committed to providing his time, talent, and financial resources to enabling students to achieve the level of professional success that he has enjoyed.

“I have reached a point in my career where my whole personal vision is about giving back. My legacy scholarship is part of my giving back,” said John Asher.

Eric Daleo (middle) mingles with members of the GW Alumni Association Board and Luther Rice Society advisory council during Alumni Weekend 2009.

By Gray Turner When Eric Daleo, BA ’04, MA ’05, returned to Gelman Library for the Class of 2004 five-year reunion reception during Alumni Weekend, he and his classmates had a chance to see firsthand the impact of their giving. The Class of 2004 Gelman Library Book Fund, which provides funds for the purchase of books and electronic resources to add to the library’s collection, is one of the reasons the library continues to grow.

Thanks to the support of young alumni like Daleo, the library where he spent many all-nighters studying during his undergraduate and graduate years at GW continues to improve and grow as a resource for students. “The changes in the library demonstrate that Gelman has its fingers on the pulse of what current students need,” said Daleo. “The Class of 2004 Gelman Library Book Fund in particular continues to be special because it was created through the hard work, leadership, and contributions of hundreds of classmates.”

As his class’s senior gift coordinator, Daleo developed a special connection with the Class of 2004 Gelman Library Book Fund, an initiative he continues to support annually.

A co-chair for the Luther Rice Society’s Student and Recent Alumni Committee, Daleo understands the importance of engaging students and recent graduates in a culture of philanthropy that supports many of GW’s best and most exciting programs and opportunities.

“I view it as my obligation to give back to the community and University that have given me so many opportunities,” said Daleo. “Alumni funding nurtured the programs that attracted me here, and it’s now my responsibility to continue to support those programs so that future students are as excited about GW as I was.”

Moving forward, Daleo plans to continue his support of the University and the Gelman Library Book Fund, but worries that too many of his classmates, and recent graduates in general, think that the only gifts that matter are marquee gifts—those that name buildings and endow scholarships.

“What I’ve learned is that a gift of any size can have a huge impact on our University. Alumni—whether they are one year, five years, or 50 years out—need to know the difference their efforts and support can have at our alma mater.”

Visit www.lutherrice.gwu.edu for more information on the Luther Rice Society.

G W I mp a c t

The chairman and CEO of U.S. China Business Solutions and CEO of Asher Strategies recently pledged an additional $20,000 to the Asher MBA Legacy Scholarship Fund, an annual current use scholarship he established in 2007 to support a full-time MBA student of Chinese descent. The first scholarship was awarded in 2008 to Feiyue Yin. “I’m so grateful for Mr. Asher’s generosity,” said Yin. “The Asher Scholarship has allowed me to continue my studies at GW, which has dramatically broadened my scope of available business opportunities and given me the necessary foundation to realize my career goals.”

Asher is inspired by the stories of students like Yin and is grateful to be part of their lives. “Hearing them describe how support from people like me makes a tangible difference in their lives is deeply meaningful,” said Asher. “I have two businesses and both have offices in China. Over the years, I’ve employed GW interns and hired a number of GW graduates to work for my companies. I am benefiting from GW’s first-rate education and want to do my part to ensure that the University remains competitive.”

Asher cites his family’s strong legacy with the University as another reason he stays strongly connected to his alma mater.

“My family started going to GW back when it was called Columbia College, maybe a hundred years ago. My grandfather and grandmother attended.

My father and mother attended as did my mother’s brother and sister. My brother and son attended as undergraduates, and my daughter received a Government Contract certificate. That’s a lot of relatives at GW!” Fa l l 2 0 0 9

7

Annual and Planned

Giving

Meet Chase V. Magnuson, Director of Planned Giving – Real Estate GW’s new director of Planned Giving, Chase V. Magnuson, brings an unparalleled level of expertise in real estate and charitable real estate gifts to the University’s Planned Giving staff.

With over 40 years of experience—including 16 years as owner and CEO of his own real estate firm—Magnuson holds the elite Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, an attainment only 4 percent of all commercial real estate practitioners can claim. Involved in more than 200 transactions with a cumulative value in excess of $1 billion, Magnuson possesses substantial experience across the real estate spectrum. He has won several national awards for creative real estate transactions and has been cited as an authority on charitable real estate giving in articles for Forbes, The Wall Street Journal,

and The New York Times. Before coming to George Washington, Magnuson spent the last nine years as president of Real Estate for Charities, a consulting firm specializing in real estate giving based out of San Diego, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In his leisure time, he enjoys golfing, fly-fishing, and caring for his Springer Spaniel. He and his wife, Mary, have a daughter who lives in Houston, Texas.

Magnuson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University in his native state of Indiana.

In Tough Economy, Real Estate Gifts Offer Added Benefits As the economy continues to fluctuate and markets remain unreliable, philanthropic-minded and business-savvy donors are turning to real estate gifts as an attractive alternative to cash donations. In many cases, when taking into consideration ongoing property taxes, maintenance costs, income taxes, and the possibility of estate, inheritance, and capital gains taxes, it is often financially beneficial to donate properties to nonprofit organizations like The George Washington University.

“Real estate is one of the last appreciated assets a philanthropic donor can give,” said Chase Magnuson, the new director of Planned Giving and a real estate specialist. “Most people’s stock portfolios are down, and everyone wants to hold onto their cash. Real estate is a great way GW parents, alumni, and friends can support the University without stretching their own finances thin.”

Real estate gifts also provide unexpected versatility to potential donors. These gifts may include personal residences, rental properties, and undeveloped land.

Like monetary gifts real estate can be given outright, through a bequest in a will or trust, or to fund a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity that provides a lifetime income for the donors or someone they designate.

These “life income gifts” can be smart ways to enjoy significant tax and income benefits during the donor’s lifetime.

For example: A husband and wife owning a home valued at $800,000 wish to make a donation of the property and receive an income for the rest of their lives based on the property value and their current ages. The donors, both 75 years old, enter into a Charitable Gift Annuity agreement with GW based on the expected sales price of the home after commission, taxes, and fees: $720,000.

A gift annuity agreement is signed by the donors and GW, and the University has a stated period of time to inspect and market the property. Upon sale of the property, the donors receive a lifetime annuity of $40,320 per year (at an interest rate of 5.6%) and an immediate charitable deduction of $265,982. Some 8

of the income received by the donors is tax-free, some is ordinary, and some is capital gain income—assuming the home appreciates in value over the years. In addition, the home is removed from their taxable estate.

“This type of arrangement enables both donors and GW to benefit from a philanthropic investment,” said Magnuson. “The donors can potentially take advantage of several income and tax benefits, and GW uses the donated properties to support areas of the University specified by the donors, enabling them to make a real, tangible difference.”

To learn more, contact Chase Magnuson at chasem@gwu.edu or call 202-994-4979.

2010 Senior Class Gift Will Benefit the Gelman Library The Senior Class Gift, a tradition at The George Washington University since the 1980s, is a way for each class to leave an imprint on the University. In addition, through a match provided by GW alumni, a unified gift from the class of 2010 will be made to the University.

This year the class has the unique opportunity to create a legacy as distinct and diverse as they are by giving back to the areas of the University and organizations of their choice. Students can give to any area at GW that has left its mark on each of them individually during their time here.

The 2010 Senior Class Gift was recently voted on via Twitter. It was decided the Class Gift would benefit Gelman Library.

Visit www.seniorclass.gwu.edu for more information on the 2010 Senior Class Gift.

Faculty & Staff Campaign Kick-Off

G W I mp a c t

The Faculty & Staff Campaign kicked off on September 15 with a breakfast in the Marvin Center. Over 160 guests stopped by for coffee, bagels, and conversation on their way to work.

So far this fiscal year, over 253 people have pledged $93,000 to GW. Visit www.gwu.edu/give/facultystaff for more information on the Faculty & Staff Campaign.

Fa l l 2 0 0 9

9

The Student

Experience

With Student Aid, Runner Hits Her Stride at GW

By Gray Turner Every morning at 6 am, while most of her classmates are still sleeping in their dorm rooms, GW senior Megan Hogan is starting her eight-mile morning run. An All Mid-Atlantic Regional runner and National Qualifier in 2008 for the Colonials, Megan is on the rise as a national cross country star.

A varsity athlete in soccer and basketball and a member of the dance team at her high school in Saratoga Springs, NY, Megan joined her school’s cross country team to fill out the roster and stay in shape for basketball. After only a single season of running, she was recruited to join the cross country team of a small college in New York, but never felt quite at home there.

“I had a friend a few years older than me from high school that went to GW and would always tell me how great the school was. My old college wasn’t the right fit for me, so I looked into transferring to GW and came here my sophomore year. It’s a decision I would never change.”

Thanks to the opportunity provided by scholarship support, Megan has come into her own at GW; a place where her ambitions and talent have flourished. She takes the opportunity to heart and trains daily with the team and on her own time.

Running more than 70 miles a week, Megan has to eat 3,000-5,000 calories a day to stay at her running weight of 104 pounds. “I get to eat ice cream every day, and I love it,” she admits. “I’ve tried every flavor of Ben & Jerry’s and even get their e-mails about updates and new flavors. Cinnamon Buns is my favorite.”

Although she has not been running as long as many of her competitors, Megan has quickly made a name for herself as a part of GW’s cross country team. In addition to being named the 2009 Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Cross Country Student-Athlete of the year, she recently earned AllAmerican status – a first for a Colonial runner.

10

In October 2009, senior Megan Hogan became the first Colonial cross country runner to win the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships.

“The coaches here are great,” she said. “They’re a mix of mentor and drill sergeant, and they are constantly motivating us to achieve. I feel like my coaches have more faith in me than I do.”

After nearly qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team during competition in June of this year with a time just 0.23 seconds off the mark, Megan approaches running with a new sense of desire and purpose.

On October 31 she became the first GW cross country runner to win the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. She’s now looking forward to the U.S. Championships, her next chance to qualify for the Olympic team, and is hoping her running will catch the interest of a sponsor.

She credits the motivation of her coaches and the support of her teammates with all her successes.

Like many athletes at GW, Megan’s team has been an avenue for discipline, focusing her talents and keeping her inspired to run further and faster, as well as a support system away from home.

For Megan, the cross country team is more than a group of running buddies. All of her closest friends are on the team, and assistant coach Jenni Schappert, a graduate student at GW, is like a big sister to her. “Everyone is really supportive of each other,” said Megan. “I can’t imagine what my time here would be like without them. This team is my family.”

New Charles E. Smith Center Exceeds Expectations

Anonymous Donor Contributes $2 million to Challenge

By Carrie Madren

After visiting a campus filled with outgoing, energetic GW students who want to change the world, and then learning about the transformation of the Charles E. Smith Center, a donor stepped forward with a $2 million gift toward the Charles E. Smith Center project.

The transformation of the Charles E. Smith Center is well under way. When completed, the Charles E. Smith Center will serve as the signature building in the heart of the campus and will be the University’s largest gathering place for activities ranging from student orientations to concerts and from Hall of Fame luncheons to Commencement.

“Our recent facility improvements not only emphasize the Charles E. Smith Center as the heart of the GW student experience for the entire University,” said Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, “but for our student athletes, these enhancements put state-of-the-art equipment, training, and academic support services essential to an athletic program of GW’s stature and reputation together into one central place.”

Renovations also incorporate school pride in a clean, streamlined look. For instance, in the refinished natatorium—which also includes new starter blocks, tiles, and retractable benches with chair backs—a Colonials logo design and school colors blaze across the walls in tiny laser-cut tiles.

The 5,000-seat arena, is more comfortable for visitors and more appealing for athletes.

The bleacher-style seats were replaced with comfortable, contoured, roomier chair-style seats.

The next and final phase will include a complete rebuilding of the exterior façade, which will be a striking glass side of the modern building. The Center will be able to project images of upcoming speakers, images from sports events or University logos onto the grand glass wall.

Alumni and community members can enjoy the President’s Club, with access to the new locker rooms with lounges, private changing rooms, private showers, saunas, and steam rooms.

“Thanks in large part to the generous support of our donors and partners,” said Chernak, “the Charles E. Smith Center will continue to be the place where important campus milestones are celebrated and where our home court dominance creates exciting new memories for the entire community – including students, faculty, staff, alumni and our friends across the Washington region.”

Rendering by Gensler Currently, workers are wrapping up Phase II of the transformation. Each of the 14 men’s and women’s sports teams has its own locker rooms, so individual players can have private lockers, and teams get their own improved spaces. The footprint of the Center didn’t grow, but efficient engineering and maximization of existing space added 6,000 new square feet that includes an expanded fitness room, a varsity weight room, an academic center, a golf simulation room, an expanded sports medicine suite, and a fully equipped Colonial Club VIP booster room next to the arena. Racquetball and squash players will find a refinished, racquetball/ squash court with a sliding glass wall that can be easily adjusted for either sport.

G W I mp a c t

Visit www.gwu.edu/give/charlesesmithcenter to view the photo gallery and learn more about this signature transformation. To learn how you can help with Phase III, please contact Dan Rocha at drocha@gwu.edu or 202-994-9366.

“It gave me great pleasure to give,” said the donor. “In my view, philanthropy needs to make an impact and carry some leverage. When I heard and saw how important the Charles E. Smith Center transformation is to the University, and when I learned about the challenge grant from the Smith and Kogod families, I was keen to step up and set an example. Their challenge gift is an incredibly generous commitment that I wanted to honor.”

The donor, who supports several educational institutions, made a point of learning about GW and its aspirations. “When I decided to support The George Washington University, I spoke with administrators and trustees and staff. Everyone articulated a clear set of priorities coherently and unselfishly. And everyone mentioned the Charles E. Smith Center.” Moreover, added the donor, “GW is in a fantastic position to move forward.

The University is very lucky to have dynamic, clear-thinking, hard driving leadership in President Knapp and the board.”

After a tour of the completed Charles E. Smith Center’s Phase I and II (Phase III to be completed in early 2011), the donor noted: “It’s magnificent.

The arena is brighter and more comfortable; the downstairs space is more functional and well thought-out and much more cheerful.” The donor added, “This is a world-class, central venue, not just for the University but for the surrounding community. It will be an excellent place for sports, entertainment events, and conferences. The transformation will re-establish the Charles E. Smith Center as it was when it was first built—a central facility to bring together the University and its communities.”

“I consider myself to an activist philanthropist,” the donor noted. “That means I don’t want to just write the check and walk away. I think donors should care about and be involved in the gifts they give. Philanthropy is more than a gift—it’s a true partnership between the institution and the donor.”

Fa l l 2 0 0 9

11

Power and Prom

GW

Brian Hawthorne, Brian Hermann GWSB BS ‘77, Robert Chernak, Ryan Bos at the “Welcome Home to Washington: Fostering Higher Education Success for Veterans and their Families” symposium on Oct. 23.

$100,000 Scholarship Fund Supports GW Student Veterans

By Hayden Hill As part of its University-wide commitment to student aid, The George Washington University secured its first major gift specifically earmarked for student veterans. The $100,000 QuikClot Scholarship from Z-Medica Corporation, a medical device company that provides life saving medical supplies to U.S. military troops, was established under the guidance of Z-Medica CEO Brian Herrman, a 1977 graduate of the GW School of Business.

“We are so pleased to be able to give back to the veterans that have selflessly served our country,” said Herrman. “Our QuikClot product helps soldiers when they are on the battlefield, but we also wanted to offer them with opportunities following their service. We believe that providing student aid, in partnership with the Yellow Ribbon Program, is the best way to do so.”

The scholarship will support GW’s commitment to the Yellow Ribbon Program, a new provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act that provides free or significantly reduced tuition to qualifying veterans. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate students receive approximately $18,000 and $3,800, respectively, from GW—amounts that are matched dollar for dollar by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The QuikClot Scholarship Fund will annually support four undergraduate and seven graduate student veterans.

12

“GW is honored to have Z-Medica’s support for veteran student aid,” said Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services.

“Contributions like this allow GW to continue its commitment to student veterans by providing the necessary resources that help ease the transition from combat to classroom.”

Complementing GW’s deep commitment to public service, the Yellow Ribbon Program is a natural extension of the University’s long-standing tradition of civic and military support. The first recipient of the Service Men’s Readjustment Act of 1994, better known as the GI Bill, was a GW student, Donald Balfour, BA ‘45. Today, GW estimates more than 300 veterans attend the University either as full-time students or as enrollees in online or part-time programs.

For more information on how you can support the Yellow Ribbon Program, visit www.gwu.edu/give/studentveterans or contact Matt Banks at mbanks@gwu.edu or 202-994-5125.

mise First Director of Unique Program Funds Special Prize

21 Again: Hollywood Screenwriter Jason Filardi Returns to the Classroom

By Gray Turner

By Matt Lindsay

Each May at the graduation ceremonies of the College of Professional Studies, Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard F. Southby makes a special presentation to an outstanding graduate of the Police Science program he used to direct. The Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize, established in 2007 by private support from Dr. Southby and his wife, is presented annually to the Distinguished Graduate in the Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree program in Police Science.

It was 2000. Seven years prior Jason Filardi had graduated from The George Washington University with an English degree and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a Hollywood screenwriter.

Like thousands of others, Filardi had toiled away at his craft, but he hadn’t gotten that big break. “Writing movies was the only thing I wanted to do with my life,” Filardi said when asked about his perseverance. “I wasn’t ready to give up my dream yet.”

This is a story that has been told countless times before. Except unlike the thousands of others, Filardi sold that screenplay—which eventually became Bringing Down the House, starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah.

In September 2008, Jason returned to Washington, D.C., for the first time since graduation to share tips with aspiring screenwriters at GW. But Filardi wanted to expand his contribution beyond a one-time lecture. In spring 2009, Filardi uprooted from Los Angeles and came to D.C. for five months to teach a screenwriting course to 15 undergraduates in the GW English Department.

Dr. Southby presents the Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize to Yusuf Norris, BPS ’07, of U.S. Capitol Police Drawing upon the expertise of faculty within six different schools at GW as well as faculty practitioners, the custom-designed Police Science program serves law enforcement officials at all levels within the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metroregion. The program is tailored to meet the needs of full-time law enforcement professionals who must balance demanding jobs, unpredictable schedules, and family obligations. Students earn a GW Associate’s degree in one year or a Bachelor’s Degree in two and a half years.

“CPS is grateful for the Southby Prize, and its recognition of the academic achievement of Police Science Students who complete their degree at GW while continuing to work as sworn officers,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Dr. Southby’s leadership in establishing the annual prize, and his generosity to GW’s newest college and its non-traditional students, is greatly appreciated.”

Dr. Southby and his wife, Dr. Janet R. Southby, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), contribute to The Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize Fund every year to ensure the prize’s perpetuity. Despite being the sole contributors, the prize fund has grown to a balance of nearly $11,000 and has been awarded to one of the Police Science program’s students each spring since its first graduating class in 2007.

Dr. Southby was a faculty member at GW from 1979 to 2006, having served as Department Chair, Associate Dean, Interim Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Services, and Distinguished Professor of Global Health and Executive Dean in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs. Today, he continues his involvement with the Police Science Program as Senior Adviser and as a member of the Dean’s Council of the College of Professional Studies.

G W I mp a c t

To take it one step further, he pledged $25,000 over five years to establish a scholarship for a GW student interested in the arts, writing, dancing, or theatre.

“I think of my four years [at GW]—in the classroom, living in the city, interacting with new people, the whole GW experience,” Filardi said. “Teaching the class was so great for me; writing is tough, it’s a struggle, it’s a fight within yourself every day. Being in a class with young, talented, creative kids who haven’t been disenchanted by Hollywood yet made me remember how fun writing could be.”

Filardi’s contributions converged when he learned that the scholarship he funded went to Gregory Nanni, CCAS ‘11, a student in his screenwriting class.

“I thought ‘how great,’ he is a hard working kid and I know he wants to be writer,” Filardi said. “I like to see where the money is going and I want to see it really affect somebody in a positive way.”

And it may not be long before the GW classroom beckons. One of Filardi’s ideas is about a writer who goes back to college. What better setting for a screenplay than Foggy Bottom?

Contact Matt Banks at mbanks@gwu.edu or 202-994-5125 to learn how you can tailor a scholarship fund to help a student attain their dream.

Jason Filardi (back row, third from left), with GW students from his screenwriting class in spring 2009 Fa l l 2 0 0 9

13

“ Since day one the University has been outstanding.

Not only with tuition but with support resources and personnel, there’s so many points of contact.”

Ryan Bos, GW Student Veteran

Sergeant Bos sharing an MRE (Meal Ready-to-Eat) with an Iraqi boy in Ramadi

Power and Prom

GW

GW Partnership with Yellow Ribbon Program Provides New Possibilities for Student Veterans

By Hayden Hill When U.S. Army veteran Ryan Bos began his application process to The George Washington University, he knew only two things about the University: first, that the Elliott School of International Affairs was one of the best in the world, and second, that tuition would be a challenge.

Having just returned from 14 months of active duty in Iraq, Ryan hoped to find a school where he could utilize his defense and foreign policy background while staying connected to a large veteran community. “I knew I needed to be in D.C.,” Ryan Bos says. “But if I couldn’t make tuition, plan B was going to a community college or attending a state school back home in Michigan.”

14

Rebecca Groom U.S. Air Force Rank: Senior Airman Detail: Paralegal GW Program: BA in Philosophy, minor in Political Science Student Aid: Yellow Ribbon Recipient Before joining the military, Rebecca worked as a gymnastics coach and horseback riding instructor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When 9/11 occurred, however, she realized she wanted to do something more.

Following in the footsteps of her older brother, Rebecca enlisted in the Air Force and soon after deployed to Manas Air Base in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Now at GW, Rebecca is using the lessons she learned abroad to her advantage in the classroom. “I could never substitute the learning experiences and personal growth I underwent during my time in the military. Now, those lessons work to my advantage as a student.” As a Yellow Ribbon recipient, Rebecca attends GW at no cost.

mise

Bryan Burke U.S. Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander Detail: Submarines GW Program: PhD in Political Science Student Aid: Yellow Ribbon Recipient Bryan served 11 years as an officer in the Navy and currently works as a civilian for the Department of Defense. Even with income from a full-time job, he says additional student aid is essential.

“My base G.I. Bill covers about $100 per credit. But with a 72-credit program and tuition at $1,000 a credit, it’s not close to being enough.” Now, as a Yellow Ribbon recipient*, Bryan’s financial burden is eased and he can take full advantage of all GW has to offer.

“GW provides an incredible opportunity to interact with professors and peers who are major players in the policy-making arena. Without student aid, I may have missed that opportunity.” Bryan plans to write his PhD dissertation on international security and foreign policy decision-making. He and his wife Miquela are expecting their first child in January. *Bryan was recently recalled to active duty and will deploy to Iraq next month. Upon his return, GW will honor his Yellow Ribbon award.

Luckily for Ryan, George Washington University has him covered. As a voluntary participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program—a new provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act—George Washington has committed more than $2 million in new student aid to veterans. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate students now receive approximately $18,000 and $3,800, respectively, from GW—amounts that are matched dollar for dollar by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

In essence, this means undergraduates like Ryan are now able to attend GW at no cost, and graduate students attend at a significantly reduced rate.

The Yellow Ribbon Program was created to supplement base benefits provided by the G.I. Bill, which currently covers up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. In D.C., that means veterans can expect a base federal payout of about $3,000 a year, an amount that leaves a yawning gap between what is covered and the actual cost of tuition at most private universities.

As one of the largest Yellow Ribbon contributors in the D.C. area, GW is helping to fill that gap by providing veterans with financial and logistical support to help ease the transition from combat to classroom. “When I first came back to school I thought, ‘What could be harder than 6 am combat patrol with 100 pounds of gear G W I mp a c t

Andreae Pohlman U.S. Air Force Rank: Airman First Class Detail: System Administration GW Program: BS/MS in Information Systems Student Aid: GW Presidential Scholarship, AFFIRM Scholarship for Information Technology Andreae comes from a long line of military service.

Her father and mother were both active duty in the Air Force and both her grandfathers served in WWII. “Being in the military is an amazing way to serve your country, all while exploring the world and being introduced to different cultures.” She is the recipient of the prestigious GW Presidential Scholarship. “It would have been nearly impossible for me attend GW without my scholarship. Now, I take school much more seriously and understand that if I work hard, it pays off.” Andreae maintains a 3.91 GPA and is a member of four honor societies. She is also considering reentering the military as an officer after graduation.

in 120 degree weather?’” Ryan recalled. “But being a student is hard work, just a different kind of hard, and it’s a relief to know I don’t have to worry about making ends meet.”

Complementing GW’s deep commitment to public service, the Yellow Ribbon Program is a natural extension of a long-standing tradition of civic and military support. Ryan maintains that programs like Yellow Ribbon not only act as a tool to recognize past service, but also as a catalyst for future service.

“So many veterans want to continue to serve in a government or public capacity,” he says. “The people who make this program possible, they’re empowering veterans who have already given so much to their country to go on and serve once again.”

Eligible applicants for Yellow Ribbon include inactive veterans from all branches of the military who have served 36 months of active duty since September 10, 2001. GW has committed support to up to 360 students attending any school within the University, including the Medical and Law Schools.

Visit www.gwu.edu/give/studentveterans to learn more about how GW is supporting student veterans and read their stories. For information on how you can help, please contact Matt Banks at mbanks@gwu.edu or 202-994-5125.

Fa l l 2 0 0 9

15

Out and About with Our Donors Dr. Manucher Mohtashemi and his family posed for a photo during GW’s 6th Annual Fourth of July Celebration for members of the L’Enfant Society, 1821 Benefactors, George Washington Society, and Tempietto Circle. Attendees later enjoyed fireworks from the City View Room.

Michael D. Grabow, Esq., JD ’71, and Fran Grabow at the 73rd Annual Alumni Achievement Awards. Held during Alumni Weekend, the award recipients were recognized for the lasting impact they have made on society through outstanding professional, voluntary, or philanthropic accomplishments.

Dr. Peter and Kathy Paladino, along with their son Anthony, CCAS ’13, attended the President’s Reception last month as part of Colonials Weekend.

President Knapp, David Gergen, Dana Bash BA ’93, and School of Media & Public Affairs Director Frank Sesno posed for a photo at the joint launch of the Luther Rice Society’s Political Alliance and Entertainment & Media Alliance. The event was hosted in the newly renamed Kennedy Senate Office Building Caucus Room by Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), BA ’77.

President Knapp addressed members of the SEAS community at the School of Engineering and Applied Science 125th Anniversary Gala held last month at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.

16

In Memoriam Philanthropist established endowment for GW’s Gelman Library.

GW Trustee Emerita and benefactor Estelle Gelman died on Oct. 23 at the age of 83.

In 1980, Mrs. Gelman established an endowment in the name of her late husband, Melvin Gelman AB ‘40, a long-standing supporter of the University for whom Gelman Library is named.

A philanthropist, Mrs. Gelman served on the GW Board of Trustees for 11 years and on the boards of many other nonprofit organizations, including the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, the United States Holocaust Museum, and the American Cancer Society, where she served as the first female president.

Mrs. Gelman is survived by two daughters and five grandchildren. Several of her family members are graduates of GW, including a daughter, Elise Lefkowitz, a son-in-law, Marc Lefkowitz, and a granddaughter, Charlotte (Charlie) Lefkowitz.

Funeral services were held Oct. 25 at the Adas Israel Congregation in Washington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or GW’s Gelman Library.

Visit our new Web site at :

www.gwu.edu/give Support the University’s Priorities • Read stories about alumni, donors, and students

• Discover volunteer opportunities • Make a difference • Provide feedback • Tell us your story

The George Washington University The Division of Development and Alumni Relations 2100 M Street NW, Suite 310 Washington, DC 20052