Presidents Present and Past Share Fondest GW Memories

“Many of my favorite memories involve our students. Watching them ask President Emmanuel Macron thoughtful, challenging questions at the Smith Center was a real only-at-GW moment. But one of our Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship days was particularly special. Handing out a full scholarship to a student whose mom did not speak English except for ‘thank you,’ which she repeated over and over while holding my hand, is truly memorable.”

President Thomas LeBlanc: 2017 - present

“I was continually inspired by the energy, creativity, and thoughtfulness of students I met during office hours, at F Street House events, or in roundtable discussions. More than once students would tell me about their plans to set up, say, a new charity; when I asked if they had discussed this with others, they’d produce a list of experts, corporate sponsors, and even public officials they’d already contacted!” 

President-emeritus Steven Knapp: 2007 - 2017

“On May 10, 1992, GW held its first outdoor Commencement on the Ellipse. With a view of the White House and Washington Monument in the background, this was the start of a campaign to bring the university’s colleges together in spirit and strategy as we marched forward from strength to strength.”

President-emeritus Stephen J. Trachtenberg: 1988 - 2007