Georgetown University: A Trailblazer in Educational Excellence
Georgetown University - The Knowledge Review

The University aims to offer a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, offering a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world. They are a vibrant community of exceptional students, faculty, alumni, and professionals dedicated to real-world applications of their research, scholarship, faith, and service.

Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit University. Drawing upon the 450-year-old legacy of Jesuit education, they provide students with a world-class learning experience focused on educating the whole person through exposure to different faiths, cultures, and beliefs.

Students are challenged to engage in the world and become men and women in the service of others, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community. These values are at the core of Georgetown’s identity, binding members of the community across diverse backgrounds.

Schools within the University include Georgetown College; Robert E. McDonough School of Business; Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service; Georgetown Law; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; School of Medicine; School of Nursing and Health Studies; School of Continuing Studies; and McCourt School of Public Policy.

Promoting Women Empowerment and Education

The University constantly supports and promotes women’s empowerment and education. It has taken major steps towards the upliftment and development of women. It established the Georgetown University Women’s Center (GUWC) to support, educate, and empower women of all cultures, races, sexual orientations, genders, and ages providing a safe environment while respecting all facets of women’s abilities, spirituality, and differences. GUWC celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for a climate that promotes social justice, free of all barriers and discrimination.

The Georgetown Women’s Alliance (GWA) brings together people who share a commitment to fostering an environment where women in their community can learn, grow, and thrive. GWA brings together Georgetown staff, faculty, students, and alumni for dialogue, networking, professional training, and collaboration around women and leadership. GWA’s affiliates are groups that are part of Georgetown’s diverse community whose goals include helping women develop personally and professionally and addressing gender justice.

The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) at the Walsh School of Foreign Service was launched in 2011 by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who serves as the Institute’s honorary founding chair, and Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia in order to build the evidence-based case for a focus on women, peace, and security.

The Georgetown University Women’s Leadership Institute (GUWLI) generates scientific insight to empower real-world impact. GUWLI convenes faculty researchers, company executives, policymakers, and students to build a foundation of evidence-based, data-driven knowledge about the attitudes toward and the advancement of gender-intelligent leadership.

About the President

John J. DeGioia is the 48th President of Georgetown University. For nearly four decades, Dr. DeGioia has worked to define and strengthen Georgetown University as a premier institution for education and research. A graduate of Georgetown, Dr. DeGioia served as a senior administrator and as a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy before becoming president on July 1, 2001. He continues to teach an Ignatius Seminar each fall, which is part of a program offering first year students the opportunity to encounter unique courses of study inspired by the Jesuit educational theme of cura personalis (“care for the whole person”). As President, Dr. DeGioia is dedicated to deepening Georgetown’s tradition of academic excellence, its commitment to its Catholic and Jesuit identity, its engagement with the Washington, D.C. community, and its global mission. Under his leadership, Georgetown has become a leader in shaping the future landscape of higher education and has recently completed a $1.5 billion campaign dedicated to enhancing the lifelong value of a Georgetown education. Also under his leadership, Georgetown was selected as one of two U.S. universities to participate in the U.N.’s HeForShe initiative, which partners with universities, governments and corporations with male executives to serve as impact champions and drive change within their institutions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Georgetown University is one of only a handful of colleges and universities that maintains need-blind, full-need admission, and financial aid policies for its undergraduates. Georgetown meets the full need of eligible students – regardless of their ability to pay – through a combination of grants, work-study, and loans. Georgetown has committed over $200 million toward undergraduate and graduate financial aid for 2018-2019.

The Georgetown Scholarship Program (GSP) was founded in 2004 and has served over 1,400 of Georgetown University students, most of whom were the first generation in their families to attend college. Currently, the GSP family provides programmatic support for over 650 undergraduates, ensuring that all of our students can access the resources and networks of support they need to thrive at Georgetown. GSP students proudly hold a 96.4% graduation rate.

Additionally, Georgetown has Community Scholars Program (CSP) that has led the institution’s efforts to promote social justice for 50 years by enrolling a more racially and socioeconomically diverse student body. Managed by the Center for Multicultural Equity & Access (CMEA), the program provides enhanced educational opportunity for a multicultural cohort of first-generation college students who have achieved the dream of higher education through personal initiative, service, and academic excellence.

Major Accomplishments

The University has achieved various landmarks throughout its rich history. Amanda Scott and Shakera Vaughan, members of GSP, were among the 59 outstanding students from 52 institutions selected as 2018 Harry S. Truman Scholars. Natalie Knez became the first ever female student from Georgetown to win the top speaker award at the 2018 National Debate Tournament (NDT); she is the fifth woman to receive the award throughout NDT’s 71 year history. On April 4, 2018, The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) designated Georgetown University Medical Centre as a ‘Research Centre of Excellence’.

Distinguished Alumni

Georgetown University has produced numerous graduates who have achieved success in various walks of life. Some notable alumni of the University include:

Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO, Women’s World Banking

Mary Ellen Iskenderian is President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, the global nonprofit devoted to giving more low-income women access to the financial tools and resources they require to achieve security and prosperity. Ms. Iskenderian joined Women’s World Banking in 2006 and leads the Women’s World Banking global team, based in New York and also serves as a member of the Investment Committee of its $50 million impact investment fund.

Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

Ambassador Verveer most recently served as the first U.S. Ambassador At-Large for Global Women’s Issues, a position to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. She coordinated foreign policy issues and activities relating to the political, economic, and social advancement of women, traveling to nearly sixty countries. President Obama also appointed her to serve as the U.S. Representative to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women.

Sumara Thompson-King, General Counsel, NASA

Sumara M. Thompson-King was selected as the General Counsel at NASA in June 2014. Ms. Thompson-King serves as the chief legal officer for the agency and oversees its team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of NASA’s legal affairs around the world. She also served as the agency’s Suspension and Debarment Official.

Some other prominent alumni of the University are Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (14th President of the Philippines); Laura Chinchilla (46th President of Costa Rica); Kirstjen Nielsen (6th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security); Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI); Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); and Norah O’Donnell (CBS News Anchor).

Career Opportunities and Exposures

The University provides an assortment of career opportunities to the students. Students have access to a variety of opportunities to pursue their interests on campus and off. Being located in the nation’s capital there are many opportunities for internships, networking, and other professional development. In addition, the campus hosts a variety of speakers, visiting scholars, and professionals. Georgetown also organizes two special events – “OWN IT” and “BRAVE” for promoting creativity, social awareness, and women empowerment among the students.

OWN IT is a student-led event that bridges the gap between female leaders and the millennials who admire them. They aim to shake up the women’s leadership arena by producing events accessible to college-aged women of all demographics.

BRAVE (Black, Resilient, Artistic, Vigilant, Enough) summit was pioneered by several Black women of Georgetown University to highlight the talent, achievements, and stories of women of color, seeking to elevate the conversation about the magic that lies within the individuals of their community. BRAVE works to honor the black women who are the leaders of a myriad of revolutions, protests, movements, but are often silenced in the public eye.

Words of Trust

“OWN IT has been a part of my life throughout my four years at Georgetown, and it has consistently provided me with a space to communicate, bond, and be inspired with women who share the same desires and passions to create a better world for women. I hope that students continue to see OWN IT as an opportunity to learn, engage, and continue the fight towards achieving feminist goals.” – Sienna Mori, Georgetown College, Class of 2018

“I have been a part of the BRAVE planning committee since its inception, and seeing the progression of the summit from the beginning to now is astonishing. Each year we are able to strengthen the summit’s impact, whether it is through attendance, topics discussed, panelists featured, or organizations involved. This year’s theme: Artistically, Authentically, Unapologetically Black shined light on the Black feminine, and often forgotten, voices in the arts community. Looking back at my undergraduate career, BRAVE is easily one of my proudest accomplishments.” – Kayla Harris, McDonough School of Business, Class of 2018

Recent Posts

More
articles