Alumni and Families Weekend Celebrates the Best of GW

George Washington University's annual Alumni and Families Weekend celebration brought alumni, students, families and friends together for three days filled with Revolutionary spirit.

"There is something special about bringing our community together to celebrate the spirit of our university," said Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving and Events Patty Carocci. "Alumni and Families Weekend reminds us that being part of GW is a connection that lasts well beyond graduation."

The festivities kicked off Friday as guests and community members connected at the University Student Center, where the first floor was transformed into the weekend's gathering point. In the afternoon, GW's Class of 1976 celebrated its milestone 50th reunion with a special luncheon and recognition ceremony at the City View Room in the Elliott School. Golden Revolutionaries-alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago or are age 72 and older-joined the festivities to honor this distinguished class.

There was also celebration and recognition of impact and giving back to the university community. Prior to Friday's sold-out men's basketball Monumental Matchup between neighbors GW and Georgetown at the Charles E. Smith Center, GW Family Leadership Circle members, university leadership and GW families held a spirited tailgate at President Ellen M. Granberg's F Street House as they celebrated the impact of family philanthropy on the student experience.

The liveliness continued well into the night as graduates gathered at the All Alumni Party, held in Kogan Plaza.

On Saturday afternoon, also in Kogan Plaza, General George's Alumni Biergarten gave graduates from across the decades a chance to reunite over conversation, lawn games and a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

The weekend also offered a chance to celebrate the places that make GW feel like home. At the grand reopening of Mitchell Hall, alumni and families got a look at the newly renovated residence hall. Saturday's Cultural Collage gathering invited alumni to share stories, make new connections and celebrate the many perspectives that enrich the GW experience.

For families looking to celebrate the season, the Vern Harvest on Saturday delivered classic fall fun on GW's Mount Vernon Campus, with pumpkin decorating, crafts, games and autumn treats.

Of course, Alumni and Families Weekend wouldn't be complete without a little entertainment. The annual Fall Comedy Show, put on by the student-run Program Board and held Saturday night at the Smith Center, featured five-time Emmy-nominated comedian, writer and actor Janelle James, best known for her role as Principal Ava Coleman on ABC's "Abbott Elementary." On Sunday, families had one more opportunity to spend quality time with their GW students at the GW Families Jazz Brunch with Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Colette Coleman. Over brunch and live performances by talented GW student musicians, families could catch up, enjoy the music and savor a final morning together before heading home.

Photographers William Atkins, Abby Greenawalt and Cooper Tyksinski captured photos from throughout the weekend.

Find coverage of the Presidential Dialogue and Spirit of GW Awards in Wednesday's GW Today.