Schedule

We’ve put together an incredible lineup of events and activities for you and your guests. To make registration quick and easy, please take a few minutes to review the schedule below and decide which events you’d like to attend. And while you're on campus, check out the additional activities happening during Alumni & Families Weekend! 
 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

• Alumni & Families Weekend Welcome Center

  • Friday, October 24, 3 - 9pm | University Student Center, First Floor, 800 21st Street, NW
  • This is the first stop for all guests to begin their AFW experience. Pick up your name tags for the weekend, get your special 2025 AFW gift, and check out the fun engagement activities on site.

• GWSPH 950 Awards

  • Friday, October 24, 4 - 5:30pm | Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
  • The 950 Awards are given to alumni who display outstanding service to the school and have made significant strides in their careers in public health, health policy and health management. The award, launched to celebrate the school's 20th anniversary, is named after the School of Public Health's LEED certified building, located at 950 New Hampshire Ave., which provides a remarkable home to educate our students and nurture the research of our faculty. Registration for this event is separate from AFW registration; register at go.gwu.edu/950.

• GW Family Leadership Circle Annual Gathering

  • Friday, October 24, 4:30 - 5:30pm | Flagg Building, 500 17th Street, NW
  • By invitation only. Members of the GW Family Leadership Circle are invited to join us for the annual gathering of the GW Family Leadership Circle with President Granberg and special guest speaker, Emmy Laybourne, actress, award winning novelist, and ESIA Parent ‘29.  Held in the exquisite Salon Doré at the iconic Beaux Arts Flagg Building, which houses the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, this exclusive event brings together active members of the GW Family Leadership Circle and will be followed by our annual reception celebrating our philanthropic families. For more information, please contact Bonnie Pierce at bonniepgwu [dot] edu (bonniep[at]gwu[dot]edu). 

• GW Family Leadership Circle Reception

  • Friday, October 24, 5:30 - 7pm | Flagg Building, 500 17th Street, NW
  • By invitation only. You are invited to join GW Family Leadership Circle members, university leadership, and fellow GW families for an intimate reception celebrating the impact of philanthropy on the student experience. The GW Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection at GW. To learn more about joining the GW Family Leadership Circle please contact Bonnie Pierce at bonniepgwu [dot] edu. 

• Before the Rewind: '90s Grads Pre-Party

  • Friday, October 24, 6:30 - 7:30pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW 
  • Come kick it with us at this pre-reception exclusively for GW classes of 1990-2002. Reconnect with classmates from the ’90s at this blast from the past. This is your exclusive hour to catch up, vibe to old-school ’90s jams, enjoy classic snacks & beverages, and soak in all the nostalgic feels before the Back to the ’90s: All Alumni Rewind Party gets started.😎🎶
  • $10 add-on to your All-Alumni Rewind Party ticket - select the "'90s Grad Party Package" when registering | Ages 21+ suggested 
  • Attire: Wear your flyest ’90s-inspired outfits (think flannel, overalls, neon, and windbreakers) for the '90s Style Showdown! 

• Back to the ’90s: All-Alumni Rewind Party

  • Friday, October 24, 7:30 - 9:30pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW 
  • Calling All Alumni! Rewind the clock and step back into the decade of scrunchies, dial-up internet, Discmans, flannel shirts, Starter jackets, beepers, and mixtapes made with love!  Join us for a nostalgic night of fun as we celebrate in true ‘90s style with dueling DJs spinning ’90s hits, retro snacks and cocktails, and throwback dance moves. It’s gonna be all that and a bag of chips! 🎉🎧🎵💿✨
  • $25 | Ages 21+ suggested 
  • Attire: Wear your flyest ’90s-inspired outfits (think flannel, overalls, neon, and windbreakers) for the '90s Style Showdown! 

• Acapalooza

  • Friday, October 24, 7 - 9pm (New time) | Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street, NW
  • Join us for the annual family and alumni weekend aca-concert featuring GW’s incredible a cappella groups. Doors open at 7pm. A $5 suggested donation to a community organization may be collected at the door. 🎤🎶

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

• Alumni & Families Weekend Welcome Center

  • Saturday, October 25, 11am - 7pm | University Student Center, First Floor, 800 21st Street, NW
  • This is the first stop for all guests to begin their AFW experience. Pick up your name tags for the weekend, get your special 2024 AFW gift, and check out the fun engagement activities on site.

• Deans’ Open Houses

  • Saturday, October 25, 9:30 - 11:30am (times vary) | Various Locations
  • Join us for Deans’ Open Houses at GW’s respective schools to connect, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about the academic experience.
    • Athletics Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Street, NW
      Please join GW Athletics to meet our Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, Michael Lipitz to talk about all things Revolutionaries sports and enjoy a light breakfast.
    • Columbian College (CCAS) Open House | 9 - 11am (New time), SMPA Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, 805 21st Street, NW
      Please join Dean Paul Wahlbeck and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences for our Annual Alumni & Family Weekend Deans’ Reception! We’re excited to welcome alumni, families, and friends back to campus for a morning of conversation, connection, and celebration. Stop by to mingle with Dean Wahlbeck, meet CCAS faculty and staff, and learn more about the exciting initiatives happening across the college. Light refreshments will be served. After the open house, stay for brief lectures by select CCAS faculty as part of the Best of GW Faculty Lectures. We look forward to seeing you there! 
    • College of Professional Studies (CPS) & Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Open House  | 9:30 - 11am, College of Professional Studies Dean's Suite 301, 805 21st Street, NW
      The College of Professional Studies and Graduate School of Political Management invite you to join our open house! This gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the college's leadership, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni! Learn about CPS and GSPM’s many exciting initiatives while enjoying a delicious breakfast bar. We look forward to seeing you there!
    • Elliott School (ESIA) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, 1957 E Street, NW
      Join the Elliott School for an open house. Take a tour of the building and get your photo taken with our dean, Dr. Alyssa Ayres. Cookies and coffee will be served. After the open house, stay for brief lectures by select Elliott School faculty as part of the Best of GW Faculty Lectures. 
    • GW Business (GWSB) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Oglethorpe Great Hall, Duquès Hall, 2201 G Street, NW
      Join the GW School of Business for an open house in Duques Hall. Hear welcome remarks from Dean Sevin Yeltekin, connect with faculty and staff, and enjoy light breakfast foods and beverages. This is a great opportunity to meet the GW Business community and explore the spaces where our students learn, collaborate, and innovate. After the open house and remarks from the Dean, stay for a brief lecture by select GWSB faculty as part of the Best of GW Faculty Lectures.
    • GW Engineering (SEAS) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Science and Engineering Hall, 800 22nd Street, NW
      Join GW Engineering for an open house at the Science and Engineering Hall! Enjoy a light breakfast while connecting with students, faculty, alumni, and families. Hear the latest school updates from Interim Dean, Jason Zara, and step inside the heart of GW Engineering with a tour of our world-class facilities.
    • GW Law Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Tasher Great Room, GW Law, 716 20th Street, NW
      Please join Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew and GW Law for our Alumni and Families Weekend Open House! Designed for alumni, prospective students, and their families, the Open House offers a chance to tour the law school, learn how GW Law has evolved over the years, meet members of our staff, and gain insight into the law school admissions process.
    • Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Lobby, 2136 G Street, NW
      Interested in the future of education? Join fellow alumni at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) Open House! Enjoy a light breakfast, meet Interim Dean Lionel Howard, and connect with faculty and staff.
    • Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) Open House | 9:30 - 11am, Milken Institute School of Public Health Convening Center, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
      We invite you to join GWSPH for an interactive exploration of the dynamic field of public health and our state of the art building and facilities. Connect with SPH leadership, faculty, staff, students and other school partners while enjoying a light breakfast spread.

• Best of GW Faculty Lectures

  • Saturday, October 25, 11am - 1pm | Various Locations
  • Immerse yourself in the GW classroom experience at our Best of GW lectures. Join our world-renowned faculty for our most engaging, student-favorite lectures. We've got a fantastic lineup of lectures planned — topics will be posted at go.gwu.edu/bestofgw later this summer.

• Rev Up GW Resource Fair

  • Saturday, October 25, 11am - 1pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW (Rain site: Continental Ballroom, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW)
  • Learn more about campus resources and the support structures in place to aid in your student’s success at GW! Rain site: Grand Ballroom, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW

• Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life Open House

  • Saturday, October 25, 11am - 1pm | Suite 240, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • You’re invited to the Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life Open House. Stop by anytime between 11am and 1pm to tour our updated space, meet the CISL staff, and learn more about our programs and resources including prayer and meditation spaces on the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. Students, families, and friends are warmly welcome—we look forward to connecting with you and sharing what’s ahead this year. Registration is not required.

• Leadership Dialogue

  • Saturday, October 25, 1:30 - 2:30pm | Jack Morton Auditorium, 805 21st Street, NW
  • Join GW alumna Carrie Potter, GWSB ’99, ’01, President, The Carrie Potter Group, LLC., for a conversation with GW's 19th President Ellen M. Granberg. Hear about the collaborations taking place across the university community and the changes at GW designed to enhance our institutional prominence.

• Thurston Hall Open House

  • Saturday, October 25, 2 - 3:30pm | Penthouse, Thurston Hall, 1900 F Street, NW
  • Join us for an afternoon of connection and celebration at the Thurston Open House! Reconnect with old friends, meet current residents, and enjoy the stunning views from the Thurston Penthouse. There will be light refreshments, fun giveaways, and plenty of community spirit. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome—come see why Thurston still feels like home! 

• Vern Harvest

  • Saturday, October 25, 2:30 - 5:30pm | Mount Vernon Campus Quad, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW
  • Celebrate fall on GW’s beautiful Mount Vernon Campus with a traditional autumn festival hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Enjoy games, pumpkin decorating, crafts, fall treats and more! Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged. 🍁🎃🍂
    
    Buses for the Vern Harvest
  • Coach buses are operating between 2 - 6pm on Saturday, 10/25 to take Alumni & Families Weekend attendees to the Vern Harvest at the Mount Vernon Campus. Coach buses will pick up and drop off from Foggy Bottom in front of Funger hall. Coach buses will drop off and pick up at the Mount Vernon Campus on Whitehaven Pkwy (entrance to the Mount Vernon Campus).
  • In addition, the Mount Vernon Express Shuttle (VEX) is running every 20 minutes in front of Tompkins Hall.  Attendees with mobility issues should use the VEX shuttle as they will be dropped off at the clocktower stop closer to the Vern Harvest event. 

• Student Organization Reunions at the Alumni Beer Garden

  • Saturday, October 25, 3 - 5pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW (across from the tempietto) (New location)
  • Toast to the good times, relive the inside jokes, and reconnect with your fellow former student leaders at this casual reunion for alumni of the following organizations: Cherry Tree, Colonial Cabinet, Governing Board, The Hatchet, Politics & Values, Program Board, Residence Hall Association, Student Association, and WRGW.
  • Whether you wrote headlines, planned concerts, built a community in the residence halls, or ran for office, this is your chance to reunite, catch up on life’s events, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. Come for the memories—stay for the company (and the cold beverages). 🍺🥤🥨🌭
  • $25 to attend

• Honey W Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service Anniversary Celebration

  • Saturday, October 25, 4 - 6pm | 5th Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • Whether you served with the Office of Community Service in the 1990s, worked with the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service beginning in 2010, or have been part of the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service since 2015—you’re invited to celebrate our anniversary!
  • Were you part of a Day of Service? Did you join Alternative Breaks, Civic Changemakers, Civic House, CBC, DC Reads, engageDC, Jumpstart, Math Matters, Neighbors Project, or SMART DC? Are you a Knapp Fellow? Did you receive a social innovation grant from PSGC, CGI U, Projects for Peace, or Eco-Equity? Did you take a service-learning class? Are you a fan of Honey Nashman? If so, we’d love to see you at this special celebration! Reconnect with classmates and community partners, enjoy refreshments, share memories, and spend time with Honey Nashman herself and the Nashman Center team. Come ready for great conversation, photos, and plenty of reminiscing!

• Cultural Collage: Celebrating GW Alumni's Shared Identity and Interest Communities

  • Saturday, October 25, 5:30 - 7:30pm (New Time!) | Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, 2127 I (Eye) Street, NW
  • This event is for GW alumni and their guests. Join us for Cultural Collage, an evening bringing together GW’s Shared Identity & Interest Alumni Communities and all those who value connection and community. Reconnect with fellow alumni, make new friends, and celebrate the vibrant experiences that make GW’s alumni community so unique.
  • This special reception will offer the chance to mix and mingle across communities, share your GW stories, and explore ways to engage with programs that reflect and honor our shared identities and interests.  Visit the Shared Identity and Interest Communities website to learn more.

• Spirit of GW Awards

  • Saturday, October 25, 6 - 8pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW 
  • By invitation only. The Spirit of GW Awards are presented annually to a select group of GW alumni and friends who have elevated the standards of excellence and generosity within the GW community. 

• GW Loyal Dessert Reception

  • Saturday, October 25, 7 - 8:30pm | Room 150, Duquès Hall, 2201 G Street, NW 
  • By invitation only. To recognize the generosity and philanthropy of our GW Loyal community, join fellow GW donors across the street from the Smith Center for desserts and beverages prior to the Fall Comedy Show with Joel McHale! This event is open to all GW Loyal members as our opportunity to say thank you for being an integral part of serving the GW community year after year. Program Board ticket is not required for entry to the reception.

• Fall Comedy Show with Joel McHale
  presented by GW Program Board & the Division for Student Affairs

  • Saturday, October 25, 9 - 11pm | Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd Street, NW
  • Image

    

    Get ready to laugh at this year’s Fall Comedy Show, one of GW’s most beloved traditions. This year’s headliner, Joel McHale, is a celebrated actor, comedian, and television host best known for his starring roles in Community, The Soup, and FOX’s Animal Control. McHale rose to fame for his razor-sharp comedic voice and biting pop culture commentary as well as appearances in hit series, films, and national events including the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. With a dynamic career spanning stand-up, television, and film, McHale’s high-energy humor and quick wit promise an unforgettable evening of laughter at GW.

  • Hosted by GW Program Board, a student-run organization that produces many of the university’s largest events, in partnership with the Division for Student Affairs, this annual event brings top-tier talent to campus for a night of comedy open to students, alumni, families, and staff. 
  • Registration for this event is separate from AFW registration; you may purchase tickets for this event directly at go.gwu.edu/afwcomedy.
  • Doors open at 8 pm. Please arrive early—the show starts promptly at 9 pm, and all guests must be seated by then, as doors will close at showtime.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

• GW Families Jazz Brunch with Vice Provost Coleman

  • Sunday, October 26, 10am - 12pm | Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW 
  • Wrap-up Alumni & Families Weekend with Vice President Colette Coleman, staff from the Division for Student Affairs,  and a jazz performance by GW students. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, mingle with other GW families, and wrap up the weekend with your GW student before heading home. Capacity is limited to the first 600 people. Families are encouraged to register early. 🥐☕️☀️𝄞🎷
  • $25 for adults |$15 for children age 12 and under  

• 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) Scholarship (formerly 21st Century DC Scholarship)

  • Sunday, October 26, 10am - 12pm | Room 405, University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW
  • This event is for student and alumni scholarship recipients, associated faculty, and their guests. We invite all past and present recipients of the 21st Century DC Scholarship, renamed the SJT Scholarship, to join us in celebrating the legacy, impact, and future of this trailblazing initiative that brings high school graduates from the District of Columbia to GW. The scholarship, named after Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) GW's 15th President, recognizes his visionary leadership and dedication to expanding access to higher education. Join us for brunch and to connect, reflect, and honor the decades of community building. 

• District Connections - Family-Style

  • Sunday, October 26, 12 - 4pm | Departing from the 1st Floor, University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW
  • District Connections trips are designed for incoming undergraduate students at George Washington University. District Connections offers students access to staff- and peer-led events around Washington, DC that allow them to forge connections with other GW students and learn more about our vibrant city.
  • During Alumni & Families Weekend, all students, families, and supporters are invited to join one of our GWxDC trips around town. The trips are free, but capacity is limited per trip. Families are encouraged to register early. Guided trips will be using the Metro system to explore the area, just like our students do! 🚇🏛️ 
  • 12 - 3 pm Trips (20 participants per trip):
    • African American History Museum
    • Dupont Farmers Market
    • National Gallery of Art
    • National Zoo
    • Planet Word Museum
    • Spy Museum *
    • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • 1 - 4 pm Trips (20 participants per trip): 
    • African American History Museum
    • Eastern Market
    • Kramer's Book Store
    • National Zoo
    • Planet Word Museum
    • Spy Museum *
    • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
      
      * Due to capacity limitations, the trips to the Spy Museum are no longer available. Families who registered will be contacted to transfer their reservation to either the National Museum of American History or the National Museum of Natural History. For questions, please contact familiesgwu [dot] edu.

WHILE YOU’RE ON CAMPUS

Check out these additional activities happening on campus during Alumni & Families Weekend!
 

• The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum Open House

  • Friday, October 24, 10am - 5pm | The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, 701 21st Street, NW
  • As The Textile Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary and 10 years at GW, visitors are invited to enjoy exhibitions of global textile treasures and newer examples of responsible fashion from contemporary designers. Additional exhibitions examine the evolution of transportation in Washington, along with the stories of the city's hotels and other historical accommodations. Don't miss textile-inspired gifts for sale in the museum's Artisans Gallery. Museum admission is always free.

• Jazz in the Plaza

  • Friday, October 24, 2 - 3pm | Kogan Plaza, 2121 H Street, NW
  • Come join the GWJO in Kogan Plaza this October for our bi-annual Jazz in the Plaza show! Fall vibes, good music, and a good place to stop for a while to rest from the busy day.

• Cisneros Institute, Open House and Tenth Anniversary Celebration

  • Friday, October 24, 3 - 5pm | Square 80, 2110 G Street, NW; and Cisneros Institute, 2114 G Street, NW
  • Alumni, families, friends, and partners are all invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cisneros Institute! Come enjoy food and music, connect with students and staff, and learn more about the Cisneros Institute’s impact over the past decade. Registration is not required.

• Be a Part of GW’s New Marketing: Tell us your GW story during AFW

  • Friday, October 24, 3 - 7pm | Great Hall, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • GW’s Office of Communications & Marketing is inviting all members of the GW community to be a part of GW’s new brand story! Get your picture and/or video professionally taken in the University Student Center Great Hall and share how GW has made an impact on your life. There’s also a selfie and Polaroid station where you can take a keepsake photo from this memorable weekend! 
  • Friday: Video Station, Photo Stations; Saturday: Photo Stations only

• Shabbat Social: Challah Making

  • Friday, October 24, 4 - 5:30pm | GW Hillel, 2300 H Street, NW
  • Join us for a pre-Shabbat gathering at Hillel to braid challah and spend time together before Shabbat. Free to attend; registration encouraged. Register here. 

• The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum Open House

  • Saturday, October 25, 10am - 5pm | The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, 701 21st Street, NW
  • As The Textile Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary and 10 years at GW, visitors are invited to enjoy exhibitions of global textile treasures and newer examples of responsible fashion from contemporary designers. Additional exhibitions examine the evolution of transportation in Washington, along with the stories of the city's hotels and other historical accommodations. Don't miss textile-inspired gifts for sale in the museum's Artisans Gallery. Museum admission is always free.

• Be a Part of GW’s New Marketing: Tell us your GW story during AFW

  • Saturday, October 25, 11 am - 2pm | Great Hall, University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW
  • GW’s Office of Communications & Marketing is inviting all members of the GW community to be a part of GW’s new brand story! Get your picture and/or video professionally taken in the University Student Center Great Hall and share how GW has made an impact on your life. There’s also a selfie and Polaroid station where you can take a keepsake photo from this memorable weekend! 
  • Friday: Video Station, Photo Stations; Saturday: Photo Stations only

• GW Authors Book Signing

  • Saturday, October 25, 12 - 2pm | GW Campus Store, 2125 I Street, NW
  • Join us at the GW Campus Store to meet GW authors, Anthony Knopps, MS '11, Hitesh Dev, MS ‘02, George Banker, BS ‘85 and Jeremy Scott, MBA '15 and learn about their new books!

• Military & Veteran Services (MVS) Open House

  • Saturday, October 25 , 1 - 3pm | Military Community Center, 2035B F Street, NW
  • Join the Office of Military and Veteran Services for an afternoon of connection and conversation! Enjoy light refreshments as we welcome our military-affiliated and veteran alumni, students, and families back to Foggy Bottom for Alumni & Families Weekend.

• GW Men's Soccer vs. Dayton

  • Saturday, October 25, 3pm | GW Mount Vernon Athletic Complex, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW

• Mount Vernon All-Alumnae Class Reunion

  • Saturday, October 25, 5 - 7pm | Eckles Auditorium, Mount Vernon Campus
  • Celebrate with your Mount Vernon Seminary and College classmates and meet alumnae of the Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program at this all-class reunion reception. This year we will present the Elizabeth J. Somers Leadership Awards to Barbara Ficklin, MVS '65, and Joyce King, CCAS '08, WLP '04-05, and honor former Women's Leadership Program Directors Dr. Shelly Heller and Professor Mary Buckley. Register now.

• GW Hillel Brunch

  • Sunday, October 26, 10am - 12pm | GW Hillel, 2300 H Street, NW
  • Join GW Hillel for a brunch to come together as a community, see old friends, and meet the GW Hillel staff. Free to attend; registration encouraged. Register here. 

• GW Women's Soccer vs. Fordham

  • Sunday, October 26, 1:30pm | GW Mount Vernon Athletic Complex, 2100 Foxhall Road, NW

• GW Catholics Community Mass and FAM (Food After Mass)

  • Sunday, October 26 , 5:30pm | St. Stephen Martyr Church, 2436 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  • Join GW Catholics for Sunday Mass followed by a catered dinner and Fellowship! Open to all members of the GW Community--students, parents, alumni, and friends. All are welcome!