Convocation Address (as delivered)
August 24, 2024
President Ellen M. Granberg
19th President of the George Washington University
Thank you, Provost Bracey.
Hello, and good morning, everyone! Class of 2028… welcome to the George Washington University!
You've already had a week packed with activities coordinated by our fantastic New Student Orientation team. Has it been fun?
I have really enjoyed the time I’ve spent meeting you and your families, listening to Dr. Eboo Patel’s words of wisdom at the orientation kick-off, cheering for GW at the Buff and Blue Pep Rally, and hanging out together at the National Mall. I hope you are already starting to have some of your own “only-at-GW” moments as you’ve gotten to know our campus and city.
As Provost Bracey noted, today, we are gathering to mark the beginning of your academic experience at GW. At universities around the country, a student’s academic journey is marked by two points where you gather together as a full class. The first, the one we are holding today, is called Convocation, and the second will be your Commencement on the National Mall.
GW students are some of the most intellectually and socially engaged on the planet, and your academic experience is part of what will give you the skills you need to take all of that energy and channel it into greatness. It is an amazing privilege and an amazing opportunity, and the next four years of your life will be like no other.
And what a time to begin!
As you embark on your college experience here in Washington, D.C., our nation is gearing up for an important and consequential presidential election. Every four years, this process ignites the innate passion for politics and civic engagement that defines our university, and our campuses come alive with the spirit of democracy. From canvassing and campaigning to providing expert commentary, engaging in debate, and voting—our faculty, students, and staff are involved in every aspect of this critical process.
I shared this in my welcome message earlier this week, but it bears repeating today: our location here in the heart of the nation's capital isn't just a point on a map—it's an open invitation to participate in history. I can’t imagine a more exciting time or place to begin your college journey.
Today also marks another important GW tradition—our annual Day of Service. This is one of your very first opportunities to work together as a class and have a tangible impact throughout our local communities. This dedication to service is an integral part of GW's legacy of impact, and I look forward to joining you for today's activities.
Finally, today's Convocation also marks your entrance into the GW community— a remarkable group of local, national, and global leaders and changemakers.
Over 120 members of Congress, 79 ambassadors, 2 U.S. Secretaries of State, 2 U.S. Attorney Generals, and countless journalists, judges, CEOs, athletes, and entertainers have started their careers at a GW Convocation sitting in the very seats you occupy now. And like them, you are embarking on your own unique and exciting journey to change the world.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "I just got here, and I'm just trying to figure this campus out."
Well, I am here today to tell you that at GW, we're experts in turning "just" into "just watch me." Every day on this campus, you will run head-first into an opportunity to engage with your passions, challenge your assumptions, and discover what truly matters to you.
I encourage you to join a club or student organization, participate in an intramural sport, attend events you may not usually have thought to attend, and engage with people who think differently than you.
If you're interested in cutting-edge research in fields like sustainability or artificial intelligence or humanitarian development, go knock on a professor's door—trust me, they'll be excited to chat with you. For those passionate about social justice and community service, our extensive community partnerships provide countless avenues to make a real difference.
These are just a few of the ways to get involved, but countless Only-at-GW opportunities await you in the years ahead.
And here's the best part about joining the GW community: you don't have to figure this all out alone.
Our faculty aren't just leaders in their fields; they're dedicated mentors committed to your success. Get to know them—visit their office hours, engage in class discussions, and ask questions.
Equally important are our staff members, who work every day to support you at every point of your GW journey.
Of course, one of the most valuable resources you have at GW is seated all around you.
Your classmates come from all 50 states and over 100 countries and represent one of the most talented classes to ever arrive at GW. They bring unique experiences and viewpoints that will challenge and enrich your own. I urge you to get to know your fellow students—not just those in your dorm or major, but those studying in different fields with different interests.
As our future leaders, one of the most critical skills I hope you take away from your time at GW is the ability to engage constructively despite differences, work across disciplines, and learn important lessons from a wide range of perspectives.
I will warn you—the next four years won't always be easy. We'll ask you to step out of your comfort zone and to grapple with problems that might seem insurmountable. But that's precisely why we all chose to come to GW. You're here to learn, grow, push boundaries, and become the kind of leader our world needs.
Class of 2028, your journey begins today, and I can't wait to see where it takes you.
On behalf of the entire GW community, welcome to the George Washington University!
Now, let’s get ready for a fantastic Day of Service!