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Steven Knapp

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 10:50 p.m.

University celebrates groundbreaking for new public health building

University President Steven Knapp, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Margaret Hamburg and Mayor Vincent Gray hold shovels to mark the groundbreaking for the new School of Public Health and Health Services building at an event Wednesday in University Yard. Ashley Lucas | Contributing Photo Editor

Government officials, administrators, faculty and students gathered at a ceremony Wednesday in University Yard, marking the groundbreaking for the new School of Public Health and Health Services building.

University President Steven Knapp said the $75 million building at 24th Street and New Hampshire Avenue, SPHHS’s first standalone home, would be a “spectacular addition” to the Washington Circle area.

“It is the fastest growing research arm of the University,” Knapp said. “I think it is inherently a disciplinary school because it touches on so many areas that the University has strengths in, in law, in policy, in medical sciences, health sciences, in mathematics and statistics, and everything comes together in a field of public health.”

Projected for completion in spring 2014, the structure will centralize the school’s seven departments under one roof for the first time, Dean Lynn Goldman said.

Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Margaret Hamburg praised Goldman for her leadership on the project, saying she is the “right person in the right place at the right time.”

“Public health must be our enterprise and I know that it is the vision of dean Goldman and everyone at the University,” Hamburg said. “Public health matters to each and every one of us, to the communities that we live in, and to the well being of our globe.”

The University held a symbolic demolition March 2 at the Warwick Memorial Building – which previously housed the GW Hospital’s radiation oncology unit – a week before construction began to make way for the new structure.

Mayor Vincent Gray said at Wednesday’s ceremony that the school would provide an “enormous contribution” to the University and the District.

“We expect public health to increasingly dominate the landscape in this nation,” Gray said.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 9:46 p.m.

Administrators show strategic planning progress at town hall

by Cory Weinberg

Provost Steve Lerman discussed the vision, approach and major themes used by the University to develop its strategic plan at a town hall Tuesday in the Marvin Center. Ashley Lucas | Contributing Photo Editor

Ideas like creating a GW think tank and merging the University’s schools into one undergraduate college are getting serious attention from the groups laying out this fall’s strategic plan, administrators said at a town hall Tuesday.

More than 200 people – few of them students – attended the event in the Marvin Center, as Provost Steven Lerman and the leaders of the strategic plan’s four working groups presented plans to prepare GW for transformations in the world and in higher education.

The groups have met up more than 30 times since March to discuss the plan’s four themes of globalization, policy and governance, innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration, and citizenship. Each includes about 15 faculty and staff members and two students.

The group focusing on interdisciplinary work has jumped at the idea to create one undergraduate college for students, following the models of Harvard University and the University of Chicago. Uniting undergraduate programs under one college would help students tackle more fields of study instead of staying in one discipline, said the group’s leader, Brian Richmond.

“We need to change the way we think about education,” Richmond, who is also chair of the anthropology department, said. “This would remove barriers that do exist.”

The University could also look toward restructuring undergraduate curriculum to focus on issues like poverty and obesity, or creating more specific minors in subjects like sustainability.

The strategic plan, a signature piece of University President Steven Knapp’s agenda, will look to define GW’s next 10 years. Lerman said the working groups hope to prepare the strategic plan for October’s Faculty Assembly and Board of Trustees meeting.

Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Planning Forrest Maltzman, who presented plans for the group on policy and governance, said a GW think tank could help expand the University’s research footprint.

He said hiring more tenure-track faculty in policy areas like race relations and sustainability would help strengthen ties between students and policy makers. These relationships would lead to better internships for students, which he said “are not always very meaningful opportunities” because they require mail sorting instead of practical experiences.

“When we turn on the news, we see GW professors and commenting on it but we don’t necessarily see us as the people making it. We want to be seen as the ones making it,” Maltzman said.

GW School of Business Dean Doug Guthrie pitched the University’s international plans, which include broad goals like building “deep relationships” in China, India, Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa.

He said the group discussed doubling the number of international students at GW and continued talks about creating an undergraduate degree program that could span three continents, which Guthrie and Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean Peg Barratt will try to launch by fall 2013.

Terri Reed, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, also discussed her groups’ efforts to spearhead changes to how the University develops “model citizens.”

She said creating a first-year undergraduate course on leadership and generating opportunities for a gap semester or year for students to participate in service projects were all on the table for the strategic plan.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 7:13 p.m.

Latino leaders urge GW to sever ties with Mexican billionaire

by Kierran Petersen

Andres Ramirez, a leader of Two Countries One Voice, speaks out Tuesday against the University's affiliation with Carlos Slim, who is scheduled to attend graduation on May 20 and receive and honorary degree. Samuel Klein | Hatchet Staff Photographer

A coalition of Latino organizers and leaders is giving the University two days to dissociate from the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim, who is slated to receive an honorary degree at Commencement later this month.

The American organization, Two Countries One Voice, sent a letter to University President Steven Knapp on Tuesday demanding that he sever ties with Slim because GW “should not continue to honor a man that has amassed his fortune on the backs of the People of Mexico and Latin America.”

The organization claims Slim’s two companies, based out of Mexico City, are exploiting customers by overcharging for poor quality phone and Internet service, disproportionately affecting people in rural communities.

“For an institution as prominent as George Washington University to be bestowing an honor on such a corrupt man gives the wrong impression to others that this guy is okay,” Andres Ramirez, one of the leaders of Two Countries One Voice, said at a press conference Tuesday.

Slim, the world’s wealthiest man, controls 80 percent of the Mexican telecommunications market according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The business magnate received the GW President’s Medal in 2009 for his work in business and community development in Mexico and Latin America. The Board of Trustees approved Slim’s honorary degree in October, which he will receive at the University-wide Commencement ceremony this spring.

Sam Nelson, a member of the Progressive Student Union, is one of several students petitioning for Knapp to revoke his invitation to Slim.

“I do not want to know that the degree that I am working so hard to get is associated with the degree of a man who has caused so much harm in Mexico and Latin America,” Nelson, who could not attend the press conference, said in a statement.

If the University does not disinvite Slim within the 48-hour window, the coalition plans to hold more events on campus to promote awareness, Ramirez said.

In response to the letter, Candace Smith, executive director of media relations, said in an e-mail, “The university is looking forward Mr. Slim’s participation in commencement.”

Thursday, May 3, 2012 4:16 p.m.

Women’s research institute hires first director

by Cory Weinberg

Mary Ellsberg, vice president for research and programs at the International Center for Research on Women, will lead GW's Global Women's Institute in the fall. Photo courtesy of the Office of Media Relations

An expert in research on gender and sexual health will head GW’s Global Women’s Institute, the University announced Thursday.

After a yearlong search, Mary Ellsberg was tapped to lead the University’s first institute on gender issues when it launches this fall. She will come to GW Aug. 1 after serving as vice president for research and programs at the nonprofit International Center for Research on Women.

“GW has such an impressive track record of research, education and policy engagement, as well as distinguished and deeply committed faculty to global women’s issues,” Ellsberg said in a release. “I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the agenda of the new Global Women’s Institute.”

Through research and teaching on women’s health, education, rights and security, the institute will look to push gender equality as a top University research initiative.

University President Steven Knapp sparked the creation of the center after seeing women’s rights oppression during a trip to Saudi Arabia in 2009.

A University-wide task force brought together various women’s rights efforts to create the institute. Barbara Miller, associate dean for faculty affairs in the Elliott School of International Affairs, led the search committee for the new institute’s leader with the help of professional search firm Isaacson, Miller.

Administrators picked Ellsberg to lead the center for her research clout, Provost Steven Lerman said in a release. Ellsberg oversees the International Center for Research on Women portfolio on economic development, gender, violence and rights, gender and HIV and gender, stigma and discrimination.

“Mary has demonstrated how research can be employed to advance women’s rights and well-being, and I am confident that she will ensure that the work of our students and scholars has an impact in ensuring equality,” Lerman said.

Monday, April 30, 2012 8:07 p.m.

Group of experts to advise on research agenda

by Cory Weinberg

The University will call on a group of experts to lay out plans for buoying GW’s rising research profile, the Office of the Vice President for Research announced today.

Vice President for Research Leo Chalupa said the 13-person Research Advisory Board would help raise GW's research profile. Hatchet File Photo

A 13-person Research Advisory Board, tasked with helping GW attract top researchers and students, will hold its first meeting May 15. The group will meet twice a year, weighing in on the path the University will take in its research ventures.

The group will include experts from inside the University, like professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and Nobel laureate Ferid Murad, and outside the University, like Alan Leshner, executive publisher of the journal “Science” and CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Officials from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the GW Alumni Association will also sit on the board, which will also include several deans.

“I’m delighted that such a broad range of experts agreed to serve on GW’s Research Advisory Board,” Vice President for Research Leo Chalupa said in a news release. “I look forward to hearing their insights and suggestions for moving GW forward in our quest to become a top-tier research institute.”

The board will look to continue momentum for University’s progress on research clout after GW jumped into the National Science Foundation’s top 100 research rankings in early April, coming in as the No. 99 school for research and development spending for fiscal year 2010.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 1:07 a.m.

Knapp addresses concerns from Foggy Bottom residents

by The GW Hatchet

President Steven Knapp speaks with Foggy Bottom Association President Asher Corson at one of the group's meetings Wednesday. Shannon Brown | Hatchet Photographer

This post was written by Hatchet reporter Cydney Hargis

University President Steven Knapp addressed community concerns about the 2007 Campus Plan at a neighborhood meeting Tuesday.

Knapp’s attendance marked his first visit to the Foggy Bottom Association, a local neighborhood group, since his introductory appearance at a 2008 meeting after he assumed his role as the University’s 16th president.

Multiple Foggy Bottom residents voiced apprehension regarding the University’s plans to keep tabs on its student enrollment cap, a population limit outlined in the campus plan.

“We monitor that obsessively throughout the entire admissions process,” Knapp said. “It’s a very tricky process every year because you can never be sure of who is going to come after we offer them admission.”

Foggy Bottom resident Michael Dudich asked that GW consider buildings’ appearances while redeveloping old structures.

“What happens inside the building doesn’t really affect us,” Dudich said. “The exterior of the building affects us as a neighborhood.”

Knapp said though he does not have a personal opinion on building appearances, he is happy to take suggestions.

Relations between GW and its Foggy Bottom neighbors were strained under former President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg’s 19-year tenure, when Foggy Bottom transformed from a quiet residential area into a bustling college neighborhood but have become less fractious in the last two years.

FBA President Asher Corson said the meeting did represent an improvement in relations between GW and the Foggy Bottom residents.

“I think fundamentally a lot of the same issues in terms of development are still there, but I do think the tone has improved,” Corson said, referring to large campus construction projects.

Matthew Kwiecinski contributed to this report

Friday, April 20, 2012 6:11 p.m.

Senior wins chance to speak at Commencement after competition

by The GW Hatchet

Senior Noreen Kassam stands alongside University President Steven Knapp after Kassam grabbed a spot as the student Commencement speaker. Zachary Krahmer | Hatchet Staff Photographer

This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Kierran Petersen

A senior majoring in international affairs and political science earned the chance to tell her GW story to fellow graduates next month when she won the annual student Commencement speaker competition today.

Noreen Kassam, who hails from Albuquerque, N.M. will address more than 25,000 people at the May 20 Commencement alongside longtime NBC anchor Brian Williams.

Kassam beat out 11 other finalists from five of GW’s schools, performing her speech in front of a panel of professors, administrators and students.

“I didn’t see it coming. I was shocked and speechless,” Kassam said.

Kassam said it was difficult to summarize her four years at GW in the three-minute speech in which she discussed the potential for students to do good in the world.

“I happen to be the one speaking but it is on behalf of all of those graduating,” she said.

The competition, which began in late March, drew about 40 total applicants who were required to submit a biography, a written copy of their speech and a YouTube video of them performing it.

In past years, each college nominated one representative to compete for student commencement speaker.

“I think it broadens the process a little bit more. It just means that more of our students get to be considered by the judges,” said University President Steven Knapp, who announced Kassam as the winner.

Knapp said student commencement speakers are valued for their ability to speak clearly about what student life is like at GW.

Kassam said that her parents – who will travel to the District for Commencement – will be proud of her feat.

“I think their trip to D.C. just became a little more exciting,” she said.

Friday, April 20, 2012 3:20 p.m.

Konwerski to advance to University’s highest student life post

by Sarah Ferris

Dean of Students Peter Konwerski speaks during the annual Martha's Marathon housing auction in February. Konwerski will assume the title of Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. Hatchet File Photo

The University announced plans today to reorganize leadership for multiple departments within Student and Academic Support Services, following the retirement of the office’s long-serving vice president Robert Chernak in June.

Chernak previously oversaw areas related to student life, admissions and athletics – departments that will now report directly to Provost Steven Lerman.

Lerman said the restructuring is a part of a “natural evolution to try to integrate more functions that had previously been separated between the student affairs and academic affairs office.”

Dean of Students Peter Konwerski will assume the title of Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, managing “essentially the same portfolio,” Lerman said.

“Peter has been a part of the university community for many years and will continue to serve an essential role in guiding our efforts to effectively support our students in their non-academic pursuits,” Lerman said in a letter to staff.

Lerman said the “lateral” shift – which is an expansion of University President Steven Knapp’s provost model for academics – will not affect departments’ day-to-day functions for students.

Lerman also announced his office would launch a national search for a leader of GW’s new enrollment management division, an office that will integrate undergraduate and graduate admissions and financial aid. Until this position is filled, Senior Vice Provost Forrest Maltzman will oversee these areas.

Konwerski, a three-time alumnus, will oversee departments including the Center for Student Engagement, Student Health Service, University Counseling Center, the International Services Office, GW Office of Veteran Services and Office of Parent Services. Konwerski was promoted to dean of students in May 2010. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Terri Harris Reed will also see an expanded role in student affairs. In addition to advising University staff and faculty on issues related to underrepresented populations, Reed will soon oversee the Multicultural Student Services Office, Student Academic Success, Disability Support Services and the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. She was not immediately available for comment.

Athletic Director Patrick Nero will remain in charge of the Department of Athletics and Recreation.

Chernak, who will be leaving his post June 30 after 24 years, said shortly after announcing his retirement last month that he did not expect one person to replace him because of his unique specialties at GW.

This post was updated on April 20, 2012 to reflect the following:
The Hatchet reported that Provost Steven Lerman characterized Peter Konwerski’s move as linear. The provost said “lateral.”

Thursday, April 19, 2012 10:05 p.m.

House majority leader calls for political activism among youth

by The GW Hatchet

House Majority Leader and alumnus Eric Cantor speaks Thursday on the importance of service and political engagement at an event held in GW Hillel. Michael Boosalis | Hatchet Photographer

This post was written by Hatchet reporter Kaya Yurieff

The House majority leader kept a room of about 60 students anticipating his speech about youth engagement in politics for nearly an hour Thursday.

Alumnus Eric Cantor, who was about 50 minutes late to his scheduled appearance at GW Hillel, urged students to get involved in the political realm like he did as an undergraduate.

“You are in the best city in the world, and the best country in the world. You could not be in a better spot. The tools available to you are phenomenal. I encourage you to step up,” Cantor said.

While at GW, Cantor interned at the Congressional office for Virginia’s 7th District – a seat he won in 2001. He has served as the House majority leader since January 2011.

During his 12 minutes at the mic, Cantor encouraged students to use social media for spreading political campaign messages.

“We need your help. We are a country where the power is derived from the people,” he said. “What we’re trying to do in the House of Representatives is to try to help bring your generation into the process of lawmaking and policy making in this country.”

Cantor, the lone Jewish House Republican, was a member of GW Hillel.

Jessica Hoffner, president of the service-focused student organization Challah For Hunger, said the group chose Cantor as a speaker because he is “an advocate for Judaism and Jewish values, which include social justice.”

Hoffner founded the 60-member group in October to raise money for hunger and disaster relief by selling homemade Jewish bread called challah. In the last three months, the group has raised nearly $1,000.

She said Cantor’s activities on the Hill put him behind schedule.

University President Steven Knapp, who walked in with Cantor, said GW’s chapter of Challah for Hunger was part of “a very inspiring national organization.”

Cantor made headlines this morning when he dodged questions from POLITICO’s Mike Allen, who asked Cantor whether he had observed any anti-Semitism in Congress. Cantor did not reference the encounter during his speech.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 7:16 p.m.

ITF showcases ideas to broaden online learning and alternative programs

by The GW Hatchet

Members of the Innovation Task Force's steering committee pitch ideas for a Summer of Service program to members of the GW community. Cécile Schilis-Gallego | Hatchet Photographer

This post was written by Hatchet reporter Liza Dee.

The Innovation Task Force unveiled its top proposals Tuesday for the next phase of the University-wide cost-saving initiative, including pitches to expand online learning and alternative academic programs.

Students, faculty and staff discussed the 12 ideas, which ranged from online programs for veterans and high school students to a three-year graduation option, at a showcase in the Marvin Center.

The dozen proposals will be whittled down to six concrete plans over the next six months.

The event marked the fourth round of ideas since University President Steven Knapp created the Innovation Task Force in 2009 to build up enough savings for a $60 million annual investment in academics, student life and research after it first five years.

James Mahshie, a professor of speech and hearing sciences who helped lead the phase four innovation team, said while it was tough to keep up the momentum in another phase of the initiative, he was confident in the proposed ideas.

“To be honest, we sort of panicked,” Mahshie said. “We thought, ‘Oh God, all the good ideas have been taken.’ However, through the process of assembling the 13 people that were on this task force, we really started cranking. In the end, the 13 came up with 12 [ideas].”

Among the ideas introduced was a pre-health professional certificate program on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus, which would allow recent college graduates to take math and science credits before applying to medical, nursing or veterinary schools. The certificate program could add $1 million in revenue by bringing in students who would not count under the city-imposed enrollment cap.

Other revenue-generating proposals would seek to introduce the University to a wider audience. A Summer of Service program, estimated to provide $100,000 in revenue, would attract students from other universities to GW for a summer of volunteering and earning college credit in the D.C. area.

A plan to offer college courses to high school students, which estimated $2.5 million in revenue generation, would also look to enhance GW’s reputation by allowing students from all over to take GW classes online for transferable college credit.

Gary Naegel, the Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s director of personnel and finance, said the program would “get GW out of geographic zone that it’s been dependent on for the last couple of years,” referring to the reliance on key states like New York and New Jersey to feed applicants into the University.

The University could also save $480,000 by filling the 20 apartment units in Columbia Plaza that go unoccupied every month by targeting international students coming to the GW Law School.

The ITF’s first three phases of cost-saving ideas have already produced $43.4 million in annual savings, ITF co-chair Dave Lawlor said.

A second showcase – discussing the same ideas – will be held Thursday at the Virginia campus.

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