The Hatchet’s editorial board evaluates GW’s response to this week’s record breaking snow storm.
As the District recovers from the devastation of Snowpocalypse, we expect students to look back on this storm with fond memories. On campus, the weekend was full of impromptu snowball fights, various last minute activities and free snacks in residence halls and at basketball games. In general, the University’s response was measured and effective, though there were some missed opportunities that GW could have seized.
Yes, I can assure you that you will look back on this with fond memories. I still fondly remember the storm I experienced in February 1979. The city was closed except for GWU. Classes were in session since the majority of students lived on campus. I had an exam that was not canceled. It took me a few hours to make it to campus. However, upon arrival I found every street and sidewalk cleared to the pavement. Despite the struggle I must admit that I felt a small sense of pride about what our university had accomplished. The rest of the city took days to get back to normal.
Back then the university never closed for weather. It was rumored that then President Elliot said it never had, and that nothing short of a nuclear attack every would close down the school. I like to think it was his testament to the resilience of the GWU community. I believe the same holds true today.