The Last Lecture Series: "Hot Decisions"

On Tuesday night, Prof. Nils Olsen gave his 'Last Lecture' on "Hot Decisions." Dr. Olsen is an assistant professor in Organizational Sciences and Communication teaching statistics, negotiation, and the course he introduced to GW called extreme decisions.

During his lecture, Dr. Olsen did an interactive activity with the audience to demonstrate contextual decision-making and discussed how Olympic bobsledding is psychology with safety and medals on the line. Olsen also admitted that despite all of his research in psychology and decision-making, he still bases his life decisions on passion, emotion, and what will make him happiest.

The Last Lecture Series is run by the GW SAC Leadership & Development Program. During each lecture, a faculty member is invited to share reflections and stories on their personal and professional loves.

All of the lectures are based on the question: "If you knew this was the last lecture you'd ever give to a captive audience of students, what would you say to them?" There are no pre-determined boundaries; the program is designed to be entertaining, emotional, moving and inspiring.

The next lecture will be presented by Prof. Michael Wenger on April 6th and the topic will be "A Recipe for Trouble." If you know a faculty member at GW who would be interested in participating in the Last Lecture Series, email Leadership4Change@gmail.com

25th Anniversary of the Excellence in Student Life Awards

For the past 25 years, the Student Activities Center has made it a priority to annually recognize those on campus that have made a strong commitment to GW. The Excellence in Student Life Awards honor individuals, student organizations, and university programs whose efforts have enhanced the quality of campus life. Awards range from 'Program Board Event of the Year' to 'Student Employee of the Year' to 'Student Organization of the Year.'

Departments involved with the awards include the Career Center, Housing Programs, Program Board, Campus Recreations, Office of Community Service and Multicultural Student Services Center.

This year, the awards will take place on Wednesday, April 21st. Be sure to nominate those that have made an impact on your experience at GW! Nominations are being accepted online now through to March 5th.

WRGW News will be covering the awards and reporting the winners.

Stewart top choice for Colonials Weekend

[caption id="attachment_2114" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Comedian Jon Stewart. Used with permission of GW News Center"][/caption]

           A six month long process, similar to that of selecting the commencement speaker, led to comedian Jon Stewart’s invitation to perform two shows on Colonials Weekend.

           Student suggestions, parent input, and even psychographic assessments, among other methods, were used to identify Stewart as an option according to Peter Konwerski, Associate Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer with GW’s Student and Academic Support Services.

             “Jon Stewart was first choice among many lists and the first act we sought to sign,” Konwerski tells WRGW News.

            Following last year’s Colonials Weekend, which brought comedian Robin Williams to campus, parents were encouraged to fill out a survey asking for musical names, comedy acts, or speakers.

            “Key students and student leaders in the arts community [including] Program Board, Student Activities Center, Student Association, and WRGW Radio” were among student groups consulted according to Konwerski.

            The university reportedly also worked with the graduate level Event Management Program for the first time. The Spring 2009 class “Event Entertainment” worked with demographic and psychographic assessments, which identified potential acts.

            Trends among students were monitored through social mediums like Facebook, as well. Students not connected with any group, and even alumni were encouraged to submit names.

            This data was submitted to the Student Academic and Support Services office where additional information like the availability of performers, cost and format factored into the decision to extend an invitation to Stewart.

           - Jesse Regis