Freshmen Turn Out in Record Numbers for Day of Service

by Chris Evans

The newest members of the GW community came out in force Saturday, marking the fourth annual Freshman Day of Service. The class of 2016 stepped up to their call to action, bringing out a record high 2,000 students.

Before heading onto buses and spreading out across the District, students gathered at the Smith Center for the class of 2016 convocation, where they heard from President Steven Knapp and other notable speakers.

The crowd of freshmen stood in anticipation as President Knapp, Provost Steven Lerman, and other University notables entered the Smith Center and welcomed the class of 2016. Student Association President Ashwin Narla emceed the convocation, which touted keynote speaker Donna Brazile, a weekly contributor and political commentator on CNN who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Brazile, electrifying the Smith Center with her animated persona, called the class of 2016 to action and encouraged them to remember that "you must pay rent on this world" by giving back.

Taking up the call to action, the freshmen climbed onto buses and were dispatched to 35 sites throughout DC. The District community embraced the students' help and put them to work in parks, schools, and public areas.