Many Faiths Come Together To Share a Meal

BY JESSE ZAPATA

The twelfth Annual Interfaith Dinner was held last Wednesday in the Marvin Center to highlight the various faith organizations on campus. Students who attended were treated to live music, food, guest speakers, and more during the annual event. Started after 9/11, the dinner strives to bring together students in solidarity against prejudice. Overall, the event was focused on examining faith’s common role in social justice and freedom. 

Tim Kane, associate director for inclusion initiatives, introduced the various performers and guests. Each campus faith organization was represented, and they also chose the speakers. The Voice Gospel Choir began the program with several hymns.

Speakers for the event included Muslim Student Association student Aabid Mohiuddin, Satyam representative Pavithra Chidambaram, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship choice Jon Yu, Allied in Pride representative Nicholas Gumas, GW Catholic student Olivia Bee, Jewish Student Association representative Joey Saban, and Kabir Gumer from the Sikh Student Association.

Each original speech was unique, yet they all taught lessons. Some were deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and quoted passages from the New Testament while others focused on a secular morality. Another defined the term “Tikkun Olam” as the Jewish faith's "one common goal of a better place for those who follow". A fellow speaker focused on the Sikh traditions of identity and scholastic petition. Each address, though different from the others, represented the night’s theme of the involvement of faith in freedom and social justice.

In closing, GW President Steven Knapp gave a brief history of the Interfaith Dinner and the university’s history of student led interfaith initiative. He also shared an excerpt of a letter written by George Washington to a Rhode Island Synagogue's congregation. The letter contained not just the theme quote of the evening, " to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance," but a larger statement about the power of diversity in bringing wisdom and prosperity to those who embrace it.

Interfaith Director for Satyam, the school's Hindu awareness organization and planner of the event Priya Yadav said she was happy with the dinner’s turnout. She added that the school had been working to “re-excite interest in interfaith and multicultural events.”

“We have so many [students] dedicated to their faith who want to let others know,” she said. 

Students, Community Join the Knapps for Apple Day Crunch

BY JENNA SPOONT

(From l to r) GW President Steven Knapp, his wife Diane Knapp, and World-renowned Chef José Andrés bite into apples as part of Apple Day Crunch. (Photo Credit: Jenna Spoont)

Diane Knapp, President Steven Knapp’s wife, welcomed students, faculty and community members in University Yard Thursday to celebrate the Apple Day Crunch. At 12:15 p.m., Diane Knapp, led the “crunch” and encouraged everyone to take a picture of themselves eating an apple.

“There are apples all around campus and we are encouraging everyone to participate,” Diane Knapp said.   “Take an apple, share it, eat it, and it’s a first step in coming to the challenge of eating more healthily.”

The event was hosted by the Urban Food Task Force, which engages students, faculty, staff and volunteers to promote healthy eating and to discuss food policy and sustainability. The Apple Day Crunch was part of the “weeklong extravaganza.” The students that earn the most points for attending lectures, talks and other events, win a nutritious dinner with the The Knapp’s at the F Street House Oct. 31st.

Baskets of locally grown, sustainable apples, from McIntosh to Red Delicious, were free to take.

“It symbolizes what we’re doing...to make our campus a healthier community and a more sustainable community,” President Knapp said. “By thinking about where we source our food from, by thinking about the way we distribute food, by thinking about what our students do when they go to the various restaurants here. So Diane’s got all of these restaurants signed up to promote healthy eating choices for students here, so it’s all part of a comprehensive effort to practice what we teach.”

The Knapp’s were joined by world-renowned Spanish chef José Andrés, who taught the most popular course last semester, “The World on a Plate: How Food Shapes Civilization.” Andrés will teach at GW again in the Spring.

“This is a generation of students that’s really interested in food and interested in all of the issues that food involves,” President Knapp said.

The Center for Student Engagement co-sponsored the Apple Day Crunch and advertised University community service.

“[The Apple Day Crunch] is important because it’s another opportunity to bring light to the people who are working on the issues within the city,” said Maurice Smith, Academic Service Learning Coordinator at the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.  “Specifically [the event] highlights that GW is very invested in not only its students learning about healthy issues here at GW, but also within the District and working with our neighbors here.”

University Community Unites to Remember September 11th

By Melissa Lee 

The National Anthem was performed at the University's 9/11 Memorial Service Wednesday night. 
Photo Credit: Melissa Lee

On Wednesday, at 8:46 a.m., the carillon bells rang out at GW’s Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses. At this time, GW faculty and students paused to remember the tragedy of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. Countless individuals lost their lives on September 11, including nine GW alums.

At 7:00 p.m., students gathered at University Yard to participate in a remembrance vigil in honor of all those who lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who participated in acts of heroism in the face of fear and tragedy.

Volunteers distributed small paper-lined candles to all attendees as they entered to watch the service. Student Association President Julia Susuni opened the event, thanking all participants. She introduced a series of prayers that members of several faiths delivered, all of which emphasized remembrance and reconciliation within the university community.

President Steven Knapp then gave remarks, noting his pride in students’ commitment to service and community through university events honoring the victims of September 11, such as the annual interfaith dinner and day of service.

The service proceeded with those who provided firsthand accounts of the events of September 11. An admiral, who was at the Pentagon during the attacks, recounted his experiences on that day, and he thanked all Americans for what they have done for their country. He also spoke about some kind strangers who helped him get home from the Pentagon that day, as well as how everyday people have helped to honor the victims and heroes of September 11.

GW student Mike Masseroli provided a deeply personal story of how his father was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks.

He said that September 11 was his first day of the first grade, and that his father had left to work earlier that morning. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, Masseroli said, but later that day he learned that his father would not be returning home. Despite this tragedy, throughout his life Masseroli has committed himself to continuing his father’s legacy. Masseroli said that some people describe September 11 as a day that revealed the evil side of mankind, but he disagrees.  Instead, he believes that September 11, 2001 was a day when Americans demonstrated the best side of human resilience.

 “I was really happy that they asked me to be a part of it this year,” Masseroli said when WRGW asked him what Wednesday’s remembrance vigil meant to him. “Last year I attended as a spectator, and they saw my photo in the Hatchet, and the GW events staff contacted me a couple of months ago and asked me if I would be a part of this, and I knew right when they asked me that I had to do it. It was a great opportunity to just give what I hope was a unique perspective on the issue.”

After Masseroli’s speech, nine candles were lit in honor of the nine GW alums who lost their lives on September 11. These nine candles were then used to light the candles of the service attendees. Choral music, including a rendition of “God Bless America,” was sung during this time. Those present paused for a moment of remembrance.

Susuni gave closing remarks for the service, inviting members of the GW community to become further involved with other events in remembrance of September 11 such as the annual interfaith dinner.  

Unranked and Embarrassed: GW Administrators Look to Move Forward

By Chris Evans 

Nearly a week after US News and World Report's unranking of  George Washington University (GW) from their annual college rankings, President Steven Knapp and his administration sat down to answer the school's questions. 

Monday night's event, hosted by the Student Association (SA), marks the first time administrators publicly addressed students since it was announced that GW admissions had been inaccurately calculating and reporting admission statistics to US News and World. 

US News and World Report Leaves GW Unranked 

Since responding to the inaccurate ranking reports by stripping GW of its' ranking, US News and World has stated it will keep GW unmarked for the year and reassess the university's ranking for the next publication of their report on colleges and universities--often used by parents and students when considering prospective colleges. 

President Steven Knapp was joined on the panel by Provost Steven Lerman, Dean of Students Peter Konwerski, VP of External Relations Lorraine Voles, and Senior Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Planning, Forest Maltzman. 

Introduced by SA President Ashwin Narla and Vice President Abby Bergren, President Knapp made it clear that, "We're embarrassed by this mistake." Knapp explained that the university alerted US News and World immediately upon finding the discrepancy and that even though the University is now unranked by the report, "We remain the same institution as we were a week ago." 

Maltzman Breaks Down What Happened

Maltzman divulged the timeline of what occurred.  He explained that over the summer when the Provost's office was reorganized, the admissions policy was reviewed. "One variable did not pass the sniff test," said Maltzman. While SAT scores from the incoming class stayed relatively flat compared to past years, class rank statistics went noticeably up. Upon review it was determined the procedure for estimating class rank was inaccurate. 

Determining students' class ranks is not as easy as viewing their SAT scores.  According to Maltzman, "High schools report class rank in different ways, some don't report." 

The admissions office would simply estimate where a student might be in their class rank by looking at their SAT/ACT score, GPA, and course load.   The estimation procedure that has been used for around twenty years was off and as Maltzman put it, "We were all sort of surprised."

Provost Lerman Explains How University Plans to Move Forward

Lerman explained the university's action plan to move forward telling students and community members at the town hall meeting that, "We report what happened and we make sure it does not happen again." 

Lerman said, "those responsible are no longer responsible for the data." 

He went onto explain that the statistics found and reported will also now be audited by an outside auditor to ensure only numbers available are used in the report--no more of the estimating that Knapp stated, "should never have been done."

 Lerman's second part of the plan indicated the University's calculation of statistics will no longer be done by admission workers but rather separate and independent people. 

Finally, the Administration made it clear they agreed with GW students' call for change. Lerman said, "we are recruiting a new manger of enrollment to look over data and admissions reporting who will act solely as a point person." 

Vice President for External Relations Lorraine Voles reached out to students.   

She said, "We'll answer every question we can." 

Voles, who is in charge of GW's new image and outreach for prospective students, told those in attendance that the University is charging forward in clarifying that being stripped of the ranking is not a reflection of the education and opportunities available to GW students and those looking at possibly making GW their home. 

Provost Lerman agreed, telling town hall participants that, "this University is not defined by its' rankings." 

Potential Effects of US News and World Ranking 

Students and community members voiced concern about GW's integrity in the eyes of prospective students as well as prospective employers. The administrative panel eased student's concerns reiterating that the US News and World Report is only one set of numbers and that GW will be ranked once again next year--likely very near its former position of 51. 

Knapp commented, "these rankings are problematic for an institution of our nature." 

While trying to make a neutral way to rank universities, the report does not take into consideration unique opportunities offered by individual universities. In fact, Knapp took students by surprise when he told them, "GW looses credit in the ranking system for having part time faculty teach [such as Supreme Court Justices teaching law classes, government officials lecturing a course, or other Washington residents that offer time teaching a class or two at GW]."

Other than causing the University to revisit it's strategy for calculating and reporting statistics of incoming students and putting more pressure on the administration, there is no defined effect of GW being unranked.  

While embarrassed and surprised by being stripped of its ranking, the GW administrators are moving forward, following Provost Lerman's call to, "decide our own destiny."

U.S. News and World Report "Unranks" University

By Evan Ritscher

U.S. News and World Report has changed the George Washington University’s national ranking in light of erroneous data the school provided to the news organization over the course of the past decade.

Earlier, U.S. News ranked the school as the nation’s 51^st-best university. However, in a statement released Wednesday, the news organization announced they will remove GW from that list and will classify the university as an “unranked" school.  U.S. News will not re-examine the university until next fall for the 2014 rankings, if the school can prove the accuracy of its new data submission.

The move comes as GW announced on November 8^th that for close to 10 years, it had been incorrectly calculating important information about students who decided to attend the university. As a result, the university had been giving flawed data on its admissions process and students to organizations like U.S. News and similar institutions that use the data in their ranking of colleges and universities.

Among the most important data GW incorrectly reported to the ranking organization was statistics on the portion of students who ranked in the top 10 percent of their class. In some cases the actual data was 20 percent lower than what the school reported.

For example, for the class of 2015, the university claimed 78 percent of students were in ranked in the top 10 percent of their high schools. In actuality, the number was 58 percent. Such flawed data, which U.S. News and World Report claims makes up 6 percent of its methodology in determining school rankings, lead to the organization’s decision to “unrank” the university.  

U.S. News classifies schools as "unranked" if they fall into the second tier of national universities, if they are liberal arts colleges, regional colleges, or regional universities, or if they fail to pass U.S. News’ own cutoff level. However, it is unclear what specific criteria U.S. News used in its decision to remove GW from its rankings.

President Steven Knapp released a statement Wednesday, saying the university was surprised and disappointed by U.S. News' decision to remove GW's ranking rather than adjust it.  Knapp also stated the university plans to improve safeguards meant to prevent these errors from occurring again.

Other schools had similar issues with misreporting data recently. Both Emory University in Georgia and Claremont McKenna University in California disclosed that they reported incorrect data earlier this year. But U.S. News did not remove either of those schools from its rankings.

President Knapp Plays Surprise Drum Solo (audio)

President Knapp playing drums on stage with the Jazz All Stars

President Steven Knapp took the stage at WRGW's annual jazz brunch Sunday morning with the GW Jazz All Stars in front of an audience of students, faculty and administrators including Provost Steven Lermen and Global Media Institute Director Michael Freedman.

Veteran radio host and GW special assistant Dick Golden asked Knapp to stay on stage following a brief speech to join the jazz ensemble on drums. Not only did the University president help anchor the rhythm section, bassist Dominic Martinez, senior, passed off to Knapp for a lively solo. Check out the performance below.

WRGW Jazz Brunch - Pres. Steven Knapp on the Drums 10/16/2011 by jorge-a-gadala-maria


-Joseph Rabinowitz

J Street Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Dining Changes

GW Dining Services officially celebrated J-Street's over-the-summer renovations with a ribbon-cutting celebration Tuesday night, complete with GW cheer team pep and an appearance by school mascot George the Colonial. President Steven Knapp cut the ceremonial purple ribbon while students snacked on samples from various J Street venues.

Over the summer, Sodexo, who is contracted out by the University to provide on-campus food, made several changes to the J Street facility, including removing the monument and staircase to create more open space and closing down fast-food restaurants Wendy's and Chick-fil-A. New venues include The Metro Diner and Thyme, serving homestyle, full-course lunches and dinners. Sodexo also renamed the returning venues.

GW administrators view the changes as an upgrade, answering students' need for healthier dining options.

"The challenge that we had before us was to bring fresh, nutritious food into J -Street," Nancy Haaga, Managing Director of Campus Support Services, explained.

Sodexo, though, knows there is still work to be done.

"We are still working, still changing, and evolving everyday," Katy Kash, the Marketing Director for GW Campus Dining, said.

One of the early issues for J-Street is the struggle for Thyme to receive business. Administrators, students and Sodexo all seem to notice that students prefer made-to-order options more than the sit-down meals Thyme offers. In the next few weeks, administrators and Sodexo plan to unveil some changes to Thyme, including adding made-to-order paninis and quesadillas to the menu.

Student Dining Board Chairman Ben Leighton is especially pleased with the new Metro Diner, which has a grill for made-to-order items.

"One of the things I've been pushing for is a grill," Leighton said. "The grill has been serving far more people than they've been expecting to everyday."

Now, one of Leighton's top priorities is to make J Street a central meeting place for special events like El Clasico, the highly popular soccer match between major Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Leighton says J Street can turn into a viewing party for such events in the future.

Trachtenberg, Evans Attend Economic Club Conversation With Bill Gates

On Tuesday, March 8, Bill Gates spoke about his life experiences to Economic Club of Washington D.C. The Economic Club is an exclusive organization of Washington’s top business and professional leaders. Members of the Economic Club affiliated with the GW community include former president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, President Steven Knapp, and Richard Kane, President and CEO of International Limousine Service (the company that operates The Vern Express).

The one-hour program included a conversation between Gates, the chairman of Microsoft and the co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and David Rubenstein, President of the Economic Club, as well as several questions from the audience. Gates reminisced on his three years at Harvard University and the beginnings of Microsoft. “When [Microsoft] went public, the value kept going up,” Gates said when asked about being the youngest billionaire in America at the age of 32.

Gates says the people he looks up to in the world of business and politics are Warren Buffett and Nelson Mandela, respectively. Gates has no plans to run for political office. “I don’t think it would draw my best talent out, meeting with constituents [and] raising money.”

Jack Evans, Ward 2 pro-tempore councilmember on the DC Council, is also a member of the Economic Club. After the event, Evans said the event was “entertaining and funny.” Although he “heard a lot before,” he took particular interest in what Gates had to say about health and education. When asked about Kwame Brown, Chairman of the DC Council, and his purchase of a “fully-loaded” SUV, Evans believes “it is being handled by the [DC] Attorney General.” Evans believes the city is doing everything it can to get the money for the vehicles back, with whatever difference being paid by Brown.

President Knapp Holds Office Hours

On Tuesday, October 19^th, President Steven Knapp held a second session of office hours this year at his office in Rice Hall. Several students arranged a ten-minute appointment with the Office of the Dean of Students in order to address general, as well as personal, concerns from a student or group of students.

President Knapp has several objectives to holding the office hours.

“[Office hours] offer an opportunity to talk to students one-on-one in ways that are very different from a setting where I’m meeting with a large group or at a reception,” Knapp said. Knapp called the office hours a “two-way streak,” saying they give him “feedback and guidance” on the university’s operations and additionally allow a student’s specific questions or concerns to be resolved quickly. Since taking the position of president of the university, Knapp has increased the number of office hours he has held during the academic year by holding office hours during the summer season.

Students offered suggestions and concerns about 4-Ride, EMeRG, the undergraduate law review and a student-run Haiti project. Knapp recalls hearing concerns about student art programs during office hours in his early years at the university, which later evolved into an entire arts center in West Hall. Knapp also hears about concerns through the Student Association (SA) by meeting with SA President Jason Lifton and SA Vice President Rob Maxim on a “regular basis.”

“Office hours have been a real resource [to my office], and expanding the number of office hours was a good decision,” Knapp said.

President Knapp will be holding office hours Wednesday, November 10^th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and Wednesday, December 8^th from 10:00am to 11:00am. Students can sign up at the Office of the Dean of Students in Rice Hall, Suite 401. For more information, call the Office of the Dean of Students at (202) 994-6710.

Fallon Amuses College Students and Parents Alike

Students and parents alike laughed and enjoyed Jimmy Fallon as he headlined the GW Colonials Weekend presentation Saturday night. The comedian and host of “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” entertained the audience with an array of media, from stand-up to music.

“I am so excited to rock out,” he said before the show. “I’m just psyched, I want to get out there and do it up.”

Before his debut, Wayne Federman, comedian, songwriter and actor on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” amused the crowd with a similar, multifaceted skit. While incorporating his piano skills, he sang songs that poked fun at artists from the modern day back to Beethoven.

When it was Fallon’s turn on stage, no topic was left unchecked: from warning parents about the dangers of Super Soaker water guns; to remixing MC Hammer songs; to convincing Wolf Blitzer, who was in the audience at the time, to sing “balls” on stage.

“I just said balls,” the CNN reporter joked afterward. “They have footballs, basketballs and many kind of balls.”

Along with his GW-tailored content, Fallon also entertained the GW community with some of his famous songs such as Idiot Boyfriend, Cougar Huntin', and Car Wash for Peace. Also on his musical agenda was a list of songs he remixed to “go green” such as Bring Your Bottles Back - a satire of Justin Timberlake’s song Sexy Back.

President Knapp, who helped sign Fallon for the event, was very impressed with the performer. “He was a talented guy and I think he really connected with the audience,” he said.

2010 Freshman Day of Service

This past Saturday, on 9/11 over 1,900 freshmen participated in GW’s Second Annual Freshman Day of Service. This year theme was “Giving Today for a Better Tomorrow.” The main focus of the different service projects was “sustainability and environmental protection.” This year students lined up outside the Smith Center at 11:30, and after fitting the over 1,900 freshman and hundred plus other volunteers for the opening ceremony. President Steven Knapp, Associate Vice President and Dean of Freshmen Helen Cannaday Saulny, and Student Association Executive Vice President Rob Maxim all spoke, thanking the students for their dedication to their new community. President Knapp said; “I think it’s a terrific introduction to your experience as new students at George Washington University.” The ceremony ended with Animal Planet host and conservationist Jeff Corwin thanking the freshmen for helping, and by reminding the students of the power of one, and how they should live their lives trying to do even the littlest things to help others. Students were then bussed to 14 different organizations, in all eight wards, as well as Maryland and Virginia. The organizations that participated and hosted the freshmen were; the Anacostia Watershed Society, WeatherizeDC, Rock Creek Park, Loaves and Fishes, Mount Vernon Triangle, We Are Family, Armed Forces Retirement Home, National Park Service, Casey Trees, Capital Area Foodbank, Transitional Housing Corporation, Ballou Senior High School, Washington Parks and People, and Vinson Hall Retirement Community. While the Anacostia Watershed Society hosted the most students, over 1000 students, the volunteers at the Vinson Hall Retirement Community were surprised with a visit from First Lady Michelle Obama. After volunteering the students were taken back to Kogan Plaza for a barbecue, and spontaneous performances from different student groups. The day ended with a 9/11-remembrance candlelight vigil. Of the day of service, freshman Colin said, he felt that the day was mostly symbolic, because he felt they spent more time listening to people talk and sitting in buses, than actually volunteering. However another freshman Justin said, “It was for a good cause, and it was worth it.”

Diversity and Inclusion a Priority for President Knapp

Last Friday, President Steven Knapp announced a new 'Diversity and Inclusion Initiative' for the GW community. "(We have) a long history of equal opportunity and a strong commitment to diversity. But there is more we can do to build the diversity of our student body, faculty and staff, to make sure we are providing a welcoming and supportive environment for persons of all backgrounds," said Knapp in a press release.

The project includes the creation of a new senior-level position; the duties of the associate provost would include ensuring there is equity at the university when it comes to educational and employment opportunities, cultural understanding and rights.

The Diversity and Inclusion Initiative will also assemble members of the community, that represent many cultures, to act on the President's Council of Diversity and Inclusion. The council will work with the associate provost and provide feedback and advice on how GW can improve the acceptance of multiple cultural backgrounds on campus.

Record Number of Snow Days for GWU

The worst snowstorm in DC since 1922 is causing disarray at The George Washington University; affecting 23,000 students and all aspects of campus life.

Classes have been cancelled for three consecutive days. Student Health Services is closed. 4-RIDE, the campus escort van service modified its services to walking safety escorts. Dining options for students are limited, with many restaurants and stores closed. And the much-anticipated Meghan McCain speech and Rupert Murdoch's appearance on Kalb Report were cancelled due to the inclement weather.

The status of public transportation in DC and the surrounding areas is a key factor for university administrators who make the decision to cancel classes due to inclement weather. This is a record for the university for most consecutive 'snow days' and it currently seems as if it might extend to four executive days. GW is urging students to avoid walking on streets and to be cautious of tree limbs breaking off due to the heavy weight of accumulated snow.

DC snow crews have been working around the clock in 12-hour shifts since last Friday to remove the snow and fallen trees. "Considering the incredible feat they have been able to accomplish in a city that averages 15 inches a year and with little rest, I'd say our snow team is one of the strongest and most dedicated in the region," said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, who distributed hot drinks and donuts to snow plow crews.

On Tuesday evening Steven Knapp, the university president, sent out a thank you to those assisting in the impact of the storm. "You have cleared sidewalks, served meals, staffed the libraries, kept The Vern Express running, organized student activities, and made sure that our campuses remained safe and sound," wrote Knapp.

Keep checking WRGW News for updates on the storm and cancellations.

D.C. Court of Appeals Clears Way for "Square 54"

The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed a zoning commission order today, giving the green light for further development of Square 54, according to University officials.

The order stemmed from an appeal by the Foggy Bottom Association, challenging two separate orders by the D.C. Zoning Commission approving GW's 2007 Foggy Bottom Campus Plan and Square 54 project. 

"It is gratifying to us and our partner, Boston Properties, to receive the Court's decision and have the matter so firmly decided," said GW President Steven Knapp in an official press release. "We look forward to sharing the amenities of this wonderful project with our neighbors in Foggy Bottom and beyond." 

Last September, the Court of Appeals affirmed the commission's Campus Plan decision. The latest order affirms the Square 54 decision.

Square 54 will include office space, residential apartments, extensive retail space, a full-service grocery store, and an underground parking garage. The project is expected to be completed by early 2011. 

Green GW Taking On Various Environmental Projects

Green GW, GW’s primary student org dedicated to energy efficiency, has been keeping busy these past few weeks participating in all sorts of events on-campus and off related to climate change awareness.

Last Friday, Green GW hosted GreenFest in Kogan Plaza to spread awareness about the climate talks coming up in Copenhagen this December. Other organizations, including SustainUS, the Sierra Club, the DC Project, Repower America, and the GW College Democrats were also on-hand.

“We were hoping to raise awareness about Copenhagen, show students the many environmental campaigns going on off-campus, and get students to sign petitions urging President Obama to support strong climate change action in Copehnagen and urging President Knapp to install more green roofs on campus,” said Spencer Olson, President of Green GW.

Green GW also participated in the International Day of Action Rally at Meridian Hill Park. The event was organized by 350.org, a non-profit environmental group named after the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere scientists say is an ideal goal for the future, 350 parts per million. The Rally was an endpoint to the highly-publicized No Impact Week, a week in which environmentalists and others tried to minimize their emissions outputs to show how easy being more environmentally-friendly can be.

Green GW is working on many other projects this semester, including helping on-campus offices “go green,” assisting GW’s eco-challenge - a competition to see which dorm can reduce their energy consumption the most - and expanding the use of green roofs on campus.

“With the success of the pilot green roof on the Elliott school we are pushing forward efforts to install full-size green roofs on academic buildings,” said Olson. “We are collecting signatures from supportive students and meeting with administrators and deans to expand awareness and action.”

Members of Green GW also spend Saturday mornings at local DC elementary schools teaching students about renewable energy and having the kids participate in green activities such as building model solar-powered cars.

Offering advice for students interested in lowering their energy consumption, Olson suggested buying only Energy Star or energy-efficient electronics and light bulbs, recycling as much waste as possible, utilizing public transportation, and making responsible purchases.

“Transforming GW’s energy use is really a no-brainer,” Olson said. “The university saves money, our carbon footprint is significantly reduced, and the quality of life on campus will improve.”

President Knapp Issues Statement on Swine Flu, Third Student Diagnosed

Update: According to a recent GW infomail, "The DC Department of Health has advised the University that a third GW student diagnosed with influenza is a probable case of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do additional testing.  We should emphasize that at the current time there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 at GW. The DC Department of Health is still awaiting the results of CDC testing on samples from two students sent late last week. It was determined that these students are no longer contagious."

After the student was diagnosed at the GW Hospital, the university "implemented our protocols, including moving the student to a private room in a residence hall to limit exposure to other students, informing those in close personal contact and providing them with information about symptoms, treatment and prevention. The student is recovering rapidly following treatment.

On Saturday Evening, GW President Steven Knapp sent out a message over the infomail system regarding the two cases of N1H1 influenza (commonly referred to as Swine Flu) that were discovered on the GW campus.

According to Knapp, "While we continue to await results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the District of Columbia Department of Health has determined that these two students are no longer contagious. They have recovered fully following treatment with anti-viral medication."

Knapp asserted that GW is "working closely with the DC Department of Health and federal health officials to ensure we are following their protocols and taking all needed steps to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff."

In response to concerns raised over the potential risk to those who were in contact with the two students who became infected the with the virus, Knapp said that "The GW Student Health Service and Dean of Students have worked quickly to give those students who developed the flu access to private rooms to protect other students. They were treated with anti-viral medications and asked to stay in and avoid contact with other students. Those in close living quarters with them also were informed of the initial flu diagnosis and given information about symptoms, prevention and treatment. Members of the University staff also are going directly to affected residence halls to speak with students where they live about the H1N1 virus and preventative steps they can take."

This message came after one that was sent out the day before informing the GW community of the diagnosis and outlining symptoms and prevention techniques for the virus.

Symptoms of the N1H1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and occasional diarrhea and vomiting. 

More information about Swine Flu and its symptoms and prevention can be located at the GW SHS website.

-Alex Laska