Family Leadership Circle
Community
- Network with GW families in your home region and worldwide
- Serve as ambassadors to new and prospective families
Philanthropy
- Create life-changing opportunities for students through scholarships
- Enhance academic excellence
- Drive critical research
Connection
- Engage with university leadership and faculty experts
- Attend and host virtual events
- Access GW's 290,000-strong, lifelong, worldwide alumni network
The Family Leadership Circle is a recognition society that consists of parents and families of students dedicated to expanding opportunities for students at the university.
Parents and families recognized by the Family Leadership Circle will have the opportunity to engage with university leadership and network with other involved parents from around the country and the globe. They will also help raise awareness and funds to support vital programs that contribute to the success of GW students.
Learn more about how to get involved
To learn about the Family Leadership Circle and its important work, please contact GW Family Philanthropy at [email protected] or 202-994-3229.
Giving Levels
Through your philanthropy, you have the opportunity to create life-changing opportunities for students, enhance teaching, and drive critical research. The following are examples of the impact that you can have on our students at various levels.
- MEMBERS | $1000+ Annually for up to five years
-
$1,000
- Covers travel and fees for a Women’s Leadership Program symposium speaker
- CCAS: Provides books and supplies for one student
- Supports one Shabbat meal for 100 students
- ESIA: Covers student travel expenses to an international, national, or regional conference
$2,500
- CCAS: Underwrites international travel costs for study abroad
- SPH: Creates a grant for an unpaid international practicum
$5,000
- ATH: Covers room and board for one student—athlete for half the year
- LAW: Supports one Moot Court competition
- CCAS: Supports a summer research scholarship or fellowship
- Support first generation college student programming
- FELLOWS | $10,000+ annually for five years
-
$10,000
- Current use named annual scholarship for any school or program
$28,000
- Support annual docking fees for Club Sailing
$60,000
- Endowment for a student internship fund
- INVESTORS | $20,000+ annually for five years
-
$25,000
- LAI: Paid undergraduate research fellowship
- KACIF: Provide support for students to be able to accept unpaid internships
- Endowment for a prize or award fund
$60,000
- Endowment for a student internship fund
$67,000
- Support 15 student learning supplements for GW Veterans
$75,000
- Support the Nashman Center's DC after school program
$100,000
- Endowed partial scholarship (one restriction)
- General endowment fund to support an area of interest in a school or program
- Dean’s discretionary fund endowed gift meeting greatest needs of the school
- LAI: Acquisition or preservation fund to support the acquisition of books and preserve existing collections
- Support research acceleration in SMHS
$250,000
- Named endowed lecture to cover expenses of brining speakers to campus
- Named term professorship to for an existing position (five year term)
$500,000
- Name a professorship to support the salary of a member of the faculty
- Name a faculty research fellowship for a faculty member to conduct research
- BENEFACTORS | $200,000+ annually for five years
-
$1,000,000
- ATH: Named assistant coaching position in the Athletics Department
- Named assistant or associate professorship for an existing position
$1,500,000
- Named visiting professorship to support a visiting scholar or lecturer
$2,500,000
- LAI: Named archivist or librarian position
- ATH: Named head coaching position in the Athletics Department
- Named curatorship at the GW Museum and the Textile Museum
- Named professorship for an existing position in any school or department
$3,000,000
- Named professorship for a new position in any undergraduate school or department
$4,000,000
- SMHS/LAW: New named professorship within a professional school
$5,000,000
- Named endowed department chair
- Named endowed director of a center or institute
$6,000,000
- Named professorship
$7,500,000
-
Named leadership position at the university (i.e. president, provost, dean etc.)
Events
Upcoming Events
Introduction to the Family Leadership Circle (Online)
Monday, November 27, 2023 | Time 8:00 pm ET
The Family Leadership Circle is a recognition society that consists of parents and families of students dedicated to expanding opportunities for students at the university. Hear from Bonnie Pierce, Director of the Family Leadership Circle, about the opportunities for families to become members and to engage with the university.
FLC at Art Basel (Miami Beach, FL)
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Time 10:00 am ET
FLC members are cordially invited to join the GW South Florida Alumni Network for their largest annual event, Art Basel. Prior to your visit to the exhibition at the Miami Convention Center, attendees will enjoy brunch and hear from Lauren Onkey, Director, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. For more information, please reach out to Bonnie Pierce at [email protected].
- Past Events
-
Introduction to the Family Leadership Circle (Online)
Thursday, November 9, 2023 | Time 8:00 am ET
The Family Leadership Circle is a recognition society that consists of parents and families of students dedicated to expanding opportunities for students at the university. Hear from Bonnie Pierce, Director of the Family Leadership Circle, about the opportunities for families to become members and to engage with the university.
Introduction to the Family Leadership Circle (Online)
Monday, October 23, 2023 | Time 7:00 pm ET
The Family Leadership Circle is a recognition society that consists of parents and families of students dedicated to expanding opportunities for students at the university. Hear from Bonnie Pierce, Director of the Family Leadership Circle, about the opportunities for families to become members and to engage with the university.
Family Leadership Circle Reception
Friday, September 29, 4:30 - 6:30pm | Decatur House, 748 Jackson Place, NW
By invitation only. Family Leadership Circle members are invited to join university leadership and fellow GW families for an intimate reception celebrating the impact of philanthropy on the student experience. The Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection at GW. To learn more about joining the Family Leadership Circle – community, philanthropy, connection – please contact [email protected] or Bonnie Pierce at [email protected].
GW London Reception with Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres
Thursday, September 14, 2023 | Time 6:00 p.m. BST | London, England
The GW community in London is invited to join us for a reception and panel discussion led by Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres on “Geoeconomics in International Affairs,” as part of the Elliott School Dean's Global Perspective Series. Panelists will be announced soon.
Los Angeles Summer Welcome
Sunday, August 6, 2023 | Time 4:00 p.m. | Los Angeles, California
Join fellow Revolutionaries to celebrate our new students and families of the Class of 2027! The Division for Student Affairs invites students, families, and alumni to welcome the newest members to our GW community. Raise High!
Pau Hana with the GW Community
Thursday, August 3, 2023 | Time 5:30 p.m. | Honolulu, HI
Join members of the GW community in Hawaii for a casual pau hana with food, drinks, and networking hosted by the GW Hawaii Alumni Network. All GW alumni, students and parents are invited to help us welcome members of the incoming class of 2027 and their families.
Wear your buff and blue or your aloha shirts and connect with fellow GW Revolutionaries! Registration is $15 (free for the class of 2027 and their family) and includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, and one drink (for those 21+).
Boston Summer Welcome
Monday, July 31, 2023 | Time 5:00 p.m. | Boston, California
Join fellow Revolutionaries to celebrate our new students and families of the Class of 2027! The Division for Student Affairs invites students, families, and alumni to welcome the newest members to our GW community. Raise High!
GW San Antonio Alumni Network Welcomes the Class of 2027
Saturday, July 22, 2023 | Time 2:00 p.m. | San Antonio, Texas
The GW San Antonio Alumni Network invites incoming GW students and their families to connect with them at the Ivy Plus Club of San Antonio's annual summer send-off fair. This event provides the chance to meet and connect with other San Antonio students attending Ivy League universities and other top colleges this fall and meet some fellow GW students and alumni in the area.
Light refreshments and snacks will be sponsored by members of GW's alumni network in San Antonio - Jim Eskin, ESIA BA '73 and Amir Samandi, ESIA MA '04.
GW Family Leadership Circle Celebration at Commencement
Sunday, May 21, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | The National Mall
By invitation Only - Join your fellow GW families for an intimate gathering, pre-Commencement, in celebration of your student's accomplishments. The Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection.
Elliott School New York Reception and Discussion with Dean Alyssa Ayres
Thursday, April 20, 2023 | Time 6:30 p.m. | New York, New York
You are invited to join your fellow Elliott School alumni, students, and parents in the New York-metro area for a reception and discussion with Dean Alyssa Ayres. During the discussion, you will hear from several alumni about their "Global Careers after the Elliott School."
GW Family Leadership Circle Celebration at Commencement
Sunday, May 21, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | The National Mall
Join your fellow GW families for an intimate gathering, pre-Commencement, in celebration of your student's accomplishments. The Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection. This event will be open to all graduating families who are recognized by the Family Leadership Circle.
GW Culture Buffs: Art Basel (Miami, FL)
Saturday, December 3, 2022 | Time 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Miami Beach Women's Club
Join the GW South Florida Alumni Network for its largest annual event, Culture Buffs: Art Basel. Prior to exploring the exhibits at the Miami Convention center, Lauren Onkey, Director, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design and John Wetenhall, Director of the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, will share insights into this premiere art showcase. Brunch will be served.
GW Reception with Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres (London, UK)
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | Time 6:00 pm BST | London
The GW community in London is invited to join us for a reception and panel discussion led by Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres on “Geoeconomics in International Affairs,” as part of the Elliott School Dean's Global Perspective Series. Panelists will be announced soon. Register for this event.
GW Boston Reception with Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 | Time 6:00 pm ET | Boston, MA
The GW community in Boston is invited to join us for a reception and discussion with Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres on “Rising Asia and U.S. Foreign Policy in a Time of Turmoil.” Dean Ayres will provide updates on GW and the Elliott School of International Affairs, and examine the extraordinary foreign policy challenges facing the United States.
Queen's Cup Steeplechase Alumni Tailgate - Charlotte
Saturday, April 30, 2022 | Time 10:00 am ET | Charlotte, NC
Grab your fascinators and seersucker and join alumni for a day at the races at the annual Queen's Cup Steeplechase. This is your chance to watch athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, clearing four and a half foot jumps over a 2 to 3-mile rolling turf course all from a private tailgate tent on the outside rail of the track.
GW Family Leadership Circle Celebration at Commencement
Sunday, May 15, 2022 | Time TBD | The National Mall
Join your fellow GW families for an intimate gathering, pre-Commencement, in celebration of your student's accomplishments. The Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection. This event will be open to all graduating families who are recognized by the Family Leadership Circle.
Cracks in the Glass Ceiling: The Future of Women’s Leadership in International Affairs with GW Alumnae Leaders - Washington, DC and Online
Thursday, March 31, 2022| Time 5:00 pm ET
The data has been mounting for years: including women in leadership positions and achieving gender-balanced workforces are good business, no matter the industry or sector. The benefits of a gender-balanced workforce are many, including increased profitability and productivity, greater creativity and innovation, and an enhanced ability to attract and retain talent. The GW community is invited to join the International Women of Elliott (I/WE) for a discussion of the future of women’s leadership in international affairs with three outstanding GW alumnae leaders — Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, ESIA BA ’80; Dana Bash, CCAS BA ’93; and Jenna Segal, ESIA BA ’98 — in conversation with Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs.
Cokie’s Legacy: An Evening with Professor Steven Roberts in conversation with Dana Bash, BA ‘93 and Frank Sesno (Washington, DC and Online)
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 | Time 6:30 pm ET
Please join us for a conversation with J.B. and M.C. Shapiro Professor Steven V. Roberts on his new book Cokie: A Life Well Lived, about a pioneering woman in journalism, who brought unique humanity, humor, and strength to her craft at NPR and ABC News. Roberts, Cokie's husband of 53 years, will be joined by CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash, BA ’93 and SMPA’s Frank Sesno, for this extraordinary conversation.
What's Next in Foreign Affairs: Conflict in Ukraine
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 | Time 11:30 am ET | Zoom
Featuring expert faculty and distinguished alumnus, Amb. Kurt Volker, this panel discussion will offer insights on the rapidly developing situation with Ukraine including US policy over the past decades. Speakers will address the implications of security and conflict in the region and the effectiveness of sanctions, the primary U.S. policy response, to de-escalate the conflict.
LEAP Event: "Responsible, Accountable, and Ethical Leadership: My Own Journey" with General John Jumper
Monday, January 24, 2022 | Time 12:30 pm ET | Zoom
General Jumper reflects on his four decades of distinguished military service. He will explore leadership and ethical challenges he encountered, as well as lessons for the rising generation of international affairs practitioners. This event will occur virtually.
“A Personal Discussion of Leadership and Ethical Challenges Faced in the Southern Freedom Movement" with Dr. Mary King
Thursday, January 27, 2022 | Time 12:30 pm ET | Zoom
King is professor of peace and conflict studies at the University for Peace, main campus Costa Rica, for which she also served as academic adviser to its Africa Programme (200 ‒2006). A qualitative political scientist, she is also Distinguished Rothermere American Institute Fellow, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. This event will occur virtually.GW Culture Buffs: Art Basel & Brunch Reception (Miami Beach, FL)
Saturday, December 4, 2021 | Time 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Brunch Reception) and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Art Basel) | The Bass Museum and the Miami Beach Convention Center
Join the GW South Florida Alumni Network for its largest annual event at Art Basel in Miami Beach. Over 200 of the world's leading international Modern and Contemporary art galleries display artworks by over 4,000 artists, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, film, video, and digital art. Visitors can find works ranging from editioned pieces by young artists to museum-caliber masterpieces.GW Family Leadership Circle Reception
Friday, October 1, 2021 | 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | City View Room
Join Dean Cissy Petty and fellow GW families for an intimate celebration around the impact of philanthropy on the student experience. The Family Leadership Circle welcomes all families to engage in community, philanthropy, and connection at GW.GW Family Leadership Circle Benefactors Virtual Connection
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | Zoom
You are cordially invited to a special virtual event with GW President Thomas J. LeBlanc and Mrs. Anne LeBlanc for a virtual holiday toast of hot chocolate and marshmallows supplied by GW alumni-owned business, to learn about the President's vision for GW moving into our Bicentennial year and beyond (GW branded mugs, hot chocolate, and marshmallows supplied via mail to all respondents).GW Family Leadership Circle Investors Virtual Connection
GW Family Leadership Circle Fellows Virtual Connection
Thursday, December 3, 2020 | Zoom
You are cordially invited to a special virtual event with M. Brian Blake, GW provost. Hear from Provost Blake on the academic experience at GW and learn how your philanthropy as families promotes the efforts of our exceptional faculty, facilitating unparalleled educational opportunities for our dynamic students.GW Family Leadership Circle Members Virtual Connection
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 | Zoom
You are cordially invited to a special virtual event with M.L. Cissy Petty, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Hear from Dean Petty on the student experience at GW and learn how your philanthropy as families continues to enhance our overall student experience.Looking Ahead with Dean Cissy Petty
June 18, 2020 | WebEx
Please join us for virtual drinks with the Dean and a discussion about how GW will support students in our new COVID-19 reality.Supporting Student Academics in an Evolving Educational Landscape
June 1, 2020 | WebEx
Please join us for a conversation with Geneva Henry, dean of libraries and academic innovation (GWLAI). Dean Henry will give us an insider’s look at her leadership role in shaping excellence in quality academic instruction as the university navigates the pandemic.A Toast in Celebration of the Class of 2020
May 14, 2020 | WebEx
Please join us for a virtual happy hour with fellow Family Philanthropy members as we celebrate our graduating families who are volunteers and supporters of the university.COVID-19: Global Resiliency EDT
May 4, 2020 | WebEx
Please join us for a conversation with Reuben Brigety, Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs. Dean Brigety will bring a global perspective to the nuances of COVID-19, with a focus on individual resilience.
Family Resources