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
- Creates an internship opportunity for a federal work study student for one year at the Office of Entrepreneurship
- 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
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. Learn more about Commencement.
- Past Events
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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