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Celebrate GW

Celebrate GW

Join the university for Celebrate GW, a series of events in February that begins with Charter Day, the university’s birthday, and concludes on George Washington’s birthday. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, this celebration highlights the vibrancy of university life and recognizes George Washington’s contributions to the founding of the country, as well as his bold vision for a university in the nation’s capital. Raise High!

Schedule of Events

Monday
February 9

Tuesday 
February 10

Tuesday
February 17

George Washington's Birthday Celebration

University Student Center, Columbian Square
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on February 17

Come wish George a Happy Birthday as we celebrate his 294th birthday with cupcakes, prizes, and other treats!

Birthday Celebration in the Dining Halls

GW Dining celebrates Washington's Birthday with birthday cake in all dining halls!

Saturday
February 21

Event Spotlight: Visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Alexandria, Virginia
11:30 am - 4:00 pm on February 21

Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia

Celebrate the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and our nation’s first president with a visit to his estate in Alexandria.  The trip includes round-trip transportation from campus, a complimentary lunch, tours of the mansion, wreath-laying ceremonies at the Slave Memorial and Washington’s Tomb, and some birthday swag.  The full mansion is open after two years of renovations, including the newly restored Washingtons' Bedchamber.  Space is limited, registration required.

RSVP: Visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon

Did You Know?

 

  • February’s federal holiday is officially known as Washington’s Birthday though it will never fall on his birthday, February 22.  Section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code designates the 3rd Monday of February for the holiday.
     
  • Though George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence, he had it read to his troops on July 9, 1776.
     
  • The idea of a university “established within the limits of the District of Columbia” was proposed by George Washington and he bequeathed funds to help establish it.
     
  • Three students were in the university’s first graduating class in 1824.  The Marquis de Lafayette, general and hero of the American Revolution, attended the ceremony.
     
  • Every year since 1896, the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of its members, alternating parties, to read his 7,641-word farewell address in legislative session.  In 1982 it was read by Senator Daniel Inouye, J.D. ’52, HON ’08.
     
  • GW is one of six universities chartered by Congress and it was named the Columbia College when it was established in 1821.