Dear GW alumni and friends,
This year marks the start of the Bicentennial Celebration for the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS).
Two centuries ago, on Sept. 21, 1824, the GW Board of Trustees approved a plan to establish the first medical school in the nation’s capital. Just six months later, on March 30, 1825, lectures commenced, laying the foundation for generations of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care.
As we enter the heart of our bicentennial festivities, I reflect on those core values that define our academic medical mission and continue to lead us through these challenging times. Those core values include training the next generation of health care professionals to enhance the health and health equity of individuals and communities through groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care.
Philanthropy serves as the underpinning of that mission, sustaining our efforts and propelling us into the future. While tuition, grants, and contracts provide essential support, philanthropy remains the bedrock of breakthrough research, patient care, and innovative health care education.
Our ongoing Bicentennial Lecture Series, highlighting our clinical and research expertise, has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. While our celebration will continue through March 30, 2025, the pinnacle will be this year’s Reunion Weekend on Nov. 15–16. I am thrilled to extend a warm invitation to our esteemed medical alumni and members of the SMHS community. This weekend promises to be a celebratory occasion filled with learning, camaraderie, and celebration of our shared achievements.
Our team has been busy reconnecting with alumni and other friends to celebrate the many achievements taking place at GW SMHS. Through these visits, we have forged partnerships that will empower the next generation of medical leaders, through new scholarships, research acceleration funds and program support.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support we receive from our alumni, grateful patients, and friends. Your engagement and generosity enable us to fulfill our mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.
With gratitude,
Jackie Wood
Associate Vice President
Development and Alumni Relations
Health & Medicine
