G.U. Welcomes Neighbors for Holidays
By • December 14, 2023 0 1366
It’s become a happy, neighborly Christmastime tradition: Georgetown University’s annual open house for the holidays — set in the Victorian-style Riggs Library at the landmark Healy Building.
This year, university administrators — led by President John DeGioia — greeted residents and neighborhood leaders, who live outside its main campus, on Dec. 11.
DeGioia welcomed the crowd, as it enjoyed an ample buffet and fine wine, in the Hogwarts-conjuring room and praised the school’s and neighborhood’s friendship. He also touted the new Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on Reservoir Road as well as the university’s expanding presence downtown and at the Law Center.
The president introduced Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, a Georgetown Law graduate, who mentioned her family’s connection to the school. Pinto thanked DeGioia for his and the university’s “moral clarity” in unequivocally condemning genocide, as she alluded to those other university presidents, who could not quite do that.
Lastly, summing up the successful town-gown partnership that is an example to the city and country, its mediator, Mencer “Don” Edwards, spoke of turning “pain into Champagne” and told everyone to keep enjoying the party and holidays.
Georgetown University President John DeGioia, Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto and Mencer “Don” Edwards on Dec 11. Photo by Bill Starrels.
The gang’s all here. Front row: Former commissioner Monica Roache, Grace Reeder, Mayor Bower’s Community Relations Specialist for Ward 2, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Mimsy Lindner, Gwendolyn Lohse and Paul Maysak. Middle row: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Kishan Putta and Daniel Chao. Back row: Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Joe Massaua, Georgetown University President John DeGioia, Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, ANC2E Executive Director Peter Sacco and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners John DiPierri and Topher Mathews. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Georgetown-Burleith ANC Chair Gwen Lohse with her daughter, Eleanor Assey. Georgetowner photo.
Sporting his favorite Christmas sweater, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Kishan Putta enjoys hot cocoa. Photo by Bill Starrels.
