Today, Georgetown University celebrates 225 years since its founding in 1789.
The university has a long Catholic and Jesuit history, dating back to its founder John Carroll, who was the first Catholic bishop in the United States. Carroll started the intuition as a boys’ college on 60 acres overlooking the village of Georgetown.
The college’s colors, blue and gray, were selected by the students as a celebration of the end of the Civil War which nearly closed the college due to students leaving for military service on both sides. Blue symbolizes the Union; gray, the Confederacy.
Since then, the college has expanded to a major university with a student body of more than 17,000 and a 104-acre main campus. Georgetown University has educated many prominent figures from famous actors, sports players and many high-ranking government officials. A few well known alumni include former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates, Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and former President Bill Clinton.
On the Georgetown University website today, there is an article in celebration of the university’s 225 years with quotes from senators and representatives who recognize the institution. Among them is Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest serving member of Congress, who graduated from the College in 1949 and the Law Center in 1952.
“… This institution, which I am proud to call my alma mater, is a university that has remained true to its founding principles while evolving to reflect the changes that have taken place in this nation and, indeed, internationally . . . Having begun my own studies at Georgetown nearly six decades ago and maintaining ongoing contact with the university since that time, I can attest to the university’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our society and its consistent focus on developing students who are ready to contribute to future prosperity and positive civic leadership.”
Many people from all different graduating years have been participating in wishing the university a happy birthday with photos as well as a birthday message on the Tumblr website or photos on Instagram. People are encouraged to go to the site themselves and share their own message using the hashtag #GU225 to be a part of the celebration.
Also today, local hangout, the Tombs, is celebrating the birthday with $2.25 Tombs Ale mugs and $2.25 Tombs brownies all day. After all, its sister restaurant is called 1789 after Georgetown’s founding year.