GU Dean’s Posthumous ‘Song to My City’ Honored

The Georgetown University professors who gathered in Healy Hall in historic Riggs Library last Tuesday, March 28, were eloquent to the point of tears as they spoke of Carol Lancaster, the first woman dean of the School of Foreign Service. Lancaster passed away in 2014, but University President John DeGioia hosted a conversation and reception to honor the posthumous publication of her book, “A Song to My City: Washington, DC.”

The book had just been completed by Lancaster’s son, Douglas Farrar. It combines a narrative history of the capital’s evolution — with portraits of colorful, powerful and often controversial figures — with a personal memoir. “Of all the books my mother wrote, mainly about foreign policy, this one is unique. It’s a love letter,” her son said.

Lancaster writes passionately about both sides of Washington: the national political hub and the city made up of generations of diverse residents. “Her lab for Africa was Washington, D.C. She did not see the difference between the needs of the poor here and there,” said Professor Maurice Jackson.

 “I not only wanted to be like her,” Professor Gail Griffith said. “I wanted to be her.”