[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 23 (Monday, February 8, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BICENTENNIAL OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

 Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President, I rise today in celebration of 
the George Washington University's bicentennial. As a proud alumna of 
this great institution of higher education, I would like to recognize 
the GW's achievement in reaching this historic milestone.
  Founded as a modest Columbian College 200 years ago, there was no 
guarantee that the George Washington University would succeed. 
Ultimately, it was the dedication, ingenuity, and hard work of many 
generations of world-class faculty, impressive students, and 
accomplished alumni over the past two centuries that accounts for why 
GW evolved into the preeminent, global research university it is today.
  Aspiring citizen-leaders worldwide attend the George Washington 
University precisely because of the opportunities GW provides its 
students to not only learn inside the classroom from leading thinkers 
and researchers, but to grow by applying this academic knowledge 
outside the classroom in a wide-range of settings throughout our 
Nation's Capital.
  In fact, the George Washington University's vast network of world-
class academic opportunities, partnerships, and policy-research 
initiatives is not only responsible for educating our future leaders, 
but also for advancing technological innovation, driving improvements 
in public health and policy, and developing a greater understanding of 
both our world and humanity in ways that have made an impact on 
millions of lives.
  At this moment, GW faculty are conducting pioneering research to 
fight global poverty, HIV/AIDS, cancer, climate change, terrorism and 
many other urgent challenges. Many of GW's researchers, doctors, and 
public health officials have been at the forefront in responding to the 
deadly Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
  As the George Washington University celebrates its bicentennial, it 
is a good time to reflect on the incredible legacy established by 
thousands of distinguished GW alumni. Graduates include current and 
former heads of state from around the world, scores of dedicated public 
servants, and leading experts that have accumulated a vast record of 
accomplishments across many academic fields.
  Last, but certainly not least, and a point of great personal 
appreciation for this GW alum, is GW's longstanding commitment to U.S. 
servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Indeed, the very first 
recipient of the original Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944--more 
commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights--was Donald Balfour, a GW 
student. Today, GW is consistently recognized as one of our Nation's 
best institutions of higher education for veterans and military-
affiliated students because it recognizes the invaluable leadership 
experience and unique perspectives these men and women bring to the 
classroom.
  As GW enters its third century, I look forward to watching as the 
George Washington University builds on its 200-year legacy of academic 
excellence and ground-breaking research by attracting, educating, and 
inspiring future generations of leaders who will make a positive impact 
on the world.

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