Celebrate GW
Join the university for Celebrate GW, a series of events that begins with the university’s birthday, Charter Day, and ends with Washington’s Birthday on February 22. Events will highlight university life, recognize the contributions of George Washington, and include GWPalooza, our own GW Revolutionaries’ version of Homecoming. Raise High!
Schedule of Events
Monday
February 10
Charter Day (observed)
Online on February 10
The university was founded on February 9, 1821, by a congressional charter. Follow @gwuniversity on Instagram and answer trivia questions for a chance to win GW-themed prizes!
Tuesday
February 18
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Columbian Square
11:30 am - 1:00 pm on February 18
Join George as we celebrate his 293rd birthday with cupcakes, prizes, and treats.
Friday
February 21
Battle of the Banners (part of GW Palooza)
University Student Center
11:00 am - 1:00 pm on February 21
Student orgs paint banners and whoever gets the most votes wins funding!
Amazing Race (part of GW Palooza)
Lerner Health and Wellness Center
2:00 - 5:00 pm on February 21
Teams of students will "race" through games and tasks to win prizes.
GW Crown (part of GW Palooza)
Flagg Auditorium
6:00 - 7:00 pm on February 21
A campus wide talent show open to any student. The winner gets funding for the student org of their choice.
Saturday
February 22
Event Spotlight: Visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Alexandria, Virginia
11:30 am - 4:00 pm on February 22
Visit George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate in Alexandria, Virginia! Trip includes free round-trip transportation from campus, a complimentary lunch, behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion (including spaces usually closed to the public), wreath-laying ceremonies at the Slave Memorial and Washington’s Tomb, and some birthday swag.
Space is limited, registration required.
RSVP: Visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon
Birthday Celebration in the Dining Halls
All Dining Halls on February 22
GW Dining celebrates Washington’s Birthday with birthday cake in all dining halls!
George's Birthday Tailgate (part of GW Palooza)
G Street Park
3:30 pm on February 22
Let them eat (birthday) cake! Celebrate George Washington’s birthday with George’s Army and free food and fun for fans prior to the men’s basketball game.
Men’s Basketball v. Massachusetts
Charles E. Smith Center
Tipoff at 6:00 pm on February 22
Cheer on the GW Revolutionaries with birthday hats, giveaways, and halftime prizes. Free admission for students with a valid GWorld card.
Sunday
February 23
Women’s Basketball v. Davidson
Charles E. Smith Center.
2:00 pm on February 23
Cheer on the GW Revolutionaries with birthday hats, giveaways, and halftime prizes.
Did You Know?
February’s federal holiday is officially known as Washington’s Birthday though it will never fall on his birthday, February 22. Section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code designates the 3rd Monday of February for the holiday.
George Washington was unanimously elected (twice!) as president of the United States.
The idea of a university “established within the limits of the District of Columbia” was proposed by George Washington and he bequeathed funds to help establish it.
Three students were in the university’s first graduating class in 1824. The Marquis de Lafayette, general and hero of the American Revolution, attended the ceremony.
Every year since 1896, the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of its members, alternating parties, to read his 7,641-word farewell address in legislative session. In 1982 it was read by Senator Daniel Inouye, J.D. ’52, HON ’08.
GW is one of six universities chartered by Congress and it was named the Columbia College when it was established in 1821.