University Events
University Events creates exceptional experiences that bring together our community and highlight GW's outstanding reputation for excellence in academics. Our status as a global, comprehensive research university and our location in the nation’s capital allows us to host gatherings that attract the attention of dignitaries and thought leaders.
Our goals include:
- Create Memories: We plan hallmark events that strengthen connections among students, faculty, and staff, such as Constitution Day, Apple Day, the Bonfire, Washington’s Birthday, and the Academic Honors Ceremony.
- Innovate and Collaborate: We organize significant events aligned with the university's mission, collaborating with departments across GW for initiatives and projects that include GW’s Inaugural Ball, Convocation, and Commencement.
- Learn and Share: We serve as a central resource for event planning at the university, providing tools and support to ensure an event’s success.
Through meticulous planning and execution, we aim to create inclusive and impactful experiences for all members of our university.
Signature Events
Convocation
Convocation marks the official welcome for the incoming class of Revolutionaries, introducing them to GW’s academic community and leadership. Held alongside the Welcome Day of Service, the event reflects GW’s values of civic engagement and class unity.
View the 2025 Convocation Ceremony
Constitution Day
Every year the university celebrates the anniversary of the September 17, 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution with engaging activities that promote learning about one of the founding documents of our nation.
Apple Day
A favorite fall tradition, Apple Day brings fresh, locally grown apples to campus to celebrate the season with music, community, and fun.
Bonfire
The GW Bonfire is a three-decade-long tradition held on University Yard, where the heart of campus comes alive. An annual tradition, and the only campus bonfire in Washington, D.C., the event builds community with games, s'mores, and music.
George Washington's Birthday
Part of Celebrate GW, this event honors the university’s namesake and highlights school pride. Spanning Charter Day to Washington’s Birthday (Feb. 22), it features activities like GWPalooza — GW’s own version of Homecoming — and other spirited campus celebrations.
Return to Mt. Vernon
Held annually on GW’s historic Mount Vernon Campus, this event invites alumni, students, faculty, and staff to reconnect. It includes community gatherings and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the campus’s legacy and those who helped shape it.
Academic Honors
This ceremony honors undergraduates in the top 2% of their schools by GPA who have completed at least 60 credits at the university. Each school also recognizes a Distinguished Scholar for excellence in and beyond the classroom, celebrating academic achievement university-wide.
Commencement Week
The week features school celebrations, receptions, and special events that bring together students, families, faculty, and staff to highlight and celebrate our graduates and their achievements. It culminates in our #OnlyAtGW moment, Commencement on the National Mall.
Presidential Inauguration
The Presidential Inauguration brings together the GW community to celebrate the installation of the new president. The event includes formal remarks, the investiture of a new president, and a renewed commitment to GW’s mission. It is celebrated with events that showcase the depth and breadth of the university’s commitment to research and learning.
Inaugural Ball
The GW Inaugural Ball is a signature event held every four years to celebrate the university's politically engaged community in Washington, D.C. Since 1993, it has brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families for an elegant evening of live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Hosted at a prestigious D.C. venue, the Inaugural Ball offers a unique #OnlyatGW experience, highlighting the university's connection to our nation’s capital.
Meet the Team
Cattleya Wongkongkatap
CMP, M.B.A. ’10
Director
A seasoned event professional with 20 years of experience crafting events for the GW community, Cattleya leads one of the most talented, creative, and collaborative teams at the university.
Jennifer Bond
CMP, CMM
Senior Associate Director
A hospitality veteran with over 20 years experience in producing large-scale academic and association conferences, specializing in collaborating with a team of diverse stakeholders to efficiently produce memorable meetings and events at GW University.
uevents
gwu [dot] edu (Contact Us)