The George Washington University

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The George Washington University
Gw logo.jpg
City: Washington, D.C.
Type: Private
Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, water polo[1]
Colors: blue, gold
Mascot: Colonials
Website: gwu.edu

The George Washington University (or GW) is a Washington, D.C. private university founded in 1821.[2] The school ranked #54 in US News's 2008 "National Universities: Top Schools" list.[3]

History

The school opened its doors as the Columbian College in the District of Columbia - with 30 students; the name changed to The George Washington University in 1904, and today has a student population of over 19,000[2] The university was created from George Washington's vision, as he believed "Youth from all parts of the United States" might go to be educated in the arts and sciences, and to study "the principles of Politics and good Government." To help cover its cost, Washington left a bequest of 50 shares of stock in the Potomac Company, a canal-building enterprise. Unfortunately, the Potomac Company passed out of existence before the bequest could be realized.[2]

However, the effort was carried forward by Reverend Luther Rice and three friends. Rice traveled part of the east coast (from Tennessee to New England) to garner support.[2] President James Monroe himself contributed to the cause, along with 32 members of Congress. On February 9, 1821, President Monroe signed the Act of Congress creating Columbian College.[2]

See also

Notes

  1. Official Athletic Site (English). The George Washington University.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Brief History (English). The George Washington University.
  3. National Universities: Top Schools (English). US News.