The recent hearing before the D.C. City Council on GW’s request to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds brought out the best in cooperation between the GW administration, the student body and Foggy Bottom residents. Not only was there an overwhelming display of support from community leaders, but student leaders eloquently expressed their interest in improving campus facilities and programs.

I would like to thank all the members of the GW community who demonstrated their support for the University. These efforts will go a long way toward fostering an environment of cooperation between GW and the Foggy Bottom community.

Students are an essential component of that environment. Phil Meisner, Jeff Marootian, Ngar Yu, and Ritu Singh all committed substantial time and energy to their testimony before the Council. It was a pleasure working with students who demonstrated such ownership, conviction and commitment to their school and community. Meisner even delayed caring for an illness to come and testify.

Working with these student leaders was truly a pleasure, and I look forward to future cooperation and involvement from students and the entire community.

-Bernard DemczukAssistant Vice Presidentof Government Relations