The Elliott School of International Affairs received one of the largest donations in the school’s history, funds that will go toward increasing research, teaching and outreach.
The $3.15 million donation is an initial investment, University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard said, which will have “an immediate impact on students.”
The gift’s focus is to increase research that will explore some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including international security, international economics and development and global women’s issues, Sherrard said.
“This extraordinary gift will secure GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs’ place as a global leader in the study of several of the most important issues facing humanity in the 21st century,” Sherrard said.
The funds will also support new courses, special events and conferences. The gift will also increase the scope of the Elliott School Web Video Initiative, which provides Web users with free access to watch special events held at the school online. It will also create four new associate director positions within the school, which will focus on project development, fundraising and relationship-building.
Sherrard said the donation fits into the Elliott School’s “impressive trajectory” as a leading school of international affairs and speaks directly to the school’s prestigious role in addressing global challenges.
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs Barbara Miller said the Elliott School is already the largest school for international affairs in the country, and is widely recognized among the top-tier schools.
“This gift will enhance our capacity for research, teaching, and policy engagement in response to the most pressing international issues, such as increasing opportunities for women and girls globally,” Miller said.
The gift’s announcement comes in the wake of Elliott School Dean Michael Brown’s stated goal at the University’s Board of Trustees meeting earlier this month to make the school one of the top three or even the No. 1 international affairs school in the nation.
