The 1998 GW Award, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed on members of the GW community, will be awarded to a diverse group of eight students, faculty members and administrators at Commencement May 17.
“I have never really thought of anything I’ve done at GW to be extraordinary,” said James Duncan, a senior majoring in political communications and one of four student winners.
Duncan decided to attend GW during his sophomore year in high school. His dream was postponed shortly thereafter when he was diagnosed with cancer.
In 1993, Duncan entered GW at age 23 as a freshman, fulfilling an eight-year-old dream. During his time at GW, he has been an advocate for the disabled community, a Colonial Cabinet member, an active member of the Student Association and a participant in several other campus programs.
“Everything that I’ve done at GW I’ve done because I love it,” Duncan said. “I never really thought anyone was watching.” He said receiving the GW Award is special because of what the University has meant to him over the years.
Jonathan Pompan, chair of the Marvin Center Governing Board, also received the award.
“There’s a lot of people on campus who do terrific things, so it’s nice to be recognized,” said Pompan, who has served as both chair and vice chair of the MCGB, an SA senator and director of the dining services commission.
“MCGB is a unique organization that brings all the different users of the Marvin Center to the table to discuss policy and make recommendations about the center,” Pompan said.
He expressed the importance of getting involved in the University community.
“I’ve lived here for four years. It’s only natural to be involved,” Pompan said.
Michael Doerrer, a history major who wrote a book profiling a 16th century cardinal, is being honored with the GW Award, along with Robert Nelson, fourth year class president for the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
One of the faculty recipients of the award is Joseph A. Greenberg, a professor in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Greenberg will be honored with the award for his work as a professor and an adviser. He founded the GW Higher Education Association and was selected as “Advisor of the Year” in 1997. He also was named an honorary coach of the GW men’s basketball team.
“I’m thrilled and surprised,” Greenberg said. He is retiring this year but will remain a member of the GW community as GW admissions representative for the New England region.
“(The award) is a wonderful way to leave GW,” Greenberg said.
Dr. George Mandel, who has been with the University for 50 years and served for 36 as chair of the pharmacology department, is the other faculty recipient.
The two administrators receiving the GW Award are Iva Beatty, the director of graduate student services for the Columbian School of Arts and Sciences and Johnnie T. Osborne, director of financial affairs for Student and Academic Support Administrative Services.
