This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Priya Anand
After the University announced the GW community had logged more than 100,000 hours of community service – securing first lady Michelle Obama as this year’s Commencement speaker – students, staff and administrators celebrated the milestone with an ice cream social in Kogan Plaza.
University President Steven Knapp kicked off the event, congratulating those who participated in the service challenge.
“None of us had any doubt that we would reach this milestone and go beyond it,” Knapp said. “We’re going to be well past that 100,000 mark and I look forward to greeting Michelle Obama.”
With a little less than a month to spare, the University community has logged 106,945 hours of community service, said University spokeswoman Emily Cain.
Students arrived early to the afternoon event, forming lines that snaked around Kogan to receive free ice cream on the hot and sunny spring day in the District.
Markers were provided for students to sign a banner that commemorated the completion of the challenge.
Junior Travis Holler said he is pleasantly surprised that GW was able to meet the challenge with a month to spare.
“Michelle Obama is a huge speaker who will raise the profile of the University on a national level,” Holler said.
Graduating senior Darnell Cadette – who will get to hear Obama speak at his Commencement ceremony on May 16 – said the challenge was an exciting event.
“I was involved with community service before,” Cadette said. “It was great to see the whole campus rally.”
Freshman Amanda Andreski said she contributed to the hours by working at a retirement home and participating in the Freshman Day of Service.
“I signed up to work Commencement so I could hear her speak,” Andreski said.
Student Association President Julie Bindelglass said she is even more excited that Obama will address students because they “were out in the community benefiting others, not just ourselves.”
Knapp added that the challenge was a way for the GW community to showcase their dedication to service.
“We attract a lot of students who come to this University because they want to make a difference,” Knapp said. “Through Alterative Spring Breaks we reached out beyond Washington. We have a particular kind of student body here that really does engage people.”
