A former director of the Office of Admissions, best known for putting an emphasis on admitting foreign students to the University, died Dec. 27. He was 84.
George W. Stoner served as the director of admissions for more than 50 years, and was revered by his colleagues for his love and loyalty to GW.
“His passing marks the end of an era at GW,” Vice President for Enrollment Management at Goucher College and Stoner’s former colleague Michael O’Leary said. “George was among the first in the admissions profession to actively recruit students from abroad.”
O’Leary said Stoner loved traveling and was a great conversationalist. He added that Stoner was also known for the amount of food he was able to consume given his relatively modest frame.
Stoner helped to develop the Colonial Challenge and Admissions Alumni programs.
He later worked part-time as a special assistant to the executive director of the Office of Enrollment Management.
In 1996, Stoner received The George Washington Award – one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the University – for his broad impact on the GW community and for service that exceeded expectations.
“No one was more loyal to GW for any longer time, working here at GW for almost 45 years,” said Associate Vice President and Chief of Administration Fred Siegel, who succeeded Stoner as admissions director when Stoner retired.
Stoner developed many lasting friendships, both personal and professional, through his membership in organizations such as the National Association for College Admission Counseling, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the College Board, and the Council of International Schools, O’Leary said.
He also received the Service Award from GW’s Student and Academic Support Services in 2005.
“He will never be forgotten, nor will his elegance ever be matched,” Siegel said.
As a member of GW’s Heritage Society, Stoner supported the University through planned gifts, contributing especially to the University’s libraries.
“While his death marks the end of an era at GW, his legacy will live on,” O’Leary said.
This article was updated on Jan. 13, 2010 to reflect the following:
When wording Michael O’Leary’s title, The Hatchet incorrectly implied that O’Leary works for GW. This is incorrect, O’Leary works at Goucher College.
