Justin Peligri, a senior majoring in political communication, is a Hatchet senior columnist.

Chances are, if you have a Facebook account, you’re more than familiar with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Everyone from your little cousin to your fraternity brother has videotaped themselves dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads to raise money for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Even university bigwigs, including the presidents of the University of Connecticut and Eastern Kentucky University, have accepted the challenge. Maybe you’ve participated yourself.

But there’s one higher education leader who has so far avoided what some consider an act of public embarrassment: University President Steven Knapp.

Knapp has earned a reputation for ambitious leadership over his seven-year tenure. He has overseen massive construction projects, looked to strengthen GW’s academic and research stature and steered a $1 billion fundraising campaign.

But unlike his predecessor, a larger-than-life, charismatic leader always eager to give advice and trade views, some have criticized Knapp for largely keeping students at arm’s length. He hasn’t done much to open up to students beyond holding limited office hours. If you’re lucky, you might see him walking his dog around campus and get a quick nod from him.

Of course, you’ll remember when Knapp appeared in a slightly awkward video to announce the name of GW’s new residence hall. But if he genuinely wants to connect with students, there’s another step he could take.

President Knapp, now is your chance: Participate in the ice bucket challenge. Doing so will give you the opportunity to raise awareness for an important cause while making yourself seem more accessible to students at the same time. I haven’t heard of anyone officially challenging Knapp yet, but surely his turn is coming soon, and when it does, I implore him to accept it.

Granted, the ALS challenge has come with a fair amount of criticism, with some arguing we shouldn’t consider publicity stunts that go viral online the moral equivalent to actual charity efforts like donating large sums of money and spending time volunteering for underserved causes. But it turns out this social media sensation has prompted more than $31 million in donations toward ALS treatment research and patient care, justifying its somewhat superficial Facebook popularity.

It’s the perfect opportunity for Knapp to become a friendlier face to incoming students as a new semester begins.