Elliott Celebrates 125 Years
This academic year, the Elliott School of International Affairs proudly commemorates the 125th anniversary of teaching international affairs at GW. Since 1898, the George Washington University has offered an unbroken succession of international affairs programs of study, beginning with the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy.
The school’s opening ceremony was an auspicious affair with U.S. President William McKinley and his Cabinet attending. Since then, the school has gone through 10 iterations before becoming the Elliott School, named in 1988 to honor former GW President Lloyd Elliott.
According to Wyman, “the school’s earliest graduates played a huge role in the transformation and professionalization of the U.S. State Department. It is clear that GW was the nation’s trailblazer in educating students for diplomatic and consular careers."
Then, as now, students received instruction from both leading scholars and policy practitioners, including Supreme Court justices, U.S. and foreign ambassadors, as well as officials in government, business, and nonprofit organizations.
Thanks to research conducted by Elliott alumnus Stephen Wyman, BA ’85, we know some interesting history about how the school evolved at GW. According to Wyman, “the school’s earliest graduates played a huge role in the transformation and professionalization of the U.S. State Department. It is clear that GW was the nation’s trailblazer in educating students for diplomatic and consular careers.”
The first woman to become a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), Lucile Atcherson, a Smith College graduate, prepared for the FSO exam at GW, finished third, and was appointed in December 1922. In 1937, four of the 16 ambassadors and ministers with the longest tenures in the Foreign Service were GW alumni, including U.S. Ambassador Fred Morris Dearing, who received his Master of Diplomacy degree from GW in 1904.
During its first year of existence, the school counted 90 students. Today, the Elliott School boasts more than 28,000 living alumni, representing 113 countries, with an impressive record of achievements across all career sectors. Over the past 125 years, the study of international affairs has gained stature, and the Elliott School continues to be at the forefront.
“The Elliott School’s mission is to develop the next generation of international leaders: leaders with knowledge, character, and skills; to conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues and contributes to the public debate on issues to advance understanding; and to help foster solutions to the world’s most challenging problems."
For a full history of the school, check out "Engaging the World: The Study of International Affairs at the George Washington University." This narrative offers a comprehensive look at how the school has evolved through its many transformative milestones. Whether you’re a student, an alum, or simply curious about the school’s journey, this reading promises a compelling glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Elliott School’s history.
The Elliott School’s mission is to develop the next generation of international leaders: leaders with knowledge, character, and skills; to conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues and contributes to the public debate on issues to advance understanding; and to help foster solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.
The Elliott School of International Affairs prepares students to shape the future of diplomacy, global governance, and international relations for over a century. Our mission to educate the next generation of international leaders, conduct research that advances important global issues, and engage the policy community in the United States and around the world requires us to be aware of all that the world has to offer in all its diversity. Preparing diverse students to be leaders for the world demands nothing less.
The Past 125 Years
1898
Year of Establishment
28,000+
Elliott School Alumni
113
Countries In-network
125 YEARS OF IMPACT
The History of International Affairs at The George Washington University
School for Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy
Columbian University's School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy was founded in 1898 with a focus on international law, attracting prominent faculty such as Associate Supreme Court Justices John M. Harlan and David J. Brewer. The school's curriculum aimed to explore the history and philosophy of international law, preparing students for careers in diplomacy and the public service sector. Over time, it evolved into the Department of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy while maintaining its autonomy and degree-granting authority, offering programs such as the Master of Diplomacy and the Doctor of Philosophy.
Department of Politics and Diplomacy
In 1904, Columbian University underwent a name change, becoming the George Washington University. Due to declining interest in jurisprudence courses, the university's president, Charles Needham, reorganized the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy into the Department of Politics and Diplomacy in 1905. The new department offered a diverse curriculum covering international law, political science, economics, sociology, and history, attracting students interested in foreign service, journalism, teaching, and other fields related to shaping public opinion on national and international issues.
The College of the Political Sciences
Facing declining enrollments, the George Washington University reorganized its curriculum in political science and diplomacy, creating the College of the Political Sciences (CPS) in 1907. The CPS aimed to provide career training for consular and diplomatic positions, as well as preparing students for civic service and intelligent discussions on political and economic matters. However, due to financial difficulties, the CPS was discontinued in January 1913, and political science instruction would continue in Columbian College to the extent possible.
International Law and Diplomacy in Columbian College
After the College of the Political Sciences was discontinued, the political science department became a part of Columbian College for 15 years, retaining its focus on preparing students for foreign and public service. The curriculum included courses aligned with consular examinations, and the department underwent several changes, directing students into tracks such as pre-law or commerce. Despite challenges with financial stability and potential denominational affiliations, the university received support from the National League of Masonic Clubs and later a significant donation from the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for a school of government.
School of Government
In the late 1920s, the George Washington University received a significant donation in memory of "George Washington, the Mason," which led to the establishment of the School of Government. The school aimed to prepare students for public service, drawing from multiple disciplines. By the 1930s, the curriculum expanded to include courses on international affairs and business administration. During World War II, the school adapted its curriculum, offering an accelerated program. In 1950, there was a reorganization of the business administration program within the School of Government, and in 1960, the school underwent further changes, leading to the creation of separate divisions for Public and International Affairs and Business and Public Administration.
School of Government, Business, and International Affairs
The School of Government, Business, and International Affairs aimed to provide students with an understanding of their responsibilities under the U.S. Constitution in public office, both domestically and internationally, and prepare them for careers in government, related business, and professional fields. The school offered undergraduate majors in government and business, with business students outnumbering international affairs majors significantly. The university administration saw the continued pairing of government and business favorably, emphasizing the importance of their consolidation.
School of Public and International Affairs
The School of Government, Business, and International Affairs faced challenges in integrating its diverse disciplines, leading to faculty disagreements. In 1966, the school split into two separate schools: the School of Government and Business Administration, and the School of Public and International Affairs. The latter focused on interdisciplinary studies of contemporary world issues, emphasizing international politics, economics, and regional studies. Over the years, the school evolved to address emerging global concerns, including technology, space policy, and security policy studies. It also capitalized on its location in Washington, DC, by engaging with international specialists and diplomats, further enhancing its reputation as a center for international studies.
School of International Affairs
In December 1986, the School of Public and International Affairs faculty decided to discontinue programs in public and urban affairs and voted unanimously to become the School of International Affairs. Dean Maurice A. East played a key role in leading this transition to a school exclusively focused on international affairs. The renamed school aimed to retain its interdisciplinary approach, with a focus on economics, history, and political science, and sought to become a prominent and distinguished institution within the university's new vision.
Elliott School of International Affairs
In 1987, the GW Trustees voted to rename the School of Public and International Affairs as the Evelyn E. and Lloyd H. Elliott School of International Affairs, in honor of outgoing GW President Lloyd Elliott and his wife Evelyn. Dean Maurice A. East played a vital role in leading the transition to a school exclusively focused on international affairs. Under Dean Harding's leadership, the Elliott School experienced tremendous growth and innovation between 1995 and 2005. These deans played an active role expanding academic curriculum, creating new programs, establishing partnerships with universities worldwide, and moving to a new modern building.
Dean Harding stepped down in Summer 2005, and Michael E. Brown was named dean of the Elliott School. Under Dean Brown's leadership, the Elliott School of International Affairs continued to thrive, focusing on education, research, and policy engagement. The school has bolstered its capacity to offer a world-class education in international affairs, produce cutting-edge scholarship on crucial global issues, and serve as a hub for discussions on significant international developments. Its location in Washington, D.C., surrounded by policymakers and international organizations, further enriches its academic activities and impact on the global agenda. The Elliott School continues to address the world's greatest challenges and prepare students to be future leaders in international affairs.
By Brook Endale
The Elliott School of International Affairs is celebrating its 125th anniversary of preparing thousands of students at the George Washington University for careers in international affairs.
In 1898, the school counted 90 students. Today, the Elliott School boasts more than 2,500 students and more than 28,000 living alumni, representing 113 countries, with an impressive record of achievements across all career sectors. Over the past 125 years, the study of international affairs has gained stature, and the Elliott School continues to be at the forefront.
To commemorate the milestone, alumni shared their thoughts on the Elliott School of the past, present, and future.
Aly Azhar
B.A. '13
- What is your most memorable moment at the Elliott School?
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Just seeing and hearing some unique speakers that I don’t think I would have seen in other places was really memorable. Hillary Clinton came. I think she was Secretary of State at the time. Robert Gates was also here. He was Secretary of Defense. That happened my freshman year. I think my freshman year was also the year that they had the Michelle Obama service challenge. I took some of my best classes at Elliott, or the classes that are the most memorable to me, even 10 years later. I'm very grateful for those classes and those opportunities.
- What are your hopes for the Elliott School as it enters its 126th year?
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I would love for Elliott to continue being Elliott! To continue being a kind of marquee leader in research and development. It is still a very well-ranked institution. So in the future, I would love for Elliott to be the number one leader in research.
Charlene Burns
B.A. '20
- What is your most memorable moment at the Elliott School?
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My senior year, I was able to take a master’s level course in international environmental policy. It was a more rigorous course, which was exciting at that point in my academic career and a little bit more specialized than what you would get with just regular undergrad courses. That level of critical analysis is applicable outside of pure academic work and has been really valuable for me in my career and also for me as an individual engaging with the world. I think there were a lot of critical thinking skills that were encouraged at Elliott and in classes across GW that have been meaningful for me.
- What has inspired you to stay connected to the school over the years?
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The Global Bachelor’s program, which I’m a huge fan of, brings a cohort together. You're a lot more connected than, I think, most study abroad programs are. Before you go abroad, you take a class together and have a lot of opportunities to socialize and meet each other. Despite all of us going on different paths, many of us are still friends. I think it’s just the community that it built, and I think that’s my experience with GW in general. My closest friends are my GW friends.
Chloe Colbert
B.A. '13
- How have you seen the Elliott School change over the years?
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I think people realize how global the world is, and GW is becoming a part of the global conversation day- to-day through our scholars and research. I think people realize that as much as they need engineers or people in other fields, they need policy people as well. So the Elliott School has just become more prominent.
- What are your hopes for the Elliott School as it enters its 126th year?
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I would like the school to explore more of the cyber and AI worlds and the threats there. I think continuing to attract researchers from all over the world, building more of those relationships with other colleges, and just exchanging more ideas would be great. I hope there’s still going to be a free-flowing exchange of ideas because it's becoming more dangerous to exchange ideas with some countries, like China and Russia.
Wendy Creeden
B.A. '92
- What is your most memorable moment at the Elliott School?
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Because I minored in German, I had a lot of classes with my German professors. And that faculty at the time was really close knit. A lot of them had been through, for instance, World War II, and talked about their experiences. I was actually here at the Elliott School when the Berlin Wall fell. So it was a very interesting time to not only see what was on TV—you could see history in the making—but also to have the perspective of people who have lived it and felt very passionately about the issues that were happening at the time.
- What has inspired you to stay connected to the school over the years?
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I felt like I got an amazing education at the Elliott School. My daughter is now a freshman at the Elliott School, and that's great! I have so many wonderful memories. I really loved all of it.
Felicia Rodriguez
B.A. '07, M.A. '13
- What is your most memorable moment at the Elliott School?
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What stands out most in my memory of my time at Elliott is the number of opportunities within, and particularly outside of, the classroom to hear notable people in the fields of economics, international affairs, and politics. These include Jeff Sachs, Colin Powell, and Robert Zoellick, just to name a few off the top of my head.
- How have you seen the school change over the years, and what are your hopes for the Elliott School as it enters its 126th year?
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Since I first applied to the Elliott School as a high school student, I have been in awe of its prestige and its ties to leaders in Washington and around the globe. The building on E Street, where the school is currently housed, was inaugurated during my undergraduate years.The view over the Washington Monument and government offices is symbolic of the powerful connections that Elliott has with the broader policy-making and leadership community.
It is my hope that the Elliott School continues to educate and inspire youth, engage the global community, and lead in academic rigor and influence to address present and future challenges to shape a more equitable and cohesive world.
Jenna Segal
B.A. '98, Co-Chair, Elliott School Board of Advisors
- What is one of your favorite or most memorable moments from your time at Elliott?
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My favorite class at Elliott was called Chinese Culture Through Film. It began my interest in entertainment as a medium for creating cross cultural communication and understanding.
- What has inspired you to stay connected to the school over the years?
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As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the value of the education and perspective I received at Elliott and how it taught me to see my industry through a broader lens than I believe a liberal arts degree would have provided.
Aria Varasteh
B.A. '12
- What is your most memorable moment at the Elliott School?
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I would say that my favorite memory was probably all the special guests that we had come in. At the Institute for African Studies, we were able to bring in a bunch of world leaders. Once, we had the Libyan Ambassador, an event I was directly involved with, and it was during a critical time in U.S.- Libya relations. It was very exciting. There were a number of other events, like Supreme Court justices, all sorts of other ambassadors, and world opinion makers coming to campus. All of that was just something that GW offered.
- How have you seen the Elliott School change over the years?
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I can see shifts in the curriculum. I can see shifts in the majors and things being offered. I can see new institutes being opened. So I know the Elliott School isn’t just comfortable staying still. You’re actively watching what’s going on in the international community, and you're adapting as a school, as a curriculum, and as a series of institutes and extracurricular activities to be able to allow students to take advantage of that ever- evolving global landscape.