Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia has been named one of Washingtonian magazine’s Washingtonians of the Year for 2008. For the past 37 years, the magazine has honored men and women “who give their time and talent” to make the national capital area “a better place for all of us.” DeGioia is featured in the January issue, which hit newsstands today.

The magazine praises DeGioia for his efforts to increase Georgetown’s engagement at both the local and global level. The magazine highlighted Georgetown’s Meyers Institute for College Preparation as an example of DeGioia’s commitment to community engagement. The Meyer’s program provides tutoring, mentoring, counseling and family support to middle and high school students from Washington’s Ward 7 neighborhoods. During his tenure as president, the institute has more than doubled its outreach and scope.

Noting the university’s international expansion with the recent addition of a campus in Doha, Qatar, and a new transnational law program in London, the Washingtonian applauds DeGioia’s commitment to preparing students for service and leadership in a global environment.

“There is a hunger in our young people for an ethical formula by which to judge engagement in the world,” DeGioia told the magazine.

The magazine also commends DeGioia for his stewardship of the university.

“In the seven-and-half years since (DeGioia became president), Georgetown’s $1 billion capital campaign has enabled it to begin the largest expansion of campus facilities in the school’s history,” the article states. “Student financial aid has increased and endowments for faculty research have grown.”

DeGioia is among 12 Washington-area leaders recognized for this year’s honors. Other honorees include American Red Cross of the National Capital Area Chief Executive Officer Linda Mathis, NBC4 News anchor Doreen Gentzler, Dance Institute of Washington founder Fabian Barnes, Interfaith Works Executive Director Rebecca Wagner, Washington Redskin Shawn Springs, Pentagon Memorial Fund President James Laychak and philanthropist Raul Fernandez.

-- Andy Pino, Blue & Gray Contributing Writer

(December 18, 2008)