This semester, a select group of students has made goals to effect change on campus, within the Washington community and around the world – all while living within one of the university’s neighboring communities.

In it’s inaugural year, Magis Row serves as a living and learning community for some of Georgetown’s third- and fourth-year students wanting to expand upon their passions to pursue causes outside the classroom.

"The idea behind Magis Row deals with the Jesuit concept of Magis -- striving for more," said Katie Heather, assistant director for the Office of Residence Life. "The Jesuits are never satisfied with the status quo, nor are the students they teach."

Located on the 1400 block of 36th Street, Magis Row consists of 59 students residing in 16 townhouses – 12 houses for groups of four, and four houses for groups of eight. Each was selected to live in the off-campus housing based on their academic standing and attention to community service.

Jeanne Lord, associate vice president for student affairs, said the mixers and Magis Row as a whole exhibit the university's commitment to being a good neighbor.

"Many of us spend a great deal of time talking to our neighbors about this and thinking about how we can have a positive impact on the community," she said. "By creating a community that fosters civic engagement and responsible citizenship, Georgetown and our students live out our commitment to being good neighbors every day."

Earlier this semester, Magis Row residents participated in two mixers during the first month of school to get acquainted with their new neighbors off campus, as well as other students within the Magis Row community.


Sidney Spencer, who lives in the nearby Cloisters neighborhood, says having students live within his neighborhood has added a little something different to the community.

“Over the years, we’ve had a number of students live in the Cloisters,” said Spencer, who has lived in the community with his wife for the last 22 years. “It’s been a positive experience overall. I think the neighborhood association realizes just how much they need to reach out to (the students). It’s a two-way street.”

This year's Magis Row communities include the environmental Georgetown Green House, the Women and Spirituality house and the Latinas for the Advancement of D.C.'s Youth (LADY) house. Each of the 16 groups will sponsor two events per semester that relates to their house mission. They will work with a faculty adviser and participate in one day of service with the Office of Residence Life each semester. 
“Our hope is that students are challenged, that they have the opportunity to explore their passions more,” said Heather.

The Global Health Awareness and Activism Project (GHAAP) already has begun to unite different members of the Georgetown medical community holding its, “All You Need Are Gloves” drive. The effort will send latex gloves to a network of hospitals in Uganda.

“We mostly want to provide awareness about the many health issues that affect not only our country, but our world in general,” said house member Matthew Toth (C’10), a biology and pre-med major.

Kelly Hughes (C’10), a member of the Education and Literacy house, says the possibilities for the coming year are exciting. Her house aims to encourage more university students to get involved with educational issues affecting D.C.

“It’s a really great opportunity to focus in on something you feel strongly about and to have the resources at your disposal to take action with people who feel the same way you do,” she said, adding that she hopes to collaborate with the other houses as well.

As the first Magis Row residents, many of the students said building the foundation for sustainable programs is key.

“We really wish to see younger students get involved as well and carry on what we have started in the future years,” said GHAAP’s Toth.  

For the next academic year, Hip-Hop Justified, the Nobody Home, Catholic Social Teaching, Justice and Diversity in Action and the Green House will continue their missions as residents of Magis Row. The returning houses will be joined by CLAIM Georgetown, Destination D.C.: Our City Beyond the Hilltop, Justice.love, Frisbee, Las Casita, Women With and For Others, The Melting Pot and Cura Personalis.

-- Victoria Fosdal

(October 19, 2009)