While students were away from campus, I embarked on my own spring break road trip across the Midwest to meet with GW alumni, parents and friends—one of my favorite pastimes as Dean of Columbian College.

Dean Barratt with alumni at a luncheon in Chicago.

In Chicago, we gathered a small group of alumni for a luncheon hosted by Oscar David, BA Economics ’84, a member of our Alumni Association Board of Directors and a generous donor over the years to our Economics Department. From Oscar’s offices at Winston and Strawn, the views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline provided a spectacular backdrop as we discussed the future of arts and sciences at GW. The highlight of the gathering was when Conrad Weisert, BA Mathematics ’64, told me that he was proud of his alma mater. I hope all alumni would agree!

I also had an opportunity to meet with Jon Helmrich, BA Speech Communication ’80, a longtime member of my SMPA National Council and a generous contributor of his time, talent, and philanthropic support. Jon works with cable channels like Food Network and Travel Channel to develop programming in international media markets. Needless to say, he always has colorful stories to tell!

That evening, I enjoyed dining with several volunteers from the Chicago Alumni Club, who are working hard to connect alumni to each other and the University. I appreciated the energy of this group and their keen interest in learning about what is current in academics and student life at GW.

In Minneapolis, I met with Tammy Lohmann, who puts her 1983 BA in Political Science to good use as an assistant director at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. During the weeks and months ahead, she’ll be quite busy helping to implement changes in policy resulting from the recently passed health care reform bill. Ms. Lohmann continues to stay connected to GW, supporting scholarships for students studying political science.

Later in the day, we had the opportunity to meet Judge Toddrick Barnette, BA Criminal Justice ’88.  After considering graduate work in criminal justice and related fields, he went to law school at the University of Minnesota. In the next few weeks, he’ll welcome to his courtroom several recent GW graduates who are currently in law school at U of M.

My last stop took me to Iowa where I enjoyed dinner with Julie Thomas, BA Zoology ’67, and her husband Bill. Julie, a pediatrician in Cedar Rapids, has provided generous support for a variety of scholarships, fellowships and educational programs over the years. Julie is also an emeritus member of our National Council for Arts and Sciences.

To me, these alumni demonstrate the power of the liberal arts. The breadth and depth of their experiences at GW led them to a variety of careers, some very different from what they had anticipated as students. I am impressed with the many ways our alumni have remained involved with their alma mater—from making annual gifts and engaging potential students, to hosting freshman sendoff parties and volunteering on leadership boards.

Tell me what you’ve been up to this spring. I’d love to hear how you have stayed connected to GW!